Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 26 January 2023
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Lancaster District Directory
On 22 December we were delighted to “soft launch” the Lancaster District Directory with an email to our stakeholders and colleagues in the voluntary and statutory sectors, inviting them to use this new resource to support communities over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
With the return to work for 2023 now fully upon us, we are working to promote directory.lancastercvs.org.uk far and wide across the district, making sure that it reaches everyone who stands to benefit from the platform.
Over the next few weeks, we will be distributing thousands of promotional postcards and posters to a variety of locations including healthcare sites, local authority buildings, and all our voluntary sector organisations with a directory listing.
You can also look forward to features in our local media, a social media campaign including graphics which we will distribute for you to use with your own accounts should you wish, and some new videos highlighting the features of the website.
We’re also working to complete the process which integrates general practice staff into the project, meaning that before very long we will be receiving our first referrals and signposting people to support. Organisations that have indicated they would like to take digital referrals through the online platform will receive initial offers of training and support very soon.
The project will continue to grow and develop through 2023, so if your organisation is already taking part, please do keep us up to date with your service information and send us your comments and suggestions.
The directory is a shared resource among our members, partners and communities, so by working together we can make sure it becomes well-used across the district and continues to improve. If you’ve not yet claimed a listing, it’s never too late – just get in touch with Jenny by email at [email protected] or call 01524 555900.
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Save the Date – Volunteer Fairs February 2023
In the first quarter of 2023 we will host two Volunteer Recruitment Fairs.
- Morecambe Arndale on Monday 6th February, 10.30am to 1.30pm.
- Lancaster Library on Thursday 23rd February, 10.30am to 1.30pm
These will be opportunities for local volunteer involving organisations to come along with their banners, leaflets, and other promotional materials to speak directly with people who are interested in volunteering. We will be inviting a variety of people from the local areas to come along and we hope that each will be a busy and worthwhile day.
Invitations to organisations will go out soon, but there is no need to wait – if you would like to book a space (it’s FREE) or would like a copy of the event poster for your own marketing use email [email protected].
We want to accommodate up to 15 organisations with tables at each event, but if you can’t attend on those dates or if you miss out on a space, you can still have your roles represented. Simply make sure that you are registered on our website, with your volunteering opportunities uploaded, and send electronic or hard copies of your promotional materials to Mark at Lancaster District CVS.
Crowdfund Lancashire Culture & Sports Projects
Crowdfund Lancashire gives everyone a chance to create and support local culture and sport projects which matter most to them, while enabling everyone to contribute towards their community – chipping in as little as £2 to help bring ideas to life. If you have an idea that will improve the culture or sport offer in your community, you could get up to £20,000 towards your target.
To take part in the first funding round, pitch to the fund and launch your crowdfunding campaign on Spacehive by 1st February 2023.
More information on this funding round
Launch your project campaign on Spacehive
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National Lottery Awards for All Accepting 2023 Event Applications
The National Lottery Awards are offering grants to support communities with the things that are important to them, including mitigating the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and supporting them as they seek to recover, rebuild and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic. Groups applying to the National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All programme in England can request funding for the following major events in 2023:
- The Coronation of His Majesty the King on 6 May.
- The Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool from 9 to 13 May, and the UK’s role hosting it on the behalf of Ukraine.
- The 75th Anniversary of Windrush on 22 June, and the contribution the Windrush generation and their families have made to the UK.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available for up to one year.
The application deadline for this is ongoing.
Learn more about the this funding opportunity
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IOP Public Engagement Grant Scheme 2023 Opens for Applications
The Institute of Physics (IOP) provides grants for individuals and organisations running physics-based events and activities in the UK that6 improve people’s relationship with physics in their family or community groups.
The IOP grants support engagement projects that align with IOP’s Limit Less campaign. The framework for the 2023 grant scheme is informed by the learning accrued over the last couple of years with respect to equality, diversity and inclusion, the digital divide, and personal wellbeing.
Grants of between £500 and £5,000 will support projects starting before 2 October 2023 and completed by 22 December 2023 that:
- Target the audiences prioritised by the IOP’s Limit Less campaign – families with young people under the age of 16 that identify with one or more of the following groups:
- Girls and young women
- Disabled young people
- LGBT+ young people
- Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Black Caribbean young people.
- Develop relationships between physics and public participants to grow beyond initial contact.
- Reinforce messages being delivered by existing engagement schemes by adapting to new locations, communities or circumstances.
- Build strong relationships between physics, physicists and diverse communities through co-developed and delivered engagement projects.
The deadline for applications is 12pm (midday) on Monday 27 February 2023.
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Launch of the 2023 Ashden Awards for Climate Innovations
The 2023 Ashden Awards are being launched with the aim of supercharging climate innovation in the UK and low-income countries. The awards promote exceptional climate solutions and the environmental, social and economic benefits they can provide. For more than 20 years these awards have backed ideas delivering lower emissions, with grants and development support on offer to winners and finalists.
This year’s award categories include energy innovation, skills in sustainable land management, community nature adaptation, natural climate solutions, and more.
Winners will receive a prize of £10,000 or £25,000 and a package of supplementary support.
The deadline for applications is 8 March 2023, 23.59.
Find out more about the Ashden Awards and apply
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Large Grants Available from Charles Plater Trust
In the latest round of funding, Charles Plater Trust will distribute up to £400,000 to organisations throughout England and Wales for activities that contribute to one of its three aims:
- Leadership of Laypeople: Projects that deepen the awareness of Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Social Thought to better equip people to take on leadership roles in tackling poverty, exclusion, economic inequality and environmental concerns.
- Social Action: Projects that deliver tangible outcomes to tackle poverty, exclusion, economic inequality and environmental concerns for marginalised people and communities.
- Applied Research: Projects that develop and apply Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Social Thought, in partnership with those who are delivering social action work, to ultimately improve public policy and practice.
