Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 21 June 2024

Our weekly Bulletin is full of useful information. It’s one of the ways that LDCVS  supports you to support your communities.

An archive of previous editions can be found here.

Before you read this week’s Bulletin, help us to help you by answering this quick question, which will help us develop and plan our services in the future.

Tell us about what your organisation has been doing to support digital inclusion, or what you’d like to do in the future. Anyone can answer, even if you haven’t been personally involved.

Click headings below to expand each section.

We Asked, You Said: Net Promoter Score
Thank you to everyone who completed the question on our Net Promoter Score, telling us how likely they are (out of ten) to recommend LDCVS to a friend or colleague.

We’re keeping this one open continually, so please do continue to answer because we really want your feedback, good and critical.

We’re chuffed to have a net score of 83% – calculated as the percentage of people who answered 9 or 10, less the percentage of people who answered 6 or below.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair – Thank you!
We had a marvellous time two weeks ago at our Volunteer Recruitment Event in St Nic’s Arcade in Lancaster. We were joined by some amazing organisations, all of which do things to benefit local people, from supporting people’s mental wellbeing to offering an opportunity to enjoy nature.

It was a reminder that the district is jam-packed not only with organisations and projects offering a stunning array of opportunities – for volunteers and participants alike – but also so many people who want to help, people who just want to make a positive difference to someone else… Read more

The Foyle Foundation
The Foundation, having disbursed over £140 million in grants since 2001, aims to complete its grant programme in 2025.

Grants programmes still open for applications until 31 January next year include:

  • Main grants scheme (revenue, capital, and core costs) particularly around arts and learning for up to £50,000
  • Small grants scheme for up to £10,000
  • School library scheme for up to £10,000 (open to state schools only)

Find out more and apply

Co-op Local Community Fund
If you know a local cause that needs funding, the Co-op Local Community Fund is looking to support new and exciting projects which are helping to create a sustainable future for the people and the planet!  If you know a local cause that supports young people to fulfil their potential, helps older people feel connected or improves people’s mental wellbeing, encourage them to apply today.

The Co-op is also accepting applications that focus on tackling climate change, reducing waste and protecting nature. Charities, community groups and other voluntary organisations can apply by Sunday 7 July, visit coop.co.uk/causes for more information.

Funding for Community Tree Planting Projects Across the UK
The International Tree Foundation is offering grants to UK community organisations for tree-planting projects that protect indigenous trees, engage communities, and increase awareness of forest importance. Eligible projects must plant trees in public spaces, use indigenous species, engage community members, and have maintenance plans. Special focus areas include involving children and vulnerable groups, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting rewilding. Grants are available for projects planting 100-25,000 trees per year or up to 30 orchard trees.

The application process begins with an online Expression of Interest form.

Find out more here

Funding for Projects Supporting Vulnerable Household Across Britain
The Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme, managed by Energy Saving Trust, offers grants to UK charities to support energy consumers in vulnerable situations. Main Grants range from £50,000 to £1.5 million, while Small Project Grants range from £20,000 to £49,999. Funding can be used for energy advice, installation of energy-saving measures, education, and crisis support related to energy bills.

Applications for Round 8 opened on 13 June 2024 and close on 8 July 2024. New applicants must register 10 working days before the deadline.

Find out more here and apply

Delamare Dairy Foundation Accepting Applications for Autumn 2024 Funding Round
The Delamere Dairy Foundation is offering grants between £250 and £5,000 to registered charities and charitable organisations in England, Scotland, and Wales that work in agriculture, environment, education, children and young people, financial hardship, or sickness relief. The application window for the Autumn 2024 Grants Panel opened on June 1st, 2024, with no set deadline yet. The Foundation, now in its fourth year, has historically favored projects in Cheshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire but is expanding its geographic scope. Apply soon to secure funding for your community-focused projects.

Visit the Foundation’s website for more information and to apply

Funding for Young People for Volunteering or Community Service Projects in the UK
The Alec Dickson Trust offers grants of up to £500 to young people under 30 in the UK for volunteering and community service projects. These grants support innovative projects that address specific needs in disadvantaged communities and encourage long-term youth volunteering. Ideal projects involve many volunteers, have a meaningful impact, and are sustainable. Applicants need a professional referee not involved in the project. Applications are reviewed quarterly in January, April, July, and October.

The deadline for the current round of applications is 1 July 2024 (10pm).

For more information and to apply

MSE Charity to Open for Applications on 19 June
MSE Charity has updated its funding approach to offer project grants up to £10,000 twice a year with no specific themes starting June 2024. Applications must align with their goal of impacting how people manage money. A new staged application process begins with an eligibility quiz and Stage 1 Outline proposals opening on 19 June, closing on 31 July (or earlier if oversubscribed). Stage 1 outcomes will be notified by 30 August, followed by full applications closing on 4 October and funding decisions by mid-November 2024.

For more information and to apply

Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation Accepting Applications for Autumn Funding
The Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation, established 24 years ago, supports UK registered charities focusing on education, mental health, poverty prevention, homelessness, and elderly care. Grants up to £6,000 are available quarterly for tangible items or activities benefiting socially deprived communities. Preference is given to smaller grants to maximize impact across the UK, aiding transitions from homelessness, enhancing elderly wellbeing, and supporting core skills development.

The next deadline for applications is 31 July for consideration at the September 2024 meeting.

Find out more and apply

Deadline Reminder: Big Bike Revival Grants Programme
Cycling UK is offering grants up to £3,500 to community cycle groups across England to promote cycling through various activities. This includes encouraging non-cyclists, increasing cycling frequency, promoting short trips, enhancing cycling safety perceptions, and boosting confidence among diverse groups like women, low-income individuals, and those with mental health issues. The focus for Summer 2024 is on sustaining cycling participation and supporting Big Bike Revival events. Funding covers staff/volunteer costs, equipment, venue hire, and promotional expenses.

Applications close on 25th June 2024 for projects running until October 2024.

For more details, visit Cycling UK’s website

Road Safety Trust Announces Theme for Autumn 2024 Round
The Road Safety Trust’s Autumn 2024 grant theme focuses on ‘Inequalities in Road Safety’, aiming to address disparities in safety across UK communities. Projects can explore factors like social determinants, rural challenges, and technological solutions to enhance road safety. Grants range from £10,000 to £300,000, requiring match funding. Eligible applicants include UK-based organisations, charities, and university departments. Guidance notes are available on their website, with webinars and one-to-one sessions planned closer to the application opening on 26 September.

Applications will be accepted from 26 September to 1 November 2024. 

For more information, please visit Road Safety Trust

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essential Programme Reopens for Applications
This programme, run by Family Fund Business Services, helps children and young people up to age 17 facing tough challenges by providing essential items like cookers, furniture, and clothing in times of need. Applications must be made through a registered referrer from an organisation supporting the family, capable of assessing and overseeing the grant. It’s available to UK or EU resident children lacking adequate support, with applications typically processed within 10 working days.

There are no deadlines for applications.

For more information

Freelands Foundation Invites Applications to Inclusive Practices Fund 2024
The Freelands Foundation Inclusive Practices Fund 2024 aims to tackle racial inequality in visual art education by funding projects that reimagine engagement and nurture belonging within the sector. Offering up to £25,000 per year for one to two-year initiatives, the fund supports UK-based charitable organisations, museums, galleries, and educational bodies. Projects must align with recommendations from the ‘Visualise race and inclusion in secondary education’ report, promoting innovative approaches to inclusivity in visual arts education.

Applications involve a two-stage process, starting with an Expression of Interest due by 19 July 2024.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

Eric Wright Charitable Trust
Once again, Lancaster District CVS is working with the Eric Wright Charitable Trust to distribute grants of up to £500 to community organisations with an annual income below £50,000. Projects simply need to show how they can make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of any age.

Unlike previous years, there are no fixed application deadlines. Apply for funding at any time, and we’ll let you know the result by the middle of the following month. For example, all organisations who submit an application before midnight on 31 January will find out whether or not they have a grant in the middle of February, February applicants will find out in March, and so on until the fund is entirely allocated.

