Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 27 October 2022
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.
Your invitation to our 50th Anniversary celebration and inaugural FestiVOL
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to be a part of our 50th anniversary event, and our inaugural FestiVOL, a brand-new annual celebration of the local voluntary sector to be held on Thursday 24th November at the Banqueting Suite, Lancaster Town Hall, 9.30am – 3pm. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Our organisation was established in 1972 in response to the economic and social challenges our communities faced at that time. Half a century ago, a meeting at Lancaster Town Hall agreed to start the Council of Community Service, an infrastructure organisation dedicated to supporting a growing community sector. Over the years, the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector has grown resulting in positive differences to people’s lives and a much wider participation by our communities at every level of political, economic and social life.
50 years on, the economic and social conditions our communities face may have changed, but the challenges are no less. Today, as Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions, we are proud of what has been accomplished, but know there is much that remains to be done. It is with great thanks to you as our members and as our partners that we have sustained five decades of serving the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. To recognise the achievements of the last five decades, and looking forward to what the next may bring, we are taking advantage of this significant anniversary to launch, FestiVOL, our inaugural event to celebrate the past, present and future of the voluntary community faith and social enterprise sector.
Find out more and reserve your place here
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Financial Crisis and Energy Cost Survey
We are aware that some groups and organisations which rent or own premises are seeing a large increase in their energy bills and in their operational costs.
If your group/organisation supports people across Lancaster District, we would like to hear your experience of rising costs and how this is affecting your services by completing our short survey.
We know that many of you are already seeing increased service user demand due to the overall financial crisis.
Through this short anonymous survey, your help will help us to gather local evidence to assist us in raising awareness of the growing financial pressures. This collective evidence will help us to:
- To understand your needs so we can help support you better.
- Ask local and national funders how they intend to respond to support rising costs.
- Feed into local strategic meetings to ensure the sector situation is understood.
- Back up campaign work alongside other local and national infrastructure organisations.
- Lobby central government.
This survey will be ongoing and remain open for responses until further notice. You can begin completing the survey by clicking here.
Lancashire County Council Multiply Community Grants programme
WEA is launching its Multiply Community Grants programme for 2022/23 with funding available in the Lancashire County Council area.
Grants of between £10k and £25k are available to eligible VCSE organisations to support local residents with numeracy skills.
Deadline 5pm, 7 November.
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Sustainable Energy Funding
Crowdfunder and M&S Energy have joined forces to launch the M&S Community Energy Fund.
Up to £5,000 in match funding is available for community projects committed to being environmentally conscious through crowdfunding for ideas such as installing renewable technology or introducing energy efficiency measures in their endeavour to increase energy independence.
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Exploring Nature Webinar: National Lottery Heritage Fund Grants
This session is designed to support groups in the North West of England looking for funding to start their own nature project.
It will be focusing on grant requests between £3,000 – £100,000 and it is aimed at small charitable organisations (e.g. registered charities, C.I.Cs, trusts), community groups (e.g. ‘friends of’ groups, growing groups) and local representatives (e.g. parish councils, residents associations).
27 October, 2pm, online
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The Eric Wright Charitable Trust Fund – New Rounds
The Eric Wright Charitable Trust’s fund administered by Lancaster District CVS is once again open for applications.
Applying is easy and we would like to encourage all small groups around the Lancaster District to consider whether they could benefit from £500 towards a project.
Grants are awarded to organisations with income under £50,000, providing activities that can make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Deadline: 5pm on Friday 18th November.
If you have any queries about the fund or how to apply, get in touch by email at [email protected] or by ringing CVS on 01524 555900.
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The Lancaster Community Fund 2nd Round Open – 4 week Application Window
The LCF second round is now open with four weeks in which to apply. The LCF provides grants of up to £1000 for projects across 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 upcoming for 2022/23 are 11 November 2022 and 10 February 2023.
For the rounds closing in November 2022 and February 2023 we are also encouraging and prioritising applications that can demonstrate a focus on activities addressing the current cost of living crisis. More information about this can be found in the guidance notes.
Placemaking Lancaster Together – young people and policy makers
As part of the 2022 Festival of Social Science, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster University would like to speak to 18-3o year olds as part of a workshop to explore and develop ideas for sustainable policies to make a difference for Lancaster District.
In the workshop attendees will be invited to reflect upon their experiences of sustainable ways of living, and help to co-articulate ideas for environmental policies, strategies, and priority values.
11 November, 9:30am – 1pm, Lancaster Castle
Download the flyer to find out more
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Call for activities and resources in libraries this winter
Lancashire County Council has plans to make use of its 64 Libraries, promoting them as warm and welcoming spaces this winter. As part of the first stage of this offer, one Library per Lancashire District (in our case Morecambe) will be offering a programme of engaging and inclusive daytime events, activities and self-care packs.
