Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 28 March 2025

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Ryelands and the Power of Community Unity
In the heart of Ryelands, something truly special is happening. A community once facing deep-rooted challenges is coming together to shape its future—led by the people, for the people.  

The Ryelands Community Action Network (CAN) was established in 2018 as a way to bring together residents, local authorities, schools, healthcare workers, police, and voluntary sector representatives. Over the years, Lancaster District CVS have been instrumental in developing this initiative which has strengthened relationships, built trust, and driven real change in the Ryelands community.  

Through years of relationship-building and collaboration, the group has created opportunities for residents to have a voice, shape their neighbourhood, and access vital support. The Community Action Network (CAN) model has proven that when a community listens, works together, and takes action, transformation is possible.  

This week we released an impact video based around the work involved and the journey to date highlighting what inspired the residents and partners to get involved, the importance of working together and their hopes and dreams for the future of the estate.  

Watch our video to hear from those at the heart of this journey and see the power of community in action. 

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Swop Shop Skill Share Network – Heart of the Community Workshop
3 April, 10.30am – 12:30pm at Ridge Community Centre (4 Ridge Square, Lancaster LA1 3HR)

Is your centre the beating heart of your community?  If not now, does it have the real potential to be just that with a few good ideas and a commitment to meeting local need? Join us for our regular skill sharing and networking Swop Shop, where this time, we will focus on all things related to running a community, centre-based provision.  This is for you if you are involved in managing and/or running:

• a community centre
• a church or other faith-based hall
• a village hall or institute

We are inviting colleagues to share their skills and best practices in identifying, managing and realising the potential of your community asset(s) and developing engaging community centre-based activities.

The workshop recognises that YOU are all the experts in this field and provides a space and platform to share examples of the bread and butter of what you deliver each week, plus the innovative project ideas that you have developed in response to community needs and drawing down funding.   

It also provides an opportunity to look at the challenges and solutions when running a physical asset such as a building, whether you own, lease or rent the space, including the financial,  legal and maintenance implications.

• Skills sharing: Learn from other organisation’s successful strategies
• Best Practices: Discover innovative approaches to community engagement
• Peer Support: Collaborate and problem solve in a supportive space

Hosted by EMUES UK CIC at the Ridge Community Centre, the session will start with an overview of the activity they provide, before we break into topic-based working and networking groups.

Find out more and register

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

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

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

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

Visit the campaign landing page for HELP!

• Mon 31 March 9.30–11.30: The Link, 11-13 West Street, Morecambe LA3 1RB
• Wed 2 April 14.00–16.00: The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX
• Mon 7 April 10:00–12.00: Brief Encounter Bistro, Carnforth Railway Station, Warton Rd, Carnforth LA5 9TR

Lancaster District Charity Leaders Coffee Morning
If you are CEO, manager or someone else who is responsible for leading your work, join us for a coffee morning. This is an informal gathering and the aim is to connect with fellow colleagues for coffee, conversation and collaboration.

This informal gathering is a safe space to share anything relating to running your charity and build connections with other charity leaders in the district. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, peer support, or simply a friendly chat, you are very welcome to join us.

25 April, 8:45am – 10am, Print Room Cafe at The Storey LA1 1TH

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The Eden Project Big Lunch
The Big Lunch is inviting everyone across the UK to get together in their communities to share friendship and food on 7-8 June this year.

An idea from the Eden Project, The Big Lunch started in 2009 and has become the UK’s annual celebration for neighbours and the biggest community-led fundraiser, helping to raise over £100m for good causes so far.

A Big Lunch can be anything from a bite to eat with a few neighbours to parties for the whole street, and anything in between. It’s fun, it’s easy and it’s for everyone, so download your free party planning pack and make your community the place to be this June!

Get your free pack

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Help Shape the Future of Anti-Poverty Work in Lancashire 
Resolve Poverty is inviting professionals and volunteers across the VCFSE sector in Lancashire to take part in an important survey to help develop the Lancashire Anti-Poverty Network (LAPN). The Poverty Awareness, Prioritisation & Activity Survey aims to gather insights into best practices, key challenges, and areas for improvement in tackling poverty across the region. 

The survey takes just 15-20 minutes to complete, and all responses will be anonymised. Findings will be shared at the first in-person LAPN meeting later this year, helping to shape future anti-poverty initiatives. 

To complete the survey, visit this link. For more information, contact Patsy Davies at [email protected]  

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Free Furniture from The Bay’s Arndale Centre hub
All the items below are available to be picked up on Tuesday 25, Thursday 27 or Friday 28 March:

• Six comfy blue office armchairs (can send pics if needed)
• Two wooden tables: Length – 1.5 m, Width 97cm, height 75cm
• 1 round wooden table: Length 1.76 m, width 1.22m, height 73cm
• 1 small wooden table :Length 72cm, width 72cm, height 73cm 
• 1 square office table, curved on one side: length 1.60m, width 80cm, height 73cm

Contact Amber Woods at [email protected] for further information

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BBC Make a Difference Awards – Lancaster District 
Who makes a difference in the Lancaster District? Vote your favourite community heroes in the community category and help shape the future of your community. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, electing representatives, or making a difference on issues that matter to you, every vote counts. Participating in elections is a powerful way to ensure your community’s needs are heard and addressed. Take this opportunity to have a say. 