Download full guidance and apply at www.lancastercvs.org.uk/funding or to ask any questions about the fund please get in touch with Sharon Phillips by email at [email protected]

Unrestricted Funding for Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations
For a second year in a row, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales invites Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations to apply for unrestricted grants of up to £75,000 over a three year period.

This year’s programme is aimed at registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) and Community Interest Companies (CICs) which are led by and working for Deaf and Disabled people. Their organisation will work directly with Deaf and Disabled people over the long term to support them to have more choice and control over their lives, access their rights and entitlements and challenge the barriers they face.

A live webinar will be held on 13 June 2024 to talk through eligibility, shortlisting and prioritising criteria for this programme and answer any questions live. Registration is required and can be done via the Foundation’s website.

The deadline for applications is 28 August 2024, 5pm.

Find out more and apply

Henry Smith Charity to Close Two Grant Programmes at End of June 2024
The Henry Smith Charity has announced that its ‘Improving Lives’ and ‘Strengthening Communities’ Grant programmes will close at 5pm on 28 June 2024 for a strategic review. No further applications will be accepted after this date. The Charity’s other grant programmes (Holiday Grants for Children, Kindred, and Christian Projects) will continue as usual. A new funding strategy is expected to launch in Spring 2025, focusing on tackling social and economic disadvantage and supporting those in poverty.

The deadline for applications is 28 June 2024, 5pm

Find out more about Strengthening Communities here
Find out more about Improving Lives here

Veterans’ Foundation Makes Changes to Grants Programme
The Veterans’ Foundation has revamped its grants programme to support UK charities and not-for-profit organisations aiding armed forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers, and their families in need. Eligible beneficiaries include those disadvantaged by their service or facing challenges like unemployment, homelessness, or mental and physical health issues.

Grants available:

  • Standard grants: £5,001 to £30,000 for up to three years
  • Salary grants: Up to £25,000 per year for up to three years.
  • Small grants: £500 to £5,000 (opening later this month).

Applications are open on a rolling basis with no deadlines. A new online application platform and revised guidelines are now in place.

The next deadlines for Standard and Salary grant applications are 30 July and 15 October 2024 for a decision by the end of the year.

Learn more at the Veterans’ Foundation website

Core Funding for Small Charities Working With Disadvantaged Families, Prisoners and Ex-Offenders
The Woodward Charitable Trust, a grant-making trust, is one of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts. Twice a year it awards grants to UK registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £200,000 who are making ‘a real difference in their communities and who stand out in the work that they do’. The majority of an applicant’s beneficiaries (more than 50%) must be within at least one of these areas to be eligible. Although grants of up to £3,000 are available, most grants are for £1,000 or less. The Trustees favour small-scale, locally based initiatives and most grants are only for one year.

The current deadline for applications is 26 July 2024 (noon).

Find out more here

Funding for Charities Serving Disadvantaged/In-Need Communities
The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation offers grants to registered charities and Roman Catholic Diocese-linked organisations. Eligible projects must address priorities such as amateur sport, domestic abuse victims, terminal illness support, substance misuse, intellectual disabilities, care leavers, and elderly care. Grants range from £5,000 to £2.25 million.

Applications can be submitted anytime via the Foundation’s website

The Phoenix way Accepting Applications for Second Children and Youth Round
The Phoenix Fund – Children and Youth’ Round 2 is now live and open for applications. This fund is dedicated to non-profit organisations working with Black and racially minoritised young people at risk of violence. Eligible non-profits groups, organisations or charities must meet specific criteria. The second round of the Children and Youth grant offers the opportunity to apply for individual project grants ranging from £50,000 to £75,000.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday, 3 July 2024.

Find out more here about this fund

Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to help activity providers to give people with Parkinson’s more opportunities to get and stay active.

Funding can support a range of activities including buying equipment (or maintaining and refurbishing existing equipment), facilities hire, coaching fees, and training for staff and volunteers.

Applications accepted from 3 June 2024 until all the funding has been allocated.

Find out more and apply

NFU Mutual’s Second 2024 Funding Round
Grants are now available for community organisations working in rural areas which can support the Fund’s main objectives of advancing education, relieving poverty, and promoting social welfare.

The majority of grants previously awarded have fallen within the range of £1,000 – £50,000 but there is no formal limit.

Apply for 4 October for consideration in November.

Find out more and apply

Neighbourhood Planning Grants
Groundwork is working with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to deliver the Neighbourhood Planning programme that helps local groups to develop a neighbourhood plan.

Town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums and prospective neighbourhood forums can apply for up to £10,000 and in some cases £18,000 to support activities such as training sessions, project planning, surveys, website development, specialist studies, and events, among others.

Find out more and apply

Senior Mental Health Lead Training for Schools
The Department for Education are offering grants of £1,200 for eligible state-funded schools and college to train a senior mental health lead.

Training will support the lead to develop and implement a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing, and must have been commenced by 31 March 2025.

Deadline for eligibility assessment is 31 December 2024, and grants must be claimed by 31 January 2025.

Find out more and apply

Resuscitation Council UK Community Grants
Grants of up to £1,500 are available for small charities and community groups to help educate people about CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

Funding priority will be given to charities and organisations working in geographical areas with low bystander CPR and high rates of cardiac arrest and/or working with communities experiencing inequalities in resuscitation.

Priority will also be given to applications which clearly demonstrate how the project is tailored to meet the language, cultural, and educational needs of participants.

Closing date 28 June 2024

Find out more and apply

Lancashire Community Orchard Grant
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to help local organisations (including parish and town councils and schools) to deliver a community orchard project, providing a legacy to mark the King’s coronation.

Grants can be spent on orchard and nut trees (heritage varieties are preferred) and the items needed to care for them such as stakes, watering tubes and compost (but not tools, equipment or contractor costs).

Find out more and apply

The Penhale Fund Supporting Morecambe Charities
A new fund is available for charities based in Morecambe and Heysham.The Penhale Fund offers grants from £1 to £5,000 to charities, schools, and community groups in Morecambe’s LA3 and LA4 areas.

Originally established to provide sheltered housing, the Fund now focuses on community support. Applications are reviewed quarterly.

For more details, visit the website or email [email protected]

Society Foundation Micro-Grants Available
The Society Foundation offers micro-grants up to £2,500 to support the recently homeless, ex-offenders, and NEET young people (16-24) towards employment.

Grants can fund IT infrastructure, staff training, and external consultancy. Eligible applicants are UK charities, CIOs, SCIOs, or organisations with charitable purposes and annual turnovers under £500,000.

Applications are open from June 3 to July 8, 2024.

Find out more about this fund

Funding for Music Projects Supporting Dementia
Small grants of up to £2,000 are available for UK organisations using music to support people living with dementia and their carers. This funding covers costs like rehearsals, performances, and participant transport.

Eligible applicants include UK clubs, societies, charitable organisations, and statutory bodies. Priority is given to underrepresented communities.

Applications close on 17 June 2024 at 8am.

For more details and to apply

BUPA Foundation Green Community Grants 
The Bupa Foundation’s Green Community Grants, part of the #HealthyCities initiative, open for 2024 applications from June 1-30, offering up to £2,000 to schools and community groups for green space projects. In 2023, over £500,000 was invested, funding over 230 projects including outdoor classrooms and community gardens across the UK. The programme, administered by Groundwork, aims to enhance local environments and promote health. 

Find out more about this fund and apply 

NHS Blood and Transplant’s Community Grants Programme Opens for 2024 Applications 
The NHS Blood and Transplant’s Community Grants Programme is part of a commitment to build support for donation amongst Black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic communities.  The programme funds community and faith/beliefs organisations to drive awareness, understanding and behaviour change. Trusted local organisations can be effective at achieving these goals due to their specialist knowledge, understanding and footprint in the community.

The programme coordinators are holding a launch webinar at 5pm on Tuesday 28 May, where organisations can learn more about the programme.

The application window for funding will close at 9pm on 30 June 2024.  