Grants of £5,001 to £60,000 will be made to registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £10 million. Applicants do not need to be Christian as long as their aims align with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Discover more about the Charles Plater Trust and how to apply
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DWP Launches Second Phase of Funding to Reduce Parental Conflict
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering £3.6 million through this second phase of the Challenge Fund to support innovative projects that gather learning on what works to reduce parental conflict. The key objective of the Challenge Fund 2 is to produce products or resources which can be utilised by local areas to support a greater number of families at risk of parental conflict, including through digital support offers. The Challenge Fund 2 will build upon the evidence and learnings from Phase 1 of the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme (including the first Challenge Fund) and to help fill evidence gaps. Up to £3.6 million is available in total for initiatives that will generate evidence in the following two strands:
- Universal Digital Support for Families (Digital Support)
- Support for a diverse range of families who may have additional stressors for conflict (Supporting Diverse Families).
Organisations that have completed an eligibility check and have been invited to apply to the Fund will be able to access the online application portal between mid-January and 24 February 2023.
Find out more about the Challenge Fund and programme
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Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund Reopens for 2023
Smart Energy GB, the national campaign for the smart meter rollout, launched the five-year Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund in May 2016 with the aim that every home in Britain would be offered a smart meter within five years at no additional cost.
In 2023, there are three funding streams, each targeting a specific audience:
- Grants for organisations reaching people who are in fuel poverty: £15,000 to £25,000
- Grants for organisations reaching people who are lacking basic digital skills: £10,000 to £15,000
- Grants for organisations reaching people who are carers: £7,000 to £10,000.
Applications will be considered from regionally based organisations preferably with local networks that can deliver support to people in one of the target groups. Housing associations and local authorities are eligible to apply for this fund.
The deadline to apply is 12 noon on 10 February 2023.
Read more about this fund and how to apply
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VCSE Contract Readiness Programme launching in February
Last Autumn, DCMS launched the £900,000 VCSE Contract Readiness Fund to help enable VCSEs increase their participation in public service procurement in England. The programme will primarily focus on providing training and support to VCSEs who are interested in bidding for public contracts with a smaller portion of the programme aimed at increasing commissioners’ awareness and understanding of the sector. The first part of the programme to support VCSEs will be launching this February.
Further details on the programme and how VCSEs can sign up
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Lancaster City Council HAF
The City Council’s Holiday Activity & Food fund reopens on 20 January.
For further information and an application form, email [email protected]
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FaceDonate Lunch & Learn Webinar
FaceDonate Co-Founder, Alberto De Biasio will outline how the fundraising platform makes charitable giving and impact reporting more effective and direct for both donors, social organisations and recipients.
Currently funded by Innovate UK, FaceDonate is working with private, public and charitable partners in Lancashire on food aid and security, supported by the Ethical Small Traders Association
Panel members include Jane Dalton (Groundswell Innovation), Jay Johnson (LARDER), Rory Southworth (Fraser House Hub) and Tarnia Elsworth (TP Financial Solutions).
25 January, 1-2pm
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Social Entrepreneur Funding, Investment & Support from Unltd
UnLtd work with social entrepreneurs, individuals with bold solutions to today’s problems, working with the most impactful ventures.
They are a foundation that offers financial and business support to individuals who want to set up a social venture in their community, and specifically look for social entrepreneurs who have a venture that
- is meeting a clear social need/issue
- is truly inclusive
- is sustainable/has the potential to be sustainable
- has impact and will make a difference
Help available includes funding, investment, one-to-one coaching, specialist advice, impact measurement, and other mentoring and pro-bono support.
To find out more, visit the UnLtd website.
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James Bond/Henry Welch Trust
Families of children with special needs and disabilities can qualify for help from a Lancaster district charity.
The charity, the James Bond/Henry Welch Trust, encourages grant applications to benefit children with special needs and also adults suffering from chest or lung disease.
Applications are encouraged from residents of the administrative area covered by Lancaster City Council who have limited income to apply for grants towards equipment or services to improve the quality of their lives.
If you would like further information or to apply to the Trust for help (preferably by email), contact details can be found here
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Lancaster Community Fund 4 Week Application Window
There are only four weeks left to submit applications for the next round of the Lancaster Community Fund. Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS are inviting charity and community groups that need help with developing projects and activities that benefit people in the local area to apply. Grants of up to £1000 are available to non-profit organisations that can show their projects to be contributing in one of the following ways:
- Increases community involvement and building community wealth and resilience
- Contributing to carbon reduction and improving sustainability in the district
- Impacting individual or community wellbeing positively
Please note: We are also encouraging and prioritising applications that can demonstrate a focus on activities addressing the current cost of living crisis.
The application deadline for this round of funding is 10 February 2023, 5pm.
Visit our funding page for further guidance
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New £3m Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund Accepting Applications – Deadline of 20 January
Capital grants have become available for village halls in rural areas across England to enhance, upgrade, extend, improve, and construct halls so that, as a result, new activities can take place bringing communities together. The new £3 million Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund is provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and administered by the charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).
Announced by Defra to mark the occasion of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in May 2022, the fund recognises the important role that village halls play in supporting rural communities. The £3 million funding pot offers grants of between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of eligible project costs. The total project cost can be more than £375,000 but the maximum grant available is £75,000. All project work must be completed by 31 March 2025.
The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of their set criteria.
Read more about the criteria and funding application process
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Sport England Reopens Small Grants Programme
The Sport England Small Grants Programme has reopened with the aim to support local community sports projects that encourages people in England regardless of age, background or level of ability, to feel able to get involved in sport and physical activity. Grants of £300 to £15,000 are on offer for a twelve-month period to a variety of non-profit and community focussed organisations.
The application deadline is 30 June 2023
Eden Project £50m Levelling Up Fund Green Light
You will likely have heard the good news about funding for Eden Project Morecambe. Read about the first part investment of the coastal-themed project here. For updates about the project, including community consultation, construction and recruitment information, see the Eden Project’s page.
