Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 27 April 2023

Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards – Nomination Form Live
The online nomination form and related guidance for the 2023 Volunteer Achivement Awards are now available.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Sunday 28 May, and the awards will take place at the Midland Hotel on Wednesday 7 June from 5pm. Bookings will open soon, and you will find a link in next week’s Bulletin.

More information, nomination form and guidance on the LDCVS website.

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Step into Spring with the Lancaster District Directory
With the days lengthening and the cold snaps of the late winter hopefully behind us, it’s no surprise that many of us find our thoughts turning to getting out and about around the Lancaster District’s neighbourhoods, coast and countryside. Enjoying time outdoors can be a great way to ease worries, meet new people, and boost our physical health. Past research by the mental health charity Mind has shown that taking a walk in green spaces such as countryside parks can decrease tension, reduce feelings of depression, and increase self-esteem. Thanks to the Lancaster District Directory, finding something to do outdoors couldn’t be easier… Read more

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Remembering Michael Hallam
We are saddened to hear the recent news about Michael Hallam. Michael was a long-time friend and supporter of the voluntary community faith and social enterprise sector and incredibly passionate about our communities. His leadership with ESTA and the various programmes he was involved in helped connect small enterprises together for good was an exemplar piece of work which did amazing work across our district. He was innovator, a networker, an activist and everything he did was all about improving the lives of local people. Thankyou Michael for all you did. You will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. LDCVS team

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Announcing the Closing Loops ‘Pots of Possibility’ Fund
Closing Loops was launched by FoodFutures (North Lancashire’s Sustainable Food Network) in 2022 to support community-led action and local initiatives to transform waste into a valuable resource and stimulate a thriving, regenerative local economy where enterprises, organisations and people are actively contributing to the health and wellbeing of their communities and the environment.

We’re delighted to announce that as part of the Closing Loops project, LDCVS has worked alongside LESS and Shared Future CIC to secure £300,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will be distributed locally as ‘Pots of Possibility’ – grants of up to £10,000 to enable community organisations, charities, social enterprises and others implement activities addressing any of the following themes:

• Growing, cooking and eating local, seasonal and sustainable food.
• Initiatives that inspire people around sustainable consumption and zero waste practices.
• Initiatives around composting.
• Regenerative enterprises or initiatives for materials currently going to waste (for instance food, textiles, packaging, electronics and more)- with a focus on reducing consumption or reusing and repurposing of materials.
• Regenerative enterprises or initiatives that enable the sharing and repurposing of resources (tools, materials, spaces and skills) within our communities.

Community Pots grants of up to £5,000 will support pilot projects, test the feasibility of new ideas and support community projects.

REconomy Pots grants of up to £10,000 will be awarded to grow ideas and scale up pilots that contribute to an ecosystem of regenerative initiatives and enterprises locally. The Reconomy pots will be awarded through a participatory budgeting approach which transfers considerable decision-making power to local communities and grant applicants.

The first round of Community Pots is now open offering grants of between £1,000 to £5,000 to help get ideas off the ground. See the Funding section of this Bulletin for more information.

New Charity Awards Launched to Fight Child Poverty in the North West
The Equilibrium Foundation has just launched its new Equilibrium Foundation Grant Awards which will provide £60,000 of funding annually to lesser-known charities in the North West. The awards will have a different theme each year, with the inaugural awards supporting charities which are helping to address child poverty in the region. Applications are now open.

Read more on the Equilibrium Foundation Grant Awards

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Crowdfund Lancashire Summer 2023 Launch
Round 2 of Crowdfund Lancashire is set to reopen on Tuesday 16^th May 2023 for applications to fund projects that will improve the culture or sport offer in the local community. Crowdfund Lancashire gives local communities a chance to create and support the projects which matter most to them.  It will enable everyone to contribute towards their community – chipping in as little as £2 to help bring ideas to life. Projects could get up to £20,000 towards their target from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund. Spacehive Crowdfund Lancashire will be holding an online launch event to discover how you can support or start local sports and culture projects in the county.

Round 2 Closing Deadline is Tuesday 18th July

Read more about this latest news with Round 2

Reserve your e-ticket for their launch event

Lancaster Crowdfund Projects 
There are numerous exciting Crowdfund Projects to get behind in our very own Lancaster district. Let’s support our community projects, every pledge counts. Visit each project’s Spacehive crowdfund page and see how close they are to reaching their target…

Lancaster Dino Fest 2023
Over Kellet Jubilee Bells
Lancaster Music Festival
Community Production of Faust
Catch the Wind Kite Festival
Summer Holiday Activity Programme

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Women’s Urgent Support Fund Now Open for Applications
Funding has been made available to address challenges faced by women most impacted by poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. Smallwood Trust, with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, has opened the first round of its £3 million funding programme aimed at emergency provision for women most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis in England. The first round sees a total of £1 million available, which will be awarded in grants of £15,000 to £60,000 over three years. It is expected that around 20 grants will be made.

