Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 23 August 2024

We Asked, You Said: Your Wish
Over the last couple of weeks we asked you to imagine you’d been granted a wish, and tell us how you’d use it to improve the Lancaster district. Your responses cohered around four key areas:

• Improving our physical environment, such as regenerating derelict areas, developing old buildings, and planting trees.
• Improving our transport options, particularly public transport, cycle infrastructure, and footpaths.
• Tackling problems of money and housing, such as poverty, homelessness, and the quality of housing stock.
• Improving community relations and cohesion.

We’d like to spend some time considering how our sector can take practical action in all four of these areas, and we’ll ask you more about your ideas over the coming weeks.

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Update Regarding Recent Riots and Community Unrest
Following recent events concerning disturbances in the community our Chief Officer has shared an important update. Lancaster District CVS, in collaboration with VCSEP and NAVCA, is committed to providing support information, rebuilding trust, and coordinating local network meetings for community cohesion and mutual aid.

“Dear Colleague, Friend and Supporter,

We hope this message finds you well. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we want to address recent events related to the unrests across our communities. As the membership body for the local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector, we are working in partnership with the VCSEP (Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership), NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary Community Action), our local partners to support our members and our partners who are:

• Working to get messages out across communities and community organisations on the support available, how to stay safe.
• Working with the voluntary community faith and social enterprise sector, our partners and others to start to rebuild trust and develop cohesive communities.
• Helping with local coordination of network meetings in order to provide mutual support and share resources between members and partners.

We understand that these events will have caused significant concern and distress. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community are our top priorities. During these challenging times, it is crucial to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, volunteers, and people that use your services. We offer our support to community groups and charities so please do contact us if you have concerns or if you have any support need, we will do our best to help.

We will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates and advice as needed.

Our thoughts remains with all those affected and thank you for your dedication to our community.

Stay safe and take care.

Sincerely,

Yakub Patel
Chief Executive Officer
Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions

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FestiVOL 2024 – Save the Date!
Our third annual celebration of the Lancaster district’s voluntary sector takes place on Thursday 21 November at Lune Valley Methodist Hub.

As always, this promises to be a enjoyable day full of excitement and networking opportunities as we invite you all to share your successes, learn from each other, and make plans for the future.

We’ll be joined by several guest speakers who will talk in detail about recent projects before breaking out into workshops focusing on themes including the challenges and achievements of our colleagues working in rural areas, how community organisations can change our local economy, and how getting active physically and mentally can improve health and build connections.

Bringing our sector together has been a highlight of our autumn for the last few years, and we’re really excited to be finalising our plans for 2024. We’ll be sending out full information and a booking link in mid-September – so for now we’d love it if you could save the date!

Lancaster District Strategic Partnership
Nine organisations from across the Lancaster district have pledged to work together more closely to improve the lives of the local community with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Signed at Lancaster Castle on Monday, August 19, the MOU marks the creation of a new Lancaster District Strategic Partnership (LDSP).

Through the partnership, the founding member organisations will work together to improve the Lancaster District aligned to agreed strategic priorities – sustainability and the climate emergency, the economy, health and wellbeing and communities. 

Founding organisations include Lancaster City Council, Lancaster University, University of Cumbria, Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster and Morecambe Chamber of Commerce, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Lancaster District CVS and Lancaster Arts Partnership.

The partnership aims to deliver mutually beneficial local and regional projects by identifying and developing new opportunities for collaborative working between sectors. It also aims to maximise how organisations use their combined resources effectively to improve the Lancaster District.

Councillor Peter Jackson, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member with the responsibility for communities, wellbeing and partnerships, said: “The partnership provides the perfect opportunity for Lancaster City Council to strengthen the good working relationships it already has with its partners.

“Via the LDSP, we’ll be able to identify and explore more opportunities for joint working and utilise our combined skills and knowledge to drive sustainable change that will have a positive impact and make this area a more prosperous place to live, work, and invest in.”

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Funding & Commissioning Awards 2024
Voluntary Sector North West have announced the launch of the Funding & Commissioning Awards 2024. These awards aim to recognise the exceptional commitment and innovative approaches of grant funders and commissioners within the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in the North West. 

If you’ve had a positive experience with a funding or commissioning team, now’s your chance to share and celebrate their work. VSNW encourage you to submit a nomination and help them shine a spotlight on those making a real difference in our community. 

• Categories: Outstanding Grant Funder, Outstanding Commissioner (Local Authority/Combined Authority), Outstanding Commissioner (NHS)
• Deadline: 12pm, 12th October 2024 

Find out more and submit your nomination

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Nominations for HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking nominations for the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, particularly from the Midlands and North East England. They are looking to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, such as through long-term volunteer work or exceptional fundraising efforts.

For more information or to nominate someone, visit the Honours webpage or contact [email protected].

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Police & Crime Plan Consultation
What are the policing issues in your local area? Join the 2000+ Lancashire residents who have already shared their views on the policing priorities for Lancashire.

