Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 24 January 2025

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.

Click headings below to expand each section.

We are recruiting Health & Wellbeing Coaches
Lancaster District CVS is currently advertising for two health coaches (at 35 hours per week and 17.5 hours per week) to work with participants on the new WorkWell programme delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council.

See the Jobs section for further information.

Improve your Funding Applications in 2025
If you’d like to brush up your funding application skills this new year, our colleague Sharon Phillips is offering two courses suitable for people at all levels of ability.

Top Tips for Writing a Funding Application
People with little or know experience in writing funding applications can learn some basic skills to help them write successful applications for small funding pots up to around £5,000. Sessions are delivered online.

28 January 10am – 11:30am or 29 January 6:30pm – 8pm

£5 for LDCVS members, £10 non-members

Book here

Writing a Compelling Funding Application
If you already have experience in writing applications but would like to finesse your skills for larger bids of £10,000 of more or develop a formal case for support document, this full-day workshop will help you explore how to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for.

19 February, 9:30m – 3:30pm, Alexandra Barracks LA1 3NY

£15 LDCVS members, £25 non-members

Book here

Lancaster Community Fund Round 3 – Opens 30 January
Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS are inviting local charities and community groups needing help to deliver projects and activities which will benefit local people to apply for funding from the Lancaster Community Fund.

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 and applications from new start up groups and small grassroots groups are particularly welcomed. The grant pot is made up of several charity funds donated to Lancaster City Council to support those living in disadvantaged areas of the community.

The fund has three main priorities:

  • Projects that increase community involvement, build community wealth and resilience.
  • Projects that contribute towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
  • Projects that contribute to individual and community wellbeing

The third round of the fund opens for applications on 30 January. Apply by 11:59pm on 28 February.

Find out more and apply

HELP IS CLOSE – Lancaster District Mental Health Support Campaign
Recently it was the launch of a Lancaster District all-age mental health support campaign, designed to connect people of all ages with the physical and mental health resources they need while reducing loneliness and isolation.

Over the coming weeks Lancaster CVS and Lancaster ICC will be sharing campaign content across social media platforms and more. Look out for digital ads, posters, postcards, and beer mats appearing across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, and nearby areas.

We encourage everyone to share campaign content, including digital ads, reels, and shorts, on social media using the hashtag #helpisclose.

The digital versions of all the adverts can be found here.

Visit the campaign landing page for HELP!

The Weavers’ Company
Small grants of up to £5,000, or main grants (no financial limit), are available for organisations that can demonstrate impact with ex-offenders, young offenders or young people at risk of offending, either within a local area or nationally. Priority areas of activity include supporting offenders into work, and helping specific groups within the criminal justice sector – primarily those less popular with other funders.

Apply at any time, decisions made in February, June and October.

Find out more and apply

Steel Foundation
Grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available for community organisations working to improve outcomes for children and young people wholly or mainly under the age of 26. The fund’s focus is on creating educational and/or access opportunities for young people in circumstances, groups or locations that face economic challenges or social marginalisation that may lead to significant disadvantages in later life.

Applications received by 15 April will be assessed by the end of June.

Find out more and apply

Grants for Justice, Equality, and Sustainability
The Matrix Causes Fund (MCF) is offering grants of up to £5,000 for UK organisations promoting access to justice, equality of opportunity, and a sustainable environment. Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including prisoners, asylum seekers, individuals with mental health challenges, children with disabilities, and women in refuges. UK-registered charities can apply for one-off grants or multi-year funding of up to £3,000 annually for three years.

Applications open on 1 January 2025, with a deadline of 31 March 2025. A second application window will run from 1 July to 30 September 2025.

For guidance, visit the Matrix Causes Fund website or contact [email protected].

Bay ICC and PCN Local Investment Fund
Round 2 of the Bay ICC and PCN Local Investment Fund is now open, offering local organisations up to £3,000 to support projects aimed at reducing health inequalities and improving health inclusion in Morecambe. This year’s priorities include initiatives to relieve poverty and destitution, provide accessible transport solutions, and deliver inclusive activities for children and young people. Applications supporting the community during Christmas 2025 are strongly encouraged.

The deadline for submissions is 11 pm, Monday 17 February 2025, with decisions announced by 4 March 2025. To apply or find out more, email [email protected] or call 07495 629175.

Healthy Heart Grants
Heart Research UK (HRUK) is offering grants of up to £15,000 to registered charities and CICs in England with an annual income under £1M. The funding supports community projects focused on preventing heart disease, particularly for vulnerable and isolated adults at higher risk. Projects must address at least one key risk factor: healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Funding can be used for salaries, overheads, or essential equipment for projects lasting between three and 12 months.

Applications for England North open from 7th May to 4th June.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

Rewilding Innovation Fund
The Rewilding Innovation Fund is offering grants of up to £15,000 to support rewilding projects across Britain that cover at least 40 hectares and align with Rewilding Britain’s principles. Funding can be used for business planning, community engagement, feasibility studies, and technological innovations to help projects scale or unlock further funding.

Applicants must be members of the Rewilding Network. The next application deadline is 28th February 2025.

Find out more and apply for this funding

Smart Data Challenge Prize
The Smart Data Challenge Prize is offering up to £600,000 in funding and support to innovative projects that use Smart Data to empower consumers and SMEs. Organised by the Department for Business & Trade, Challenge Works, the Open Data Institute, and Smart Data Foundry, the competition seeks bold solutions that utilise multiple datasets across sectors like finance, energy, and retail. Finalists will receive up to £50,000, expert mentoring, and access to a Smart Data Sandbox to develop their prototypes. The overall winner will be awarded £50,000, with two runner-up prizes of £25,000.

Applications close on 14 March 2025.

Find out more at smartdata.challenges.org

Hospital Saturday Fund
The Hospital Saturday Fund is offering grants of up to £10,000 to support UK-based health charities, hospices, and medical organisations. Funding can be used for medical projects, research, training, hospice care, and equipment, with standard grants of £2,000 and larger grants of up to £10,000 available.

Applications are reviewed quarterly, with upcoming deadlines on 12 March, 11 June, 16 September, and 2 December 2025 for large grants, and 9 April, 9 July, 14 October 2025, and 5 January 2026 for standard grants.

Apply online at hsf.eu.com or contact [email protected] for more details.

Asda Foundation Outdoor Community Spaces Fund
The Asda Foundation is offering grants of up to £3,000 to grassroots community organisations with an income under £250,000 to improve or transform outdoor spaces by August 2025. Funding can support projects that create greener spaces, enhance community growing initiatives, or enable clean-ups. Grants range from £500 to £3,000, with a £500 cap for clean-ups. Eligible costs include materials, equipment, garden tools, plants, and permanent outdoor fixtures.

The deadline to apply is noon on 11 February 2025, but early applications are encouraged as the fund may close sooner if demand is high.

Explore this funding option

KFC Youth Foundation
The KFC Youth Foundation is offering grants of up to £3,000 per year for up to two years to support projects that empower economically disadvantaged young people aged 11-25 across the UK. Funding is available for charities, CICs, unincorporated groups, and community organisations with a turnover under £400,000, particularly those working with care leavers, young carers, refugees, and those at risk of homelessness or the criminal justice system. Projects should create safe spaces, provide mentoring, develop life skills, and improve employment opportunities.

The two-stage application process includes an Expression of Interest with a two-minute video, followed by a full application. The deadline to apply is 14 February 2025, 11.59pm.

Learn more about the KFC Youth Foundation Fund

Capital Grants Programme for Veterans’ Accommodation
Charities and registered social housing providers can now apply for grants of £75,000 to £500,000 (and up to £1 million for exceptional projects) to develop high-quality, affordable housing for veterans in need across the UK. This funding supports major refurbishments, building extensions, and new builds, ensuring properties meet decent homes and energy efficiency standards. Priority will be given to vulnerable groups, including single veterans, those with disabilities, families, and those experiencing homelessness.

The programme, managed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, requires a two-stage application process, with Expressions of Interest due by midday on 18 June 2025.

More information here

Scops Art Trust
The Scops Art Trust is offering grants of up to £30,000 to UK-registered charities and not-for-profit organisations for projects that promote understanding, participation, and enjoyment of the arts, with a focus on performing arts such as music, drama, opera, and dance. The first funding round of 2025 will prioritise local music festivals, while music education and engagement projects for children are eligible in all rounds. Priority will be given to small-to-medium-sized organisations, with grants available for specific projects or core costs for smaller groups.

Applications involve a two-stage process, with eligibility checks required before submission. The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 15 April 2025.