The deadline to apply for round one is 5pm on 19 May 2023.

Find out more about the Smallwood Trust fund

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Deadline Reminder for Create Equity’s Capacity Building Fund
Unrestricted funding is available for minority-led organisations working in the creative industries. Organisations across England have two weeks left to apply for an unrestricted funding from Create Equity to build their capacity and resilience. The fund offers grants of up to £70,000 and bespoke business support and is open to registered charities and social enterprises with an annual turnover of at least £100,000.

The deadline to apply is 2 May 2023

Learn more about this fund and apply

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Rewilding Innovation Fund Reopens for 2023
Community groups, public, and private landowners in England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for funding to develop or scale-up rewilding projects on land or at sea. Rewilding Britain is offering grants of up to £15,000 to help remove barriers to rewilding projects across Britain, whether they are at the early planning stage or wish to scale up pre-existing projects. The Rewilding Innovation Fund will support rewilding projects on land and at sea, at a scale of more than 40 hectares, that adhere to Rewilding Britain’s rewilding principles.  Applicants must first become a member of the Rewilding Network before submitting a full application. There are typically two funding rounds per year.

The next deadline for applications is 31 May 2023.

Find out more and apply

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Community Business Trade Up Programme 2023 Opens for Applications
A business development learning programme and match trading grant to support locally rooted community businesses in England to become stronger and more sustainable. The Community Business Trade Up Programme is provided by Power to Change and the Dulverton Trust in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). The programme is open to early stage businesses in England, ideally less than four years old, that are working towards these criteria:

• Locally rooted.
• Accountable to the local community.
• Trading for the benefit of the local community.
• Making a broad community impact.

Applications are now open with a deadline of 12 noon on 26 June 2023.

Read the Community Business Trade Up notes for applicants

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AHF Launches New Grants Programme for Historic Building Projects in England
New funding is available for charities and not-for-profit organisations in England to support early-stage feasibility work on historic building projects in England. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is offering new funding for 2023-2024 which aims to help a range of not-for-profit organisations, including social enterprises, through the early stages of planning to restore and re-use historic buildings.  Project Viability grants of up to £10,000 are available and are normally valid for one year.

There is a two-stage application process. Expressions of Interest may be submitted at any time, but applicants should bear in mind that the programme closes to full applications on 26 January 2024.

Read more about this funding opportunity

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Scops Arts Trust Reopens for Applications in 2023
Charities across the United Kingdom can apply for funding for new high-quality projects that provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to access, enjoy, and participate in the arts. Scops Art Trust is offering grants of up to £30,000 to registered charities, and other constituted, not-for-profit organisations, to deliver projects and activities that give people of all ages a better quality of life by enabling them to understand, participate in, and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts (music, drama, opera, and dance). There is a two-stage application process, wherein groups must complete an eligibility check before being invited to submit a Stage 1 application. Selected applicants will then be invited to complete a Stage 2 online application form.

The deadline for Stage 1 applications is 28 April 2023 (noon).

Find out more about the Scops Arts Trust funding

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Triangle Trust 1949 Fund Reopens for 2023 Applications
There is a renewed funding opportunity for organisations supporting young people caught up in the criminal justice system. Following a period of closure to undertake a strategic review, the Triangle Trust 1949 Fund is once again accepting applications. This year, there will be a focus on young offenders or those at risk of offending. For round one, proposals must be aimed solely at supporting young people (aged 11 to 25 years) with criminal convictions. Grants of up to £80,000 over two years are on offer, with a maximum of £40,000 that can be requested per year.

The deadline to apply is 23.59 on 21 May 2023.

Find out more about the Triangle Trust Funding

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Lancaster Community Fund 2023/4 – up to £1,000 for local projects
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

Deadlines for 2023/4 are:

19 May 2023, 5pm

10 November 2023, 5pm

9 February 2024, 5pm

Find out more and apply

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Nationwide Building Society Community Grants – 2023 Dates Announced
Funding has become available for projects which address the housing problem across the UK. Housing-focused charities in the UK will soon be able to apply to the annual community grants programme from Nationwide Building Society, focusing on preventing people from losing their home, helping people into a home and supporting people to thrive within the home environment. This year, the awards have increased in size, meaning that grants of £10,000 to £60,000 are now available. Nationwide will fund between 50% to 100% of the total cost of a project.