For more info and how to nominate 

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Lancashire Anti-Poverty Network – Have Your Say 
Resolve Poverty is working with VCFSE colleagues across Lancashire to develop the Lancashire Anti-Poverty Network (LAPN) and is seeking input through a Poverty Awareness, Prioritisation & Activity Survey. This survey aims to gather insights from professionals and volunteers supporting people experiencing poverty, helping shape best practices and priorities in the sector. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete, with findings shared anonymously at the first LAPN in-person meeting later this year. Your input can help tackle poverty across Lancashire. To contribute or learn more about LAPN, contact Patsy Davies at [email protected]  

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Power to Change   
Why communities need the power to own environmental assets.  
Imagine if as well as pubs and village halls, communities could dream big and purchase beloved rivers, woods, and peat bogs. A tweak to Labour’s forthcoming Community Right to Buy could make this possible, but rumours are circulating that this change is at risk of being abandoned.  

Writer and campaigner, Guy Shrubsole, has written about why this matters.  

Read Guy’s blog here  

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Great British Spring Clean 2025
Lancaster City Council is supporting the Great British Spring Clean 2025. Run by by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the Clean is a mass action campaign that will take place from 21 March to 6 April and is now in its tenth year.

If you would like to organise a volunteer litter-pick either individually or as a group, then the City Council can provide you with the equipment and GBSC bags to do so.

Equipment and bags can be collected from Morecambe Town Hall between 9:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday. Please make an appointment to arrange collection by emailing [email protected] with 5 working days’ notice.

For any planned group picks, please also email [email protected] to advise the date, time and location. The team can help to publicise them through social media.

Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3
The Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course is the most popular workplace first aid course in the UK. After completing this course, you will receive a certificate to prove that you have completed first aid training that meets Health and Safety (First Aid) 1981 Regulations to be a first aider in a low-risk work environment.

£49,50 (including booking fee), cancellation available until April 23.

1 May, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Warton Village Hall LA5 9QW

Find out more and book

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Getting the most out of Social Media
This practical, interactive session, led by Jo Doughty of alwaysbeingsocial.co.uk, will focus on helping attendees:

• build confidence using Facebook and Instagram, including which features to focus on
• understand how to use social media strategically, not just reactively
• learn what to post, when, and why
• attract the right audiences – supporters, fundraisers and volunteers
• improve visibility and impact without relying on a big team or budget
• using platform features such as Reels and Carousels, and basic analytics to stay consistent and make better decisions

8 May, 9:30am – 4:30pm, venue TBC

Find out more and book

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Adult Mental Health First Aid
Mental health first aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised two-day training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA England training will teach you the best way to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis. Learning takes place through a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions.

The course normally costs up to £300, but in this case is fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health and is free. However, delegates must pay a £50 deposit (plus £2.65 covering ticketing and payment fees charged by our suppliers) at the time of booking. Your £50 deposit will be repaid on completion of both full days.

13 & 14 May, 9am – 5pm, Torrisholme Methodist Church

Find out more and book

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ASIST Suicide Prevention
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop—ASIST can be learned and used by anyone.

The course is free, fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health and is free. However, delegates must pay a £50 deposit (plus £2.65 covering ticketing and payment fees charged by our suppliers) at the time of booking. Your £50 deposit will be repaid on completion of both full days.

3 & 4 June, 9am – 5pm, Venue TBC

Find out more and book

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Coffee connections: digital peer support
A free initiative for anyone working in the charity sector who is interested in connecting with a peer to chat about any digital topic. They will match you up randomly with someone else who has signed up and you can discuss any digital issues, ideas, etc. together.

Find out more and sign up

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Ethical Property Foundation Free Webinars
If you lease or manage premises, these free webinars from the Ethical Property Foundation might be useful. These informative, accessible sessions are run by their team of experienced solicitors and surveyors. 

Everyday Premises Management for Charity Purposes
Thursday 10 April, 12 noon – 1pm, online
Find out more and book

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Help Shape the LDCVS Training Programme
CVS members – and anyone else who is interested – can help us shape our training programme by completing this short survey. The results will help us plan our future provision to best suit your needs. Completing the questions should only take a few minutes.

Take the survey here

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DWP Disability Services support for SEND Schools, Colleges and Support Organisations
The Disability Services Advocacy Team are running free online sessions to support with raising awareness of the different Disability Services benefits and grants – Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) and Access to Work (ATW).

They will be covering Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA Child) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) including the transition from DLA Child to PIP when the Child reaches the age of 16. The session will also include how Access to Work can help and support following secondary education when moving into employment.

To book:

Tuesday 1 April 1pm – 3pm
Thursday 15 May 1pm – 3pm

Finance/Admin Volunteer Available

We currently have a gentleman with a finance background (AAT Accountancy Levels 2 & 3) looking for finance and/or administrative volunteering positions. If you are currently in need of someone with finance skills, or think that someone with such skills might be helpful to you, please contact [email protected]. Mark will be able to put you in touch with this gentleman for a chat.

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Trustees for Skerton Community Centre
Skerton Community Centre are undergoing an exciting transformation as they prepare to launch a new three-year strategy. They are looking for up to three new trustees to join their board and help them navigate a period of change. Trustees will help the organisation grow and adapt by defining and monitoring the strategic direction of the charity.

Find out more

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Non-Executive Director (Voluntary) at Community Mind Connect CIC
Community Mind Connect C.I.C. is dedicated to building a more sustainable and vibrant future for the Lancaster district by connecting communities with cutting-edge ideas. They are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join their Board of Directors on a voluntary basis.

Board Directors will play a vital role in the strategic leadership, governance, and oversight of the organisation, working closely with the founder. Your input and expertise will be valued in shaping their strategy and ensuring continued success.

Find out more

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Trustees wanted for the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership  
The Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership is recruiting for new trustees. The LDFJP is a partnership organisation that works to provide coordinated and effective food support across the district. They are looking for trustees to create a strong and skilled board that can guide their organisation through the charity application process and oversee the strategy of the partnership.  