Lancashire’s PCC Clive Grunshaw is seeking public views through a county-wide survey, ahead of setting the priorities for his Police and Crime Plan which outlines how policing resources are allocated and serves as a means to hold the Chief Constable and the police service accountable on behalf of the people.

Find out more and respond

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Community Support Resources
Events over the last several days have affected many communities. You may have been affected by them directly at home, at work, or in other ways.

One way that organisations around the country have responded is by providing resources that can be used to help people understand what has happened, support each other, and show that violence, racism and xenophobia are not representative.

The Charity Commission has issued a statement in support of the work that charities do, which links to important guidance around planning for and handling incidents, including safeguarding your organisation and people.

NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) have similarly collated their own guidance, with useful videos dealing with responding to opposition, communicating in a crisis, and handling misinformation.

UK Youth, the National Youth Agency and the Network of Regional Youth Work Units are running Spaces to Connect – a shared space for youth workers and allied professional to connect, reflect and provide support for one another during this time. The next spaces are on 8 August at 11am and 15 August at 3pm.

The National Youth Agency is also signposting resources which can help support young people with issues around unrest, disinformation and violence, providing updated guidance on physical security in youth work settings, and has produced a factsheet for those working with young people following traumatic events.

Hope Not Hate’s Community Resources page links to their specialist resources on local leadership, community engagement and local solidarity, online safety, and local news narratives among others.

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Lancashire Constabulary Stakeholder Briefing
Lancashire Constabulary continues to support Merseyside Police following the Southport incident and has managed local disorder and protests over last weekend. The stakeholder briefing presents key points which include maintaining public safety, handling protests in multiple locations, and making 22 arrests. Community engagement and misinformation are also addressed, emphasising ongoing support for the Southport investigation.

For full details of the briefing, click here.

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Love Lancaster Business Awards 2024
Lancaster BID is delighted to confirm the Love Lancaster Business Awards 2024 is now open for nomination, inviting you to vote for your Superhero of the Year!

This is a community award which seeks to recognise the individual who has voluntarily given up their time to make a significant positive contribution to Lancaster city centre. This could be someone at a school, local community group or charity who has given up their time to help others. Tell Lancaster BID what they have done for other people which really makes them stand out from the crowd.

Nominate here

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Lancaster District Local Plan Consultation
Lancaster City Council are drafting a new Local Plan which will set out opportunities for the housing, jobs and infrastructure that are needed by a growing population.

The plan will also update the policies that are used to make decisions about planning proposals. As part of the process of drafting the Local Plan, the council is now asking people for their views on a draft vision for the district.

The consultation is now live, closing on 20 September.

Find out more and respond to the consultation

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The King’s Speech and NAVCA Members Briefing
The recent King’s Speech introduced several legislative priorities with significant implications for the third sector. Key initiatives include the introduction of Local Growth Plans to enhance regional governance and identify local specialisations, with a focus on expanding devolution and advanced mayoral settlements. The speech also proposed strengthening the “Right to Buy” for community assets like shops and pubs, empowering communities to secure and manage valued properties. The Better Buses Bill aims to increase local control over bus services, allowing public ownership and improving service planning.

Additionally, the Crime and Policing Bill seeks to enhance neighbourhood policing and address antisocial behaviour.

All of this will impact on the third sector in that the initiatives will provide opportunities to engage strategically with new governance structures, contribute to community-focused initiatives, and manage community assets. The strengthened Right to Buy supports community empowerment, while the Better Buses Bill offers avenues for improved service delivery. The Crime and Policing Bill aligns with third sector goals of promoting social cohesion and safety.

Overall, these measures create opportunities for the third sector to play a key role in local development and social impact.

Read more from the NAVCA briefing

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Community Conversations about Eden Project Morecambe
Lancaster City Council have announced the next Community Conversation about the Eden Project, Morecambe.  The programme of community conversations are for people to find out more about Eden Project Morecambe.  Attendees can hear updates directly from the Eden team and other partners, with opportunities to ask questions. These sessions occur monthly, both online via Microsoft Teams and in-person, continuing through until January 2025.

The next Community Conversation event will take place on Tuesday, 3rd September at Morecambe Winter Gardens at 6pm.

Register and find more details here

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Bookable Space Available at the Hobby Hub on Yorkshire Street
Andrew Galland, owner of the Hobby Hub on Yorkshire Street in Morecambe, is offering bookable slots for community organisations who wish to use the space for their meetings and activities.

The space will be available daily between 10am and 1pm, 2pm and 5pm, and 6pm and 9pm. Bookings must be made in blocks of four per month at a cost of £65 for all four sessions.

To find out more, email Andrew at [email protected]

Prevent Training & Support
Community groups can access training and support around the Prevent programme. Training includes information about:

• What is Prevent
• What Prevent does in Lancashire
• What is terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation
• Threats in Lancashire – i.e. ideologies: Islamist/ far XRW / LAsi and other
• What to look out for – vulnerabilities
• Case studies

To access training and support, email [email protected] or call 01254 585260.