Applications open on 25 April 2023 and close on 26 May 2023 (1pm).

Find out more about the Community Housing Support Grants here

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Further Funding to Support Grassroots Live Music in England
Arts Council England has confirmed that a further £1.5 million has been ringfenced to continue its Supporting of the Grassroots Live Music programme for an additional six months. This will enable music venues and promoters to develop capacity and resilience to continue their work longer-term. Applications are accepted from organisations whose main function is to host and/or promote live music events in venues. The programme supports projects that bring the full spectrum of contemporary popular music genres to live audiences. Grants of £1,000 to £40,000 are available for up to three years of activity. There is a requirement for applicants to demonstrate at least 10% match funding.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 2023.

Learn more about the Supporting Grassroots Live Music Fund

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Onward Community Fund Open for Applications in 2023
Constituted community and voluntary organisations across Lancashire, Merseyside, and Greater Manchester can apply for funding to deliver projects and activities that support Onward community and help address the cost-of-living crisis. Onward Homes is providing grants of up to £2,500 to support local community groups and projects in Onward neighbourhoods, as well as support residents and communities through the going cost-of-living crisis. The funding is intended for projects that address one of four themes: work, food, greenspace and digital. There is a two-stage application process, wherein groups must first submit an online Expression of Interest form before being invited to submit a full application.

The next deadline for applications is 15 May 2023

More about the Onward Community Fund and expression of interest form

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Forestry Commission Launches £5.1m Tree Production Capital Grant
Funding is available to increase the domestic production of tree seed and saplings in England, via investments in facilities and equipment. The Tree Production Capital Grant provides funding to help tree nurseries and suppliers invest in projects which improve, expand, automate or mechanise their operations. The aim is to support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply – delivering on a commitment within the England Trees Action Plan, the Government’s long-term plan for the nation’s trees, woodlands and forests. Up to £5.1 million of funding is available, subject to sufficient high-quality bids being received. Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2023 (23:55 BST).

Learn more about the tree production capital grant

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Local School Nature Grants Programme Reopens for 2023
Schools and early years providers in England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for training and resources to promote outdoor learning and make environmental improvements for the benefit of pupils, staff, and the local community. Learning Through Landscapes is offering outdoor learning training sessions and nature equipment for nurseries, schools, and other early-learning providers to promote outdoor learning for children. The Local School Nature Grants Scheme will provide a two-hour outdoor learning training session, along with an assortment of equipment up to the value of £500, examples include: Woodland activity kits, growing kits, seedd packs and gardening equipment. Applicants must be employed by the school or early learning provider. There are four funding rounds in 2023.

The next deadline for applications is 28 April 2023.

Find out more about this grant programme

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Community Celebrations Month Pop Up Fund – grants of up to £300 available throughout May
Has your community organisation got a reason to have a party during the month of May?

We think there are lots of reasons for people to come together, connect, celebrate and party in May 2023, not least of which we have the King’s Coronation (weekend of the 6th – 8th) with the additional bank holiday and the Eurovision Song Contest (9th – 13th) hosted in Liverpool on behalf of last year’s winner Ukraine. In fact, there is a national day of celebration for something on just about every day of the month.

With this in mind we’ve opened a Community Celebrations Month Pop Up Fund with remaining money from the Lancaster Community Wellbeing Fund.

Fill out the quick and easy application form and your organisation could get up to £300 to help with providing the party resources you need to bring people together and make your celebration one to remember.

Find out more and apply

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Community Benefit Fund with Lancaster University
The Community Benefits Fund is a project that was formed by Lancaster University following the installation of their wind turbine in 2012. The wind turbine produces 15% of the overall energy demand on campus each year and the savings are used to award local communities across the Lancaster District with grant funding for community-based and environmental projects. Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations to support sustainable projects, large and small. 

Applications for the Ninth round of funding (2020-21) will be accepted from 1st April until 30th June 2022. Successful applicants to the fund will be advised in August 2022

Learn more about this fund and how to apply

Claver Hill AGM
Claver Hill will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday, May 6th.  The event will begin with a welcome walk around the site from 3-4:30pm led by Anna.  Following this an exploration of the Natural Flood Defences and Conservation Project will take place along the Nature Trail.  Next will involve a perusal of Spud Club and all the seedlings going in for this summer’s bounty.  The AGM will be held between 5-6pm starting with the Chairs report highlighting events from the last year and looking forward to the new year based on reports from each of the 7 groups on site.  Lastly there will be a bring and share food around the bonfire to round off the evening.  All are welcome.