This is a great opportunity for members of the community to help steer the direction of the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership. Trustees will act as an ambassador for the LDFJP and provide guidance in various decision-making processes as well as developing and overseeing the overall strategy of the organisation.  

If you are interested in becoming a trustee and want to find out more, please see the Call for Trustees and click here to apply.  

View the role information leaflet here 

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Trustee – Francis Scott Trust  
The Francis Scott Trust are looking for someone to join their board and help make positive changes for local young people.  

They are one of the largest independent grant funders in the area that’s solely focused on children and young people (up to the age of 24). You’ll find them distributing over £1m every year, supporting initiatives that make a difference to their lives. They also provide social investment loans and help with organisational development.  

They are looking for individuals who will be committed and enthusiastic, live and work in or with close connections to the area they serve and have experience of the voluntary sector.   

Download the information pack to apply  

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Read Easy Morecambe & Lancaster
There are 2.4 million adults in England alone – over 7% of the working age population – who can barely read or cannot read at all. Read Easy is a project that supports adults learning to read. It is growing in Lancaster is looking for people for these roles on the management team:

Volunteer Publicity Organiser: Focuses on social media and local media to promote our services and encourage more adults to come forward for support.
What someone will gain in the role: Hands-on experience in publicity, media and community engagement, plus a big opportunity to shape our story

Referrals Networker: Builds relationships with local agencies, such as other charities, job centres and social services, to ensure a steady flow of new readers.
What someone will gain in the role: Networking experience with local groups, and communication and relationship-building skills.

Volunteer Coordinator: Supports and pairs volunteer reading coaches with adults learning to read, helping to ensure a smooth learning journey.
What someone will gain in the role: Leadership, mentoring and co-ordination experience, and a deeper understanding of how literacy support can change lives.

If you would like to know more please contact [email protected]

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Fundraiser with Harmony Health CIC
Harmony Health CIC is a community interest company dedicated to supporting individuals with long-term conditions, mental health challenges, and social isolation through nature-based therapy, occupational therapy, and well-being activities

The volunteer fundraiser will help raise funds through events, sponsorships, and community initiatives, The role will be crucial in helping develop a therapeutic garden and well-being hub offering free and low-cost support to those in need.

Find out more

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Volunteer Activators Wanted at City Council Tennis Courts 
LCC are partnering with LTA – Tennis For Britain to refurbish the tennis courts at Happy Mount Park and Palatine Recreation Ground. 

They also plan to offer free weekend tennis sessions for all ages and abilities at Palatine, starting between Spring and Summer. 

They’re looking for volunteers (18+) to become Activators and help run these free sessions, creating opportunities for both children and adults to get active and enjoy tennis. 

You don’t need to be a professional player, but being organised, a good communicator, and able to work well with groups is essential. 

Those who are interested please email  [email protected] 

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Fancy being a Citizen Journalist?
Are you interested in writing articles for publication?

Would you like to contribute to making our local food system, healthier, fairer and more equal?

Polish up your writing skills? Delve into corners of life you wouldn’t normally see?

Become a volunteer Citizen Journalist for THRIVE, FoodFutures quarterly magazine!

We already have ideas that need a writer, or you can supply your own ideas for approval.

It’s a free magazine, and the role isn’t paid, but you’ll have the chance to develop skills (there are monthly training sessions plus the occasional half day, covering topics such as getting readers to read your article, getting the best out of an interview, writing an article quickly and painlessly, taking the right photos, etc.) Plus you’ll have the satisfaction that you could be making a difference, and having your article read by 1500+ people.

If you’re interested, contact [email protected].

You can see the current and past issues of the magazine at foodfutures.org.uk/thrive.

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Moving Forward Volunteers – Breast Cancer Now
Moving Forward Volunteers support courses delivered by Breast Cancer Now that help people take the next step after primary breast cancer treatment. Moving Forward services and information are for anyone living with and beyond breast cancer, helping them approach life after treatment with increased confidence.

Courses usually take place over two consecutive weeks and are delivered by a Moving Forward Facilitator, in partnership with NHS hospitals and are supported by on demand online resources.

Two volunteers are required for each course, who are there to welcome participants and support the facilitator. Volunteers move around small groups to support discussions, contribute their own insights when appropriate, and offer emotional support if participants become upset.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Treasurer – Rainbow Centre
The Rainbow Centre provides a range of weekly activities run by volunteer leaders and professional instructors from their premises on Clarence Street in Morecambe. The Centre’s board are seeking a volunteer treasurer to oversee all financial aspects of the charity’s operation and to assist the Chair, officers and Centre Manager in ensuring the organisation fulfils its duties and responsibilities.

Download the role description

For more information, contact [email protected]

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Fundraiser – Friends of Lancaster Cemetery
Friends of Lancaster Cemetery look after the graveyard to assist the council. They are a small group with lots of big plans and would like a fundraiser to raise money for bulbs, tools and various projects such as a tree trail, heritage trail and information boards.

Find out more

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Perinatal Support Volunteer – LSCFT
The role of the specially trained Perinatal Support Volunteer is to offer one to one contact providing the opportunity to speak to someone who has also been through their own journey, offering support in attending appointments and providing a listening and empathetic ear. Women and their families affected by Mental health during the perinatal period often express that it helps to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience. Volunteers will offer safe, effective and appropriate peer support to the woman that they’re supporting using their experiential skills and knowledge.