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Intergenerational Trauma Workshop
Uncovering how distant familial trauma can imprint on the personality today in this enlightening talk with clinical psychologist, Dr Deba Choudhury, as part of Trauma Informed Cumbria.

Explore the role of epigenetics and the mechanisms through which trauma is passed down through generations. Obtain valuable insights into your family history and begin to understand the profound ways that the past can mould someone’s current psychological landscape.

9 September, 10am – 12 noon, £35, online

Find out more and book

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Visual Impairment Awareness
Join us for an engaging and insightful workshop designed to raise awareness about visual impairments and foster a more inclusive environment for all. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in understanding the experiences and needs of individuals with visual impairments. This session includes simulation activities to give an experience of every day challenges

This free session is delivered by Michelle Hawley from Galloways Society for the Blind.

30 August, 1.15pm – 2.15pm, The Cornerstone

Find out more and book

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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. You’ll learn how to define a project, about tools used for planning, how to evaluate projects, and the most important documents and records required.

This training is delivered by Dr Jan Maskell, an experienced trainer, project manager and sustainability consultant.

17 September, 9.30am – 1pm, Lancaster & Morecambe College Employer Hub
£20 for LDCVS members, £35 for non-members.

Find out more and book

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LGBT+ Awareness
If you are curious about issues around gender and sexuality, this session should have the answers. Ellian Ozanne from Out in the Bay does a whistlestop tour of the topic, covering surprising history, essential legislation, eyebrow-raising statistics and practical guidance.

18 September, 10am – 12 noon, Out in the Bay (Claremont Road, Morecambe).

Find out more and book

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Working with Volunteers with Disabilities
In this free online lunchtime session, local campaigner for disabled access and equality Ollie Flitcroft draws on his long experience working in the third sector to describe the particular challenges facing volunteers and disabilities, and how organisations can minimize these.

You will learn about identifying barriers, providing support and reasonable adjustments, and how to manage recruitment processes, benefits, group volunteering and more.

17 September, 12.30pm – 1pm, online

Find out more and book

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GDPR: Keeping People’s Data Secure
Understanding GDPR and Data Protection is essential for anyone who deals with personal information about people. Everyone working in an organisation has a legal responsibility to keep this information secure – and there are financial penalties for not doing so – and yet not everyone is clear on exactly how to do this in practice.

This session will help you understand what GDPR involves, the processes and paperwork you need, the training your staff and volunteers require, protection against cybercrime and more.

The session is delivered by Anne Phillips of Barkley Legal, based on her many years as a practising solicitor and recently practical experience running a business and navigating and advising on all things data protection.

26 September, 9.30am – 12.45pm, The Cornerstone

£20 for LDCVS members, £40 for non-members.

Find out more and book

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Coaching & Mentoring
Amongst other benefits, coaching and mentoring can help people identify and achieve goals, increase motivation and build stronger teams.

This training, delivered by Dr Jan Maskell, will help you understand the difference between coaching and mentoring, the role of coach or mentor, a simple model you can use, and more.

1 October, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, online

Find out more and book

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Suicide Prevention
This half-day workshop provides learners with the confidence and tools to understand the impact of suicide and take someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide from a place of danger and isolation to a place of safety and support, using a three-step ‘first aid’ approach.

This approach enables the suicide ‘first aider’ to identify the signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, recognize the needs of that person, ask about suicide clearly and directly and use safety planning to empower the individual to find appropriate help.

The workshop is City and Guilds registered, delivered by a trainer registered with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention.

This is a funded course, with just a registration fee (£5 LDCVS members / £10 non-members) to cover venue hire and refreshments.

3 October, 9.15am – 12.30pm, Christ Church Lancaster

Find out more and book.

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Mental Health First Aid
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. Learning takes place through a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions.

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.

7 & 8 November, 9am – 5pm, Christ Church Lancaster

Find out more and book.

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Autism Awareness
Join Lancashire County Council as they myth-bust through some of the common misconceptions when it comes to autism. LCC will be running a 2.5-hour hands-on Autism Awareness Training at County Hall, Preston. Hosted in partnership with Cloverleaf Advocacy and Lancashire Skills Hub, this session is tailored for employers and professionals in HR, management, and diversity roles. Learn about autism, effective communication, sensory sensitivities, and making reasonable workplace adjustments. This event aims to promote a more inclusive environment for individuals with ASD.

Date & time: October 18 2024, 10am-12.30pm
Location: County Hall, Preston

Find out more and reserve your place

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Eden Project Communities Introduction to Community Action
Part of the Community Camp programme, this short online course (one evening a week from 18 September – 16 October) explores how to make positive change where you live, from the comfort of your own home.

Each week is jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking and fun. 

This fully funded course explores how to make positive change where you live. Therefore, it is in high demand and specifically for the benefit of voluntary community members rather than those who work in a paid community role.