Read more about this fund and how to apply  

Funding for UK Theatres to Improve Environmental Sustainability 
The Theatres Trust, in association with Wolfson Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants of up to £20,000 to support not-for-profit theatres in the UK who need financial support to help reduce their environmental impact. The Wolfson Foundation renewed its support for the scheme this year (2024), with a further £510,000 in total to be awarded over the next three years, thus providing further opportunities to secure funding from this highly competitive scheme. Grants can be used for capital costs of building or equipment.

The theme for applications is Improving Environmental Sustainability. Funding will be given to projects that demonstrate how a small intervention can have a big impact on reducing the theatre’s environmental impact. 

The deadline for applications is noon on 6 September 2024. 

Full details here 

Hubbub and Starbuck’s ‘Eat it Up Fund’ Accepting UK Applications 
The Eat it Up Fund was created last year with funding provided by Starbucks (using the money coming from Starbucks 5p cup charge) in partnership with Hubbub Foundation UK, an environmental charity. Now in its second year, the grant fund is offering six grants of £60,000 each to support innovative ideas to tackle food waste in the UK. The grant must be used within a year. 

The fund will support UK registered organisations with an early-stage food waste project with potential for impact at scale.  

The funding is for initiatives that do one or more of the following:

  • Address pre-farmgate waste (the food production process, up to the point where the products have been harvested and prepared as produce for sale). 
  • Prevent food from being wasted at the manufacturing and processing stage. 
  • Minimise food waste from retailers. 
  • Find creative ways to use surplus food in communities or at home.  

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 14 June 2024 (5pm). 
For more information click here  

Meet the funder: easyfundraising, your easy route to unrestricted funding
Does your community organisation need additional funds? Come along to find out how your organisation can receive free unrestricted funding via funding platform easyfundraising.

In this informal online session, Becky from easyfundraising will:

  • Do a live demonstration of how it works
  • Explain how to get your organisation set up
  • Give you tips on how to raise as much as possible 

There will also be Q&A session with Becky to help get a full understanding of how your organisation can benefit.

Suitable for: anyone involved in fundraising for good causes of all shapes and sizes including voluntary groups , CICs, social enterprises, churches, schools, sports clubs and charities

Date: Monday 24th June 2024
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm

Register here (via Zoom) 

Set up your free easyfundraising account before the session, here.

Crowdfund Lancashire Summer Round 2024
Crowdfund Lancashire is back, offering communities and individuals the opportunity to bring their projects to life. The Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provides funding of up to £15,000 for community organisations, £5,000 for town and parish councils, and £1,500 for businesses and individuals. The summer round kicks off with an online launch event on June 12th at 12 pm, followed by drop-in sessions at various libraries throughout July and August. The deadline for project submissions is September 12th, 2024. Make sure to check the updated eligibility criteria for this round.

The Lancaster 1-to-1 drop in event will take place at Lancaster Library on Wednesday 17 July 2024, between 4-6.30pm.  Please email [email protected] to reserve your slot.

View the eligibility criteria here

Hilden Charitable Trust to Accept Applications from 30 May
The Hilden Charitable Fund supports small organisations working with asylum seekers and refugees, and penal affairs, especially projects aiding women prisoners and post-release resettlement. A new programme for Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda will be available later in 2022.

UK Programme applications will open at 10am on Thursday 30th May 2024 and close at 3pm sharp on Thursday 11th July 2024

More details here

Electricity Northwest Accepting Applications for Community Energy Projects
Electricity North West’s “Powering Our Communities” fund returns for its seventh year, offering £100,000 for early-stage community energy projects across the North West. This funding can assist with local plan development, engagement activities, overcoming barriers, feasibility studies, and business plan development.

Total Funding: £100,000
Project total: Up to £15,000
Application Deadline: Friday, July 26
Notes: Successful applicants will be notified in September

Find out more about this fund

Invitation to sign joint letter to incoming Prime Minister
In anticipation of the upcoming General Election, Asylum Matters has drafted a joint public letter to the incoming Prime Minister outlining what steps the new UK Government should take to repair the broken asylum system. The letter is hoped to be signed by organisations and individuals who are providing support to people navigating the asylum system. The deadline for signatures is 5pm on 1st July 2024.

You can sign the letter using this form.

Neighbourhood Watch Recognition Awards
These awards celebrate Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and groups who go above and beyond for their communities, recognising the hard work and commitment of all our volunteers, who make their neighbourhoods a better place to live.

If you know a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer or group who deserves an award, visit the website to find out more

MBPTC Community Commissioners required
The Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission is recruiting Community Commissioners for its third round. The commission aims to reshape perceptions of poverty, reveal the realities of living in poverty, challenge associated stigmas, share impactful stories, and collaboratively discover solutions to directly address poverty. They invite individuals who have experienced poverty to join and share their insights.

For more information and to get involved please contact the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission on 07915736131 or email [email protected]  

View the recruitment poster

BanktheFood App with Morecambe Bay Foodbank
Morecambe Bay Food Bank are asking those in the community to consider downloading the app  “Bank The Food” which will keep you up to date about all items they are short of. The app can be used on your mobile device whilst you are out shopping in your local supermarkets.

BanktheFood is free, easy to download and use and aims to support food banks by ensuring they receive the items they need most. The app alerts users when they’re at a supermarket, reminding them of their local food bank’s requirements. BanktheFood is striving to enlist all food banks nationwide to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.

Download the app here

Charity Campaigning During the General Election
Following yesterday’s announcement of a General Election, the Charity Commission have issued guidance around charities, political activity and campaigning. There is a short 5 minute introductory guide and more detailed guidance if you need it.

Find out more

How to Support Disabled Employees in the Workplace 
There are 16 million disabled people in the UK – that’s one in four people. Disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. This is partly due to a lack of support for disabled employees at work.

Sally Hooper, an expert in disability inclusion at Scope, has written an article for CharityJob about what you should do to support disabled employees at your organisation.

Read the article here 

Unlocking Finance for Community Business 
Power to Change’s latest report, “Financing the Future Economy,” explores how to unlock affordable, flexible, and accessible finance for community businesses.

The report emphasises the importance of diverse funding sources while highlighting the challenges faced by community businesses in accessing finance, and offers recommendations for funders, social investors, and government to support the growth and sustainability of community businesses. It also outlines why unlocking funding is key for communities to create an economy fit for the future. 

Read the summary here 
Read the full report here 

 

Fundraiser at Guide Dogs for the Blind
The volunteer fundraiser will get involved with local events such as dog shows and fetes, interact with the community to raise awareness and funds, and act as an ambassador the charity.

Find out more on our website

Trustee at West Lancashire Scouts
Trustees will help West Lancashire Scouts meet their charitable objectives and make sure they’re well governed, meeting five times a year in Preston. Potential trustees should have an understanding of the work of Scouts and personally align with the Nolan principles of public life.

Find out more on our website

Digital Inclusion Volunteer at Galloways
This role will involve working with Learning Skills Coordinators to facilitate technology drop in days, help people get the most of their tech, including accessibility features, and help to deliver support at courses.

Find out more on our website

Cafe Volunteer at Galloways
Galloways are looking for a barista and a cafe helper for their social enterprise Brew Me Sunshine. The roles involve making hot drinks, preparing food, using the till, and keeping the kitchen and coffee shop clean and hygienic.

Find out more about the Barista role

Find out more about the Cafe Helper role

Volunteer Chairperson for Halton Community Association
The Halton Community Association is the organisation that oversees the running of The Centre @Halton and they are in need of a new chairperson.  You will be responsible for supporting and encouraging the excellent staff at The Centre. You will ensure that each meeting is planned effectively, conducted according to the constitution and that all matters are dealt with in an orderly and effective manner. 

This is an enjoyable and rewarding role and is a great way to gain new skills and to stay challenged if you are already retired or looking for new volunteering opportunities. 

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 01524 811316

Friends of Lancaster Library – Vice Treasurer
The Friends of Lancaster Library are looking for an experienced part-time volunteer Vice Treasurer to support the work of the existing Treasurer and cover their role in the event of sickness and holidays.
 