Find out more

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Activities Organiser – MS Society
The Lancaster & Morecambe MS Society is looking for a passionate volunteer to join their team as an Activities Organiser ahead of their relaunch in March. This role involves planning events and activities for people in the community affected by MS.

If you’re interested, check this link for more details or reach out via message or email.

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

Find out more about this role

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

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

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

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

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

Visit here for full details and to apply 

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

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

Find out more about each role and how to get involved 

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

Visit here for more information including how to apply 

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

See here for more details including how to apply  

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

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

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

Please email [email protected] with the details. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Volunteering Opportunity Help Guide 
We have produced a guide to help you when adding an opportunity to our website – It is quite detailed and covers every possible question. You don’t need to follow it but please do look at it if you get stuck or if it isn’t clear which option to choose when going through the form to add new opportunities. 

You can now also add more users to your account. Once registered, log in, hover on Account at the top of the dashboard and click ‘Users’, where you can add more users. This will be useful if you would like someone else to check applicant info and contact potential volunteers. 

You can also now choose which category to add your opportunity under, to help people when searching for roles. If you can’t find an appropriate category, just use the ‘default’ category and let us know what categories you would like to see added. 

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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. 

Health & Wellbeing Support in the Lancaster District
Discover the Lancaster District Directory, your go-to resource for finding essential services offered by local community groups, the NHS, and local authorities. From health and fitness to mental wellbeing, financial advice, and job skills, this comprehensive directory has it all. Easily browse through detailed listings, contact information, and referral instructions to access the support you need.

Stay Connected with Your Integrated Care Community (ICC)
Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) are integrated teams of health and care workers, third sector organisations, statutory organisations and wider community assets. We work together with the aim to improve physical & mental health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. 

In the Lancaster District we have 3 ICCs, Lancaster, Bay and Carnforth. Each hosts a monthly online networking meeting which is a great opportunity to meet new partners, find out what is happening locally and share updates of your own.  Each ICC also has a Facebook page and a monthly newsletter that goes out far and wide. 

If you aren’t available to go along to a meeting but have something to share – don’t worry! Jenny, our Community Health Officer, attends each ICC and is very happy to update the meeting on your behalf – sharing items of news or events that are coming up.  

Contacts for each of the ICC’s are below. 

Lancaster ICC – Sarah Baines (development lead) – [email protected] / Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Bay ICC – Anji Stokes (development lead) – [email protected]  / Amy Dawson (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Carnforth ICC – Hayley Clarke  (development lead) – [email protected]  / Janette Wright (ICC admin) –  [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]
View the health coaching flyer

Brighter Futures: Supporting Care-Experienced Young People 
Employers and community leaders are invited to the launch of Brighter Futures, a powerful event exploring how businesses can support care-experienced young people through work placements, mentoring, and employment opportunities. The event will feature insights from young people in the programme, as well as guest speakers (to be confirmed). 

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges these young people face, hear success stories from businesses already making an impact, and learn practical steps to embrace inclusive workplaces. Brighter Futures is funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), with match funding from local charitable trusts, businesses, and individuals, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. 

To attend, please RSVP by Friday, 28th March here.  

Date & time: 2 April, 10.30am – 12:00pm 
Location: The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow 

See the event poster here 

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Lancaster District Youth Voice Forum 
Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation and LCC Targeted Youth Support invite young people to dare to dream. Are you aged between 12 – 18? If so, we’d love you to come along and share your ideas about how we can improve  the community where you live for young people. You will also find out more about opportunities to share your voice with decision makers to make a difference? Pizza will be provided and we’ll use creative activities to hep you focus on the future that you want! Your views and ideas will shape the business plan for Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation and help us plan Morecambe  Young People’s Summit!  

Everyone is welcome and we hope to hear from a wide range of experiences from across the district. 

We value your time, so for attending the session you’ll receive a £15 as a thank you. Pizza will be provided.      

Date & time: Wednesday 2nd April  6 – 8.30pm, Arrival from 5.45pm 
Location: Morecambe Library, Central Drive, Town Centre, Morecambe LA4 5DL  

Email [email protected] to book your place

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Volunteer It Yourself
VIY challenge young people to learn trade and employability skills by helping to fix local community spaces and places in need of essential repairs and improvements.

They work with people who are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, at risk of disengagement, and/or unemployed.

Young people are mentored by professional tradespeople and can gain Entry Level City & Guilds accreditations, as well as access to further training, work-readiness and employment opportunities.

To find out more about their work, visit their website, or download a presentation given at a recent Children & Young People Multi-Agency Partnership Meeting.

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Placemaking with Young Adults 
If you are, or you know, someone aged between 18 and 30 years-old who cares about where you live, work, or study in the Lancaster district, Lancaster City Council would love you to get involved with a project alongside their planning team. 

Do you have ideas that could shape the future of your community? Now is the perfect time to make a real difference. 

We have a great opportunity for local young people to influence, innovate, and create a vision for the future. 

Lancaster City Council are hosting a series of workshops/ meetings for you to tell them how you would like to live, work and socialise in the district to help them to develop their Local Plan for the area. 

Find out more and book a place 

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National Youth Work Census
The National Youth Agency is inviting youth sector organisations across England to participate in the National Youth Sector Census, a crucial survey providing comprehensive data on youth work in the UK. The Census helps inform policy, funding decisions, and the development of youth services, including initiatives like Young Futures Hubs and the Safer Streets Mission. With over 2,100 organisations participating so far, the Census is a key tool in advocating for greater investment in young people’s services. Organisations can submit their responses via Youth Work One and help drive future positive outcomes for the youth sector.