Find out more and apply for funding

Tree Council Planting Projects
The Tree Council, in partnership with Network Rail, is offering grants of £2,500 to £15,000 to support sustainable community tree planting projects across the UK. Open to schools, charities, CICs, and other groups, the fund prioritises projects with strong community involvement, robust aftercare plans, and those located near urban or public spaces. Additional focus areas include biodiversity net gains, flood prevention, and engaging younger generations through training or skills development. Funding can be used for native trees, hedging, and orchards.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about this fund

Google.org Accelerator: Global Generative AI Open Call
Google.org has launched the second cohort of its Generative AI Accelerator, inviting nonprofits, civic entities, academic institutions, and social enterprises worldwide to apply. Selected organisations will share $30 million in funding, along with six months of structured support, pro bono assistance from Google employees, technical training, and Google Cloud credits.

The program focuses on leveraging AI for societal good across three areas: knowledge and skills development, scientific advancement, and building resilient communities. Applications should demonstrate impactful use of AI, scalability, and feasibility, with projects addressing critical issues like digital inclusion, education, and crisis response. Eligible organisations must be registered nonprofits, academic entities, or social enterprises.

Apply by February 10, 2025.

Find out more about this funding opportunity

Grow Wild Youth Grants
Grow Wild will soon offer £500 grants to young people aged 16-25 across the UK for creative projects celebrating the uniqueness of native plants and fungi. Projects should engage at least 100 people, either in person or online, and can cover costs such as materials, training, or expert support. Initiatives must start in May and be completed by October 2025. Applicants need a supporting organisation, such as a school, youth club, or charity, to help manage and deliver the project. Eligible organisations include voluntary groups, educational bodies, arts or environmental charities, or local authorities.

Applications to Grow Wild’s 2025 Youth Grant opportunity are opening soon!

Keep an eye out for updates and more info

Repairs of Listed Places of Worship
The UK government has extended the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme into the 2025/26 financial year, allocating £23 million to support restoration and repair work for listed faith buildings, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. The scheme reimburses VAT costs for eligible projects, such as repairs to foundations, masonry, and monuments integral to the structures. With a maximum annual claim limit of £25,000, the scheme has already distributed nearly £350 million to preserve the nation’s heritage.

Applications are open to all listed places of worship, regardless of size or faith, until March 2026.

Read more about the (LWP) Grant Scheme

MSE Charity Summer Projects
The MSE Charity is offering grants of up to £10,000 to UK-based not-for-profit organisations with an income under £750,000. The funding supports projects that enhance financial capability, such as money management workshops, volunteer training, or upskilling staff. Up to £500 can be used for essential IT equipment. Applications are open to charities, CICs, and other eligible groups established for at least 18 months.

The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 31 January 2025, with funding limited to specific project activities.

Explore this funding option

Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme
Locality’s Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme offers funding of up to £18,000 to town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums, and prospective forums in England. Groups can apply for a basic grant of £1,000–£10,000, with an additional £8,000 available for complex projects. Funding supports activities such as public engagement, training, evidence development, and planning support.

Applications close at 5pm on 31 January 2025, with funds needing to be spent by 31 March 2025. Another funding round is anticipated for July 2025.

Find out more and apply for this fund

Clarion Futures Digital Grants
Clarion Futures is offering grants of £1,000 to £5,000 for not-for-profit organisations working to improve digital skills and confidence among Clarion residents and the wider community. The funding supports projects that empower individuals to use the internet safely, effectively, and to its full potential.

Applications for the next round are now open with a deadline of 12 February 2025 (noon).

For details, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the Clarion Futures portal.

EURAMET Call 2025
The EURAMET 2025 Metrology Partnership Call is now open for Stage 1 submissions, inviting research ideas across four key themes: Health, Integrated European Metrology, Metrology for Regulation, and Research Potential. This call supports innovative metrology research that addresses technological and societal challenges, contributing to areas like health, climate, and regulation.

The deadline for submitting potential research topics is 17 February 2025. Stage 2, where consortia can submit proposals for joint research funding, opens in June 2025. This funding initiative is part of Horizon Europe and aims to strengthen Europe’s metrology capabilities.

Find out more about this funding option

Radcliffe Trust Music and Heritage Projects
The Radcliffe Trust is offering grants between £2,500 and £7,500 for UK-based charities, not-for-profits, and exempt organisations. Funding is available for music projects, including composition, music therapy, youth orchestras, and educational initiatives, as well as heritage and crafts projects focusing on skills development, conservation, and cultural creativity. Applications for both funding streams can be submitted in the same round.

The next deadline is 31 January 2025. For more details, visit their website.

World Habitat Awards
The World Habitat Awards are now open, seeking innovative and practical housing solutions from individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide. Eligible projects must address affordable and sustainable housing, consider the climate emergency, and promote diversity, equality, and inclusion. Submissions should be in progress or completed within the last 10 years and involve collaboration with local communities. Two Gold Awards, each with a £10,000 prize, will be granted alongside international recognition and other prizes.

Apply by 3 March 2025 to showcase your impactful housing initiative.

Visit the World Habitat Awards website for more details

Continuo Foundation Launches Grant Round 9
Continuo Foundation is now accepting applications for its ninth grant round, offering £100,000 to support early music concerts, tours, and projects taking place across the UK from May to October 2025. This initiative has already funded 200 projects, benefiting over 1,000 freelance musicians and reaching 260,000 audience members. Emerging ensembles, formed since 2020, are a priority, with at least 20% of funds earmarked for new talent. Grants range from £2,000 to £8,000.

Applications close on 10 February 2025.

Details are available on the Grant Round Nine page.

CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund
The CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund is offering grants to UK-registered charities supporting young people and adults who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Grants up to £35,000 are available for organisations with an income between £231,000 and £1 million, and smaller organizations can apply for up to 15% of their annual turnover.

Funding priorities include improving employment access, addressing barriers to work, and enhancing life skills, especially in the water, utilities, and construction sectors.

Applications close on 3 February 2025. For details, contact [email protected] or visit the CABWI website

Funding for Sustainable and Active Travel
The Naturesave Trust is offering grants of up to £5,000 for UK-based projects that promote sustainable and eco-friendly travel and transport. Eligible initiatives include clean-fuel vehicles, public transport infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and activities like walking and cycling. Applications are open to charities, social enterprises, grassroots groups, and businesses entirely based in the UK.

The current funding round closes on February 27, 2025, at noon.

For details, visit the Naturesave Trust website.

Grow Wild Community Programme
The Grow Wild Community Programme is offering grants of up to £2,000 for not-for-profit groups across the UK to transform urban spaces using UK native plants or fungi. Projects must focus on biodiversity, sustainable practices, and engaging at least 300 people. Target audiences include young people (12-25), disadvantaged groups, and those with barriers to accessing nature. Grants can cover costs such as seeds, materials, and events.

Applications close on February 13, 2025, with funding awarded in April and spent by October. A £500 follow-on grant for spring 2026 is also available.

Visit Grow Wild for more details

Digital Vocational Training Innovations
The VocTech Activate scheme offers grants between £30,000 and £60,000 to UK-based early-stage businesses, digital innovators, and organisations testing new digital approaches to vocational learning. Funding supports the development, prototyping, and early-stage testing of ideas that transform how people gain skills for work.

Projects must last between 3 and 12 months, with applications closing on February 4, 2025.

Visit the VocTech website for details

Abri’s Community Fund
Abri’s Community Fund offers grants of up to £3,000 to support projects that benefit Abri communities, with a priority for initiatives addressing the cost of living. Recent beneficiaries include Home-Start Bracknell Forest’s “Empowering Hearts and Homes” project, aiding disadvantaged families through tailored support, and other projects focused on youth activities and wellbeing.

Applications for the next round are open until January 31, 2024.

Visit Abri’s website for details and to apply.

Museum Fundamentals Grant Programme
The Museum Fundamentals programme, supported by the Pilgrim Trust and the Julia Rausing Trust, offers grants of up to £20,000 for small and medium-sized museums to improve collections care, knowledge, and access. The grant supports projects that enhance conservation, research, and display, while helping museums meet Accreditation standards.

Eligible applicants must own the collections they work with, be AIM members, and receive fewer than 50,000 visitors annually. Expressions of interest for the spring round are due by 5pm, February 7, 2025.

Full applications are due by March 28, 2025.

For guidance, contact AIM Programmes and Grants Officer Fiona Woolley.

Find out more and apply

Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund
The Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund, relaunched to emphasize equitable working and inclusion, is now open for applications. This fund offers grants of £40,000 to £100,000 over up to three years, supporting UK museums and community organisations that work together on projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, social and climate justice. Core grants are available for museums with established DEI strategies, while partnership project grants support collaborative, community-focused work with collections. Around 12 grants will be awarded in 2025 across two funding rounds.

The next deadline for expressions of interest is 5 February 2025.

For more details, visit the Museums Association website.