Trinity United Reformed Church – Volunteer Singer/Pianist
Trinity United Reformed Church, Lancaster needs a Singing with Sustenance volunteer singer and/or pianist. The groups meets on 3rd Thursday of the month from September to the end of May.
 

An hour of singing well known songs followed by a soup and roll lunch.

Aimed at dementia sufferers and their carers.

 
 
 
Lancaster District Homeless Action Service – Kitchen Volunteers

LDHAS are in need of volunteers to work in their kitchen to help provide breakfasts and lunches to the homeless; the hours that they need volunteers for are 9am to 1pm, Mon-Fri.

If people are interested in volunteering, they can get in touch via email ([email protected]) or phone 01524 842008.

Super Heroes Wanted! Volunteer Car Scheme
Are you a car owner with a heart for helping others? Many patients in our community struggle with transportation to their appointments, and that’s where YOU come in!

By volunteering your time and vehicle, you can make a significant impact on someone’s life.

Here’s how it works:

  • Sign up as a volunteer driver.
  • Let us know your availability.
  • Transport patients to and from their appointments.
  • Get paid for your motoring expenses.

It’s a simple yet profoundly rewarding way to give back to your community. Your kindness and generosity can provide comfort and support to those who need it most. If you’re ready to lend a helping hand and be a beacon of hope for others, get in touch today to learn more about the Volunteer Car Scheme.

View the campaign poster here

Volunteer roles with Community Mind Connect CIC

New mental health support group, Community Mind CIC, is looking fo some volunteers to help with the following:
  • Digital marketing
  • Community Outreach Coordination
  • Event planning
  • Graphic design
  • Fundraising
 
 
Morecambe Maritime Festival 2024

Morecambe is a town rich in history and culture connected with the sea and the Morecambe Maritime Festival aims to bring those things to local people and visitors later this year – from acts performing traditional and “modern” songs or shanties, which were used to coordinate the physical labour of hauling ropes etc on sailing ships, to local  heritage, cultural, wildlife and environmental community groups running activities. It promises to be entertaining and fascinating in equal measure, but the team behind it need urgent help if it’s going to go ahead as planned.

Volunteers are needed to act as treasurer, secretary, and social media coordinator for the festival. You can see all three roles on our website.

You don’t need to know anything about Morecambe’s maritime past, or even maritime topics in general, to help with these roles, although obviously an interest in the subject would be an advantage. If you are interested in helping out you can apply via the link above, or you can contact the organiser directly, John Metcalfe, by emailing [email protected].

Please share these roles with your networks, or perhaps with someone you know who might be interested in them.

Lancaster Health Festival Volunteers

The 2024 Lancaster Health Festival takes place on 13 and 14 July. Organisers are looking for volunteers to support the event by:

  • giving out leaflets and directing people to activities
  • general stewarding
  • helping out on the smoothie bike

Find out more on our website

Claver Hill – Tree Nursery Maintenance Volunteers
Claver Hill (LA1 3JY) needs help to maintain our Tree Nursery. We grow fruit trees and bushes to pass on to other community projects and now we are starting a native deciduous tree nursery growing from local seed.

Find out more on our website

SAFE – Socialease and Prop Up Project Volunteers
SAFE is in need of volunteers to support their Prop Up Project sessions working with young people in Morecambe, Carnforth, and Lancaster, working with young adults in Morecambe, as well as volunteers to support their Socialease sessions working with adults in Lancaster and Morecambe.
 
 
Out in the Bay
Out in the Bay needs volunteers to support their work with people from the LGBTQI community.
 
 
 
Promenade Concert Orchestra – Admin volunteers
The Promenade Concert Orchestra needs volunteers to support its administration, from general admin to social media to website management.
 
 

Under 18 Volunteering
We have recently had enquiries from parents and students looking for volunteering opportunities for people aged between 14 and 17. We asked registered VIOs whether they might have roles for under 18s and got a great response, so if YOU know a young person under 18 looking for a volunteering opportunity, we might be able to signpost them to something.

If your organisation has volunteering opportunities for under 18s and you haven’t already let us know, please email [email protected] with the details.

Volunteer Opportunity Promotion and Recruitment
Have you registered on our website to promote your volunteer roles? By adding your opportunities to our website you will be making them available to the hundreds of people per month who check our site looking for something to do. You will also enable our team to easily and quickly signpost people to your roles, to give them the information that they need to decide whether they would like to apply.

Registering is quick and easy and you can do it here.

Once registered you will be able to add your roles. If you need any help, or have any questions, you can contact Mark by email at [email protected].

In addition to the website, the Volunteer Centre can promote your roles via our bulletins and newsletters; through attendance at in-person events such as volunteer fairs; in 121 meetings with potential volunteers; through visits to various support organisations; drop-in events at local Job Centres; by posting to our social media platforms; and through our bi-weekly column in the Lancaster Guardian.

If you would like to discuss any of this, including having space in our Lancaster Guardian column, please contact Mark.

Volunteering Opportunity Help Guide
We have produced a guide to help you when adding an opportunity to our website – It is quite detailed and covers every possible question. You don’t need to follow it but please do look at it if you get stuck or if it isn’t clear which option to choose when going through the form to add new opportunities.

You can now also add more users to your account. Once registered, log in, hover on Account at the top of the dashboard and click ‘Users’, where you can add more users. This will be useful if you would like someone else to check applicant info and contact potential volunteers.

You can also now choose which category to add your opportunity under, to help people when searching for roles. If you can’t find an appropriate category just use the ‘default’ category and let us know what categories you would like to see added.

Visit the guide here

DBS Checks
We offer a DBS check service, working in partnership with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale CVS. If you need DBS certificates for your staff or volunteers, please visit our website here.

Health & Wellbeing Support in the Lancaster District 
Discover the Lancaster District Directory, your go-to resource for finding essential services offered by local community groups, the NHS, and local authorities. From health and fitness to mental wellbeing, financial advice, and job skills, this comprehensive directory has it all. Easily browse through detailed listings, contact information, and referral instructions to access the support you need.

Voluntary organisations can also participate at no cost, gaining visibility and facilitating referrals.

Explore the directory at directory.lancastercvs.org.uk and connect with services to enhance your wellbeing. For more information or to join, email [email protected] or call 01524 555900. 

Help could be closer than you think! 

Women’s Support Group at Stanleys
If you feel you need support or someone to talk to and would like to meet some new, friendly faces, then come along to the Women’s Support Group where you will be listened to in a safe and confidential space. 

Tea and coffee is provided. 
Time and Date: Wednesdays 10am-12pm
Location: Stanley’s Community Centre
For more info, please call 01524 410076 

Trans and Gender Diverse Health Needs Assessment  
Local stakeholders who provide services to the TGD population are being encouraged to take part in a remote interview which will investigate the particular health needs and challenges experienced by TGD individuals across Lancashire.   

This will cover aspects such as physical and mental health and well-being. For example, rates of smoking, drinking and physical activity. Topics also covered will include housing, employment and education along with healthcare services and barriers to accessing these.   

Interviews will be expected to last about half an hour, will be semi-structured and both audio and visually recorded.   

For further questions, please contact:  Ellie Shackleton, Cumbria and Lancashire Public Health Collaborative [email protected]  / [email protected] 

Stay Connected with Your Integrated Care Community (ICC) 
Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) are integrated teams of health and care workers, third sector organisations, statutory organisations and wider community assets. We work together with the aim to improve physical & mental health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. 

In the Lancaster District we have 3 ICCs, Lancaster, Bay and Carnforth. Each hosts a monthly online networking meeting which is a great opportunity to meet new partners, find out what is happening locally and share updates of your own.  Each ICC also has a Facebook page and a monthly newsletter that goes out far and wide. 

If you aren’t available to go along to a meeting but have something to share – don’t worry! Jenny, our Community Health Officer, attends each ICC and is very happy to update the meeting on your behalf – sharing items of news or events that are coming up.  

Contacts for each of the ICC’s are below. 