Learn more about the census

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Kooth: Free Digital Mental Health Support for Young People
Kooth, an anonymous and NHS-commissioned digital mental health service, provides essential support for young people at the point of need. Professionals working with young people—such as schools, healthcare providers, local services, and VCSE organisations—are invited to free 30-minute webinars to learn more about how Kooth can support their work. These sessions include a service overview, a live demonstration, and a Q&A.

Upcoming themed webinars include:

• Pre-SATs support for Year 6 pupils (April-May)
• Managing exam stress for Years 11-13 (March-April)
• Parent/Carer information sessions (March-April)

Kooth also offers bespoke staff training, school workshops, and face-to-face or virtual sessions, covering a range of mental health topics.

Find out more & book sessions: Kooth Connect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit here for full details and to apply. 

The Bay – April Foraging and Outdoor Cooking Sessions
The Bay is running a programme of foraging and outdoor cooking sessions based from Greenfingers Allotments in Heysham. These will be starting on Wednesday 16th April and running each week 11am-1pm for 5-weeks.

Some weeks you will cook a meal together for lunch, other weeks you will focus on different aspects of foraging, food growing and the stories that connect us with nature.

The Bay can offer support including refunding travel expenses up to £8 a session, and a phone call introduction or 1-1 site visit before you start to answer any questions.

To sign up please fill out The Bay’s online referral form and add ‘foraging course’ under ‘What do you hope to gain by attending nature and wellbeing sessions?’

Please feel free to get in touch with Alex at [email protected] with any questions.

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Spring Into Action with FoodFutures 
FoodFutures invites individuals and organisations across Lancaster District to take part in Spring Into Action. This week-long series of workshops, talks, and hands-on activities explores ways to build a healthy, resilient, and fair local food system. Events include facilitation training, community mapping, farm tours, cooking workshops, and even a grief circle to reflect on environmental loss. Whether you’re passionate about food justice, sustainability, or community action, there’s something for everyone. 

Spring into action takes place between 25 April – 2 May 2025 

Bury Your Pants: a Fashion Revolution event 
Bury Your Pants is a joint project with Closing Loops and Lancaster Sewing Cafe that builds on the Sewing Cafe’s Interwoven event in 2024. 

As part of Fashion Revolution Week, the Bury Your Pants project will be officially launched during the event. Attendees will be invited to take part in the project to explore the health of their soil or compost bin by burying a small item of worn out clothing in some soil or a compost bin. Healthy soil with a lively food web will munch through pants in six to ten weeks depending on the time of year… 

Date: 24 – 26 April.  
Venue: The Gallery, The Storey Institute, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster 

Growing Food Growing Community: Intro to Facilitation and Sociocracy 
Join Anna and Jay from FoodFutures on this fascinating workshop that will explore tools for supporting good facilitation whilst introducing the basics of sociocracy. Sociocracy offers a decision making framework and processes that seek to support dynamic, inclusive and productive meetings that make decisions by consent. It’s based on the idea that people who work together are best able to make decisions for themselves. 

Good facilitation and sociocracy are key to supporting the workings of FoodFutures, and in supporting innovative, horizontal, decision making processes. This session should offer some tools and inspiration to support you in enhancing the quality of meetings, decision making and governance of your community project. 

Date & time: Friday 25 April 2025 10am – 3pm 
Location: St Thomas Church, Room 1, Marton St, Lancaster, LA1 1XX. 

Find out more here 

Spring Into Action: Farm on the Fell Tour 
Meet Lisa and Michael on their ‘cow with calf dairy’. 
Michael and Lisa are third-generation farmers. They run a small family farm in the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, producing raw milk, pasture-fed beef, and pork (not to mention delicious gelato from their on-site vending machine). They are regular suppliers of raw milk and pork for Gather, the online North Lancs Food Hub. 

They took over the running of the family dairy farm in 2013 expanding the herd to 180 cows by 2020 working all hours and pushing the cows to get the litres from them. It seemed to them, the only ‘person’ benefiting, was the supermarket who they sold our milk to and decided to farm a different way and turned to regenerative agriculture. 

Enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of their farm and hear Michael and Lisa’s story first-hand with a chance to buy some delicious produce from their vending machine. 

Date & time: Saturday 26 April, 14:30 – 16:30. 
Location: Farm on The Fell, Bleasdale, Preston, PR3 1UT. 

Discover more about this event 

Find out more about Spring into Action here 

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F2F Forest Garden Relaunch – A Community Invitation 
The Fork2Fork Forest Garden is hosting a Meet & Greet on April 24th and 27th, 2025 (11am – 3pm) at Wyresdale Road, Lancaster. This event offers an opportunity for the community to explore the garden, share ideas, and contribute to its future development. Attendees can enjoy tea and cake, nature-inspired activities, a quiz, and face painting on Sunday. The event aims to bring people together to connect with nature, foster community spirit, and encourage participation in this evolving green space. 

Location: F2F Forest Garden, Wyresdale Rd, Lancaster LA1 3EA (next to the brewery) 

Contact: [email protected]  

For further information click here 

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Call for Local Green Spaces 
Your help is needed to identify areas of Local Green Space across the district. 
Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for health and the wellbeing of communities. The designation of land as Local Green Space through local plans allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Planning policies for managing development within Local Green Spaces are consistent with Green Belts and therefore the level of protection afforded through designation is high. Local Green Spaces can only be designated when a Plan is being prepared or updated.  

The call for Local Green Spaces will run to Monday 28 July 2025.    