Find out more and apply

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Volunteering Drop-in – Morecambe

Do you have questions about volunteering? Are you interested in getting involved? Perhaps you need support to find volunteers for your project?

 

On the last working Wednesday of every month between 9.30am and 11.30am, pop along to our Morecambe office at The Link, 11-13 The Veranda, West Street, Morecambe.

 

Mark will be on hand to help you with whatever you need. Can’t come during that time slot? Book an appointment for later on a Wednesday, or simply email [email protected] with your queries.

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Lancashire Constabulary Lay Visitors
Lancashire Constabulary are seeking volunteer lay visitors for divisional Mental Health Diversion and Advisory (MHDAP) panels.

The volunteer role ensures the MHDAP keeps vulnerable people safe and where applicable offers the voice of the public in ethical decision making. Volunteers question the panel where applicable and ensure its decision making is accountable, open, and transparent.

Pre–agreed travel expenses can be claimed. This opportunity is subject to police vetting and to qualify you must have been a resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Find out more and apply

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Kitchen Assistant Volunteer – The Friendship Centre 
Are you looking for a volunteering role in catering? Working with food? Customer service?

The Friendship Centre on Robert Street in Lancaster needs a Kitchen Assistant, 9.30am to 1pm on Fridays, to serve Tea and Coffee and biscuits and wash up and put away.

If you are interested, please let Mark at the Volunteer Centre know – [email protected]. 

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Under 18 Volunteering 
We’ve had a great response over the last few months to our call for opportunities for under 18s to volunteer, but we really want to widen participation as much as we can. So if you have any roles for under 18s to support your organisation or project, please let us know. 

Like the idea of involving under 18s but have concerns? Perhaps you’re worried about insurance, or safeguarding – whatever your question, let us know and we can support you to engage under 18s with your work. 

We are still getting requests from parents and students looking for volunteering opportunities for people aged between 14 and 17, so if you’d like to offer them something, let us know. Please email [email protected] with the details. 

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Friends of Lancaster Library Cafe
The Friends Of Lancaster Library (FOLL) cafe are planning to extend their weekly Wednesday cafe from a 1pm finish to a 4pm finish, with the aim of hosting a chatty cafe in the afternoon to help reduce social isolation as well as providing a welcoming space for other groups who might benefit from our donation only cafe.

The Cafe runs all year round from Lancaster Library.

FOLL are keen to encourage volunteers to get in touch if they are interested in volunteering on a Wednesday afternoon on a weekly basis to support this new initiative, no former cafe experience necessary as a full introduction will be given, no till handling involved.

Interested volunteer’s can drop into the Wednesday cafe between 10.30am – 1pm in the main Library and ask for Sahara to arrange a trial cafe session or email Sahara at [email protected]

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Volunteer Caseworker at SSFA, The Armed Forces Charity
Caseworkers visit clients (those serving and those who save served in the forces, and their families) to work out what type of support they need. This could include things like securing funding for specialist equipment, home adaptions, benefits advice, finding work and more.

Find out more on our website

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Lancashire Constabulary Police Museum Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed at Lancaster Castle to promote and support the Constabulary’s historic values by providing effective customer focus and supporting members of the public. Responsibilities will be staffing the museum, welcoming and directing visitors, clerical duties (monitoring the number of visitors) and updating neighbourhood officers with any comments/feedback from members of the public. 

The closing date for application is the 31st of August 2024 at 11:55pm.
Information on Lancashire Police Museum

Apply for the position

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Opportunities for Volunteering from Home
Do you have any volunteering roles that can be done from home? We would like to increase the number of options that are available for people who either cannot, or would prefer not to, go out to volunteer.

This can include people with disabilities; people who are challenged by anxiety, depression, or other mental wellbeing issues; people with short-term illness or injury that prevents them from going out; people who are isolating because of some other health related issue; or perhaps just people who want to do something but would find it more convenient to work from home.

Roles that could be done from home could include things like administration, finance, social media, marketing and promotion, telephone befriending etc and often would only require minimal equipment, such as a computer and an internet connection.

Please contact [email protected] with your volunteering needs. We have volunteers waiting for home-based roles, so there is potential for a quick referral.

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SSAFA Make a Difference for Veterans – Lancaster Guardian article
This week we look at a new volunteering opportunity with the oldest armed forces support charity in the UK, SSAFA. Founded in 1885 as the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association, SSAFA supports the armed forces community in a variety of ways, but with a focus on direct physical or emotional care.

Many people are aware of charities like the Royal British Legion or Help for Heroes, but despite being the oldest of these organisations SSAFA is often unknown, or people might have heard of them but don’t really know what they do. From addiction issues to relationship breakdowns, from debt and homelessness to PTSD and disability, veterans and serving personnel, and their families, face many challenges. SSAFA is there to support them and one way in which it does so is through recruiting local volunteers to support local people in need…Read more

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Trustee role with Birchall
The Birchall Trust, established in 1991, offers support services for individuals affected by rape and sexual abuse across Cumbria and Lancashire. They provide trauma-informed counseling, peer support, and prevention services through community engagement and education. The Trust seeks new trustees passionate about their mission to live in a world free from sexual violence. Trustees are involved in strategic planning, financial oversight, risk management, and promoting governance. Interested candidates should submit an application explaining their experience and interest in the role.