Charles Hayward Foundation Social and Criminal Justice
Funding is available from the Charles Hayward Foundation for UK charities working in social and criminal justice with an annual income of £350,000 to £4 million. Grants of £15,000–£25,000 per year (for 1–3 years) support projects like early interventions for vulnerable families, diversionary schemes for at-risk youth, and rehabilitation programs for offenders and victims of domestic abuse.

Applications are open now, with a Stage 1 deadline of 31 January 2025.

Find out more and apply

Grants for Small Charities Supporting Older People
Small charities supporting older people can apply for grants of up to £7,000 from the Charles Hayward Foundation. Funding is available for projects in the British Isles that alleviate isolation and depression, provide practical help for older people living independently, support older carers, or address the needs of those with dementia. The Foundation prioritizes preventative and early intervention programs that improve quality of life and have lasting impact, rather than one-off activities.

Applications are open now, with no deadlines, but the fund is highly competitive.

More details are available on the Charles Hayward Foundation website.

Youth Music Trailblazer Fund
The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund, managed by Action Together, is now open for UK-based organisations that support children and young people through music. Grants of £2,000 to £30,000 are available for projects lasting between 6 and 24 months. These grants aim to support organisations committed to improving inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in music. This includes initiatives that help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, those facing barriers, and those wanting to trial a new music offer.

The deadline for applications is 11 April 2025.

For more details, visit the Youth Music website.

Idlewild Trust 
The Idlewild Trust is offering grants through two programmes: Arts: Nurturing Early-Stage Professionals and Conservation: Objects and Works of Art. The Arts programme supports training opportunities for emerging professionals in performing and visual arts, early in their careers. The Conservation programme funds projects preserving cultural heritage of national or international significance, with a focus on knowledge sharing and public engagement.  

Applications for Round 2 (2024) opened on 2 December 2024 and close on 14 February 2025. Eligible applicants must be UK-registered or publicly exempt charities.  

Full details and application guidelines are available on the Idlewild Trust website. 

Funding to Support Vulnerable Young People and Child Carers 
The 7Stars Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 to UK charities with an annual turnover under £1.5 million. Funding supports projects for young people aged 16 and under, focusing on abuse, addiction, child carers, and homelessness. Grants are available for project costs, wellbeing or educational items, direct support for individuals, and initiatives tied to awareness days.  

The next application deadline is 2 February 2024.  

For more details, visit the 7Stars Foundation website 

Amazon Literary Partnership Grant Programme 2025
Grants are available for not-for-profit literary organisations in the UK and Ireland to support projects amplifying diverse voices and developing lasting impacts on writers, publishing, and society. Applications are open until 31st January 2025, with decisions announced by May 2025.

Visit the ALP website for details and apply via the Submittable portal.

Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025
The world’s biggest museum prize is now open for applications. This prestigious award celebrates the outstanding achievements of UK museums and galleries. One winning institution will receive £120,000, with four additional finalists awarded £15,000 each.

The 2025 theme, The People Who Make You, highlights how museums work alongside communities, families, and artists to create inclusive and impactful spaces. Public museums, galleries, historic houses, and archives are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open until 27th January 2025.

Visit the Art Fund website for guidance and details on how to apply.

Supporting Rural Communities Grant Programme
The Royal Countryside Fund is launching its Supporting Rural Communities grant programme on 10th January 2025, offering up to £25,000 over 24 months for community-led projects across the UK. Grants focus on keeping young people in rural areas, powering up communities, increasing environmental sustainability, and building emergency resilience.

Expressions of Interest are open from 10th January to 21st February 2025, with successful applicants notified in May 2025.

Visit the Royal Countryside Fund’s website for details

Strategic Legal Fund for Migrant Groups
Grants of up to £30,000 are available for strategic legal work benefiting asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants facing poverty and disadvantage in the UK. The fund supports initiatives addressing injustices in areas like immigration, housing, and human rights.

Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations and solicitors offering specialist legal advice.

Deadlines: 27 January 2025 and 31 March 2025.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

Morecambe Town Council Grants
Festivals & Events
Applications for grants supporting festivals and events taking place in Morecambe after March 2025 are now being accepted with an application deadline of 24 January 2025.

Funding of up to £10,000 is available for community-based not for profit organisations.

Find out more and apply

Community Grants
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects proposed by local not-for-profit organisations that will benefit Morecambe and its residents. Schools are also welcome to apply for educational trips and special events not on the normal curriculum.

Apply by 24 January 2025 for activities taking place from March 2025 onwards.

Find out more and apply

See the Training section for details of our webinar providing tips and advice for applications to both Morecambe Town Council grants.

Onward Community Fund
Grants of up to £2,500 are available for community organisations to deliver a project in their neighbourhood.

Funding is restricted to projects taking place in Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, and must be used for projects which address one or more of these themes:

  • Work – supporting community-based employment, training, volunteering and enterprise opportunities
  • Food – supporting food resilience in communities during a challenging economic period
  • Wellbeing – improving wellbeing, particularly through access to and use of greenspace and youth engagement work
  • Digital – providing a digital skills and support offer

The current round closes on 7 February 2025 and is judged on 25 February 2025.

Find out more and apply

Make a Giant Whale for Baylight 25!
Morecambe Sparkle are looking for community groups to join artist Donna Campbell in a joint effort to create a giant whale to head the Baylight 25 parade. Around five to ten people are needed for each workshop, which will take place in Morecambe every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between Saturday 1 February and Sunday 16 February.

Seven people are also required on the night of the parade to help Donna carry the whale.

If you’re interested in bringing your group to a session, get in touch at [email protected]

Big Lancaster Spring Clean
Lancaster Business Improvement District has partnered with Beyond Radio and Lancaster City Council to join in with the national Great British Spring Clean.

The local campaign aims to make the city centre look more attractive and to promote all the hard work that already goes into keeping the streets clean.

The BID are keen to hear your views on what should be prioritised during the campaign, including specific issues or areas of the city centre.

Email [email protected] to have your say

Psychology Student Placement Opportunity
Lancaster University’s MSc in Psychology and Behavioural Analytics is offering 12-week summer placements for students to help organisations analyse data and gain valuable insights. These students are skilled in handling digital data, social media analytics, and behavioural trends, making them ideal for groups working with communities, health, safety, or funding bids.

Organisations can propose real-world projects and interview students to find a suitable match. A free online briefing on Wednesday 5th February (1-2pm) will provide more details. Register here!

Council Budget Proposal 
City Council representatives will present the Budget and Policy Framework Proposals for consultation purposes to the Council’s Budget and Performance Panel later this month. 

You may attend the meeting in person, or you may view the livestream of the meeting here

The budget proposals can be found by logging on to the City Council’s website here.    

Time and Date: Wednesday the 29th January, 6pm 
Location: Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe LA4 4AF 

Ellel Hall for Hire
Ellel Village Hall is looking for groups and organisations interested in hiring their venue on a regular basis. At present, the Hall is available all day on Mondays and is an ideal space for local groups, charities, or organizations looking for a reliable and accessible venue. 

Facilities include: 

  • Free parking 
  • Wheelchair accessibility 
  • Fully equipped kitchen 
  • Storage options 
  • Wi-Fi 
  • Tables and chairs 
  • Cleaning after each use 

To find out more and discuss costs, email [email protected] 

Association of Chairs – Financial Leadership in Small Charities
The Association of Chairs exists to support and champion charity Chairs. They have recently published a useful guide which helps Chairs with financial governance, including supporting trustees with financial duties, making board arrangements for financial governance, creating financial plans and more.

Download the guide here

Psychology & Behavioural Analytics Student Placements
Lancaster District CVS is working with Lancaster University’s Psychology Department, seeking organisations with meaningful projects—along with data —that could benefit from students’ advanced analytical skills. Lancaster University runs a Masters program called Psychology and Behavioural Analytics. Students are ready to undertake 12-week summer placements, delivering actionable insights while honing their research abilities.

If you are interested in hosting a student over summer, please come along to this online briefing where you will have the chance to find out more about the project from course leads, Professor Mark Levine and Dr Simon Tomlinson, and ask any questions that you might have. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the expertise of a Masters student and make best use of your data.

5 February 2025, 1pm – 2pm, online

Find out more and book your place

Volunteering Research Study: Beyond Good Deeds Study
Investigating How Volunteering Motivations and Personality Shape Well-Being

Northumbria University is conducting a research study exploring the relationship between volunteering, personality traits, and well-being. Adults (18+) are invited to participate in a short, anonymous questionnaire taking 20–25 minutes. The study aims to improve our understanding of how motivations for volunteering impact mental health and could inform better practices for volunteer organisations and health professionals.