Further information can be found on the Council website:  Local Plan Review Hub 

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Pots of Possibility ‘Community Pots’ Drop-ins 
Drop-in support sessions will be held over the coming weeks for anyone interested in applying for the Pots of Possibility “Community Pots” fund. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the next round of grant funding, check eligibility, discuss project ideas, and get support with applications. The Closing Loops team will be available to offer guidance on the fund’s zero-waste and regenerative enterprise themes, as well as answer questions about the application process, eligibility, and documentation. Drop in at any time to get the help you need! 

• Morecambe – March 31, 9.30 -11.30am | The Link, 11-13 West Street
• Lancaster – April 2, 9.30-11.30am | The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street
• Carnforth – April 7, 10am-12pm | Brief Encounter Bistro, Carnforth Railway Station 

Find out more about these events 

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Conservation Area Appraisal for Yealand Conyers and Redmayne  
Lancaster City Council are conducting a Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) for Yealand Conyers and Redmayne.

CAAs are key documents that highlight the unique qualities (significance) of a conservation area, identify potential threats to its character and appearance, assess the area’s boundary, and serve as a foundation for its ongoing management. 

If you have an interest in Yealand Conyers and Redmayne, they invite you to share your views. 

Have your say 

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Spring into Action 
From Friday 25 April to Friday 2 May FoodFutures is coordinating a series of workshops and events that invites people and organisations across Lancaster District to ‘Spring into Action’ around creating a thriving local food system that is healthy, resilient, and fair.  

From practical hands-on cooking, foraging and growing workshops to farm tours, scheming, craft activities and skill sharing, there is hopefully something that will interest you. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the full programme of events on the FoodFutures website… (coming very soon). 

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The Plot’s Crop-Share: June-October 
The Plot is looking for 40 people to join its crop-share scheme this growing season. 

Are you passionate about eating organic, local, and seasonal food? 

Do you want a direct relationship with those who grow your food, and share the season’s risks with them? 

Join this year’s crop-share and help build a network of local growers around the Lancaster District. Produce is grown outside at Old Holly Farm near Garstang and in two polytunnels at White Lund in Morecambe, all within eight miles of Lancaster Town Hall. 

Read more and join 

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Visit to Waste Recovery Park 
Join the Closing Loops team on a guided visit to the waste recovery park at Farington on 3 April: A great opportunity to understand what happens to our waste, followed by exploring hopeful approaches we can take with our waste in a creative workshop. 

Sign up for the tour 

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Blue Influencers Climate & Social Project
Global Link are developing a Blue Influencers group at the Global Link building. The Blue Influencer scheme has been developed and part-funded by The Ernest Cook Trust, with additional funding from the iwill. The #iwill Fund is made possible thanks to £66 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. The Ernest Cook Trust is acting as a match funder and awarding grants on behalf of the #iwill Fund.

Make a difference to the environment, blue spaces (sea, rivers, lakes, ponds etc) and the community. Free weekly sessions starting from the 17 April 2025.

Date & time: Thursday 27 March 2025, 4-5pm
Location: Global Link, Queen St, Lancaster, LA1 1RX

Email [email protected] for more information.

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Wild Into Words – Nature Writing with Mark Cocker
Nature lovers and aspiring writers have a unique opportunity to connect with the wild and refine their craft with multi-award-winning nature writer, Mark Cocker. Taking place at Leighton Moss in July, these special events include:

Wild Into Words: A Guided Walk with Mark Cocker – Friday, 4th July
Wild Into Words: A Nature Writing Masterclass – Saturday, 5th July

Participants can explore the landscape with Mark Cocker and gain insights into his approach to nature writing. These events are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

Book now:
Guided Walk
Writing Masterclass

Please note, tickets must be booked separately for each event.

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‘Your Pots – Your Say’ 2024: Stories from the Pots of Possibility Voting Day
Take a look at this inspiring short film by the Lancaster Film Initiative that captures the community spirit of voting for the Pots of Possibility fund. The video highlights the “Your Pots – Your Say” event, where local residents decided which projects should receive funding to improve North Lancashire’s economy and community. With eleven local charities bidding for up to £10,000 in funding, this participatory budgeting model gives the community a real say in how charity funds are allocated. Watch the film to see the impact of local voting in action.

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Rapid Rainforest Assessment Training
Come along to Quakers’ Wood at Rookhow for a one-day Rapid Rainforest Assessment Training. This beginner’s course will equip you with the practical tools and confidence to assess local temperate rainforest habitats in Cumbria, from understanding their unique characteristics to identifying current threats. You’ll also receive guidance on using the RRA App for data collection, with follow-up support to help you put your new skills into practice. It is advised to come prepared with appropriate outdoor clothing, pen and paper, and a packed lunch (tea and coffee provided).

Spaces are limited, so email [email protected] to secure your spot. This training is part of a broader effort to restore our rainforests under the Rainforest Restoration Project, led by Woodland Trust and Plantlife.

Date & time: Friday 11 April 2025, 10m-4pm
Location: Quakers’ Wood at Rookhow, Colton, LA12 8LA

Find out more about this event

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Insect Wildlife Wanders – Free Walks
Over the past two years, Rob Zloch and Belinda Nixie have been leading insect wildlife wanders, workshops and talks for organisations such as North Lancashire Wildlife Group, U3A, and The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery. Rob and Belinda want to awareness of and love for insects and to spread the word about their worth as individual species and as part of our ecosystem.

Insects are in spectacular decline and England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. They are fascinating in form and function and they are wildlife that we can all observe and study all around us – in our own gardens, in any park, hedgerow or verge. Along with plants, insects are key to every terrestrial food chain and so their overall success or failure affects all other wildlife.