For more information contact [email protected]
Discover more about Claver Hill

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The Hewitt Report – Integrated Care Systems Summary & Analysis
A review has been released by Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt on oversight, governance and accountability of Integrated Care Systems (ICs). The Hewitt review proposes greater autonomy to enable ICSs to better prevent ill health and improve NHS productivity and care, matched by renewed accountability. If fully implemented, the review’s recommendations offer a step change in enabling ICSs to deliver their four main statutory purposes.

Read the report’s summary and analysis

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The Stigma Conversations – Podcast Series
What is stigma? Who does it serve? And how does it shape our world broken by poverty, prejudice, and injustice? In The Stigma Conversations, leading sociologist Imogen Tyler meets inspirational academics, activists and frontline workers to show that while stigma is most certainly about feelings and experiences, it’s also about power, politics and history. We are in a state of emergency, and we need to take action, now. Of particular note, our well respected friends and colleagues Helen Greatorex (CEO of CAB North Lancs ) and Dr Andy Knox (Carnforth GP) feature in the series. It makes for fascinating and useful listening for those working in the third sector.

Have a listen to their podcast episodes here

2023 Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards
We are pleased to announce that this year will see the return of the Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards, and this time we will be back in person to host the awards after two years of of the pandemic, that limited us to virtual events. The Awards will take place at the Midland Hotel on 7 June from 5pm.

There are six categories, including Trustee of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Young Volunteer of the Year; Lifetime Achievement Award; Volunteer of the Year; and the Roger Sherlock Memorial Community Inspiration Award. We might even have one or two surprises for this year’s event. In addition to the awards categories themselves, we also have Certificates of Recognition that can be awarded to anyone that you feel should get one, for their volunteering efforts over the last couple of years or longer. The Awards are a chance to say thank you, and to recognise the achievements of the many people across our district who make such a positive difference to our communities. We will never get tired of saying that volunteers are vital to us all and hopefully you won’t get tired of reading it.

Do you know someone who volunteers that you think is deserving of some recognition for their efforts? You can nominate them for this year’s awards – find out more on our dedicated page.

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The Coronation Champions Awards
To mark the Coronation of Their Majesties, The Coronation Champions Awards, with the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, will celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities.

Her Majesty is a passionate and long-standing advocate of volunteering, and the Royal Voluntary Service is organising the awards to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers across the UK. They will commend outstanding volunteers from all communities and also aim to inspire others to explore what volunteering has to offer. There will be eight categories of awards, from volunteering in health or animal welfare, to supporting the environment or sports and heritage. Anyone can nominate a volunteer they know for an award. Judges will also be on the lookout to celebrate rising stars as ‘Young Coronation Champions’ (aged 14-18).

The awards opened for nominations on 20th February 2023 and will close on 2nd April. 500 Coronation Champions will be announced before the Coronation weekend. The Coronation Champions Awards, along with the Big Help Out, will place volunteering at the heart of the Coronation celebrations, aiming to build a lasting legacy of volunteering spirit. The RVS website should answer most questions about the aims and process for nominations.

Visit the awards website to nominate a volunteer or to find out more.

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Volunteer Centre News Update
For the latest from the Volunteer Centre you can read our Volunteering News Update here

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Claver Hill National Big Help Out Day
Claver Hill are welcoming any one off volunteers as part of the National Big Help Out Day.  Stay as long as you feel comfortable and also a reminder to wear clothes appropriate to working outside.  It is advised to bring your own snacks and drinks.  There will be a variety of tasks to work on and if you enjoy the great outdoors you might like to become a member and attend more regularly. The volunteer National Big Help Out Day will take place on Monday May 8^th, 10am-4pm. For more information contact [email protected]

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The Big Help Out – A National Spotlight on Volunteering
Have you heard of The Big Help Out? It’s a national drive encouraging people to volunteer to mark the King’s Coronation, specifically on the additional Bank Holiday on 8th May. We at Lancaster District CVS are 100% behind anything that encourages volunteering, but it has been disappointing to see that The Big Help Out has received something of a backlash, particularly on social media. Volunteers and volunteering should always be valued. Volunteers are the life blood of our communities, the glue of our social fabric. Not convinced? I guarantee you that some aspect of your life, and the lives of everyone you know, is impacted for the better by volunteers … Read more

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Volunteer Recruitment Fair – Lancaster Library
Our Volunteer Recruitment Fair took place on the 3rd March at Lancaster Library and was a great success, connecting community organisations and prospective volunteers. We had over 20 local volunteer involving organisations that attended, and their representatives were there to share their projects. If any of your service users would like to find out about volunteering in Lancaster, please do get in touch. The Volunteer Centre here at CVS provide an ongoing volunteer support and recruitment service. 