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Charity Commission Cost of Living guidance for Trustees
The Charity Commission recognises that many charities are facing difficult circumstances resulting from rapidly increasing costs, from their own cash flow to the issues faced by their staff. Some charities are also experiencing increased demand, particularly charities providing services to people in need. The Charity Commission has published new guidance for trustees, especially trustees of smaller charities, who may need help when facing difficult decisions about their charity’s financial position.
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Cheaper broadband and mobile deals available through social tariffs
The Government is raising awareness of reduced broadband prices and mobile deals through a UK-wide public awareness campaign. The campaign promotes cheaper, reliable packages being provided to people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other benefits. The social tariff deals will help people to save money on bills and pay less to stream, chat and shop online.
Learn more about the campaign on OfComs webpage
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SEUK State of Social Enterprise Survey 2023
From late January, SEUK will begin to collect data for the State of Social Enterprise Survey – the most comprehensive UK research on social enterprise. This vital evidence helps shape local and national policy, influence support, funding and finance to grow the social enterprise movement. The State of Social Enterprise survey runs every two years and is the most comprehensive survey of UK social enterprise.
Social enterprises can register interest to take part by emailing [email protected] and will then be contacted by BMG Research to take the survey.
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Lloyds Banks Foundation Charity Support Free Tools & Resources
Lloyds Bank Foundation have provided a number of free tools and resource links for service users to help manage their money and budgeting to help with the rising cost of living.
There are free tools and resources available from the Money and Pension Service across the UK which might help your staff support your service users. There is also access to free (City & Guilds accredited) learning modules for staff giving non-regulated money guidance and support to individual service users and clients. They call this support for Money Guiders.
These are in addition to the free resources around Money Management on the Lloyds Bank Academy website too.
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Morecambe Council Request Expressions of Interest – Former Frontierland site
Morecambe Town Council have requested help in providing your thoughts and proposals for the 7.4 acre former Frontierland site, Morecambe. If you want to have an input in the future of the plot, the council are open to expressions of interest for developments.
Complete their quick 2 minute survey to share your thoughts. The council will also be holding a drop-in session on February 6th at Morecambe Town Hall between 5.30-9.30pm where there will be an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas
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Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2022 – Third Report
Earlier this year, we asked our members to complete the Third Sector survey. Third Sector Trends has been running since 2008. The study has been surveying the sector every three years since 2010 and as such is the largest survey of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in England and Wales.
In 2022, 6,071 responses were received across England and Wales (an average of ~600 responses in each region). Designed to complement NCVOs UK Civil Society Almanac, it is the only fully representative longitudinal survey which can produce robust and detailed comparative analysis at a regional and national level.
Third Report – Finances, Assets & Organisational Wellbeing
Reflecting on the report, Rob Williamson of Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland said:
“This report shows that the push since 2010 for the future income of the third sector to be based on trading, contracting, social finance and digital fundraising have amounted to very little. We still see the continued importance of grant funding, indeed the model of social finance has evolved into a blended model relying on a mix of grant funding and social finance.
“The pandemic sped up the modernisation of grant funding through trust-based, less restrictive models increasingly focussed on core funding which is a good thing. As funders we need to continue to work and flex alongside the sector to ensure the best outcomes for our communities.”
Read the full report here, and report author Tony Chapman’s blog on the findings here.
Previous reports can be found on the Community Foundation website.
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The Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme being implemented by Lancashire Constabulary in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services and North West Ambulance Service.
It involves carers compiling useful information which could be used by Police and other agencies to search for and locate a loved one in the event of them going missing.
Carers, family members and friends complete the form in advance, giving all vital details including medication required, mobile numbers and places known to visit, along with a recent photograph.
Should that person then go missing, the form can be quickly and easily used to assist the search process.
Find out more on the Lancashire Constabulary website.
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Free Cost of Living Support and Advice for Community Businesses
As part of the Resilient Communities Fund, launched last year, Power to Change is offering bespoke advice and support to help community businesses navigate the cost of living and energy crises, build resilience and strengthen local communities in the shift to a fairer, greener future.
Power to Change grantees can book sessions for tailored support from CSE’s broad range of experts. This includes advice about retrofit, energy-efficiency measures, fuel poverty, community action, engagement and building long-term resilience in the energy market.
CSE will also host a series of online resources and webinars, available to the wider community business sector.
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Energy Bills Discount Scheme – Government Announcement
The Government has announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) to run from 1 April 2023 for eligible non-domestic consumers in Great Britain including UK businesses, charities and the public sector. This replaces the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers, which comes to an end on 31 March 2023 and provided a reduction on wholesale gas and electricity prices. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.
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Funded Cyber Essentials Programme for Small Charities
This National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is helping organisations in sectors most at risk to implement baseline security controls and prevent the most common types of cyber attacks using the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. The Funded Cyber Essentials Programme will seek to help UK organisations meet the five technical controls of Cyber Essentials – firewalls, secure settings, access controls, malware and software updates – by identifying and implementing improvements that are right for the size and needs of the organisation. Small businesses that offer legal-aid services and micro or small charities that processes personal data (GDPR defined) qualify for this scheme.
Find out more about the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme
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Veterans UK New Online Claim Service
Veterans UK, part of Defence Business Services (DBS), has launched a new online claim service to help people to access injury and illness compensation more easily. Veterans UK is responsible for administering compensation and pensions schemes for both serving personnel, veterans and their families.
View guidance on this new service
Read more about the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme
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Cost of Living Support Factsheet
With the ongoing cost-of-living challenges that we are faced with, the government have provided a helpful factsheet for supporting households including useful information covering benefits and cost-of-living payments, national living wage, energy price guarantees and more.
Community Health & Wellbeing Worker Level 3 Apprenticeships
Training 2000, part of the University of Central Lancashire, are offering Community Health & Wellbeing Worker Level 3 Apprenticeships from April 2023.
With the rapid expansion of this workforce, which includes Link Workers and Social Prescribers, two employer information sessions have been announced for organisations interested in taking part.