Applications can be sent to [email protected]

View the trustee pack here

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Meet Up Mondays

Each Monday between 9am and 10.30am, why not pop into the Marketgate Shopping Arcade, the unit with the table tennis, for a cuppa and a chat?

 

And if you are interested in talking about volunteering, you can catch Mark there every third Monday of the month! Just drop in. Don’t fancy volunteering? No problem, grab a brew and a biscuit!

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Respond to the survey here

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NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Specialist Centre for Social Care
The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Specialist Centre for Social Care, are offering free advice and support for developing funding applications and providing post-award advice for social care research.

Whether you’re an experienced researcher or new to the field, the RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care can help you develop your research ideas aimed at changing practice or improving services in social care. The centre provides expert research advice and specialist topic expertise across the full spectrum of social care to help you bring your ideas to life.

For more information, please contact the RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care at [email protected]

View the RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care flyer, detailing the wide range of support available.

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Crooklands Canalathon
Come and join in with the South Lakes’ Canalathon, where you can enjoy a fun-filled day of paddle boarding (2.8km), running/walking (2.5km), and cycling (5km or 10km) along the beautiful canal towpath trail between Crooklands and Stainton.

No paddle board or bike? No problem! Rentals are available. Entry is just £15, supporting Towpath Trail improvements. Participants aged 8+ are welcome, with paddle boarding for 18+ only.

The Canalathon takes place on August 31, 2024, 10.30am

For more details, follow this link

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Let’s Talk About Suicide Lancashire
Tickets are now on sale for the “Let’s Talk About Suicide Lancashire” Conference, the first-ever suicide prevention conference for Blackpool and Lancashire. This groundbreaking event will bring together key stakeholders, experts and the community to address suicide prevention and provide support for those affected.

The event will share lived experience, support for children affected by suicide, raising awareness and providing support and discussing systemic change for the workplace and education. There will be collaborative discussions and a whole array of guest speakers from various organisations and professions related to suicide prevention. There will also be live music and workshops and the event is open to all sectors and the general public. 

Time and Date: Wednesday the 2nd of October, 9am-5pm
Location: Village Hotel Blackpool, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8LL

Get your ticket

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Healthy Relationships-Strengthening Families Sessions
To have a long, happy and healthy relationship within families, these sessions are a great opportunity to learn how to have productive discussions instead of arguments and lead by example as adults by encouraging healthy communication. If you would like some helpful strategies to help you through your parenting journey, then come along! 

Locations: Lune Park Hub, Ryelands, Park Owen Road, Lancaster LA1 2LN
Times and Dates: 5:30pm-7:30pm

22nd August 2024 | 26th September 2024 | 24th October 2024 | 28th November 2024

Westgate Neighbourhood Centre, Langridge Way, Morecambe, LA4 4XF
Times and Dates: 5:30pm-7:30pm 

28th August 2024 |25th September 2024 |23rd October 2024 | 27th November 2024

Please call 01524 581280 to book or book online

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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]
View the health coaching flyer

Learn about the Kooth platform with a 30 minute webinar
kooth.com is a free platform which provides a free, safe and anonymous space for young people to find support and counselling. It includes lots of advice, discussion boards, goal setting tools, a personal journal, and online counselling.

Professionals working with children and young people can find out more about how they can integrate this resource into their work by attending a 30 minute webinar on 5 September, starting at 3.30pm.

For more information and to join the webinar, email Heather Hook at [email protected]

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Lancashire Mind CYP Peer Support
Through innovative, peer-led support systems, this programme aims to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 10 to 19 (up to 25 with SEND) across Lancashire. With children facing an alarming increase in mental health challenges, Lancashire Mind can help support them to find coping strategies and build resilience.

Find out more and make referrals

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High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award
Do you know a young person aged 19 or under, who has helped either their local neighbourhood, an individual, family member or a local organisation in the last 12 months?

The High Sheriff of Lancashire would like to hear from you! Register your nomination for The High Sheriff of Lancashire’s Young Citizen Award 2025. The winner will receive £300 with two runner-up prizes of £100 each.

Find out more and nominate

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Childcare Choices Campaign closes on 31 August
Does your organisation support children, parents or carers? Help spread the word to eligible working parents in England with a child who is between 9 months old and 3 years old on their right to apply for 15 hours childcare on gov.uk for a place starting in September.

Parents and carers should speak to their provider to find out more about individual arrangements, and will need to renew their code every three months through their gov.uk childcare account to continue to receive the support.

The deadline to apply is 31 August. To learn more and check their eligibility, parents and carers can visit the Childcare Choices website.