Have a watch of our video compilation from the event

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Volunteering Opportunities
Carnforth’s Big Coronation Lunch
On Sunday 7th May Carnforth Town Council will be celebrating the King’s Coronation with a Big Lunch from noon until 8pm.

The Town Council are asking for anyone who has a spare bit of time and wanta to play their part in making the Carnforth Big Coronation Lunch the success it deserves to email Leah at [email protected] or call Bob Bailey on 07828254149

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LDCVS Bulletin Volunteer
LDCVS require a Volunteer that can help us prepare our weekly Bulletin edition by collating items sent in by our staff and membership, and writing them up as short summaries ready for publication. Our Bulletin is one of the services most valued by the LDCVS membership. It is our primary way of communicating information about funding opportunities, training and events, jobs and volunteer opportunities, and news related to two important areas of work – health & wellbeing and children & young people.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Board of Director Roles at Wise Up Workshops CIC
Wise Up Workshops CIC are looking to select people who have professional expertise to join their Board of Directors and be jointly responsible for its governance and strategic direction. In order to strengthen the board’s areas of expertise, they are looking to select two people who already work in one or more of the following areas:

• As independent, practicing, self-employed artists/drama workshop leader
• Within finance – budget setting, budget management and accountancy
• In the education sector or within relevant disciplines

Take a look at the job description for the role

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Roles with n-compass

Penpal Volunteer
Provide a connection and emotional support to Carers.

Outgoing CHAT line Volunteer
Provide a listening ear and emotional support to Carers.

Sitting In Service Volunteer
To allow carers a much-needed break from their caring role in order to do something for themselves.

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Green Rose Energy Volunteer
Green Rose are advertising a variety of roles to choose from including social media support, helping at drop ins and events, delivering energy advice and holding the phone. There will be support around delivering energy champions training and briefings. The CIC provide a friendly and fun environment in which to meet new friends and learn new skills.

Explore this opportunity

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The Bay Morecambe Hub Volunteer
The mental health & wellbeing project The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery have recently opened a Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre in Morecambe and are looking to use the space for events, closed group sessions and drop-in wellbeing support and signposting. The team are looking for friendly, reliable and empathetic volunteers to support with the running of the Community Hub and activities. The Bay programme is designed to help people to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the resulting social isolation by providing opportunities to connect with nature and participate in environmental activity around Morecambe Bay. The role will be flexible and there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Find out more about this volunteer role

Mental Health Support Resources
The Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust have provided a support resource for those struggling with their mental health. The resources include a range of FREE self-help guides that cover various issues including anxiety, stress, self-harm and more. Also available is a selection of useful contacts both locally and nationally covering a wide range of mental health areas.

Mental Health Support links below:

Mental Health Support Services
Self-help Support Guides
Accessing Mental Health Support in the Bay

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Prostate Awareness Screening Event
With over 52,254 new cases of prostate cancer being diagnosed on average in the UK each year, identifying early signs are vital for increased survival rates. The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer appeal  will be holding a prostrate screening event at Lancaster Football Club (Giant Axe) on Saturday 13^th May 2023 between 11am and 5pm.

Find out more about this screening event

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Laughter Yoga
Want to try something new? Need more laughter in your life?

Laughter yoga is a fun exercise that has beneficial effects on the body and mind and enables social connection!

The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery is hosting a series of FREE sessions combining Laughter Yoga and nature connection. Each week they will explore a different aspect of marine conservation using laughter yoga followed by nature activities by the seafront.

The 5-week course will explore laughter yoga techniques while giving you the opportunity to connect with others in a small group and make a positive impact on the local environment.

The sessions start next week and will run every Thursday from 20th April – 18th May 2023 and there is still time to sign up!

Booking and pre-registration essential, if you or someone you know are interested in the sessions please contact Nature and Wellbeing Officer, Alex – [email protected]

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Bowel Cancer Awareness: Know the Signs and Save Lives
With April being Bowel Cancer Awareness month, we want to take a moment to raise awareness about the disease that affects thousands of people in the UK each year. As the fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cancer killer in the country, it is crucial to understand the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

Nearly 43,000 individuals are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK annually. It is a disease that can affect anyone at any age, making education and vigilance essential. Detecting bowel cancer at its earliest stage significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment—up to 9 times more likely.