The sessions will cover recruiting apprentices and upskilling the existing workforce, as well information about course start dates, eligibility, funding and content.
Both sessions take place online via Teams.
8 February 9am – 9:30am – register here
28 February 9am – 9:30am – register here
For further information get in touch with Training 200 at [email protected]
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New Year Programme from The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery
The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery is a free Nature and Wellbeing programme for people in Morecambe Bay, helping individuals to improve their wellbeing and tackle feelings of isolation through learning about nature.
The programme includes weekly wellbeing sessions for small groups in Morecambe and Lancaster that individuals can refer onto. Activities link into the 5 ways to wellbeing and include bushcraft, conservation, environmental art, mindfulness and nature walks.
These wellbeing sessions are a great way to beat the January Blues while meeting others and getting hands on with activities.
In addition, look out for The Bay’s new Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre, which will be opening soon to host drop-in events as well as closed-group wellbeing sessions during the week.
To join a Nature and Wellbeing session please contact Alex (Nature and Wellbeing Officer) for more information: 07884 605256 / [email protected] or complete an online referral form: https://www.thebay.org.uk/referral-forms
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New Year Programme From Adullam
To refer in or get further information about any of these courses, visit the Adullam website
Living Life to the Full – Fridays, 10am, Hope Church
A 6-week course based on CBT principles to help people with their mental health. This runs on a Friday morning at 10.00am in person and the next course starts on Friday 3rd February.
Adullam are also running two “taster sessions” looking at Anxiety & Worry and A Healthy You on Friday 20th January and 27th January for participants who may prefer to try out the course before the 6 weeks begins.
Social/Community Groups – Tuesdays, 10am, Hope Church
A variety of activities including craft groups, a book club, a monthly trip out, and cook-along sessions.
Walk with a Doc – Tuesdays, 2pm, Millennium Bridge
Walk with a Doc aims to improve physical and mental health by promoting a one hour walk in company. As well as the walk, local GP Nick Johnstone offers a short discussion on a health-related topic and for the rest of the hour, participants can enjoy chatting with the walk leaders and other walkers.
Celebrate Recovery (12 Step) – Tuesdays 7.30pm or Wednesdays 10am
Providing weekly support for anyone struggling with any of life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits (not just addiction). Participants can find help with trauma, depression, bereavement, divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety – the list of issues is very varied.
Budgeting Course – dates TBC
In partnership with LM Debt Centre, this course is much needed at the moment and will be running again this term starting February.
Purpose Workshop – dates TBC, Hope Church
This workshop offers participants the opportunity to work alongside a professional life coach who will help them discover their skills and talents and learn how to navigate through life’s transitions.
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Health & Wellbeing Support Coaching – VCFSE Bursary Available
The Morecambe Bay Population Health Team are working with voluntary sector organisations in the Lancaster District to widen access to accredited health coaching skills training, which aims to upskill individuals to have better conversations and support people to reach their self-identified goals.
The course is for staff and volunteers who perform roles where they have the opportunity to support people to make behavioural changes that will encourage improved health and well-being. It will provide a range of tools and techniques that will help structure conversations to help individuals set and work towards goals that are important to them, whether this is about lifestyle changes that will promote better health and wellbeing, or being better able to manage long term conditions.
VCFSE organisations which would like help to enable their staff or volunteers to access this training can apply to Lancaster District CVS for an attendance bursary. This is to help cover the costs of time taken to attend the course. The bursary totals £87 (£12.50 per hour) which will be paid to the organisation’s bank account once the course has been completed.
Please complete this form to choose course dates and request a bursary place.
Lancaster District CVS will then get in touch with you to confirm the bursary and explain how to make your booking for the course.
Places are limited and subject to a first come first served basis
If you have any questions regarding this training, please contact Jenny by email at [email protected]
The course is currently running as an online workshop delivered over a pair of sessions lasting 3.5 hours each. Course dates are below.
Day 1: Thursday 9 February 9:30 – 13:00
Day 2: Thursday 23 February 9:30 – 13:15
Day 1: Wednesday 8 March 09:30 – 13:00
Day 2: Wednesday 22 March 09:30 – 13:00
Day 1: Tuesday 11 April 13:00 – 16:45
Day 2: Tuesday 25 April 13:00 – 16:45
Day 1: Tuesday 2 May 09:30 – 13:00
Day 2: Tuesday 16 May 09:30 – 13:00
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FREE Transport Service to Growing Well
The well-respected mental health charity and horticultural enterprise Growing Well are now offering a no charge minibus service from the Lancaster District for day visits to their organic vegetable farm, just off the M6 near Kendal. Pick-ups are available from Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and Milnthorpe. The mental health charity provide a hands-on activity-therapy focussed service where you can find help in rebuilding confidence, learn new skills and meet new life goals.
For more information on their free minibus service contact the team by email at [email protected] or phone 07903 013 648.
View the Growing Well e-leaflet to learn more
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Bay Health & Care Partners – Looking after yourself over Winter
Bay Health & Care Partners have provided a useful guide to looking after yourself during the winter months. With shorter days and drops in temperature, pressures increase across the healthcare system. Promoting local support throughout the winter period, BHCP offer top five ways to look after yourself and your loved ones from managing your heating at home to financial support.
Read more about their guidance over Winter
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Become a Citizen Panel Member
Bay Health and Care Partners are looking for participants in Lancashire and South Cumbria to share their views and experiences to help develop and improve services locally. The Citizen Panel membership scheme is an exciting way to have your say and influence decision-making on a whole range of health services that are important to people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Complete this form to become a member
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NHSE Health & Wellbeing Support
The NHSE Social Prescribing team evaluate the value of all the national health and wellbeing offers made available to their NHS colleagues. Access to the following support has been continued for this year, which includes guides, apps and resources that aim to support you and your team’s wellbeing.
Discover more about the support available
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Renaissance UK and National HIV Testing Week – Request for Help
Renaissance UK, the commissioned service by Lancashire County Council, that provide HIV Prevention and support service for Lancashire, are looking to bring awareness of the disease and a preventative pill called PrEP, which is free and confidential from sexual health clinics.