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CYP Now Awards 2024: Shortlisted Entries Announced
The shortlist for this year’s Children & Young People Now Awards has been revealed. There are 116 entries across 24 categories from over 500 applications. The finalists, chosen by sector judges, will now be reviewed by a panel of young judges. Winners will be announced on 28 November at a gala dinner in London. Congratulations to all shortlisted, and good luck in the next round!

Find out more about the awards here

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Talking to Young People about Vaping
In partnership with trading standards, Lancaster police conducted test purchases at vape shops in Lancaster and Morecambe. Several premises were found selling vapes to under-18s, leading to enforcement actions.

Police and the NHS have explained that It’s crucial that young people understand vaping is intended for adults to quit smoking, not for non-smokers or youth. Vaping is less harmful than smoking but not risk-free, as it exposes users to toxins and nicotine, which is especially harmful to developing brains. In the UK, selling vapes to under-18s is illegal, and some disposable vapes may not meet safety standards.

Young people can find out more on the FRANK website.

Useful information on vapes – a way to stop smoking

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Free Second Hand School Uniforms
The YMCA Lancaster Charity Shop are giving away second hand school uniforms to those in need. Pop down to the YMCA shop in St Nicholas Arcade, where items are available on the salesfloor.

See their Facebook post for further details

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Summer Youth Sessions @ Good Things Studios
Good Things Collective are offering a summer programme for young people, running throughout August at their new home at 3 Northumberland Street, Morecambe.

There will be a range of youth workers and artists on hand offering a selection of activities for budding artists and those who fancy trying something new. All the sessions include food.

Sessions will be running between 6pm and 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays from 15 August until 30 August.

If you have any questions, want to make suggestions, or would like to meet the team before going along, there are two Pizza Pop-Ups taking place where you can find out more. Head along between 7pm and 9pm on 13 August at Fisherman’s Square, Poulton, or on 14 August at Morecambe Skate Park.

Contact Jo for more information at [email protected] or 07743 782526.

Promotional flyer: front / back

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Emergency Community Support and Resources Following the Southport Incident
In light of the recent tragic events in Southport, the VCS Emergencies Partnership is extending its support to local networks. This partnership aims to strengthen our sector during emergencies and is providing direct assistance to those affected. Recognising the impact on young people, they are committed to offering help and support as the community navigates through this difficult time.

To aid our members, partners, and the community, the following resources are available:

Bee the Difference Report: This report includes insights from over 200 young survivors of the Manchester Arena attack. While the Southport incident is not classified as a terror attack, the findings are valuable for those working with affected children, families, and communities. Access the report here.

UK Trauma Council Resources: The UK Trauma Council provides extensive resources for professionals supporting children and young people dealing with trauma and bereavement. Key resources include:

• Critical Incidents in Educational Communities
• Guidance on Creating the Best Environment for Recovery
• Traumatic Bereavement for Children & Young People

Please share this information to ensure those in need can access these valuable resources.

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National Youth Work Week 2024
The National Youth Agency’s Youth Work Week is an annual celebration of all things youth work. The week long campaign takes place at the beginning of every November. This year it will take place from Monday 4 – Sunday 10 November.

Each year the campaign has an overarching theme to help the sector to focus their engagement. The theme for 2024 is: a right to youth work for all – delivering positive futures for young people.

The theme aims to highlight the many ways that youth work spaces are made accessible to all and which enable young people to explore and celebrate their own identity and values.

In the run-up to Youth Work Week, the NYA are inviting you to take part in their Art of Youth Work campaign. The campaign provides an opportunity for young people accessing youth work to create artworks, music and other performing arts which they can unveil as part of Youth Work Weeks celebration.

Find out more on the NYA website

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Places for Kids to eat FREE this Summer
Moneysavingcentral.co.uk have compiled and shared a list of outlets where you can grab a bite to eat with the kids this summer, and they eat absolutely free!

View the list here

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Youth Futures Foundation: Evidence into Action Funding Programme
Applications are now open for the Youth Futures Foundation’s Evidence into Action program, which supports vocational training for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) from Black, Mixed Black, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, or Gypsy Roma Traveler Heritage. The program offers Delivery Grants of up to £75,000 annually for up to three years to voluntary organisations in select areas across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, London, West Midlands, and Yorkshire.

The funding aims to enhance youth employability activities through evidence-based practices. Additionally, the program includes learning and development support and will be evaluated by an external partner. Weekly webinars and one-on-one appointments are available for potential applicants.

Open from 22 July 2024 until 9 September 2024, the first funding round will cover 3 years of learning, development and delivery. For more information please click

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Morecambe Fire Cadets
The Cadet Programme at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is offering young people an opportunity to gain insight into a uniformed service, starting in September providing they are 13 years old, but must have turned 14 by December. There are 4 places left at Morecambe for the September start.