The Council are keen to hear from appropriate organisations who can help them deliver across some/all of the twelve Libraries, aimed at supporting residents with key issues relating to the cost-of-living such as food (e.g. cooking healthy food on a budget), fuel (e.g. energy efficiency measures) and debt/money management (e.g. budgeting).
Other libraries involved are Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Fleetwood, Ingol, Leyland, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and St Anne’s.
If you feel that you would able to deliver an activity/event or provide self-care resources, please email [email protected]
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Giving Talents Global Volunteering Hour
A global network of charities, NGO’s and Not for Profit groups are developing a global volunteering hour that is due to take place on Tuesday 29th November between 1pm and 2pm.
This is the first year and they’re aiming to get 500,000 people across the globe signed up to the project to commit 1 hour of their time on the 29th November between 1pm and 2pm, to be generous and spread some kindness across their community.
It could be sharing some time with a neighbour, making a cup of tea and taking an hour out with someone you never really get the chance to catch up with, donating an hour to a local charity or good cause . . . it really could be anything that demonstrates generosity of spirit, time, skills etc, the choice is entirely up to you!
The CVS team will be signing up, and it would be fantastic to see Lancaster district represented on a global level, showing the world just what a kind and considerate city we are.
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Lancashire Youth Challenge seeks trustees
LYC empower, enable, and inspire young people to make meaningful positive change in their lives and the wider community.
To help LYC realise their ambitions, they are now looking for additional trustees.
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Warm Welcome
The recently-launched Warm Welcome site lists over 1,600 warm, welcoming spaces open to the public for free this winter across Eng;and.
Visit the site to find out more.
Organisations providing or intending to open a similar location in the Lancaster district may wish to consider registering their location, as well as supplying information to LDCVS for inclusion in our forthcoming digital Directory.
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Summary of Recent and Expected Changes to Energy Support, Taxation and Benefits
- The Energy Price Guarantee for all domestic customers will now run only for six months: 1 October 2022 – 31 March 2023.
- A review of the scheme will be led by the Treasury – further details to follow.
- Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers runs from 1 October 2022 – 31 March 2023. The BEIS Department is currently running a survey on the effectiveness of the scheme (see item further down in this edition of the Bulletin)
- Basic rate tax will remain at 20%. The reversal of the rise in National Insurance contributions will still go ahead. Other measures on cutting dividend tax, IR35 rules on off pay-roll working, and tax free shopping for tourists have been reversed. Alcohol duty will go up on 1 February 2023 but the removal of the cap on bankers’ bonuses remains.
- No announcement has been made on the amount benefits will increase.
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Household Emergency Plan
With winter on the way, the Lancashire Resilience Forum is providing advice on how households can prepare to keep themselves and their loved-ones safe if a crisis occurs.
Visit the Protect Yourself site
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Charity Fraud Awareness Week
As part of Charity Fraud Awareness Week, CAF Bank have shared their Security Centre website to non-customers, giving useful advice to all volunteers and staff on how to keep their charity safe.
The information is relevant whether or not you hold an account with CAF.
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Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service AGM
The LDHAS AGM will held at the service’s Edward Street centre on Monday 14 November at 5.30pm, with refreshments from 5pm.
Download the AGM notice for more information
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Government Business Energy Usage Survey
On 1st October 2022, the Government launched the Energy Bills Relief Scheme to provide support with energy costs relief to businesses until at least through to 31st March 2023.
In parallel, the Government also launched a three month review to identify businesses and organisations most at risk from higher energy costs that will still require support after 31st March, and consider the most appropriate means of providing this support.
A survey has been launched to help the government better understand energy needs for different business sectors, including charities and community organisations.
The survey includes questions on a range of topics, including information about your organisation, energy costs and usage, other costs and your expectations for the months ahead. Responses to this questionnaire will help inform and shape the review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.
Find out more and complete the survey
The Charity Finance Group has also published a guide to completing the government survey, which may be of assistance. Find it here.
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Morecambe Riso Press Community Business Start-up
The Morecambe Riso Press is a new creative, social, sustainably focused community business start-up getting ready to launch and be based out of a studio in Morecambe. It will provide community access to low carbon, affordable printing.
Led by local artist Charlotte Done, the Morecambe Riso Press will be a not-for-profit Community Risograph printing service. Charlotte is now raising funds for the initiative.
Find out more about the Riso Press and the community crowdfunder here.
Grace Baptist Church Warm Hub
This warm place is offered at the Baptist Church on Lune Street every Wednesday from 10am – 12:30pm in October and 10am – 2pm in November.
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Free Period UK support and information sessions
This support group provides information, awareness and a safe space to share and explore issues around menstrual health.