The service will be bring their redesigned exhibition van in partnership with the NHS to the Lancaster District during National HIV testing week (6th February to 12th February), to promote the awareness of the medicine PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis). This is a new opportunity for outreach work within communities and raising awareness in the county.
The team are looking for support with a provision of a space to park the van to provide maximum impact for the campaign. If you are interested in supporting this cause and are able to provide parking space in a suitable location, please contact Jane at Renaisance UK at [email protected] if you can help.
Learn more about PrEP here or for more information on the work of Renaissance UK click here
Brathay Young Person Volunteer Opportunity – Young Advisor
With 9 months to go until the start of the Brathay Young Volunteer Residential 2023, Brathay have announced a fantastic opportunity for young people. Brathay are recruiting a team of 6 Young Advisors to help plan and deliver this year’s residential.
Brathay are looking for young volunteers that match the following criteria:
- Aged 16-25 Actively involved in a current StreetGames project
- Have experience and confidence in delivering and leading a variety of social and sports-based activities to a group of young people
- Available for online and face-to-face meetings between February – October 2023. At least one of these will be an overnight stay and visit to Brathay on 3rd/4th April
- Available 22nd-25th October for the residential itself
What StreetGames will provide:
- A positive experience
- Opportunity to improve confidence, experience and employability skills
- All travel, accommodation and food will be paid for
- Free Young Advisors kit
Young people have until Friday 17th February to apply.
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Women’s & Children’s Care Group –Health Services Survey for Young People
The Women’s & Children’s Care Group are calling for young people with experience of health services to help improve how health services prepare young people with long term health conditions or complex needs with the right knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their health as adults.
Please complete the Transition in Health Care Survey here
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NHS Autism in Schools Project
The second Community of Practice training session takes place Tuesday 14th March 2023, as part of the autism in schools project for Morecambe Bay.
This will be delivered by Anne Conchie the autism lead, on the Autism in Schools project.
Places are open to primary and secondary school teachers and staff, mental health support teams working in schools, primary mental health workers, and parent carers.
14 March at Lancaster House Hotel
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Lancaster City Council Young People’s Community Conversation
The conversation will focus on Young People’s mental health and how school and education settings effect this as well as their experience of the Cost of Living Crisis.
January 30, 4:30pm at Morecambe Town Hall
Lancashire County Council Youth Consultations
The consultations are a chance for young people to voice their opinions on what they want to see in the County Council’s youth offer in cultural services.
The next consultation takes place on 31 January, 5pm until 6:30pm at the Judges Lodgings.
Find out more or book a place by emailing [email protected]
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More Music Girls Can Weekend
Girls Can has joined forces with Loose Articles, a four piece, independent, female punk band from Manchester and artist Emma Colbert of Deco Publique for a weekend packed full of inspirational workshops, Q&A’s and live music for young women aged 14 – 25.
Girls Can The Art of Protest Workshop
Friday 10 February, 4:30pm – 7pm, free
Express what is important to you while discussing and exploring ideas and beliefs
Girls Can Punk Rock Bootcamp
Saturday 11 February, 10am – 5pm
A masterclass in punk rock, this is an opportunity for young women to develop the confidence and DIY spirit to needed to pick up an instrument, form a band, write songs, play gigs and explore pathways into the industry.
Gig – Loose Articles present Kick Like A Girl!
Saturday 11 February, 7pm, £6/£5 advance
Free entry for Girls Can participants
Find out more on the More Music website or by emailing Rachel Parsons at [email protected]
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Talk About Alcohol
The Alcohol Education Trust (AET) is offering a fully funded 2 hour Talk About Alcohol (TAA) training session for teachers, and youth work staff looking at evaluated resources for use in secondary schools, PRU’s, SEN Schools and youth provision. The course aims to improve staff confidence in delivering effective alcohol education to young people.
This Training is available for professionals working with young people who would be in years 7-11. A post 16 training is also available.
To take up this training, email [email protected] by the end of January.
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Find your Purpose Project with Lancashire Youth Challenge and the Adullam Programme
With funding from Banks Lyon and the Westminster Foundation, Lancashire Youth Challenge in partnership with the Adullam Programme, has been able to develop another ‘Find Your Purpose’ project for young people aged 16-25 years from the local area. If you are interested in finding out more or if you have any young people that would benefit from taking part, please contact Ant directly at [email protected].
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
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Escape2Make FREE Cabaret Workshops
E2M are calling all 11-18s who live in the Lancaster & Morecambe Area to take part in their free creative workshops to try something new and make new friends. Escape2Make are excited to offer you an exclusive invitation to sign up to 1 of 10 FREE workshops as part of their CABARET event! This is a first opportunity to snap up these sought-after spaces, but you will need to be quick as this will go live online in the coming days.
You can meet new people, learn new and exciting skills over 5 workshops through February and March, then deliver a celebratory event at the iconic Alhambra Theatre in Morecambe on 25th March. The experiences include Wild Cooking, Magic, Upcycled Fashion Show, Cartoon Portraits, Mini Musical and much more, and no experience is necessary to get involved…..just turn up and have a go!
If you need any help contact the team at [email protected]
LSC VCFSE Assembly – Save the date
The next Lancaster and South Cumbria VCFSE Assembly meeting will take place on Thursday 23rd February 2023, 2-4pm. The event is focussed on the Place-based Partnership Developments, supported by Community Futures. The 2 hour event will be held online and is split into 3 main parts: 1) Discussing suggestions for the development of existing and / new VCFSE Place groups, including potential functions and governance – supported by VSNW 2) Lancashire & South Cumbria Place Directors of Health and Care Integration, discussing their plans. 3) Next steps together.