Participation is voluntary, confidential, and may help reflect on personal experiences while contributing to meaningful research. Results will support an MSc Psychology thesis and potentially future publications, remaining fully anonymous.

For more information or to take part, contact: [email protected] Supervisor: [email protected]

Your input can make a difference! Participate in the survey here

Charity Governance Awards
The Charity Governance Awards celebrate exceptional governance and trusteeship in UK charities, offering a chance to showcase best practices, inspire others, and compete for prizes of up to £6,000. Open to charities of all sizes, entries are free and close on 12 February 2025. Winners will be announced at a live ceremony in June.

Find out more and start your entry

Charity Excellence Survey
Charity Excellence is conducting a survey for small charities. 

They are hoping to create some guidance for funders to make application processes easier for charities. 

Their message is: “The workload in submitting multiple funding bids is now a major problem, so we’re going to create a Good Grant Makers Guide of those that make it easiest and identify ways funders can make applications less onerous. I’m using a short survey to collect data.   

Feel free to complete it and also to share this with anyone who might be interested.  If they add their e-mail, they’ll be sent the results.” 

It should take 10 mins to complete and there is a sneaky bonus in Q4 because this has a big list of funders, some which you may not have heard of, so it may be worth checking what some of those out. 

UCLan Third Sector Survey 
The University of Central Lancashire is looking to explore the capacity for third-sector organisations to undertake internal evaluation as well as any barriers that may currently exist. Having reviewed existing literature, they are aware that there is increasing demand for evaluation and further attention is needed on how third sector agencies currently complete evaluations. 

They are seeking the views of individuals who currently work for a third-sector organisation and have been involved in conducting, commissioning or participating in an evaluation. They would appreciate if you could take a moment to fill out the survey.

Police & Crime Plan
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has launched a new Police and Crime Plan for 2024-2029. The plan sets out the Commissioner’s vision for policing across Lancashire in preventing and investigating crime. It is based on extensive feedback from Lancashire residents, alongside local and national research and publications.

Read more here

Top Tips for Writing a Funding Application
This online session is designed for people who have little or no experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from some basic pointers that would help them to write successful applications for small funding pots e.g. £500 to £5000 grants.

It will be particularly useful for small, grassroots community organisations such as sports clubs, uniformed services, church/faith groups, arts and or youth group projects. Advice given will help with applications for grant funds such The Lancaster Community Fund or Eric Wright Charitable Trust as well as other small funding pots available.

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer.

£5 for LDCVS Members, £10 for non-members.

28 January 2025, 10am – 11:30am, online

Book your ticket

Writing a Compelling Funding Application
This workshop is designed for people who already have some experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from a practical session to finesse their content for larger funding applications or to develop a project Case for Support document.

There will be an opportunity to explore the types of questions you will need to respond to for larger funding applications and how best to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for. There will also be some focus on costings and getting your budget right.

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer.

£15 for LDCVS members, £25 for non-members.

19 February 2025, 9.30am – 3:30pm, Alexandra Barracks, Lancaster

Book your ticket

Free Online Training: MECC for Physical Activity Sessions
Health and wellbeing organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria are invited to attend one of two free online “Making Every Contact Count (MECC) for Physical Activity” sessions designed to support behaviour change through everyday conversations about physical activity.

Session Dates:

  • Thursday, 30 January 2025 (10:00 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Thursday, 27 February 2025 (10:00 am – 12:30 pm)

Participants will learn to integrate physical activity guidance into their daily interactions, encouraging healthier lifestyles and addressing health inequalities like heart disease and stroke. This course is suitable for anyone, including workplace health champions, with no prior knowledge required.

To book your place, email [email protected] with your preferred date.

Useful links:
Benefits of Physical Activity
NHS Exercise Guide 19-64
Core20 Plus Healthcare Inforgraphic
MECC for Physical Activity Application Form

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. The same session is running twice, so choose the most convenient for you.

The 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
  • MS-friendly services on the Lancaster District Directory of Services (directory.lancastercvs.org.uk)

13 February 2025, 2:30pm – 3:30pm or 7pm – 8pm, online

Book your free place here

Charity Commission Workshops: Supporting Charities Operating Internationally
The Charity Commission is hosting free in-person workshops for charities operating internationally from January to March 2025. These interactive events, titled WORLD: Working Overseas – Risks, Responsibilities, and Legal Duties, will cover essential topics such as trustee responsibilities, international risk management, safeguarding, and handling charitable funds safely.

Dates and Locations:

  • Birmingham: Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, Millennium Point

Spaces are limited to two attendees per charity. These workshops offer networking opportunities, practical exercises, and expert guidance tailored to charities working abroad. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

For more details or to book, contact the Charities Engagement Team at [email protected].

FREE LGBTQ+ Awareness Training  
Lancashire LGBT is running two more LGBTQ+ awareness training sessions for people working in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Lancashire LGBTQ+ will be running a session on Thursday 6th February at 10am-3.15pm in J365 Conference Centre, Crooklands LA7 7NU and an online session on Tuesday 11th March. There is no charge to attend this training.  

Find out more here 

The Peer Partnership Training Opportunities
The Peer Partnership is offering a series of online workshops in November 2024 and February 2025 for VCSE, local authority, and health sector workers. Topics include peer support design, group dynamics, workplace boundaries, and responding to challenging behaviour. Each workshop costs £50 and can be booked via Eventbrite. Custom sessions for organisations are also available.

How to Design Peer Support
Tuesday 4th February 2025 09:30-13:30

Group Dynamics and Facilitation
Tuesday 18th February 2025 09:30-13:30

Boundaries in the VCSE Workplace
Thursday 20th February 2025 12:30-16:30

Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Tuesday 25th February 2025 09:30-13:30

For more details, visit The Peer Partnership website or contact them directly at [email protected] or call on 0117 955 5038.

Trading for Good School for Social Entrepreneurs
The Trading for Good programme provides funding, education and support for social entrepreneurs and community businesses across England. Through this free programme you will learn from experts, and others like you, to grow your community business and you will also receive a Match Trade Grant of up to £4k to support you to develop trading income streams.  This is a great opportunity to develop skills such as generating income, adapting to changing external environments and positively impacting your community.

Dates: 17 Dec 2024 – 1 Aug 2025
Duration: 12 days over 9 months starting in December 2024
Location: Birmingham, London, Manchester

Read more about the programme and register your interest

 

IT Support Volunteer at Bay Veterans’ Association
Bay Veterans’ Association are looking for support with their computers and information technology, including updating desktops and laptops, looking after their website and social media accounts, liaising with their IT provider, and maintaining databases.

Find out more about this role

Become a Trustee with SAFE
Have you always wanted to support your local community? Share your skills or interests to help others? Have some time spare and want to help but might not know how? SAFE can help! SAFE are currently seeking trustees to join their team and help them to shape the future of SAFE and enable support for the local community. The charity are seeking roles including: A Chair of Trustee, Trustees to support with Fundraising, Admin & HR, as well as general support roles. Trustee roles are remote and suggested a monthly commitment of 3-5 hours (This can vary each month depending on the charity’s activities) with quarterly trustee meetings. Please contact CEO Keeley to find out more [email protected] or 07568937988.

REMAP Volunteers Wanted 
REMAP are in urgent need of volunteers with DIY and problem-solving skills to design and make aids to help people with disabilities where there is nothing available commercially. In particular they need people in FY and PR post code areas. 

The equipment, produced by their team of dedicated volunteers, can help with day-to-day tasks such as mobility, personal care or eating. Or it can enable the client to pursue a hobby or ambition, such as participating in a sport or art activity. 

Please take a look at their website for more information or contact [email protected] 

Lead Volunteer for Premises – The Gregson Centre
Can you support the Gregson Centre, working with staff and volunteers to help them as they move forward with renovations and improvements to their slightly dilapidated but very well used Victorian building? 

Visit here for full details and to apply 

Various Volunteer Roles with Harmony Health CIC 
Harmony Health is a new CIC working to support health and wellbeing in Lancaster communities and they need volunteers to support them with: 

  • Bookkeeping
  • Social media
  • Administration
  • Horticulture
  • Direct health and wellbeing support 

Find out more about each role and how to get involved 

 –

Fundraising Volunteer – Beyond Radio 
Beyond Radio would love to hear from anyone who feels they could support them by offering their knowledge and experience of fundraising, helping with grant finding and general fundraising activities.  

Visit here for more information including how to apply 

Van Drivers and Delivery Assistants  
The 3R Foundation charity shop in Carnforth needs volunteer van drivers and delivery assistants.  

See here for more details including how to apply  

 –

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!

Help Is Close Podcast 
Knowing how to find help when it comes to mental health and wellbeing can be a challenge. In this edition of When Life Gives You Lemons hosts Joanna Young and the Rev Ian Dewar hear about Help Is Close, a Lancaster district-wide, mental health support campaign aimed at all ages. 