Lancaster ICC – Sarah Baines (development lead) – [email protected] / Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Bay ICC – Anji Stokes (development lead) – [email protected]  / Amy Dawson (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Carnforth ICC – Hayley Clarke  (development lead) – [email protected]  / Janette Wright (ICC admin) –  [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]

Funding Opportunity for Innovative Early Cancer Diagnosis Projects
The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is offering funding for innovative projects aimed at improving early cancer diagnosis. Organisations across healthcare sectors are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £100,000 per project. Previous successful projects include initiatives such as self-booking for cervical screening and a pancreatic cancer toolkit.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 24 June. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Learn more about this funding opportunity

FREE 2-Day Health Coaching Core Skills Courses
Discover a Core Skills in Health Coaching Programme, tailored for practitioners across health, care, community, and voluntary sectors. This 2-day course equips you with essential skills to integrate health coaching into your role. Accredited by the Personalised Care Institute, the programme emphasises practical tools, interactive learning, and ongoing support. Join us to enhance personalised care and empower your practice.

The 2-day courses will be delivered face to face across areas of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Learn more about the programme
View the health coaching flyer

Morecambe Library Summer Squad
School’s Out For Summer! Morecambe Library will be holding some fun activities over the summer for kids aged 8-11.

Times and Dates: 1-3:30pm every Monday – 29/7, 5/8, 12/8 and 19/8.

Call 01524 581280 for more information.

Escape2Make
Escape2Make are excited to announce they are launching 12 FREE new creative programmes! These workshops are open to 11–18 year-olds living in the Morecambe and Lancaster area. These groups are a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, gain confidence and make for an unforgettable summer! E2M will be running their second Green Festival from the 20th of July-24th of August. To name just a handful of these creative groups, there will be Pottery, Theatrical performance, Photography, a VR campfire and kite-making and flying.  There will be something for everyone!

Volunteers are also welcome if you want to get involved but are over 18. 11–18 year-olds sign up at www.escape2make.org from June 17th 

For any queries, please contact the Escape2Make team at [email protected]

Lancashire Constabulary- Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG) Panel
Lancashire Constabulary are looking for more volunteers to join their Youth Independent Advisory Group. They are looking for people who live in Lancashire and are aged between 14 – 21 years old to help by giving honest and constructive feedback about policing policies and matters to senior officers with in the police.

The meetings will be monthly at the Force Headquarters on the outskirts of Preston on the last Wednesday evening of every month. Each meeting, a new subject matter will be discussed where YIAG’s will be able to provide their thoughts, experiences and advice to improve policy.

For more information please follow the link

If you have any questions about this role contact [email protected]

Swop Shop Skill Share Network – Making Young People’s Voices Heard
We are inviting colleagues to share their skills and best practice around young people’s voice, so that we can ensure that young people are placed firmly at the heart of Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation.   Organisations will be invited to share what has worked well for them and to problem solve in a peer support space.   

This skill share will take place during our next Children & Young People Multi Agency Forum meeting which will be held on

Thursday 27th June 9.30-11.30 at the Employer Hub, Lancaster and Morecambe College.

Please email [email protected] or call 01524 555900 for more information.

Wise Up Workshops Drawing and Talking Sessions
Wise up Workshops are now taking discounted bookings for their September sessions of Drawing and Talking. Ran by their newly qualified practitioner, Drawing and Talking is  safe non-intrusive therapeutic method of working with children who may have underlying emotional difficulties or have suffered some form of trauma which is preventing them from realising their full potential.

If you are interested in their 12 week one to one programme, please contact [email protected] or call their office 07506295782.

First Tracks Snowsports Experiences
First Tracks provides young people (aged 13-21) with their first experience of snowsports at indoor snow centres in the UK throughout July and August every year. Over two days young people will learn how to ski or snowboard and will take part in life skills sessions focusing on independence, responsibility, confidence and self-esteem.

LABGC can help young people enrol on these courses. If you work with a young person who could benefit, email [email protected]

The Democracy Classroom
Supporting young people to engage in elections, the Democracy Classroom website holds over 700 non-partisan resources on elections and voting from over 100 organisations in the education, youth and democracy sectors.

The website is being updated regularly and contains lessons, explainers and games, and much more to help you engage with the young people you work with.

Find out more

Family Hubs Coffee & Connect
The online coffee afternoon for parents and carers takes place every Thursday afternoon from 1pm, providing information and advice, access to help from the Children & Family Wellbeing Service and signposting to local agencies as well as peer support opportunities.

Email [email protected] to get the Teams link.

Volunteering opportunities for young people under 18
A number of organisations have indicated that they will consider offering volunteering opportunities to people under 18. You can contact CVS or the organisation directly for more information.

Bay Volunteers work with young people to carry out some of their missions

Police Cadet recruitment opened in April, ages 13 to 17.

Marsh Community Centre has a food club that they need volunteers for, Thursdays 10am til 1pm.

The Centre@Halton can possibly offer a couple of hours on either a Saturday or Sunday in the Coffee Shop (open 10am to 5pm) helping to take orders, prepare drinks and snacks.

The Salvation Army charity shop in Carnforth offers volunteering roles to 14 and 15 year olds specifically to support DofE completion, offering different hours on Saturdays and Sundays depending on whether it’s bronze or silver.

The Global Village Cafe have said that they’re open to under 18s taking part, but there is no regular schedule/opportunity. Keep an eye on their website – and contacting around the times when events are coming up.

St Johns Hospice take volunteers for their shops from age 14 upwards.

Ryelands Junior Park Run have said that they can offer various roles for people under 18 to help towards the DofE award.

West Lancashire Scouts (they cover the whole of this side of Lancashire) have roles for younger people as part of their young leaders work.

The YMCA charity shop in Lancaster is happy to take a 15 year old volunteer, however some paperwork will need to be completed by parent/guardian beforehand though. The role is not customer-facing and is mainly sorting/tagging stock (mostly clothing) and tidying the shop.

Claver Hill is a food growing project in Lancaster and they will take people under 18 but only if they are accompanied by an adult.

The NHS has a work placement scheme. It is for people aged 16 and above only and people can check out the ‘placements’ section here. Their next recruitment window has just opened in May.

Please do contact [email protected] if you would like to add your organisation to this growing list.

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award with Escape2Make
E2M are offering young people the opportunity to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award complete free, with everything they require for the award offered through E2M’s clubs. There are five spaces left in the 2024/5 cohort, with the overnight expedition taking place over 22/23 July at Gathering Fields.

Find out more and sign up here

More Music Sessions
Sing it Out
More Music invites 11-18-year-olds to find their voice at Sing It Out! sessions. Led by Emma Williams and Ash Murphy, these Wednesday sessions from 5 pm to 7 pm offer a safe space for singing, promoting positive mental health. No experience is required, making it perfect for those managing social anxieties or seeking to connect with peers. Admission is free, and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Time and Date: Running from April 29th to June 28th
Location: More Music, 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT
Price: FREE 

Find out more here

More Media Collective
An exciting opportunity is being presented by More Media Collective for young people to join their team for a yearlong exploration into climate change. It will give them both a voice to shape their future and early career opportunities. Being part of the team will mean expanding knowledge of environmental issues, helping develop a new festival along with hands on experience of the live events industry, developing leadership and organisational skills and more!

To find out more and sign up please email: [email protected]  

Time and Date: 5-7pm, every Wednesday
Location: More Music, 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT
Price: £3 (Suggested fee) 

Stages
This is a weekly session on Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, catering to 11-18-year-olds at a cost of £3. Whether you’re interested in learning drums, guitar, or joining a band, refining production skills, or seeking rehearsal space and gig opportunities, Stages has you covered. Led by an experienced team, the session supports musicians at all levels and across various genres. Contact [email protected] for details.

Learn more about Stages

Bay Youth Voices
Bay Youth Voices is a vocal group tailored for 6-12-year-olds who love to sing or want to start. Led by Leroy Lupton, the sessions focus on singing favourite songs, learning harmony, and performing as a group. No prior experience or music reading skills required. For more information, contact Rachel Parsons at [email protected] or call 01524 831997. Sessions take place on Fridays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at More Music. Tickets cost £1 per session.