Reserve your place on this event here
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Facing the Past: Unseen UK Training sessions
Facing the Past are offering unique training opportunities in providing completely free of charge sessions to those in the Lancaster District about Modern Slavery delivered by Bristol-based organisation, Unseen UK. This is a rare opportunity for individuals and organisations associated with Facing the Past to come together in-person to learn about Modern Slavery. The attachment gives a brief introduction to Bristol-based Unseen UK.
‘CPD Accredited’ certificates will be provided to all those that attending the training sessions.
Dates and times of the sessions are:
Thursday 2nd February at The Storey 1.00pm-3.30pm
Thursday 2nd February at The Storey 5.30pm-8.00pm
Friday 3rd February at The Quaker Meeting House 10.00am-12.30pm
Friday 3rd February at The Quaker Meeting House 1.30pm-4.00pm
Register your place here
Please contact [email protected] if you have further questions.
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Growing Club Third Sector Women’s Gathering
In December a group of women running third sector organisations in the district came together to look at how they look after themselves, to enable them to keep looking after their teams and their communities, during the current challenging times.
The GC found that gathering in a structured way is not only supportive for emotional and physical wellbeing, but makes them all the more effective in their organisations.
To follow up, the Growing Club will be meeting again on Thursday February 23rd, 10am to 12pm, at the Tara Centre, The Storey Institute, Lancaster.
Please email [email protected] if you would like to attend.
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Pruning Day – Miss Whalley’s Field (Volunteers needed)
FMWF group are organising a volunteer session to prune and maintain the young saplings of Jean Argles Wood. The City Council are providing a free expert to show volunteers how to prune the saplings and sharpen their secateurs. Secateurs can be provided. Pruning at this event is not suitable for young children, however they are able to help clear the cuttings, if supervised by an adult.
Meeting will be at the Memorial Stone on Derwent Rd
It is advise to wear suitable clothing and bring any useful tools i.e. footwear, gloves, secatuers.
This event will take place on Saturday 18th February, 10am
For more about this event, follow this link
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Children’s Nearly New Sale and Table Top Sales at The Centre @ Halton
The Centre @ Halton are holding their ever popular Children’s Nearly New Sale on Saturday 11th March 9am-12pm.
Entry for adults £1 and children free (all tables now sold out). Children’s items, clothes, books, toys and games will be on offer. There will be a raffle and the Coffee Shop will be open to purchase refreshments. Find out more here.
The Centre’s first Table Top Sales follows on Saturday 25 March 9am – 12 noon. Tables are £15 bookable online here.
Entry for adults £1 and children free. Quality new and second hand household items will be on offer. There will be a raffle and the Coffee Shop will be open to purchase refreshments. Find out more here.
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Free Human Rights Awareness-Raising Workshops from BIHR
The British Institute for Human Rights are offering free awareness-raising workshops for community or voluntary groups.
The 90 minute workshops will offer:
- A chance to learn more about the practical use of the Human Rights Act
- How the legal duties & rights can be used to challenge the social injustices and disadvantage they are seeking to change
- Interactive, participatory learning
- Case studies & real life stories of relevance to your organization and the people you support
Apply by 27 January to request a workshop in your organisation.
Find out more and apply at the BIHR website.
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Platform Places – Start a Local Property Partnership webinar
Platform Places is a social enterprise unlocking town centre buildings for amazing ideas that help us live affordably, sustainably and together. They convene and support councils, communities and asset owners to bring buildings into long-term community use or ownership.
During this webinar, attendees will:
- meet some of the people behind Platform Places
- learn how to start the journey towards a Local Property Partnership in your town centre
- meet others looking to do the same where they are
- get your questions answered
Multiple dates, free of charge
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Charity Digital’s Digital Strategy Webinar
A good digital strategy highlights the tech you need to improve performance, streamline processes, and achieve your mission. Digital strategies specify the direction your charity wants to take, complementing your overall vision for the future, and show how your charity can progress in that direction.
Attendees should expect to learn, among other things, how to judge your current capabilities, conduct user research, establish goals, ensure buy-in, put pen to paper, and much more.
26 January, 1pm
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Cranfield Trust Climate Solutions Accelerator Webinar
This two-hour facilitated training course provides an efficient but effective way to understand the basics of climate change, including an overview of a range of climate solutions, and the associated opportunities and challenges climate change presents to both charities and our personal lives.
Immersing yourself in this course will shortcut large amounts of reading and provide a good basic appreciation of the climate science.
9 February, 12:30pm
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NCVO Webinar: How to Manage Rising Energy Costs
Rising energy bills continue to be a key concern for charities. Following the review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in January and the reduction in long-term support, charities will be asking: what does this mean for us? How can we continue to manage rising energy costs?
Join NCVO and Utility Aid to understand what this means for charities and keeping costs down in the face of the energy crisis.
9 February, 11am
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Making Sense of Digital Support options for Better Youth Mental Health Webinar
BFB Labs are hosting a virtual webinar on how digital health technologies (DHT) can support children and young people’s (CYP) mental health services, in the face of increasing levels of complexity and acuity in cases. This webinar aims to unpack the challenges of commissioning DHT’s to support CYP mental health and examine real world experiences and learnings when embedding digital health technologies.
Learn more about how to register for this event
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Community-Based Research Capacity Building Project – Burnley
Are you curious and/or critical about community-based research undertaken in relation to issues facing Sanctuary Seekers (Refugees and Asylum Seekers)? For example, how a project goes; who is involved and how; what outcomes are intended, and realised? Maybe you are interested in getting involved in community-facing, community-based research, and want to know more.
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) based research team are inviting you to attend their second event in Lancashire to share experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities for community-based research, with a view to building better understanding and capacity for future research for all those involved and interested. At this meeting you will have the chance to connect with others with similar interests.
This event will take place in Burnley on Wednesday 25th January 2023, 1-4pm.
Find out more and reserve a place
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Basic Drug & Alcohol Awareness Sessions
We are Lancashire for Young People are running free online workshops for anyone working with those under 25. The session will be roughly 2 hours long, interactive and fun. You will learn a little more about the services that are available at We Are With You in Lancashire and will talk about current themes and trends.