Listen here! 

Health Research with People in Prison or on Probation
The Chief Medical Officer will be reporting to government on the health of people in prison and on probation in England. The Science Office at the Ministry of Justice is supporting the report and running a survey about conducting health research with these populations.

The aim of the research is to understand the facilitators and challenges are to conducting health research with this population, and what changes could increase the quantity, quality and impact of such research.

Respondents must currently be active in, or have previously considered, attempted or completed research with people in prison or on probation in England, where the aim of the research was to use data to investigate their health or healthcare provision. Respondents must have been based externally to the Ministry of Justice, its agencies, or other government departments at the time of their research.

Find out more and respond to the survey

Prevention Matters – Fire Safety 
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service would like to highlight the danger hazards posed by hoarding and clutter. There are various reasons why people may accumulate a large amount of items in their home. This could be linked to mental or physical health conditions or a learning disability.  

Read this useful information and advice on how to make the environment as safe as possible for yourself or anyone you know who may feel this could be an issue.

Warrior Down Substance Misuse Support Service 
The Warrior Down LERO (Lived Experience Recovery Organisation) is committed to contributing to reducing health inequality, addressing unmet need and supporting community well-being. 

Their staff team benefits from over 30 years combined experience in the local VCFSE sector and they are now offering a range of activities across the whole week for those at any stage of their recovery journey. These include Recovery Support, Emotional Resilience and Mindset and DayHab/Drop in.  

Groups are open to anyone without the need for a formal referral.  People can just show up and they will make them welcome. 

To find out more or get in contact visit their website here 

Location: RRCC, 74 West End Road, Morecambe, LA4 4DY 

HELP IS CLOSE – Lancaster District Mental Health Support Campaign
It was recently the launch of a Lancaster District all-age mental health support campaign, designed to connect people of all ages with the physical and mental health resources they need while reducing loneliness and isolation. Over the coming weeks, look out for digital ads, posters, postcards, and beer mats appearing across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, and nearby areas.

We encourage everyone to share campaign content, including digital ads, reels, and shorts, on social media using the hashtag #helpisclose.

If you’d like posters or postcards covering the campaign’s themes, email [email protected]. Digital versions of all the adverts can be found on the campaign website. Thank you to everyone who has supported the initiative so far and to those helping spread the word.

Remember, HELP IS CLOSE—sometimes, people just need a hand to find it.

Visit the Lancaster Digital Directory for HELP!

Bay Veterans Association Healthy Heart Programme
Bay Medical Group have funded fifteen spaces on this new programme starting on 24 February. Participants will learn how to manage and reduce the symptoms associated with various chronic health conditions with professional support and guidance.

The programme incudes an in-depth health assessment, advice and education tailored to your condition, chair based exercise classes, and peer support.

To join the programme, call Bay Veterans Association on 01524 737787.

Talk Club Peer to Peer Talking Groups
Talk Club is a UK male mental health charity helping men to improve their mental health. talking groups actively help men to understand how they’re feeling by asking ‘How are you? Out of 10?’ then explaining why. It helps to build resilience.

On average, a TC talk and listen group raises a man’s mental fitness by over 15%.

Talk & Listen groups are now starting in Lancaster and Morecambe.

Lancaster, on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month starting on 23 January, 7pm – 9pm at Hope Church. Email Francis Dawson for further information at [email protected]

Morecambe, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, starting on 16 January, 6pm – 8pm at Stanleys Community Centre. Email William Norris for further information at [email protected]

Let’s Talk Ketamine
WithYou is welcoming families, carers and concerned others to an information session around Ketamine. This 90 minute session will explain what ketamine is, how it is being used, and the current harm reduction for young people.

16 January, 11am – 12:30pm

Book a place by emailing [email protected]

Have Your Say on New Hospital Sites
The proposed locations for new hospital sites replacing Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary have been announced, and public engagement is now underway. A series of listening events, roadshows, and focus groups will take place across Lancashire and South Cumbria from February to March 2025, ensuring that local voices help shape the future of healthcare in the region.

Join NHS leaders and clinicians at in-person events to share your views. If you can’t attend, a survey will be available online, by post, and by phone. Registration opens at 12 noon on 14 January: newhospitals.info/HaveYourSay.

Virtual Village Hall
The Virtual Village Hall, created by the Royal Voluntary Service, provides free online activities to support physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and encourage new hobbies. With over 2,000 on-demand sessions and 12-15 live weekly events, it offers a variety of options, including exercise, mindfulness, arts, and cooking. Designed for all, it’s particularly valuable for health and social care professionals as a resource to support clients, promote social connection, and address health inequalities.

Visit their website for more info

Westgate Neighbourhood Centre – New Horizons
Come along to the Westgate Neighbourhood Centre in Morecambe for the “New Horizons” programme, starting Thursday 13th February 2025 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This 12-week personal development course offers a FREE wellness session in week one, including massage, nails, beauty, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain a Level 1 certificate and a Level 2 in Mental Health First Aid. Connect with others, gain transferrable skills in a supportive environment, and enjoy light refreshments and gifts from us.

Book your place by calling 01524 581280.

View the event poster here

Free 2-Day Health Coaching Training – Jan to March 2025 
Active Lancashire is offering free 2-day Health Coaching courses for health and well-being organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria. This training supports behaviour change, empowering individuals to manage their health through shared decision-making. It’s part of the NHS Long Term Plan and has proven benefits for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease while reducing healthcare demand. 

Spaces are limited—register via the application form by emailing [email protected]  

View Health Coaching flyer 
View Structuring Health Coaching Conversation leaflet 
Download Health Coaching application form 

Coffee and Connect-One Stop Shop 
Lune Park Family Hub are launching new regular and welcoming afternoons where you can connect with others in a warm and friendly environment where practical advice will be in on hand for: 

  • Housing
  • Finance
  • Employment 
  • Parenting/ Triple P Advice 
  • Emotional Health & Wellbeing 
  • Relationships 

These afternoons will start on Friday the 17th of January and will be every third Friday of the month at 1-3pm. Free hot drinks and snacks will be provided and there will be toys available to keep your little ones entertained! 

Location: Lune Park Family Hub, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN 

Identifying Unmet Health Equity Needs in North Lancashire & Cumbria
The Warrior Down LERO CIC focuses on improving the lives of individuals, families and communities by strengthening and sustaining local recovery communities and emphasising three essential components of recovery capital necessary for lasting change:

  • Personal: This includes health, self-esteem, identity, resilience, coping skills, and communication. 
  • Social: Supportive relationships with both those in recovery and non-users.
  • Community: Recovery is seen as a co-created process reliant on community support. 

The CIC would now like help to identify unmet health equity needs in relation to recovery, and has launched a short survey which you can access here.

Get Ready for Winter 
Lancashire County Council’s Health Protection Team are urging everyone to prepare for colder weather to stay safe and well this winter. Their ‘Get Ready for Winter’ campaign highlights that cold weather can negatively impact health, even at moderate temperatures (4–8°C). Vulnerable groups, such as older adults, young children, or those with health conditions, are particularly at risk. 

Tips to stay healthy: 

  • Keep homes warm (18°C+) and maintain heating systems. 
  • Stay active, eat warm meals, and layer clothing. 
  • Practice good hand hygiene to avoid winter illnesses. 
  • Get recommended vaccines 

Plan ahead for severe weather and emergencies.  

For advice or support, contact: [email protected]. 

View the campaign information sheet here 

RNIB Survey  
RNIB’s latest survey is available to both blind and partially sighted men and women living in the UK, aged 16 years or over and is open until 20 December 2024. The survey will filter questions dependent on whether the person completing it is male or female. There are questions relating to people’s experiences of getting around, personal safety, employment, family, and relationships.  

RNIB are keen to have representation from across the UK, from people of all ages, particularly those aged 16 to 34, and all ethnicities. So, if you are interested and fit the criteria, please complete this survey.  

For anyone who is unable to complete an online survey, there is an option to call RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 to register for future surveys. The advisor will gather information from the customer and when there is another survey, the customer will receive a call from one of our team to run through the questions. 

Triple P Courses 
Lancashire County Council’s Positive Parenting Program, are running courses aiming to promote a positive, caring relationship between you and your child. Empowering you as a parent/carer to choose the skills and values you wish to promote in your child and help them develop skills they need to tackle everyday situations. 