Learn more about Bay Youth Voices

Exciting Opportunity for Young Leaders in the West End of Morecambe
Are you a young person aged 15-18 in the West End area of Morecambe? Do you want to make a difference in mental health support for your community? Take part in designing and delivering a grants program worth £20,000 to support mental health initiatives in the West End. Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real impact! Each participant will also receive a £100 voucher.

Funded by West End Big Local and facilitated by LDCVS. Contact [email protected] or call 01524 555900 to learn more.

Aspiring Leaders Programme
Recruitment for the Aspiring Leaders Programme is now open. This is a bespoke 95% funded undergraduate degree which has been created by local organisations (Cumbria & Lancaster District) to support the development of leaders within our voluntary and community sector.

Led by Brathay Trust and a local university, ALP combines academic teaching with experiential learning and mentoring, culminating in a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

See the programme’s promotional leaflet
Find out more and apply

Blue Influencers Scheme
Developed by UK-wide educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust, the Blue Influencers Scheme is a three-year initiative that focuses on reconnecting young people aged 10-14 to their blue spaces.

It will support young people from underserved communities and those living in deprived coastal, estuary and riverside locations, by empowering them to act on environmental issues.

There are now Blue Mentors in post at Global Link and Morecambe Bay Partnership who are seeking to work with groups of young people (target age 10-14 years-olds) on environmental social action projects.

If you are a school (primary and secondary), community space, charitable organisation, or know of a group of passionate young people, contact Ant at Global Link ([email protected] or 07717 655515) or Lauren at Morecambe Bay Partnership ([email protected] or 07505 962212)

Claver Hill Open Day
All are welcome to come and celebrate the opening of the new Accessible Nature Trail.

There will be refreshments, walks, singing, story telling, and lots of activities for everyone. The new Accessible Nature Trail will accommodate wheelchairs and push chairs.

Saturday 27 July, 1pm – 4pm at Claver Hill, Ridge Lane LA1 3JY

A Growers’ Co-operative for North Lancashire
The idea for a local growers’ co-operative emerged out of the 2023 FoodFutures FarmStart training. The cooperative would allow people to put in the time that suits their other commitments rather than having to go all in on starting a business. It could also link into other projects through FoodFutures (view FoodFutures’ other collaborative projects here).

If you are interested in this idea as a potential participant, customer or landlord, please contact Andi Chapple at [email protected] or 07891 908025.

Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership’s One-Year Action Plan
The Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership has published its new One-Year Action Plan to tackle food poverty within the Lancaster District.

The strategic plan celebrates and recognises the partnership’s successes over the last three years while looking to the future and how it can best support the community over the coming year. It focuses on sustaining and strengthening the food network it has worked hard to develop.

Read the full plan here

Wildlife Wellbeing Walks & Marsh Community Centre
The Pots of Possibility grant programme has funded a collaboration between Wildlife Wellbeing Walks and Marsh Community Centre, which aims to bring people together with themes around connection, food, environment and sustainability.

As well as sessions for the centre’s regular youth groups, Gardening Club, and Coffee & Cake club, a series of events will take place one Saturday a month:

  • Bug Hunt & Nature Collaging – 22 June 1.30pm – 3pm, 50p per child
  • Cooking for All: Sharing Lunch – 27 July, 1pm – 3pm, £1 per person
  • Harvest-time Family Day – 28 September, 1pm – 3pm, 50p per person
  • Halloween Pumpkins: Carving & Cooking – 26 October, 1.30pm – 3pm, £1 per child

Tickets for all events are available in the Centre.

Open Space Assessment in the District Consultation 
Do you live in the Lancaster District and visit our open spaces? 

Lancaster City Council officers in Planning Policy and Public Realm are working together with consultants Ethos Environmental Planning to produce a new Open Space Assessment for the District.

This will be used as a key piece of evidence to help inform the preparation of the Local Plan review, by identifying and assessing open spaces to better understand the needs of the District and where there might be deficiencies in provision, which in turn will be used to establish a set of standards that can be used to calculate developer contributions towards the enhancement of existing open spaces. 

The planning team are keen to understand more about how residents use and value local public open spaces and recreation facilities; and what might improve their attractiveness to local people. This will provide invaluable information to assess if there are any gaps in provision and to ensure that existing facilities and open spaces are managed effectively to meet the needs of the local people.   

It would be much appreciated if you would be able to take 5-10 minutes to complete an online survey which can be found on their consultation hub. 

There is also the opportunity to add any site specific comments you may like to make on an interactive map. 

The Sew and Sow Boxes Project Needs You!
Food Futures, the Sewing Cafe and Lancaster Seed Library are part of a great joint project, inspired by free book libraries where members of the public can share their resources or pick up some for repairing, making or growing. The boxes are filled with haberdashery items and packets of spare seeds.

More people are being encouraged to get involved to take joint responsibility of a box. This would involve checking the box’s condition, keeping it free of insects, topping it up with supplies and keeping it protected from the weather, with help if required! 

Read more about this great project here and to get involved, please contact [email protected]   

The Food Champions Celebration
The Food Champions network is hosting a midsummer celebration where people can come together, share a meal and celebrate the wonderful projects and food citizens across North Lancashire.  There will be a guided tour of the site at Claver Hill, an open fire cooking demonstration, a composting/food waste demonstration and the day will finish with music and songs around the bonfire!

Please bring your own plant-based food and plates/crockery and those who play an instrument, please take that along too! 

Time and Date: 4pm-9pm, Saturday the 22nd of June 2024
Location: Claver Hill, Ridge Lane, Lancaster, LA1 3JY

Please book a place here

Share the Harvest
This autumn, Share the Harvest will have two sets of fruit pressing equipment available to use. They can come to you – your school, community group, food club etc. to use for free for a fun day of fruit processing. Get in touch if you’d like to host a fruit picking event (from one tree to whole orchards, all are welcome!) or would like to use the fruit press.

Support is available for organisations, community groups and individuals to help with the costs of running an event.

Find out more

Bee Adventures Summer Calendar 
BEE Adventures have shared their upcoming summer adventure calendar to get involved with from May and beyond. BEE Adventures offers outdoor adventures for both adults and children, focusing on affordable mountain walks. As a non-profit organisation, they use any surplus to provide free adventures to those facing barriers to outdoor activities. Their mission is to create ethical, personal adventures promoting well-being and outdoor exploration.  

Take a look at their upcoming summer adventures, including mountain hikes and camping trips: 

  • Snowdon for sunrise: Saturday 22nd June  
  • Scafell Pike camping weekend: Saturday 6th-Sunday 7th July  
  • Kinder Scout: Saturday 10th August  

Book your outdoor adventures with Bee here 

Sustainability and Carbon Reduction – Local Resources
If you are interested in sustainability or in reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint, here are some ideas:

Lancaster & Morecambe College have some free environmental courses coming up:

  • Carbon Reduction Plans & Net Zero: 8 July,  9am – 12pm
  • Environmental Certification for Your Business: 8 July, 1pm – 4pm

Following the above-mentioned Carbon Reduction Plans & Net Zero half-day course the College has a small number of grants available to support businesses with producing a Carbon Reduction Plan. To book or for more information, email [email protected] or call 01524 521483.

UCLan is hosting a Lancashire-wide Climate Action Forum on Thursday 6th June. Climate experts, community groups, businesses and the public get together to share best practice, discuss existing projects and plan future actions. The event is free to attend. Book your place here.  

There is a free monthly meetup in Morecambe for anyone interested in sustainability issues. The next Morecambe Planet Pint is on Thursday 30th May at Mia Italia. Click here for more information and to book.

Giles Metcalfe offers workshops on CRAB (Carbon Reduction Action Box) and also offers audits and pointers for reducing your website’s carbon output.