The group will look at some of the reasons why young people use substances, risks and some harm reduction messages. You will also gain access to their Tier 1 resource booklet & drug use screening tool which includes practical information and worksheets, useful when working with young people.
Sessions dates include:
- Thursday February 2nd 2023, 10am
- Thursday March 2nd 2023, 10am
- Thursday April 6th 2023, 10am
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Lancashire LGBT Manspace Online Support Group
Lancashire LGBT are hosting an online support group via Zoom for 18+ year old men who identify as gay, bisexual, trans or transmasculine non-binary.
To join the group completion of the following registration form is required.
Cleaners at The Centre @ Halton
Two cleaner positions have become available at The Centre @ Halton. The role will be flexible to suit the use of the building with hours worked around hire times. Up to 16 hours available shared across two positions over seven days. Current rate of pay £9.65 per hour with annual holiday entitlement. The applicant must live in Halton or have their own mode of transport as some late/early shift times will mean not being able to rely on public transport. Must be over 18. Please contact the Office on 01524 811316 to discuss.
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Volunteer Cook at The Centre @ Halton
The Centre @ Halton are looking for a new volunteer to take the lead in preparing and cooking meals for their over 55’s Luncheon Club. This would be on a regular basis on every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. You would be supported by other volunteers. Please contact the Office on 01524 811316 to discuss.
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Volunteer Coordinator & Network Coordinator at Let’s BeFriends
Volunteer Coordinator
Through regular informal contact and more structured reviews the role will assist volunteers through all stages of their journey with us.
The Coordinator will assist the Project Coordinator to match volunteers with suitable beneficiaries and help oversee introductory meetings which start the befriending relationship.
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Contract: 16 hours per week
Location: In the community across the Lancaster district
Closing Date: 1 March
Network Coordinator
Let’s BeFriends are looking for a Network Coordinator to lead on planning and organising recruitment campaigns and implement initiatives to attract new volunteers. The post holder will be expected to network, build and maintain relationships with various organisations to aid the sustainability of recruitment.
Salary: £12.60 per hour
Contract: 16 hours per week
Location: In the community across the Lancaster district
Closing Date: 1 March
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Group Coordinator with Home Start
Home-Start is looking for a Group Coordinator with experience of supporting families to work as part of their team. Are you approachable, reliable and understand the needs of children and parents? Are you up for a challenge?
You will work in groups in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley but may be required to work across other districts as needed.
You will be required to:
- Plan and deliver family activities in group settings
- Provide support to families in a non-judgemental and friendly manner
- Undertake assessments and regular reviews of family needs
- Record data using online systems
Salary: £13,550 per annum
Contract: 24 hours per week
Location: Hyndburn/ Ribble Valley and other districts
Closing Date: 14thth February 2023, 9am
Interview date: Tuesday 21st February 2023
For further information and application
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Office / Administration Manager
PDVS are looking for an Office/ Administration Manager to join their team for office duties including processing monthly payroll, invoice payments, administer Gift Aid claims, pension scheme administration and more. Please note this vacancy is only open to women only.
Salary: £10,881 pa (£26,839 pro rata)
Contract: 15 hours per week
Location: Community Gateway Offices, Harbour House, Preston, PR2 2DW
Closing Date: 8th February 2023, 12pm
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Health Check Adviser at Citizens Advice North Lancashire
This role will work one-to-one with individuals, with families and in group settings to provide personalised and tailored advice to address the practical issues that often cause stress and anxiety and associated health issues.
The post holder will deliver personalised support over a number of sessions to help people identify and address their advice needs and manage their own health. The post holder will encourage access to primary care services as appropriate and support vaccination, immunisation and screening uptake.
Salary: £10,710
Contract: 16 hours per week, fixed term to 31 March 2025
Location: In the community across the Lancaster district
Closing Date: 1 February, 5pm
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Crisis Recovery Worker & Recovery Worker at Richmond Fellowship
Crisis Recovery Worker
Blackpool Crisis: Sycamore House is a community based crisis service, working to a recovery model with the aim to reduce the amount of A&E and Hospital admissions through evidence based CBT interventions.
This role works with people using the Fellowship’s services to help and inspire them to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community by coming up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations.
Salary: £20,054
Contract: Full time
Location: Blackpool
Recovery Worker
Chapel View is a mental health, supported housing and community based service, working to a recovery model, providing a range of support services for people with mental ill health to access in their local community, including outreach support, peer support and supported housing.
This role works with people using the Fellowship’s services to help and inspire them to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community by coming up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations.
Salary: £20,054
Contract: Full time
Location: Kendal
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Finance Assistant at Girlguiding
Girlguiding London and South East England (LaSER) and Girlguiding North West England are looking for a full time Finance Assistant to support the work of both regions. The successful candidate will work 2½ days a week for Girlguiding LaSER and 2½ days a week for Girlguiding North West England, based at either of the region offices which are in Wandsworth or Preston.
The role of the Finance Assistant is to undertake the entire bookkeeping requirements of both regions; to support the Finance Manager as required in order to ensure all the accounting activities are undertaken timely, accurately and in line with internal control procedures.
Salary: £22,800 – £24,000
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Preston or London
Closing Date: 12 February
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Lifestyle Coach at Groundwork North East & Cumbria
Groundwork are looking to employ someone who will engage in the planning and running of activities that bring everyone in their community closer together, with aims of the provision which are to deliver tailored helping people to maintain a healthy diet, stay warm and well, reaching some of the most vulnerable individuals, and to reduce social isolation.
Salary: £23,748 – £27,825
Contract: Full time, fixed term for 3 months
Location: Barrow in Furness
Closing Date: 31 January
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Cleaner at The Centre @ Halton
The Centre @ Halton has a position for a Cleaner available for an immediate start.
Flexible hours are available. Please contact the Centre office on 01524 811316 for more information.
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Youth Worker at CancerCare
Would you like to help CancerCare transform the lives of young people affected by cancer and bereavement?