If you’d like to organise a walk at no charge to your group or project, to help get more people interested in and noticing insects or participating in citizen science projects, contact Belinda at [email protected] or Rob at [email protected]

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The BIG Carnforth Litter Pick and Bottle Top Challenge
Blue Influencers from Carnforth Community Primary School have set two BIG challenges related to cleaning up Carnforth. They are looking for volunteers to join them for a BIG litter pick on the 25th of March, and are collecting loose bottle tops until the 28th of March 2025, to raise awareness of the amount of plastic that enters our waters each year.

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Growing Food & Community Sessions Return in 2025!
Join a series of workshops during 2025, covering all aspects of local food growing, from site design to how to set up your project, from seed saving to propagation, from beekeeping to chutney making!

The sessions provide a useful starting point for anyone considering setting up a local community growing space or thinking of growing your own.

You can now book the spring sessions.

Book onto a session today

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Closing Loops Ideas Generation Workshops
Over the next two months, local democracy group Deliberate will be holding idea generation workshops in the areas of Lancaster District where there have been less community projects.

To shape these workshops, Deliberate want to hear from you about what you would like to see where you live.

The question is simple:

Imagine a future where our economy looks after our communities and restores the environment. What would you like to see in your local area?

Deliberate is supported by the Pots of Possibility fund and these workshops will directly shape how we fund projects going forwards so do share your views and vote on other people’s ideas by visiting pol.is and getting involved!

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

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

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

Lancaster Civic Vision: Lancaster to Eden North Tramway
A talk by Lincoln Shields entitled ‘Lancaster to Eden North tramway’. Lincoln Shields is an authority on tramway development, having been involved with such a project in Preston.

9 April, 7.30pm, Rowley Court (opp. Booths, Scotforth) 

Those attending who are not members of Lancaster Civic Vision are encouraged to donate £4 on the evening.

Find out more about Lancaster Civic Vision

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King Street Studios Upcoming Exhibitions 
Colour and Form Exhibition – Lancaster Library 
From 10th to 29th April, Lancaster Library hosts Colour and Form, an exhibition showcasing the work of teenagers and adults exploring acrylic painting for the first time. The project, designed to build confidence and creativity, encourages participants to experiment with techniques and composition. Made possible through Crowdfund Lancashire, this inspiring exhibition highlights the power of artistic expression. 

Find out more about the project here 

Curiosities – A Solo Exhibition by Kate Eggleston-Wirtz 
Step into a world of wonder at Curiosities, a solo exhibition by artist Kate Eggleston-Wirtz, running from 16th–26th April (closed Easter Sunday) at

. Showcasing 20 years of 3D sculptural assemblages crafted from found and symbolic materials, this selling exhibition also includes new works alongside illustrated prints and cards. Visitors can meet the artist in residence daily from 11am–5pm, offering a unique chance to explore the power of objects, art, and creativity in an intimate gallery setting. 

The Cornerstone Art Café 
Art for sale by King Street Arts and Food by Global Café – Saturday 4 April, 11am-3pm 

The Storey Makers 
From it’s beginnings, The Storey has been home to inspiring creative businesses. Come and visit an exhibition of creativity and find out all about the Storey. – 24-31 March 2025, 10am-7pm | Free | The Storey Gallery, Lancaster. 

Discover more about upcoming events with King Street Arts

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Good Things Collective Open House Weekend 
The Good Things Collective will be holding their next open house weekend which is coming up in April! They would like to invite you to come and visit their studios to get a taste of what they do there at GTC. There’ll be plenty of fun things to do for all ages and you’ll get a sneak peak at some exciting new things planned for the rest of the year. More details will follow but for now make sure to save the date – April 18 & 19   

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Lancaster Open Studios Trail 
Discover the creative heart of Lancaster at the first-ever Open Studios Trail. Local artist groups will be opening their doors across four locations—Assembly Arts (King Street), Luneside Studios (Castle Park), King Street Arts (King Street), and Storey Artist Studios (The Storey). Explore unique workspaces, meet the artists, and experience the vibrant art scene first-hand. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with Lancaster’s creative community.  

Date & time: March 29 
Location: Various 

Find out more about it here 

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Open Mic Events – The Gregson  
Everyone is welcome to these upcoming Open Mic events at The Gregson which are specifically designed for people with additional needs. There will also be karaoke and plenty of dancing!  

All events are free, but donations are appreciated at www.gregson.co.uk/donate  

Here are the dates for the upcoming open mic events for the year ahead:  

Dress up as your Favourite Artist  

• Friday 11th of April, 6pm-8pm  

• Friday 6th of June, 6pm-8pm  

Beach Party Theme  

• Friday 15th of August, 6pm-8pm  

• Halloween Theme  

• Friday 10th of October, 6pm-8pm  

Christmas Special  

• Friday 12th of December, 6pm-8pm  

Location: The Gregson Centre, Lancaster, LA1 3PY (Wheelchair Accessible) 

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Wise Up Workshops Events & Activities
Cinderella
This fun, family pantomime will be performed at The Platform in Morecambe on 29 March (6pm) and 30 March (3pm). Tickets £12 / £8.

Book tickets by calling The Platform on 01524 582803

Advertising space is also available in the programme, at £40 per A5 page. Email [email protected] to find out more.

The Jungle Book
Little Theatre Company by the Sea presents The Jungle Book with School Musicals Co and Wise Up Youth Theatre.

28 June (6.30pm) and 29 June (3pm)

Book tickets by calling The Platform on 01524 582803

Gaming Together
For all up to age 16 (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult), these sessions bring gamers together to build confidence, friendship and connection.

Monthly on the first Saturday, 5pm – 7:30pm at Middleton Village Hall LA3 3LG.