Mental Health First Aid Training – 2 Places left!
Join our upcoming Mental Health First Aid course on 27th and 28th June at Christ Church, Lancaster. This two-day training, fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health, provides essential skills to identify and respond to mental health issues effectively. Although free, a £50 deposit secures your place (refundable upon completion). Gain confidence in supporting others in distress and enhance your interpersonal skills.

Limited spots available, we have two places left!

For more details and to secure your place

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness 
People living with MS across Lancaster, Morecambe and the Bay area tell us they would like to access more local social and exercise activities, as well as being able to access specific expertise such as benefits advice, housing and employment advice and counselling. However they also say they don’t know where these services are, how to find out about or if they meet their needs.
 
This free online session is primarily for organisations that offer the types of services mentioned above, but anyone with an interest in MS is also welcome.
 
This free online session will deal with:
  • what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is
  • how it affects people
  • how to support someone with MS to access the service you offer (e.g. social and exercise activities, advice on benefits, housing and employment, counselling)
  • MS-friendly services on the Lancaster District Directory of Services
Wednesday 17 July, 2:30 – 3.30 pm OR 7 – 8 pm, online
 
 
 
Good Things Collective NEW Artclub
Good Things Collective launched ‘Art Club’ at their creative studios on Northumberland Street, Morecambe this week.
 
If you enjoy painting but find yourself stuck at home alone and would like to share your creative time with others, come and join in at their drop in weekly Art Club, an informal social group opportunity to co-work on personal projects.  Bring your own materials but some basic supplies can be provided.

Thursday Mornings, 10am – 12.30pm
FREE tea and coffee

Find out more here

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
This training aims to shape and inform effective safeguarding practice for new and/or existing Designated Safeguarding Leads. It will facilitate and actively encourage a questioning and reflective approach from participants in order to address potential grey areas, key challenges and the realities of safeguarding in 2024.

Content includes:

  • The legal and Pan-Lancashire procedural frameworks for safeguarding adults, children and young people and know how to apply these in practice
  • The effective assessment and management of safeguarding risks in different contexts
  • Different types of abuse and neglect, what to look for, how to respond and what to avoid (including contextual safeguarding)
  • Applying learning from case reviews and experience
  • Understanding the central tenets of safer working practice with vulnerable people
  • Clarity around the management of low-level concerns and allegations

The session costs £25 (LDCVS members) or £50 (non-members)

12 July, 9:30am – 4:30pm, St Thomas Church Centre Lancaster

Find out more and book your ticket

Introduction to Project Management
Do you plan and run projects in your role? Whatever type of project, there is a set process you can follow to make everything run smoothly.

This half-day session will introduce you to this process, which you will be able to use for any future project, no matter how simple or complex.

By the end of this interactive and informative session, you will have an understanding of:

  • How to define a project and Project Definition Statements
  • Tools for planning projects
  • How to evaluate the effectiveness of a project
  • The most important documents and records to develop, maintain and use for managing projects

£20 for LDCVS members, £35 for non-members.

17 September, 9:30am – 1pm at the Employer Hub, Lancaster & Morecambe College

Find out more and book your ticket

Meet our Carers Fostering Learning Event
Are you interested in learning about Fostering? Community Foster Care will be holding a virtual event about fostering, where you’ll hear from experienced foster carers, and understand the fostering journey. Only hosts and speakers will be visible. Register your interest to receive event details.

At this event, you’ll get to:

  • Learn about the fostering journey
  • Hear real-life experiences from our amazing current carers
  • Ask questions and get valuable first-hand insights

Date & time: Wednesday 3 July, 6pm
Location: Online

For more information and to register

Dear Potential Foreigners by Yudai Kamisato
Award-winning Japanese director Yudai Kamisato presents a performance installation exploring border crossing, migration, and tourism through stories from South America, Asia, and locally. The show is part of the Japan-Britain Contemporary Theatre Exchange, supported by various foundations and Lancaster University.

Venue: The Storey, Lancaster, LA1 1TH
Dates: Friday, 28 June 2-8pm | Saturday, 29 June 12-6pm
Tickets: £8 full price or pay what you can.

Learn more and book here

Windrush Generations Exhibition & Film
This month, everyone is invited to celebrate Lancashire’s Windrush Generation and celebrate the impact of Caribbean culture on British life, showcasing the new Windrush Generations Exhibition in the Dukes gallery from 19 June – 8 July. The vibrant collection combines portraits, personal local stories and key facts.

On Windrush Day 2024 Saturday 22 June – Horace Ové’s 1975 film Pressure – recently remastered by the British Film Institute (BFI) National Archive will screen at 6pm.

Book film tickets here

This will be followed by a post-film discussion with Lancaster Black History Group’s Professor Alan Rice and Preston Black History Group’s Clinton Smith.

An allocation of subsidised tickets for the film have been made available through community groups.

For more information please contact [email protected] or phone 01524 598 522.

Make Every Contact Count Train the Trainer
This free one-day course equips participants to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to offer public health and wellbeing messages, via very brief interventions, to clients/patients/colleagues/family/friends during the course of their day-to-day role/life.

It will help individuals embed the Make Every Contact Count (MECC) methodology in their personal lives and at work (including cascading it throughout their organisation)

Courses are taking place throughout 2024 at various locations across Lancashire.

Find out more, and use the application form to register your attendance

Concert in Aid of Cancer Research UK
A fundraising concert in aid of Cancer Research UK will be held at Stanley Road Baptist Church, Morecambe at 2:30pm on 7 July. Acts include:

  • Solos by students at The Music Spot
  • Bay Singers
  • Slooze Booze
  • Retiring Collection

Tickets and further information available from Sarah Cullimore at [email protected]

FREE two-day Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised two-day training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA England training will teach you the best way to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.

The course normally costs up to £300, but in this case is fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health and is free. However, delegates must pay a £50 deposit (plus £2.65 covering ticketing and payment fees charged by our suppliers) at the time of booking. Your £50 deposit will be repaid on completion of both full days.

Thursday 27th June, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 28th June, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Book your place here

Lancashire Constabulary Safety Webinars
Lived Experience of Modern Slavery
Marek Krolik will share his personal journey and experiences of modern slavery. Sion Hall from the Pan Lancashire Anti-Slavery Partnership will offer valuable insights and guidance on identifying indicators of modern slavery.

The webinar will shed light on the realities of modern slavery and empower individuals to take action.

26 June, 1pm, online

Register here

Martyn’s Law
Martyn’s Law is a proposed UK legislation that will require venues to take enhanced steps to help keep the public safe. The rules will cover all of the UK and require venues and local authorities to have preventative action plans against terror attacks.

Figen Murray OBE will delve into the significance of Martyn’s Law and her personal journey advocating for its implementation.

3 July, 1pm, online

Register here

Cyber Security Advice for Business
Lancashire Constabulary’s Cyber Crime Team will delve into crucial strategies to safeguard your business against cyber threats.

15% of businesses face weekly cyber-attacks and 8% of businesses encounter multiple daily attacks. This equates to a staggering £21 billion annual cost of cyber-crime to UK businesses. The average cost per business from loss of assets or data is £8,460.

The webinar will focus on protecting your organisation, data security, mobile device safety, and government support.

10 July, 1pm, online

Register here

Irish Sea Day
Celebrate the Irish Sea’s wildlife and natural heritage at this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy a variety of interactive activities, including: guided walks, rock pooling, marine wildlife sea-watching, beach clean-ups, coastal wellbeing sessions and more on the Irish Sea.  Don’t miss the lively fancy dress parade at 1:30pm! Dress in marine-themed costumes and join in the fun.

Book your free general admission and workshop tickets online. Workshops are 45 minutes each and repeat throughout the event. 

Saturday 27 July, 10am-4pm
Half Moon Bay Café, Heysham

Find out more and book here

Workplace Safety, Compliance and Regulation
In this webinar, WorkNest provides an update on recent and upcoming legislative changes and what’s on the HSE’s agenda. The hosts will also share valuable lessons from recent prosecution cases to help you strengthen your systems and procedures, enhance training programmes and reinforce best practices.

Watch on-demand now.