If you are bursting with energy, enthusiasm and ideas, the charity is looking for a new youth worker for its Lancaster Re-Fresh Peer Support Group which provides weekly activity sessions for youngsters aged 11-17.
They also run an exciting programme of school holiday trips ranging from riding the rollercoasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to sailing Viking boats on Derwentwater in the Lakes!
Salary: £12,045
Contract: 21 hours per week
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 10 February 2023
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Board of Trustees & Chair – Ludus Dance
Do you share our belief that dance is a tool which can empower children and young people and improve their lives? Based in Lancaster and working across the Northwest, Ludus Dance are working to make access to dance more equitable in the locale and wider region.
They are looking for someone with an academic/professional or personal interest in the following areas:
- The arts & childhood development;
- The arts & its impact on the mental health of children and young people;
- Personal and social vulnerability, isolation & displacement and the role arts can play in improving wellbeing
In addition, the following areas of expertise may be of particular benefit:
- Experience within the public sector: Police, NHS, Social Care, Youth Work, Arts & Culture, Education
- Being a parent, guardian, carer, or young person
- Charitable Fundraising and developing strategic partnerships
- Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility
If you would like to join their team as a trustee and to share your knowledge and expertise please view their recruitment pack for more information.
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RSPB Job Opportunities
Senior Programme Manager
RSPB are looking for a skilled programme manager to lead their land acquisition programme, oversee the management of land-related risks and ensure that they have effective systems for managing the finances of their estate.
Salary: £42,768 – £47,446
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Closing Date: 27 January 2023, 23.59
Visitor Experience and Events Area Consultant
RSPB are looking for someone who will provide leadership in the visitor experience, ensuring a world-class offer across RSPB nature reserves for everyone. The post holder will support reserve teams to enhance their visitor offer. They will be expected to deliver their strategic aims and set the expected standards on reserves for visitor experience providing direction and support to underpin a high-quality visitor offer and a consistent experience – leading on profitability, experience, exemplary customer service and infrastructure.
Salary: £28,420- £31,529 per annum
Contract: Flexible – WFH
Location: Hybrid in North England – Carnforth, Lancashire
Closing Date: 27 January 2023, 23.59
Find out more about this role and apply
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Fundraising Relationship Manager – Trinity Hospice
Trinity Hospice & Brian House Children’s Hospice are actively seeking a Fundraising Relationship Manager to enhance their highly-successful fund raising team. The purpose of the job will be to lead and develop their newly formed Fundraising Relationship Team, creating a new strategy to maximise income generation from corporate and community supporters, build strong working partnerships with local businesses and community groups and contribute towards annual team targets as well as line manage a small team of fundraisers.
Salary: £31,500-£33,00
Contract: 37 hours per week with some evenings and weekends hours required
Location: Hybrid – a mix of office time with some homeworking
Closing Date: 3 February 2023, 23.59
Find out more about this role and apply
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Preston Domestic Violence Services Roles
The Charity organisation Preston Domestic Violence Services are seeking a BAME Outreach Support Worker and Outreach Support Worker to join their team. Please note these positions are open to women only.
BAME Outreach Support Worker
PDVS are looking for a support worker to provide support services for BAME victims of domestic violence and abuse including group interventions.
Salary: 15,834 actual (£23,434 pro-rata)
Contract: 25 hours per week
Location: A combination of in the office (located at Harbour House, Port Way) and in the community including some home visits
Closing Date: Mon 23rd January 2023, 4pm
Interview date: Weds 1st February 2023
Find out more about this role and how to apply
Outreach Support Worker
PDVS are recruiting for a community based support worker to provide individual outreach support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Salary: 11,400 actual per annum (£23,434 pro-rata)
Contract: 18 hours per week
Location: A combination of in the office (located at Harbour House, Port Way) and some community work
Closing Date: Mon 23rd January 2023, 4pm
Interview date: Weds 1st February 2023
Find out more about this role and how to apply
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Paid positions with FoodFutures
FoodFutures Fundraiser (freelance position)
FoodFutures are looking to recruit a fundraiser to provide as-needed funding advice and support for priority FoodFutures projects, lead on the delivery of the Strategic Fundraising Plan and by extension, their Our Food Futures strategy.
Salary: £15.75 per hour
Contract: As required / Max 30 hours per month
Location: Lancaster/ The Storey Institute and homeworking
Closing Date: 27h January 2023
FoodFutures Network Builder & Facilitator
FoodFutures are looking for a Network Builder & Facilitator to work with the FoodFutures coordinator and the Communications and Engagement Working Group to develop a Local Food Champion Network; grow the FoodFriends scheme to reach 500 members; develop a business and enterprise network aligned with the Good Food Manifesto.
Application deadline: Friday 27th January 2023
Salary: £25,350 (37.50 hours for full time) pro rata
Pro-rata for 22 hours per week, £14,929
Contract: 22.5 hours pw. A one year fixed term contract, with intention to extend if funding secured.
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 28th January 2023
Find out more about this role and apply
Closing Loops REconomy Coordinator
FoodFutures are seeking a Reconomy Coordinator for their ongoing Closing Loops project. The purpose of the job is to coordinate and oversee the delivery of the REconomy element of work in the Closing Loops project and support the development of a regenerative economy in North Lancashire.
Salary: £15,210 (22.5 hours a week) equivalent to £25,350 (37.5 hours for full time) pro rata.
Contract: 22.5 hours pw starting April 2023 / 4 year fixed term / Some evenings and weekends required
Location: Lancaster/ The Storey Institute and homeworking
Closing Date: 27th January 2023
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Trustees Roles for the Skelton Charity
For over 90 years the Skelton Trust has distributed funds to volunteer led charities to enable them to help more people. Their trustees are now looking to strengthen their membership by recruiting two additional members. They are welcoming applications from anyone who is able to serve as a charity trustee. The charity are interested in applicants who have digital communication skills, and those who can help build more inclusive communities.
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]