Here are the upcoming dates, times and locations: 

  • Wednesday 26th Feb 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 13:00-15:00 Poulton  
  • Thursday 27th Feb 2025 (6 weeks) Group 9:30-11:30 Lune Park  
  • Tuesday 22nd April 2025 (7 weeks) Teen 6:00-8:00 Teams  
  • Wednesday 4th Jun 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 13:00-15:00 Poulton  
  • Thursday 5th Jun 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 9.30-11.30 Lune Park 

For more information or to book a place please call – 01524 581280 or email [email protected]

Enable: Supportive Community Activities for Long-Term Health Conditions
Enable offers a welcoming community for people with long-term health conditions through a variety of weekly activities. These include monthly meetings on the 1st Monday (10am-12pm) at Brew Me Sunshine in Morecambe, weekly coffee catch-ups on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays at various Morecambe cafés, and a wellbeing café every Tuesday (1pm-3pm) at Carnforth Free Methodist Church Hall. There’s also a monthly social meal on the 2nd Tuesday at The Dog and Partridge at 7pm.

For more details, visit the ‘Enable’ Facebook page or contact Chloe at 07882 280549.

Free Community Defibrillators Available from British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has relaunched its Community Defibrillator Funding Programme, offering over 320 free defibrillator packages to UK communities. Priority will be given to areas with high need, especially those with limited access to existing defibrillators. Each package includes a defibrillator, cabinet, and coverage of installation costs, plus free replacement parts as needed.

Communities awarded a defibrillator will also have their device registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, ensuring quick access for emergency responders. The BHF aims to improve survival rates for the 30,000+ out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year, noting that early CPR and defibrillation greatly improve chances of survival.

Apply for a free community defibrillator on the BHF website

Crafternoon Tea with Headway
The brain injury charity Headway are holding an afternoon tea with a crafty twist. Bring your own craft projects and join in with new craft ideas. If you would like to run a craft session get in touch or just pop along for a brew! Join them every Monday from 1-3pm at Galloways behind Brew Me Sunshine Café, Morecambe.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Keeping Safe and Warm This Winter 
With the weather getting colder there can be many potential difficulties and hazards within people’s homes. These issues have a chance of posing a risk to people’s health with situations such as not being able to afford to heat their homes sufficiently and possible hazardous sources of heat such as old heaters or the ways in which they are used.  

The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service have this comprehensive guide to keep yourself safe and warm this winter.  

Lancashire Warm Spaces Initiative – Directory & Small Grants
The Lancashire Warm Spaces Initiative aims to provide a local network of safe, warm, and welcoming places for individuals and families during the winter months. These spaces are designed to offer not only warmth but also a sense of connection and support.

Once again, an online directory will provide full details of spaces registered with the scheme.

Small grants are also available for community organisations to help them set up and run a warm space. The first round is now open, with more information available on the Lancashire Countil Council website.

If you have any questions about the initiative, contact the team at [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]
View the health coaching flyer

Youth Work Evidence Alliance (YWEA) Roundtables
The YWEA are planning online roundtables to improve data collection and outcomes in the youth sector. All sector practitioners are welcome to attend. Discussions will focused on shared measurement, and exploring benefits and challenges of aligning impact measurement systems.

The North West roundtable takes place on 13 February, 1am – 12 noon.

Find out more

Escape2Make Creative Workshops
Escape2Make are holding FREE creative workshops. There will be spaces open for all 11-18s to join them during February half term!  

There will be workshops for Botanical art, Mural painting, Photography, Singing, Upcycled furniture and more!  

Make things, make friends, make a difference. Sign up today! 

Kooth Webinars 
Kooth is an NHS commissioned service and is rolled out to provide mental health support at the point of need for a young person. It can provide wrap around support by being a part of a young person’s wider care package, as well as alleviating lengthy waiting lists for mental health support. 

Webinar dates are available for professionals to find out more about how Kooth can be utilised to support the mental health of young people. These are as follows:  

  • 27th January 12:30 – 1:00 
  • 29th January 3:30 – 4:00 
  • 4th February 8:30 – 9:00 

Find out more about Kooth 

Lancashire Mind Youth Advisory Group
Lancashire Mind are recruiting across the county for young people aged 14-18 to get involved with a new Youth Advisory Group. Their aim is that Youth Advisors lead with the feedback and evaluation of their services for young people as well as becoming a part of focus groups within the organisation.

Young people will be given practical training to build key skills in mental health, leadership, and will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of coproduction and service design in a leading mental health charity.

Anyone interested in taking part can find out more and apply here

Lancashire Youth Challenge Spring Programme 2025
Lancashire Youth Challenge are welcoming referrals from partner agencies working with young people aged 13- 21 yr experiencing multiple vulnerabilities including A.C.E.S, mental health, trauma and emotional based non school attenders.

LYC are currently taking referrals and are sharing some dates for their Time to Breathe and Restore with EFC programmes.

Time to Breathe, provides an environment that allows young people to reflect, review, and rebuild while immersing themselves in the natural world and experiencing the positive benefits of being in nature.

On January 18th, there will be a taster day at Gathering Fields to launch Time To Breathe 2025. The programme will then run weekly sessions from 3rd Feb 2025 leading up to an Easter Camp in April. 

RESTORE provides young people with the tools, skills and resources needed to rediscover their purpose, build resilience, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. RESTORE with EFC harnesses the benefits of being active through regular fitness sessions and non-contact boxing methodologies in partnership with psychology informed mentoring practice – partnered with Empire Fighting Chance

On January 21 a 10 week RESTORE with EFC non contact boxing programme begins at Bay Fit Gym.

If you are working with a young person who you think would be interested in one of LYC’s projects please fill in the referral form and return to: [email protected]

Artist Callout – Escape2Make Heritage Festival
The E2M Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday, 23rd August and will be preceded by 5-weeks of creative workshops during the Summer holidays.

The festival is a celebration of Lancaster & Morecambe’s rich history in all manner of things, such as: lino printing, chocolate/sweet making, furniture making and more! But everything will have a creative twist. Young people will have the chance to learn about the history of the local area by engaging in creative practices they wouldn’t get to do in school.

E2M are looking for artists to deliver creative workshops for 11-18 year olds that are fun and creative, celebrate local heritage, and have clear outcomes that can be showcased. Workshops can be programmed over five sessions or as one-offs.

Find out more and respond to the callout

Young People’s Barriers to Accessing Library Services
Lancaster County Council are working as part of the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians youth engagement network to share best practices for working with young people across the UK.

The Council would like to engage a small group of young people who may face barriers to accessing library services, working with them throughout 2025 to garner their advice and ideas. The project will be co-produced; ideally, the young people involved should initiate and develop the ideas. These barriers could relate to mental health, LGBTQIA+, SEND, diverse communities, people seeking sanctuary, etc.

If you can support or know a group of young people who would like to be involved in this project, please contact John Haigh, Bibliotherapy and Wellbeing Officer – [email protected]

Independent Visitor with Young People in Care – NYAS 
The National Youth Advocacy Service needs your help to support young people in local authority care. As an Independent Visitor you will visit, advise, and befriend the child or young person on a minimum basis of one visit per month, sharing quality one to one time.  

Visit here for full details and to apply. 

BEE Unique Sessions
BEE UNIQUE Autism, a non-profit charity that supports families with children who have special educational needs (SEN) provide exclusive activities and sessions in the Lancaster district. These sessions are designed to help children enjoy everyday activities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. No official diagnosis is required for children to attend, and siblings and family members are welcome.

The charity is run by parents of SEN children and professionals who volunteer their time, ensuring that no expenses are taken. All funds raised are used to subsidise costs, enabling as many SEN families as possible to benefit from their support.

View poster one
View poster two

Family Hubs What’s On 2025
The Family Hub centres have provided their new year schedule of events which provide various support sessions and activities for families and young children.

Baby and You sessions on Monday mornings provide engaging, age-appropriate activities for babies and parents. Infant Massage sessions on Tuesdays offer bonding time and development support with booking required. Chat Play Read sessions on Wednesdays help children under 5 develop speech and language skills. Development Matters on Friday mornings offers stimulating activities for young children.

Parenting support includes Breastfeeding Peer Support Group on Mondays and Positive Relationships, Stronger Families courses on Tuesdays. Citizen Advice sessions on Wednesdays provide practical advice, and Warm Space drop-ins on Fridays offer a supportive environment for connection.

Monthly Coffee and Connect/One Stop Shop and M.A.T.C.H (Men and Their Children) events provide further opportunities for parents to gather and share experiences.

View the What’s On Guide

Lancaster Youth Challenge Restore & Time To Breathe Programmes
Restore
This ten week programme of non-contact boxing and wellbeing for young people 13 – 17 years will build confidence and fitness levels and nurture a sense of personal achievement.

Tuesdays from 21 January, 4.30pm – 6pm at Vale of Lune RUFC

For more information or to refer a young person, contact [email protected]

Time to Breathe
This ten-week programme provides an alternative and safe space to understand emotional well-being, express thoughts and feelings, develop personal confidence and transferrable skills through nature-based education and educational wellbeing activities.