Supporting and engaging with people in recovery
Join us online on Tuesday 25th June for a 30 minute briefing session about the particular needs and experiences of someone in recovery. How can you better support service users who are in or have gone through recovery from drug/alcohol addiction? How can you better support and engage volunteers from the recovery community?

We will be joined by Ged Pickersgill from The Well Communities who will talk about his own lived experience and give his professional perspective. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Everyone is different and sometimes we need to rethink our approaches, whether in service delivery or other engagements, depending on who we’re supporting. Even when we think we’re being inclusive, we might be inadvertently not treating someone in the most effective way to help them, simply because we don’t know about or understand the things that we could do differently that would make a difference to that individual in the best way possible.

For more information and to book a place on this free session: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DNAJ

LMC Training Opportunity
Lancaster and Morecambe College, through UKSPF, is dedicated to assisting local businesses in their training and development. They are currently providing a diverse selection of fully funded courses and qualifications tailored to meet the needs of local organisations.

Available courses include:

  • Food Safety Level 2 certification
  • Food allergen awareness training
  • Cyber Security workshops
  • Bookkeeping essentials
  • Aspiring Leaders program

All these courses are provided at no cost to individuals residing or working within the Lancaster district. For a comprehensive list of available courses and further details, follow this link.

Think CO! Carbon Monoxide Risk Awareness Workshop
An online workshop called “Think CO” educates frontline workers and volunteers on carbon monoxide (CO) risks in vulnerable people’s homes. It covers CO sources, signs, prevention, and implications for both workers and clients. The workshop, hosted by Gas Safe Charity, is conducted on Zoom and lasts for about an hour. Attendees receive additional resources after the session. Limited places are available, and registration is required via email.

The next available workshops will take place on Thursday 27 June.

Reserve your place here

Senior Youth (Support) Worker – Magic Club
The Magic Club in Claremont, Blackpool is seeking a Senior Youth (Support) Worker to join their team. This pivotal role involves leading youth club sessions, projects, and activities for young people aged 7-16, nurturing skill development, access to opportunities, and strong community relationships. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience with youth work, supervisory skills, and a commitment to supporting young people’s growth and aspirations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, reflecting our dedication to creating meaningful impact in our community.

Salary: £29,904 – £34,029 per year
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Closing date: 17 July 2024, 3.03pm

Find out more about this role and apply

Housing and Criminal Justice Worker- Humankind
Humankind in is seeking a Housing and Criminal Justice Worker to support individuals facing complex challenges such as homelessness, substance use, and criminal justice involvement. This role involves building trust, developing tailored support plans, and coordinating with various services to promote recovery and well-being. Candidates should be compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a positive impact.

Salary: £24,020 – £30,790 per year
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Closing date: 11 July 2024 at 10.58am

Find out more about this role

Volunteer Co-Ordinator for The Lancaster Canal Trust
The Lancaster Canal Trust are looking for an independent contractor and will not be an employee of the Trust. An overview of the responsibilities will include, recruiting new volunteers and managing existing ones. Arranging for appropriate training when needed, keeping detailed records of volunteers’ information and initiating the induction process. 

If you have excellent communication and organisational skills and are great at motivating, supporting and inspiring individuals then you may be ideal for this role!

Salary: for up to 8 hours per week. Initially this will be for a period of twelve months but, subject to achievement and funding opportunities, could be extended.

For a full job spec and to discuss this role please email the [email protected]   

Place2Be Counsellor Lancaster Girls Grammar School
Place2Be are looking for a counsellor to provide vital mental health support in school. They are seeking a Level 4 qualified therapist/counsellor to work one-on-one with young people, engage with the school community, and promote early intervention. This role can be split between two counsellors and offers comprehensive training, career development, and benefits.

Salary: £23,058 pro rata (from FTE of £28,822 p.a)
Contract: 1 year/ part-time
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Closing date: 17 June 2024 at 2.57pm

Find out more and apply

Senior Community Support Worker at Together Trust
Join Together Trust in Stockport as a Senior Community Support Worker. Provide high-quality, person-centred support for adults with Learning Disabilities, Autism, and Complex Needs. You’ll manage a small team, develop support plans, and ensure safeguarding.

Salary:£27,590.00 per year
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: North West
Closing date: 9 July 2024, 10.59pm

Find out more and apply

Admin and Finance Coordinator for Stomping Ground CIC
Stomping Ground are looking for someone to fulfil their administration and finance requirements, helping them in their mission to reach more people in need of access to nature and green spaces.

Duties include bookkeeping, grant management, production of management accounts, minute taking, DBS administration, and supporting regulatory compliance.

Salary: £30,000 per annum pro-rata
Contract: Fixed term to end March 2025, 5 hours per week
Closing date: 17 June

Find out more and apply

Chief Executive Officer and Centre Manager roles with Escape2Make
Escape2Make are all about creating safe, inclusive, and free workshops for 11-18 year-olds, fostering skills, creativity, and community connections. From a bustling Craft Club to impactful large-scale events, they aretransforming lives and communities.

Chief Executive Officer
The CEO role will lead the youth charity into its exciting next phase, by shaping its vision and strategic plan, managing the team, expanding its reach, and building strong partnerships.

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum pro rata
Contract: One year, freelance, with potential to transition to a permanent role
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 1 July

Centre Manager
The manager will oversee E2M’s youth space in Lancaster and support their programmes by overseeing scheduling and health and safety, leading youth workers and volunteers, coordinating Youth Board meetings, and handling other operational matters including insurance and finance.

Salary: £30,000 per annum pro rata
Contract: One year, freelance, with potential to transition to a permanent role
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 1 July

Find out more and apply for either role

Freelance Technical & Building Lead at The Gregson
Offered as a flexible freelance role over six months, the role will support The Gregson to implement processes around building management and compliance, lead building projects and key procurement, and scope future capital projects.

A day rate of £175 is offered with a total budget of up to £10,000.

Closing date: 5pm, 20 June

Find out more

Family Worker with Love Barrow Families
Love Barrow Families is hiring a part-time support worker to provide social care, emotional support, and practical help to vulnerable children and families in Barrow. The role involves early intervention, crisis support, and community activities. Candidates should have at least 2 years’ experience with children and families, a Level 3 qualification, and knowledge of Child Protection Procedures.

Salary: £25,000 – £28,000 per year
Contract: Part-time (28 hours a week) /
Temporary (12 months (may be extended with funding))
Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria (Hybrid)
Closing date: 22 June 2024, 2pm

Learn more about this role and apply

Director of Housing and Facilities with Peridot Partners / One Fylde
Join One Fylde as Director of Housing and Facilities to enhance the lives of those with learning disabilities and autism. Lead housing strategy and operations, shape the charity’s future, and manage a small team. Ideal candidates have housing management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for inclusivity.

Salary: £65,000 plus
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre
Closing date: 27 June 2024, 9am

Find out more and apply

Lancaster Floating Support – Accommodation Finding Officer with Gateway 
The Calico Group’s Gateway are looking for an Accommodation Finding Officer to support customers to source affordable, private rented accommodation, and provide casework support to set up and maintain their accommodation for the long term.

The role will include building up networks with private landlords to increase move on provisions and maximise outcomes for customers.  Further responsibility will be to provide support to Landlords engaging with the scheme to ensure their tenants receive effective support to avoid risk of eviction and homelessness. 

Salary: £24,355 per annum 
Contract: Fixed until 31 March (extension opportunity)  
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe 
Closing Date: 17 June 2024 

Find out more about this role and apply

Caretaker Role with The Rainbow Centre
The Rainbow Centre in Morecambe is seeking a Caretaker to maintain cleanliness and carry out minor repairs. The role, aimed at reducing social isolation and enhancing wellbeing for over-50s, involves daily cleaning, waste management, and building security, along with weekly tasks and occasional additional hours. Contact [email protected] or call 01524 415502 for more information. 

Salary: Circa £5,000 per annum 
Contract: Mon – Fri 44 weeks a year, over 12 months 
Location Morecambe 
Closing date: Friday 14 June 

View the role job description 

If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]