Meeting on Mondays, 10am, at Stanleys Community Centre, Morecambe, there is group discussion and 1-to-1 support around heavy periods, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Fibroids, Menopause and other conditions.
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How can we make care better for people from minority ethnic groups with a learning disability?
Interested individuals and organisations are invited to take part in this research organised by the Race Equality Foundation, UCLan, Learning Disability England and Manchester Metropolitan University.
An online focus group will take place on 1 November, 10am – 12:30pm (download the flyer for joining instructions)
Information sheets are also available to download for participants and for carers
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We Are With You Managing Money Worries Course
The Managing Money Worries series of webinars is a self-help course based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
It aims to help attendees develop ways of managing the difficult thoughts and emotions that can come with money troubles.
Oxford Archaeology North evaluation of educational resources
Oxford Archaeology’s Lancaster office and National Highways are working on an exciting new project ‘Archaeology Legacy’, to evaluate existing educational resources and design a new, digitally innovative educational package. The project aims to connect young people with the archaeology on their doorstep and bring their studies alive through the wonder of archaeological discovery.
They want to hear from educators of under 18s in any context – be that school or work, youth groups or home education – to help them design a resource package that’s truly fit for purpose. Find out more and take part in the survey here.
Oxford Archaeology are also hosting some focus groups to explore the topic in more detail. If you are interested please contact Clem and Jess at [email protected]
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Campaign for Learning Family Learning Conference
Family Learning in the Early Years: First Steps to a Fairer Future
This online conference will give delegates opportunities to:
- Understand the impact covid has had on increasing inequalities and what you can do within your organisation to address this.
- Discover creative and effective early years initiatives that will engage new learners or family audiences.
- Gain a richer understanding of how you can expand your curriculum or learning offer to support children in your community to be school ready.
Speakers and workshop leaders include representatives of NESTA, Children North East, NCFE, and National Children’s Bureau among many others.
24 November, 9:30am – 2pm, online
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Delivering ChemiStories for Families
Join the Royal Society of Chemistry for a free workshop where they will share practical ideas that will enable you to engage families with chemistry concepts using storytelling techniques.
15 November, 9:30 – 12:30, online
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The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery Nature & Wellbeing Sessions
The Bay are offering a 6-week after-school programme of Nature & Wellbeing sessions for 11-18 year olds. The weekly sessions, held on a Thursday 4-6pm at Lancaster Maritime Museum, will help young people to improve their wellbeing while getting creative, learning about and taking action to protect the fantastic wildlife of Morecambe Bay.
To book a space please complete the online referral form or for more information contact Alex: [email protected] / 07884 605256
FarmStart 2023 Training Programme
LESS, The Plot and FoodFutures are opening applications for the 2023 FarmStart training programme. This hands-on 40-week programme is aimed at people who would like to play an active role in setting up new food growing enterprises around North Lancashire.
FarmStart is a year-long programme where you spend two days a week working with an experienced grower across two sites. In addition, a dedicated training and mentoring programme covers both the horticultural skills and business skills needed to set up and run a small-scale market garden to hopefully tool you up for your own local project in the future.
Find out how to book a taster session, complete a FarmStart application, and learn more about why local food is important at the FoodFutures website.
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Carbon Literacy Workshops – create your carbon reduction action plan
SDG Changemakers are working with the Carbon Literacy Project to support small/medium enterprises and social entrepreneurs in understanding and reducing carbon emissions, saving money while doing so, and ultimately becoming more resilient and sustainable.
The workshops take place over two sessions and delegates should attend both.
Workshops for SMEs and social entrepreneurs
Mornings of 9/10 November (attend both) – book here
Mornings of 16/17 November (attend both) – book here
Workshops for social housing providers
Mornings of 23/34 November (attend both) – book here
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Introduction to Safeguarding Training
LDCVS and Lancashire Adult Learning are offering a free training course, aimed at supporting people who require further knowledge about safeguarding. This could be for a volunteer role or job, or it could be for personal development.
15 November, 9:30am – 12 noon at the Cornerstone or 22 November, 6pm – 8:30pm online.
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Conference: How can we help save the rainforest?
Lancaster University Environment Centre and Halton Mill host this free event at the Storey on 19 and 20 November.
Speakers include activists working in the Amazon, film-makers, journalists, and academics.
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Maths, English and ESOL Courses at the Cornerstone
Lancashire Adult Learning are offering maths, English, and English to Speakers of Other Languages courses at the Cornerstone, Lancaster.
To find out more about ESOL, contact Dora on 07387 103250
To find out more about maths and English classes, contact Sarah on 07786 197172
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Future of Fundraising Conference
This event from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Events focuses on engaging supporters, growing income, using new digital tools, and measuring impact
17 November, 9am – 5pm, London
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CharityComms 2022 Digital Conference
The conference offers leading speakers from the national sector, exploring the latest trends to help charities thrive in the digital environment.