Sessions began on 18 January and are delivered at Gathering Fields and The Cornerstone.

For more information or to refer a young person, contact [email protected]

Barnardo’s Supported Lodgings
The Supported Lodgings services offers a unique opportunity to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 16-25 as they transition into adulthood. Supported Lodgings hosts offer a safe and stable home, provide guidance and emotional support, help the development of independent living skills, and have access to a dedicated support worker to address any challenges.

Hosts are provided with a 24/7 helpline and weekly financial support.

Supported Lodgings are expanding across Lancashire so if you have a spare room, want to support young people, and are a patient good listener, please contact Saira Hussain at [email protected]

Download the leaflet to find out more

Join the new Morecambe Bay Curriculum Working Groups
Would you like:

  • funding for your place-based green project ideas?
  • top notch CPD delivered by Lancaster University, Eden Project, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University of Cumbria and Health Professionals?
  • to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who feel passionately about the power of teaching and learning?
  • to weave sustainability, place and the environment into your day-to-day practice?
  • a say in shaping the Morecambe Bay Curriculum and Eden Project Morecambe?

If so, consider joining one of the MBC working groups, focusing on one of primary, secondary, special educational needs and disabilities, or alternative provision.

The MBC team will be on hand to support each group as you meet regularly to explore your collective interests and develop projects, curriculum resources or campaigns that you think will make a difference in your setting.

Working Groups start in February 2025 and culminate in July 2026. Groups will meet approximately every one or two months for around 60 – 90 minutes, followed by termly inter-phase twilight CPD.

Find out more and apply

Inside Out – Support for Children (8-11 Years) 
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service offers free weekly sessions for children aged 8-11 (Key Stage 2) who may be struggling with emotions, anxious behaviours, or low confidence. Kids can explore feelings, manage worries, build confidence, and enjoy creative, physical, and fun activities with peers. 

  • Carnforth Neighbourhood Centre – Mondays, 3:30-4:30 PM
  • Morecambe Library, Central Drive – Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 PM

No booking needed – just turn up! For more info, call 01524 581280. 

See the C&FWS poster here 

Lancaster and Morecambe Family Zone Services 
Offering a wide range of support for families, the Family Zone hosts community midwives, health visitor clinics, Citizens Advice, and smoking cessation services, alongside engaging groups for children and parents.  

Sessions include: 

  • Baby & You sessions (0-pre walkers) 
  • Development Matters for early child development 
  • Infant Massage and Triple P Parenting Courses 
  • Inside Out emotional support group (ages 8-11) 
  • Sensory Room (free to book) 

Sessions run across various centres in Lancaster and Morecambe. For bookings or info, call 01524 581280. 

See their events poster here

Coach Core Foundation
Coach Core Foundation is a UK charity that uses sport and apprenticeships to support young adults facing barriers to employment. Partnering with local employers, they create positive change in communities by training young role models to deliver sports and physical activities.

Their Lancashire programme, in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation, offers a Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship, benefiting 100 young people over five years. The programme includes professional development, regular support, and grants for employers, focusing on empowering young people and enriching community engagement through sports.

More information about the Community Activator Coach Level 2 Apprenticeship and

Read all about Coach Core and the benefits of their apprenticeship

Un-named Book Club 
For almost two years, the un-named book club has been meeting each month at the Gregson to explore social and environmental issues that concern us all. Using a book, podcast or visual content as a starting point, book club attendees learn from authors from around the world and from each other; looking for inspiration and tools to create ways of living that help regenerate the health of our planet and all those living on it.

Read this blog post to find out more about what the book club has been reading and how to read and listen along in 2025. 

Pots of Possibility: Making Great Ideas Happen 
The 2025 rounds of ‘community grants’ and ‘Your Pots’ will be announced soon, so start dreaming and shaping your ideas.

Deliberate CIC are working with Closing Loops to run community conversations across Lancaster District in locations which were underrepresented in the previous Pots of Possibility funding rounds.

These workshops with community groups seek to generate new project ideas and get more people involved in the annual ‘Your Pots’ voting day. To frame the discussions at these workshops, you can now vote and share your ideas on regenerative economies, including potential projects, in an interactive online survey on a platform called Pol.is.

Good Business Bootcamp Workshop 
What can your organisation do to build a ‘good’ business’ and have a positive impact on your local communities and the environment? The Closing Loops project is working with Future Fixers to offer free accredited training to local businesses, social enterprises, charities and other organisations who want to develop their enterprise while caring for people and planet. 

Free to eligible organisations who can commit to attending both sessions.  

Time and Date: Tuesdays 4th and 11th of March 2025, 10am to 1pm 
Location: Lancaster 

Places are limited to 12 participants, so please sign up asap 

Winter Recipe Challenge
Do you have a favourite winter recipe? Join the winter recipe challenge! 

The  FoodFutures Closing Loops project would like you to take part in the North Lancashire winter recipe challenge. Recipes should either use ingredients that are local and seasonal to North Lancashire or have something to do with local history. Recipes could also reflect the great diversity of food cultures that we have in our region. 

View all details and send in your recipe 

Forming a Lancashire Food Alliance
A LancsCAN grant is supporting workshops which will explore the concept of a Lancashire Food Alliance, bringing together Sustainable Food Places Partnerships, LancsCAN members, and other food partnerships and networks from across Lancashire to explore ways to meaningfully support each other and work together to shift our local food system at a county level.

Each workshop will build on the previous ones, however you do not have attend all three.

Workshop 3 – Creating a shared vision and an action plan
Weds 12th March 2025 – in person. Venue TBC (9:30-12:30 followed by lunch)

This session will focus on the leverage points identified in workshop 2 to understand what success looks like and how we will get there. As part of this, next steps will be agreed for how this Lancashire-wide group should continue to meet and communicate and take forward actions.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EARW

For further information please contact Ellie Shackleton at [email protected]

Tech Lancaster – Electronics and Green Skills Training
Tech Lancaster offers electronics training tailored for adults seeking career shifts into the tech industry and runs STEM workshops for children, plus work experience for college students. Currently, in collaboration with Lancaster City Council, they’re providing a Green Skills Short Course—a taster for those considering careers in green technology.

For more information, visit Tech Lancaster and Green Skills.

View their e-flyer here

Lancaster Chinese New Year Carnival
This year’s Chinese New Year Carnival kicks off from 10am on 26 January, in Lancaster Market Square. The event features a dragon and lion dance parade, traditional Chinese dance, musical performances, a fashion show, martial arts and more.

Find out more

Acrylic Art on Canvas Workshop   
Animal Care and ColourWheel Lancaster are hosting a special canvas tote bag acrylic art workshop in the Education Room at Animal Care in Scotforth. Tickets are £36 including light lunch. All materials provided and you will be able to take home your very own original canvas tote bag creation! All proceeds go to Animal Care. Tickets are strictly limited so get yours fast! 

Time and Date: Saturday March 8th, 11am-2pm 
Location: Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth,  Lancaster, LA2 ORD 

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

80s Music Quiz and Disco Evening 
Get your six-strong quiz team together, brush off your legwarmers and join the brilliant DJ, Danny Matthews, Animal Care staff and supporters for an evening of 80s nostalgia, quizzing and disco dancing! Fancy dress encouraged. Only £10 for entry to quiz and disco. Starts at 7.30pm with quiz at 8pm followed by an 80s disco! Dazzle everyone with your amazing dance moves! Dance to help the dogs and conga to save the cats!  

All welcome, and all proceeds go to Animal Care. 

Time and Date: Saturday the 29th of March, 7:30 onwards 

Location: Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 ORD 

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

Morecambe Camera Club Exhibition
Morecambe Camera Club’s exhibition is now on in Heysham Library. There are about 30 photographs on display. Fine art, landscapes, coastal scenes, nature, still life, architecture and the surreal are all featured. Visitors to the library are invited to vote for their favourite picture on a slip of paper and post in the box provided. The club meets on most Thursdays at 7:15pm in Heysham Library during the winter, and monthly in summer.

Date & time: during library hours until February 13.
Location: Heysham Library

Out in the Bay Winter Drop-ins
LGBT+ Charity Out in the Bay are offering two new drop-ins this winter.

Craft sessions take place on Mondays and Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm.

Youth Group takes place on Thursdays 4.30pm – 6:30pm.

Both take place at 30-32 Claremont Road, Morecambe.

Find out more by emailing [email protected]

Music with the Mayor Burns Night Ceilidh
Enjoy a two course meal provided by students from Lancaster & Morecambe College including veggie haggis, neeps and tatties, alongside music from the ceilidh band Sandpiper. Caller Ben Farmer will take you through the dances with humour and patience!