The programme includes learning basic firefighting, personal and social skills, and earning the Skills for Justice Qualification. Cadets will be treated as young firefighters with a uniform and name badge, attend weekly sessions at their local fire station, and participate in community events. They will develop team building, leadership, and communication skills, learn self-discipline, respect, and inclusive values, and be mentored by operational firefighters and community safety staff.

To apply, complete and return the Fire Cadets application form to the Fire Cadet Co-ordinator.

More details are available on the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website.

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Ripple Effects Photography Competition
Ripple Effects is a photography competition for young people aged 8-18, living and learning across Morecambe Bay.

In partnership with the Morecambe Bay Curriculum, Lancaster University, Global Link, The Blue Influencers Scheme and local libraries, this competition invites young people to:

1. Photograph water in your local area and
2. Produce a short written reflection on what these spaces mean to you (100 words or less! It could just be a sentence.)

Winning images will be chosen by a panel of young people and will form part of an exhibition trail that features across libraries in November 2024 including Lancaster Library and Lancaster University Library. Winners will receive £100 of outdoor adventure equipment and access to a special winners’ photography workshop.

Find out more

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Lancaster and Morecambe Prince’s Trust
The next programme delivered by Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service’s Morecambe Team starts on the 16th September and they are recruiting now!

Please see their programme leaflet to find out more.

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Happy Healthy Holidays for Children in the Lancaster District
From 3rd July, children and young people receiving free school meals can enjoy free activities through the Summer break with the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF). Funded by the Department for Education, this initiative offers exciting opportunities for local eligible children to engage in fun activities and enjoy nutritious meals each day, at no cost.

The programme includes provisions for children with SEND or additional needs and runs from 22nd July to 30th August 2024. E-vouchers will be sent directly to eligible families for booking activities.

Explore the activities available here

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Moving On Up
Young people starting high school in September 2024 can attend these sessions to meet other children who may be going to the same school in a fun setting and take part in activities that will help them prepare.

Issues tackled will include what is needed for high school, how to deal with emotions, and developing new friendships. 

Carnforth Hub: Monday 19th August 2024, 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Morecambe Library: Tuesday 20th and 27th August 2024, 3:30pm-4:30pm

Lune Park Hub: Thursday 22nd and  29th August 2024, 3:30pm – 4:30pm

No need to book, just turn up on the day. (Please note you may need to fill out a registration form if you are not already registered)

Closing Loops: All About Repair!
Come along to a repair-themed workshop in Lancaster, where you’ll explore ways to reduce waste by repairing items in our local area. Learn about repair cafes, hear success stories from across the country, and collaborate on ideas to start zero-waste projects in North Lancashire. The workshop also introduces the Pots of Possibility ‘Your Pots’ grant fund, which supports repair initiatives, with more information on the upcoming grant round. All are welcome to attend and contribute to these creative discussions.

Thursday August 29 2024, 6-8pm
Friends Meeting House, Lancaster

Find out more about this event
Book your place here

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Hermitage Field Wildflower Seeds
Hermitage Field at the Crook O’Lune is developing into a wonderful wildflower meadow thanks to the work of volunteers.

It will be mowed at the end of August but if anyone would like some native wildflower seeds, including yellow rattle, black knapweed, bird’s foot trefoil, autumn hawkbit, etc, then please contact [email protected] to request and confirm collection before going to the site.

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Upcoming Nature-based activities around Morecambe
Do you enjoy connecting to the natural world around you? Do you live in the Lancaster district? The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery have a selection of nature-based events coming up that may be of interest.

Wildflower Planting Day
Weds 28^th August, 11am-3pm | Meet in Morecambe to car pool and get on minivan
Come along to help Cumbria Wildlife Trust to plant native wildflowers at a local site.

Find out more about the above events and book your place

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Pots of Possibility Your Pots
After the Pots of Possibility Your Pots voting event last November, the Filberts Too social enterprise was awarded a grant for work to support food clubs and run baking courses. Following the sad news of the decision to close the Filberts bakery, Filberts Too were unable to continue with their plans and immediately returned their grant to LDCVS.

Our agreed process for making grants from the Your Pots fund means that if a project is unable to proceed, we talk to the organisation with the highest voted “unsuccessful” project with the intention of concluding a grant agreement.

We’re pleased to let you know that The Butterfly Effect CIC have been awarded a grant for activities in and around Cockerham including creating a vegetable and medicinal garden, providing educational workshops, opening a community fridge, and holding seasonal community gatherings. Congratulations to Michelle and her colleagues!

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New North Lancs Food Hub Launching Soon!
FoodFutures is launching “Gather,” an online shop for seasonal, local produce including vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy, honey, and sauces. By shopping at Gather, you support local growers, reduce food miles, and promote a resilient food system. The hub seeks community hosts for food collection points. Interested parties can email [email protected].

Visit Gather North Lancs Food Hub

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Summer THRIVE magazine: Access to Land
The new summer edition of THRIVE magazine is out! It explores different ways communities are overcoming barriers and working to access land for food growing, wellbeing and landscape regeneration.

Read THRIVE online or pick up a hard copy from a community space near you.