To help protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to recognise the following signs and symptoms of bowel cancer:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
• A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reasons
• A pain or lump in your tummy

If you experience any one of these symptoms, or if something just doesn’t feel right, you should contact your GP straight away. Most people who experience these won’t have bowel cancer. Other health conditions can cause similar symptoms. But it’s important to speak to your GP so you can rule out bowel cancer as the cause.

For individuals aged 60-74, the NHS sends out bowel cancer screening kits. We urge you not to disregard this vital tool—place it by the loo and make it a priority.

Read more at the NHS website

Prince’s Trust Community Project
As the Princes Trust prepare for the next team to start in May 2023, they are looking for local organisations or groups who might be able to host the team for  their community project. The Community Project takes place w/c 12th & 18th June 2023 and provides the team with the opportunity to take ownership of a non-technical project over 8 days. Previous community projects have included tidying up spaces by painting and gardening. The size of Princes Trust Team will be around 15.  Please contact [email protected] for further information.

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Escape2Make New Clubs

Bicycle Club
Escape2Make are encouraging all those 11-18 year olds out there to get their wheels in motion and sign up to their new bicycle club for young people in the Lancaster district. The Bicycle Club is FREE and an opportunity to learn all the skills you need to fix and maintain a bike. If you do not have access to a bike, E2M are able to loan one for the session. The sessions will give the opportunity to work towards a bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award alongside their clubs. Sessions will take place fortnightly.

First session
Date & time: Monday 22^nd May at 5-6pm
Location Halton Mill, Mill Lane, Halton.

Second session
From the second session onwards, the group will meet outside Sainsbury’s Lancaster at 4.30pm and do a group ride to Halton Mill, where you will do 1-hour of bicycle repair of another bicycle-related activity and then ride back to Sainsbury’s for 6.30pm

Sign up today on their What’s on page

Green Club
As part of their new collection of clubs Escape2Make are also running a new Green Club for 11-18 year olds, where the group will be taking part in nature walks, learning about foraging, cooking wild meals and snacks, making things out of natural materials and more. The group will also be going on semi-regular trips to Gathering Fields in Over-Wyresdale with transport provided.

Date & time: Wednesday 24^th May 2023, 5-7pm
Location: Priory Hall (Meet outside Lancaster Castle, Castle Grove, Lancaster, LA1 1YN)

Sign up for Green Club today

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Playscheme Opportunity – Lancaster City Council
Lancaster City Council have supported summer playschemes for children in the district for several years and in 2022, playschemes were based at four locations, including Carnforth. For the summer holidays in 2023, the Council seeks a provider to plan and deliver three community playschemes for children aged 8 to 11-years-old in the Lancaster District. One playscheme must be available to children living in or around the Carnforth area. The Council welcomes interest from providers to deliver three playschemes. However, applications to deliver one or two playschemes will also be considered. The three playschemes should provide a selection of social, creative and sport-related activities for up to 120 children per day (up to 40 per playscheme).

Further information is available on Contracts Finder

Tender is through Proactis (log-in here). Creating an account should be straight forward and is free.

If you have any queries, please contact Adam Kirkby at [email protected]

The closing date is 27th April 2023.

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YMCA Lancaster Youth Club
The YMCA Lancaster are running a weekly club for young people every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm.  It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to socialise, exercise in the gym, learn to cook and more.

See the Youth club e-poster here

Here is a short video from YMCA with further information on their activities…

National Academy for Social Prescribing Celebration Event
The National Academy for Social Prescribing are set to hold an event in May celebrating how social prescribing in the Northwest changes lives and strengthens communities. The event will showcase and celebrate the excellent opportunities that exist in communities in the North West. There will be activity taster sessions and a chance to hear from voluntary organisations and keynote speakers.

Date & time: Tues 25^th May 2023, 10.30am – 3.15pm
Location: Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, Stretford

More info and reserve your e-ticket here

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Free Tennis Open Day
Lancaster Tennis Club are holding a FREE Open Day for families and adults in the Lancaster area who are interested in trying out tennis or pickleball. This is especially aimed at families and juniors, but adults are equally welcome. The event is for players of all levels from beginners to more advanced. The open day will provide a great opportunity to trial the Club’s astro turf courts, find out more about the Club, the social tennis sessions, teams and matches.  There will also be a chance to meet the new coaching team as well as their friendly and welcoming current members.  There will an opportunity to hit balls with them and also try out the fast growing & fun game of pickleball.

No prior registration is needed, guests can just turn up and balls and racquets are provided for.