Themes include leadership, marketing and PR, social media, data and analytics, and websites.
16 & 17 November, 9:30am – 2:30pm, online
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Take Part in Light Up Lancaster
Light Up Lancaster are looking for stallholders for the Quay Meadow fireworks viewing area, and volunteers for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November.
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Christians Against Poverty Budgeting Course
The FREE CAP Money Course is for anyone who would like to have more control over your finances.
Friendly, informal sessions include pointers for setting a budget sticking to it, and provides a useful free online tool to help track what you spend your money on, helping to save money and stay out of debt for a secure financial future.
The course takes place in Morecambe or Carnforth.
Find out more and register interest by emailing [email protected]
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Closing Loops Launch Events
World Cafe launch events for the FoodFutures network project Closing Loops continue across the district after a very successful event at the Gregson Centre.
The project aims to transform waste into a valuable resource whilst cultivating a circular and regenerative local economy. Activities which will be delivered include starting a composting academy, creating a gleaning network, nurturing a citizen journalist movement, and co-creation of North Lancashire recipes.
Come along to a local launch event to find out more and discuss your ideas:
Carnforth Civic Hall – 3rd November – Register here
Salvation Army, Balmoral Road, Morecambe – 9th November – Register here
The Victoria Institute, Caton – 19th November – Register here
All events start at 5:45pm, followed by food served from 7:30pm
Read more about the World Cafes and the Closing Loops project
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Everyone’s Environment launch
This new programme from NPC is working to gather evidence of the impact the environmental crises will have on different social groups, hear directly from people in these groups, and work out how charities and policy makers can design programmes and policies to support and empower people to respond.
This launch event will explain more about the programme and includes speakers from UK Youth Climate Coalition, Race Equality Foundation, and Wildlife & Countryside Link
20 October, 10am – 11:30am, online
Find out more and book your place
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Cause4 & Clothworkers’ Company Trustee Leadership Programme
An enriching career development opportunity offered across two online sessions, the course covers the key responsibilities of Trustees and other regulatory issues alongside real-world insights from experts from across the charity sector.
7 December, 2pm – 5pm
8 December, 10am – 1pm
(attend both sessions)
£109.22 for both sessions. Find out more and book here.
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LEAP Blackpool Workshop Week
LEAP is a FREE 4-day learning residency from November 14-17 at Lightworks, the home of Blackpool Illuminations, in Blackpool, exploring the fundamentals of video-mapping and storytelling in projection installations.
It’s a great opportunity for aspiring digital artists or artists looking to develop their skills in this medium!
Applications via Google Form by 10am, Monday 31st October. Full details, including FAQs and the application form can be found here.
Engagement Managers at National Lottery Heritage Fund
The Engagement Manager role is varied; they run workshops, respond to project enquiries, host events, meet with a range of groups, work with stakeholders at other National Lottery distributors, funders or local CVS bodies and alongside colleagues in policy, marketing and social media.
Salary: £23,230 – £27,270 per annum pro rata
Contract: 1 x part-time (21 hours per week), 1 x full-time (35 hours per week), both permanent
Location: Leeds/Manchester/Newcastle and hybrid working
Closing date: 31 October 2022
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Operations Manager (Lancashire) at We Are With You
The Manager will be jointly responsible for the delivery of high-quality recovery-orientated services (both clinical and non-clinical) for people with drug & alcohol misuse problems or mental health issues.
They will work collaboratively with local partners and senior staff in the Operations Directorate to deliver high quality services to users that are in line with We Are With You’s business strategy and local business plan and engage with stakeholders to ensure We Are With You is known positively and has a high profile within the sector.
Salary: £30,000- £36,000 per annum pro rata
Location: Preston
Closing date: 24 October 2022
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Learning Officer at RSPB
This role delivers the RSPB’s curriculum-linked programs to early years, primary, secondary and tertiary students at RSPB Leighton Moss, encouraging meaningful connections to nature.
Salary: £23,939 – £26,558 per annum pro rata
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, permanent
Location: Carnforth/Silverdale/Arnside
Closing date: 9 November 2022
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Kentown Family Support Workers at Rainbow Trust
Reporting to the Kentown Project Lead and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, the Support Workers will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.
Salary: £19,500 per annum
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Two posts – East Lancashire or Preston/Blackpool/Lancaster
Closing date: 31 October 2022
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Caseworker at Victim Support
Focusing on victims of domestic abuse, the Caseworker will provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service, through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
Salary: £23,072 per annum
Contract: Full time, fixed term to 31 March 2025
Location: Blackpool (hybrid working offered after end of probation period)
Closing date: 14 November 2022
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 upskilling your workforce, 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]