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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:

• 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.

Global Link Global Dance Party
Come along to the Gregson Centre and enjoy dance tunes from all around the world with DJ Wasswa and a guest performance by Rudolf Murema.

Pay as you feel, and this is a free event for all refugees and asylum seekers!

Time and Date: 8pm-12 midnight, Friday the 23rd of August

Location: The Gregson Centre, 33-35 Moorgate, Lancaster, LA1 3PY

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Chapel Island Talk & Walk
This September, join The Morecambe Bay Partnership for a unique two-part event celebrating Chapel Island’s rich history and natural beauty. Begin with an online talk on September 25th, where you’ll learn about the island’s fascinating past and its role in protecting Morecambe Bay’s wildlife.

Then, on September 28th, take part in a guided walk across the sands, following in the footsteps of monks, fishermen, and travellers, with a rare visit to the historic Collins Weir. Tickets are limited, so be sure to book early to secure your spot for this memorable experience.

Learn more about this adventure

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Meet Your Muslim Neighbours
Visit Lancaster Central Library between 10am and 4pm and 31 August for another exciting Meet Your Muslim Neighbours event.

The afternoon will include a Discover Islam exhibition, interactive tours, kids activities, discussion and Q&A sessions, and free food and gift packs.

View the event poster here

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Save The Date: Library Festival 
The Library Festival 2024 is a two-day celebration showcasing the work of the Library, University, and community partners. Enjoy interactive exhibits, engaging activities, insightful talks, live music, their very own Race Across the Library (Fri only) and more. 

All are welcome, staff, students, local friends and neighbours. 

Are you an artist, performer, explorer? The call to be involved is still open, please contact: [email protected]  

The dates for the festival are Friday 13 and Saturday 14 of September 

Find out more here

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Housing Advice Drop-In 
Are you suffering from domestic abuse and in need of housing advice? Please drop in and talk to the Domestic Abuse Housing Officer for help and advice on Thursdays 10am-2pm (from the 29 August) at Lancaster Town Hall. 

If you can’t make it: 

Visit: Lancaster.gov.uk/homeless 
Email: [email protected] 
Call: 01524 582257 

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Space Available for Community Groups – Festival Market, Morecambe
Are you looking for a welcoming space to host community activities? Whether it’s a “Knit and Natter” session, a coffee meet-up for new mums, or chair aerobics with a fitness instructor, there is availability to run your session during the Festival market hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. If interested, please contact [email protected]

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FAROUT Cinema Club
The Friends and Relationships Out and About Cinema Club takes place on the second Tuesday of each month. Meet at the Crafty Scholar at 4.30pm before visiting Vue to see a new release.

For more information contact Sarah by email at [email protected] or Mark by email at [email protected]

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CancerCare Events
CancerCare a promoting a number of fundraising challenges, events, and wellbeing activities through to March 2025, including participation in the Great North Run, the annual Santa Dash, and a fine dining evening.

Download the schedule here, or visit the CancerCare website for further information

Data Support Officer with CancerCare
CancerCare are seeking a highly motivated and detail orientated individual to join their team in this newly created role. The role will provide support to the Data & Information Manager and work closely with cross functional teams whereby you will use your analytical expertise to extract insights from data, identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Salary: £14,774 per annum
Contract: 22.5 hours
Location: Based at the Slynedales Centre, Barrow or Kendal Centre.
Closing date: Monday 26th August 2024

Learn more about this role and apply

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CAP Job Club Manager
The CAP Job Club Manager is responsible for setting up and coordinating a local CAP Job Club in partnership with a church to support job seekers in finding employment. The role involves leading the club’s three elements: Course, Community, and Coaching, providing both practical and emotional support to members.

Lancaster & Morecambe Christians Against Poverty are currently assessing the need for a Job Club locally and would like to hear from anyone who may be interested in leading this activity.

Salary: Unconfirmed
Contract: 6-8 hours a week for 24 or 36 weeks a year
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe
Closing date: Expressions of interest by Monday, Sept 2.

Expressions of interest (CV and covering letter) can be sent confidentially to Steven Hewitt, at [email protected]

Learn more about Job Clubs

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Vacancies with the Rainbow Trust
Kentown Programme Project Lead
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity seeks a Programme Project Lead to manage and develop the Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme, working with health, education, and social care professionals to deliver high-quality family support services.

Salary:£29,000 – £34,000 + benefits (including company car, 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Lancaster, Morecambe & Heysham, Lancashire (hybrid)
Closing date: 31 August 2024, 5.11pm

Find out more about this role and apply

Kentown Family Support Worker
Rainbow Trust is looking to appoint a Kentown Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of the pilot Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme, in collaboration with Kentown Wizard and Together for Short Lives.

Reporting to the Kentown Project Lead out of the Lancaster team base and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness

Salary: £23,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Kendal, Penrith, Keswick, Carlisle, Cumbria and Cumberland
Closing date: 31 August 2024, 11.59pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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]