Date & time: Saturday April 29th 2023, 2pm to 4pm

Location: Lancaster Tennis Club, Lune Road, LA1 5QU

More information about this event

Any queries contact Susan Lucas on 07771 734920 or email: [email protected]

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Groundwork – Designing & Implementing Support for Creative Practitioners (virtual)
The Arts & Health Hub are delivering training for organisations commissioning and working with creative practitioners in the field of arts and health. This could include statutory and charitable organisations delivering community arts programmes (i.e social prescribing schemes) and arts organisations that commission artists. This training is not designed for individual artists.  This six hour training course takes place over three 2-hour sessions and you are advised to attend all three sessions.

The sessions take place on:

8th June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)
15th June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)
22nd June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)

The course takes place over Zoom.
Learn more about this course here
Book your e-ticket for the virtual session here

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Lancaster City Council Business Start Up Training
LCC are hosting a drop-in training session for business start-ups/ pre-starts. The workshop will cover a range of free business support in areas from product development and pricing to marketing and business planning.  

Location: Morecambe Town Hall
Date & time: Friday 28^th April, 10am-12.30pm

View the event advert here

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Ex-Service Personnel Mentoring in Schools Programme
Lancashire County Council are providing a mentoring opportunity for those who have served in the UK Armed Forces (or spouse/partner of). The programme offers a chance to retrain and gain valuable experience in a new career helping support young people with their prospects and development. The programme offers working in a non-teaching role alongside school support and teaching staff and learn from their expertise. Training provided will include Effective Mentoring Level 3, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Safeguarding and Pupil Support training.

Find out more about this mentoring programme
View the LCC e-poster here

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Lancaster High Streets Heritage Action Zone Launches Mill Race Trail Tours
The fascinating history of Lancaster’s Mill Race has been marked by the launch of a new heritage trail which explores the people and buildings that make up this fascinating area and the watercourse flowing beneath the city. The digital trail highlights 12 new green heritage plaques that have been specially created to celebrate the architects, buildings, industries and workers that have shaped the landscape we see today. A series of guided walks to launch the trail took place on Tuesday March 28 and were attended by 30 people.… Read more

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Sewing Cafe Lancaster’s Annual Fashion Revolution Week
The Sewing Café Lancaster will be hosting a clothing swap event with a twist for Annual Fashion Revolution Week.  The event themed ‘Other Worlds’ is set to include interactive events, guest speakers, music, gallery displays, and workshops in a creative 3-day event. The event is free but it is recommended to reserve tickets ahead of time.  The event will be held at the Storey Gallery from April 28^th 5pm until April 30^th 4pm.   

Learn more about this event

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Opportunities with the Creative West End
The growing community network Creative West End have multiple upcoming opportunities for this year’s creative markets and activities…

Micro Commissions for artists, creatives and performers
CWE are working with their network to commission performances, workshops and creative projects for Creative West End Markets this summer 2023. If you have an idea that can help the market to be a beautiful, entertaining and engaging place they’d love to hear from you. Over the 5 markets between May and September there will be a number of commissions and performance opportunities worth £40 – £250 up for grabs.

Find out more here

Book a market stall
This summer, the CWE will be taking over the space on West End Gardens on the second Saturday of every month from May-September for the Creative West End Markets. The organisers are looking for those with a dab hand at creative fairs and events to get in touch for this years market stalls, that will offer a diverse range of community-led creativity.

Learn more about how to get involved

Photography commission
The Creative West End are looking to commission a local photographer to document their journey through their summer events from April through to September 2023. They will be required to attend and capture the markets and network parties where there will be a showcase by local makers and creatives and a series of activities in which the group will participate.

Further details can be found here

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Chinese Conversation Classes
Lancaster University Confucius Institute will be running free Chinese conversation classes at Lancaster City Library from April. These classes are for all members of the public, at all levels, to practice speaking Mandarin.

The conversation class dates are:

Wednesday 3rd and Saturday 20th May
Wednesday 7th and Saturday 17th June

Wednesday class times: 5.45pm-6.45pm

Saturday class times: 1pm-2pm

Find out more about these classes

Please contact Emily Barrett at [email protected] for enquiries.

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Strategic Collaboration Netmakers Funded Places
The University of Cumbria are running a Strategic Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement short course for those in the VCFSE sector taking place in May on the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus in the heart of the Lakes. If you are interested in studying for a post graduate qualification in management or leadership that may lead to a PgCert, PgDip or a Master’s degree, this course may be of interest. Assignments and projects are developed by the University, so you can make an immediate impact in your work while you gain a university-recognised qualification.