24 January, 7pm – 11pm, Lancaster Town Hall

£30 / £25 Concessions / £40 with additional donation

Event in aid of Citizens Advice North Lancashire

Find out more and book

Friends of Lancaster Library – Lancaster 1684
As part of their regular series of ‘Mini Fun Palaces’, the Friends are presenting an interactive map of Lancaster in 1684. All ages can participate and imagine a life without transport, internet and supermarkets. Lancaster in 1684 was about to change from an age-old rural economy to join what we might recognise as the modern age.

1 February, 10am – 4pm, Lancaster Library

An Evening with Citizens Advice North Lancashire
Join Citizens Advice North Lancashire for an engaging evening event offering a chance to hear directly from the staff and volunteers about their essential work, the campaigns they’re championing, and the positive impact they’ve made on the local community. The evening will feature the launch of their Impact Report, highlighting achievements from the past year and their plans for 2025. Drinks and nibbles will be provided, along with opportunities to mingle, ask questions, and gain insights into their mission.

Whether you’re curious about their services or want to support their efforts, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect and learn more.

Date & time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: St. Thomas’ Church, Lancaster.

More info and bookings

3 Bridges 10k race 
The popular 3 Bridges 10k race is back again in 2025! This is always a popular race with runners from all over the north-west taking part, often as a fast preparation for spring marathons and other longer races.  It’s also very suitable for beginner runners, perhaps moving up from a Parkrun to a longer race. 

The entry fee is £21 for members of running clubs (affiliated), £23 for non-members and £17 for Lancaster Runners members, with an extra fee for on-line bookings. Entries on the day are £25, or £20 for Lancaster Runners.  No refunds once registered. 

The race meets UK Athletics Rules, is Certified Accurate and there are prizes for the first 3 men and the first 3 women finishers.  It has a flat, fast and scenic route and there will also be a really nice medal for all finishers. 

Enter here and for any queries please visit 

Time and Date: Sunday the 13rd of April, 11am 

Location: Lancaster & Morecambe Athletic Club clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Doris Henderson Way, LA1 5JS 

Arts4Us Project 
The Gregson are very excited to be a community partner in the Edge Hill University project – Arts4Us. 

The Arts4us project is a £2.5M AHRC funded project in collaboration with integrated care systems and community organisations including the Gregson! It focuses on the mental health of young people aged 9 to 13, a group at significant risk of developing mental health problems while transitioning from childhood to adolescence and they are now looking to recruit a panel of young people aged 9-15 with lived experience of mental health challenges who can share their ideas about the project, helping us to shape the platform and understand the research data we will collect throughout the project. 

To read all the details about this project and get involved please visit here 

Veterans Walk for Wellbeing 2025 Crowdfunder 
Help support Fleetwood Town Community Trust who will be joining forces with Morecambe FC Community Foundation and walking 24 miles from Fleetwood Town FC’s Highbury Stadium, to the Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe on Saturday 1st February 2025. 

The purpose of the walk is to raise invaluable funds and awareness towards the respective charitable projects, both of which aim to engage with veterans, military personnel and their family members. All donations will be split evenly, and their target is to raise £5,000! 

Read more and donate 

Lancaster Contra Dance – Community Dance Events
Lancaster Contra Dance hosts lively social dance events with live music, welcoming all ages and experience levels. With three main events per year on Saturday afternoons, the format allows for easy travel and a family-friendly atmosphere. A suggested donation of £10 supports event costs, with electronic payments preferred in advance. Dancers can enjoy an afternoon of energetic movement, great music, and a welcoming community. If you’re interested in calling or playing, get in touch!

Date & time: 1 February 2025, 1.30pm
Location: St. Pauls’s Parish Hall Scotforth Rd, Lancaster, LA1 4ST

Find out more about this event

SAFE Inaugural Glitter Ball
SAFE are hosting their first charity ball, which is taking place in March. A night of entertainment which includes a welcome drink and a three course meal with the chance to win some amazing auction and raffle prizes. Tickets are £55 with discounts available for tables of 10. Tickets can be reserved by emailing [email protected], Full payment is not required until 31st January 2025.

All proceeds from the evening will go to SAFE to support the continuation and expansion of their programs for adults and young people experiencing mental and life challenges across the Lancaster district. 

Date & time: 22nd March 2025,7pm
Location: Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe

Learn more about this event

Health & Wellbeing Coaches (WorkWell Pilot) – Lancaster District CVS
The WorkWell programme pilot is a national initiative which provides evidence-based, low intensity work and health assessments that support individuals with their low-level occupational health needs, helping them overcome barriers to work. In the Lancaster district, the pilot is led by Lancaster City Council, working in partnership with LDCVS.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches assigned to the WorkWell programme will support people to take pro-active steps to improve the way they manage their physical and mental health conditions, helping them to stay in work or go back to work. They will help people to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in managing their health and care, to improve their health outcomes and quality of life and support them in making changes.

We’re looking for two new colleagues who enjoy working with a wide range of people, have good communication and negotiation skills, and believe that people can thrive when they’re provided with high quality and non-judgemental support.

Salary: £29,825 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Two role: 35 hours per week or 17.5 hours per week, fixed term until 31 March 2026.
Location: Lancaster, Morecambe and home-based
Closing date: 14 February, 5pm

Find out more and apply

Community Network & Partnerships Worker – Skerton Community Centre
Skerton Community Association are looking for a new worker to expand the centre’s reach and increase its impact.

The worker will develop a community outreach programme, promote the centre, develop new activities, and secure new funding.

Salary: £17,096 per annum pro-rata
Contract: 24 hours per week
Closing date: 28 February, 3pm

Download the job advert and job description to find out more

CYP Schools Lead – Lancashire Mind
Lancashire Mind is hiring a Children and Young People’s Schools Lead to spearhead mental health and wellbeing projects in educational settings across Lancashire. This full-time role, based in Chorley, involves engaging with schools to identify needs, oversee delivery, and demonstrate impact.The ideal candidate will have experience working with schools, managing teams, and navigating mental health challenges in educational settings.

Salary: £31,556
Contract: Full-time, (Fixed term until 31 December 2025, with the high likelihood of extension)
Location: Chorley, Lancashire
Closing date: 11 February 2025, 12pm

Find out more about this role and apply

Communications and Engagement Officer #iwill – Volunteering Matters
Volunteering Matters is hiring a part-time Communications and Engagement Officer to support the #iWill Movement in Blackpool. This role focuses on amplifying youth social action by creating compelling stories, managing communications strategies, and engaging with young people and local partners.

Salary: £17,400
Contract: Part-time (21 hours per week), 12 months
Location: Blackpool, Hybrid
Closing date: 4 February 2025, 11.48am

Find out more about this role and apply

Head of Assessment Delivery – National Examining Board for Dental Nurses
The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is seeking a Head of Assessment Delivery to lead its assessment services in a regulated, customer-focused environment. This senior leadership role involves managing a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring compliance, promoting quality assurance, and driving innovation. Candidates should have strong experience in assessment delivery, compliance, and people management, along with excellent communication and data analysis skills.

Salary: £50,000 – 55,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Preston (hybrid)
Closing date: Friday 7 February 2025

Find out more about this role and apply

CancerCare Volunteer Coordinator 
CancerCare is seeking a highly motivated person with a passion for managing a diverse team of volunteers for this full-time role. You will play a key role in recruiting, training and supporting new and existing volunteers and ensuring the team is inclusive, cohesive and well trained to support the incredible work that CancerCare does. 

For more information and to apply for this roll, please visit here 

Salary: £25,000 per annum 
Contract: 37.5 hours per week 
Location: Lancaster or Kendal (on site) with travel throughout the region 
Closing Date: Friday the 7th of February 

Entry Level Fundraiser with RSPB
Join Europe’s largest nature conservation charity as a Fundraiser and help inspire public support for vital environmental work. No prior fundraising experience is needed—full training is provided. Using a company van, you’ll travel to various venues, set up engaging fundraising stands, and encourage memberships through direct debit.

Salary: £25,890 – £26,720 per year
Contract: Full-time or part-time (Choose to work 3, 4, or 5 days per week.) Permanent
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Closing date: 9 February 2025, 11.30pm

Find out more and apply

Network Coordinator (Lancaster) at Sported
Sported works to transform the lives of young people by supporting and resourcing grassroots clubs to create social impact.

The Network Coordinator will support community groups in rural areas surrounding the Abbeystead Estate to support them to grow and sustain activity, co-ordinate the development of a Sported community network, and develop a youth forum, among other duties.

Salary: £26,500 – £28,000 pro rata
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, fixed term for five year
Location: Lancaster district
Closing date: 31 January 2025

Find out more 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]