The course will take place from Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th May 2023.

To reserve a place for your organisation/group, please register via this link.

More information on the course details here

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Ukrainian Culture and Eurovision Party
Following last year’s Eurovision Song Contest win by the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra, the UK are set to host the 2023 competition due to the war. Ukrainians that have attended local Ukraine support groups suggested ideas for celebrating this momentous occasion which is being held at the Liverpool Arena on Saturday 13^th May. The Gregson Community & Arts Centre will host a Ukraine Culture and Eurovision Party starting in the afternoon of Saturday 13th May. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

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NFP Workshops – Affordable Training Courses for Charities
NFP are running a variety of workshops that cover a range of subject areas for charities, schools, healthcare and public sector organisations. The online sessions can be attended via Zoom and take place from 10am-12.30pm.  The workshop timetable has included more dates in the coming months as follows:

Managing staff – 24 May/ 21 Jun
Bid Writing – 8,22 May/ 5,19 Jun
Trust Fundraising – 9 May
Major Donor Fundraising – 23 May
Corporate Fundraising – 6 Jun
Legacy Fundraising – 20 Jun
Recruiting & Managing Volunteers – 27 Apr/ 10 May/ 7 Jun
Fundraising Regulations & GDPR – 25 May
Introduction to Fundraising – 22 Jun
Project Management – 11 May
Managing Staff – 24 May/ 21 Jun
Charity Finance – 8 Jun

View the full workshop schedule and booking links

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First Aid at Work Level 3 – free for volunteers
This 18 hour course, delivered by Lancashire Adult Learning, is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification, specifically designed for those who are appointed to act as a first aider in their workplace. It is also ideal for people who have a specific responsibility to provide first aid in voluntary and community activities.

Learners will develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with a range of first aid situations. New topics include fractures, sprains, strains, spinal and chest injuries, head, spinal and eye injuries, poisoning, anaphylaxis, stroke, asthma, diabetes and more.

Learners will complete practical assessments and multiple-choice theory papers to demonstrate competency, knowledge and skills in first aid at work.

The course will be held at Lancaster Methodist Church, Scotforth Road, Lancaster LA1 4TE. Learners must attend and complete all three sessions in order to complete the course.

9:30am – 4.30pm on Fridays 5 May, 12 May, and 19 May.

The course is delivered free for volunteers, with a charge for other delegates. Find out more and book your place.

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Alice in Library Land Baking Competition
The Friends of Lancaster Library are calling all star bakers to join them down the rabbit hole at Lancaster Library for a baking competition and marvellous Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This is a free event aimed at bakers of 11 years to adult. See if you can take the title from the Queen of Hearts for your jam tart making! Sign up and collect your recipes for Alice inspired bakes from the desk at Lancaster Library. You have the opportunity to choose from three recipes. Judging will take place between 1.30-3pm on the day. Include your full name on your competition bakes.  Other events on the day will include toadstool making, calligraphy, crafts, selfie prop making and selfie booth fun. You are invited to dress up as any of your favourite Alice in Wonderland characters. Dressing up is optional.

Date & time: Saturday 29^th April 2023, 11am – 4.30pm
Location: Lancaster Library

Visit their event page for more information

North Lancashire Food & Chefs Network Co-ordinator – Global Link & Closing Loops
Global link and the Closing Loops project are seeking Network Co-ordinator passionate about food and cooking to coordinate the delivery of the Diet element of the Climate Action project stimulating a regenerative food economy in North Lancashire.

Salary: £20,063 (Pro rata £25,097.60 or £13.78 ph)
Contract: 28 hours/week (4 days), fixed term contract for over 3 years
Location: Home-based with possibilities of hot desking at LESS or Global Link
Closing Date: May 14^th 2023, 9am
Interview date: May 24^th 2023

Find out more here

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Events Coordinator – Barrie Wells Trust
The charitable organisation Barrie Wells Trust are looking to recruit an outstanding office-based Events Coordinator with excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills. The successful candidate will help to deliver Box4Kids targets and organise events.

Salary: £22,000 – £27,000 per year
Contract: Permanent, fulltime
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 21 May 2023, 23:30

Find out more about this role and apply

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Micro Commissions and Stalls at Creative West End Markets
The Creative West End partnership are offering several micro commissions alongside opportunities to take stalls at forthcoming markets.

Performances, workshops and creative projects micro commissions (between £40 and £250) – find out more

Photography commission (at all markets and network parties, £1,000) – find out more

Market stalls – find out more

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]