£2, including hotdogs, drinks and snacks.

Lifewise
Young people aged 14 – 25 can learn new skills from cooking to map-reading, from event planning to mental health support.

Every second Wednesday, 6pm – 8pm.

Call 07506 295782 for further information

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Halton Community Events

Cards Fighting Loneliness Get Together
On 29th March, don’t miss The Big ‘Cards Fighting Loneliness’ Get Together – a completely free event where attendees can enjoy a slice of cake, a drink, and great company. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase on the day.

View the event poster

*Volunteers are also needed to help with tasks such as serving refreshments, washing up, and welcoming attendees. If you can lend a hand, your support would be greatly appreciated!

Get in touch to register or volunteer – everyone is welcome!

For more contact Sam Pritchard at [email protected]

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The Big Lancaster Spring Clean 
Taking place from March 21- April 6, to coincide with Keep Britain Tidy’s National British Spring Clean, Lancaster City Council has teamed up with Lancaster BID and Beyond Radio for the campaign,which aims to highlight the need to keep our city clean and vibrant for all to enjoy.  

While Lancaster City Council’s dedicated cleansing crews are on the streets morning and night seven days a week, litter dropped during the day or left dumped by public rubbish bins, can leave the area looking untidy. 

It is hoped that the initiative will encourage communities to take pride in their local environment. 

To host your own litter pick email [email protected] 

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Celebrating Women in the Park 
Williamson Park is partnering with ‘Her Lancaster’ to celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 10, with a full day of events, including a Makers Market, workshops, and classes starting at 10am. 

Her Lancaster is a community that organizes events to help women connect, learn, and grow. 

Workshops and classes at the park will feature yoga, self-defense, and art. Tickets are available via Instagram @herlancaster 

The park, which features a plaque dedicated to Emily Williamson at its Quernmore Road entrance, is the perfect place to celebrate. Emily was one of the founders of the RSPB and an advocate for bird protection. 

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Better Than the Alternative – Creative Ageing Symposium
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster invites you to a 2-day Creative Ageing Symposium on 30th April & 1st May 2025, bringing together creative practitioners, health professionals, and academics to challenge stereotypes and explore the power of creativity in later life. The event will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, panel discussions, performances, and networking opportunities, all focused on making creative ageing more meaningful and impactful. Part-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, tickets are available at a subsidised rate.

Dates: 30th April & 1st May 2025
Location: The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster

1st -day tickets available – Book here
2nd -day tickets available – Book here

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Art Classes at the Rainbow Centre
Do you have a creative side and are looking for an outlet to unleash it? The Rainbow Centre, Morecambe is running a member facilitated art session with Leighanne to include a number of artistic mediums including pastels, watercolours, acrylics and more. If you are interested in attending these sessions pleased speak to Paul or Dawn at the Rainbow Centre.

Dates & times: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm (started February 12^th).
Location: Rainbow Centre Morecambe, Clarence St., Morecambe.

View their event advert on Facebook.

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Lancaster & Morecambe Pride Event Feedback Request
Lancaster and Morecambe Pride 2025 is inviting you to share your thoughts and help shape this year’s events. The team is seeking feedback from both LGBTQIA+ community members and allies on past experiences, future attendance plans, and suggestions for enhancing the Pride celebrations—from live music and community stalls to a broader week-long programme of events. Your input on what benefits Pride events bring to our community is invaluable.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey and help us make Pride 2025 even bigger and better.

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Jazz Trio Gig
Following the success of the Propellor concert in December, Rookhow is hosting another informal gig this April. The event will feature Sam, a jazz drummer studying at a London conservatoire, performing alongside two friends as they showcase original compositions and free improvisation. Refreshments will be served from 7:30pm with the music set to run from 8-9pm, and entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. Please see the event poster for further details.

Date & time: 1 April 2025, 7.30-9pm
Location: Rookhow, Rusland, LA12 8LA

Email to reserve a place – [email protected]

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Coffee and Connect One Stop Shop 
This is a chance for people to drop in and connect with others in a warm and friendly environment where they can get practical advice on:  

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

Hot drinks and snacks are provided and there are toys to keep little ones entertained! 

Time and Date: Every third Friday of the month, 1PM – 3PM (Term time only) 
Location: Lune Park Family Hub, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN 

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Free Tennis and Pickleball Open Day 
Lancaster Tennis Club are holding a FREE Tennis and Pickleball Open Day for families and adults. 

It’s especially aimed at families and juniors, but adults are equally welcome. All standards are catered for including beginners or people who haven’t played since school. And there will also be a chance to try the fast-growing game of Pickleball.  

They offer a full programme of after-school and Saturday junior tennis coaching for all ages from 4 years old up, as well as adult coaching for beginners and intermediate players.  

Time and Date: Saturday April 12^th, 11am to 1pm 

Location: 17 Lune Road, LA1 5QU 

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

All welcome, and all proceeds go to Animal Care. 

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

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

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

Youth Group Leader (CYP) – CancerCare 
Do you have experience in managing people and projects and work with children and young people? Do you have a passion for promoting vulnerable CYP interests and creating inclusive environments?  

Salary: £10,924 (actual) 
Contract: 16 hours per week covering three evenings per week. Occasional weekends required. Daytime shifts in school holidays.  
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe 
Closing Date: Friday 11 April 2025 

To apply email your completed application form and current CV to [email protected]  

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Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at Victim Support
Victim Support is looking for a compassionate and dedicated Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) to provide 1-2-1 support to young survivors of sexual violence across Lancashire. This role involves delivering advocacy, emotional support, and guidance through the criminal justice process or on their personal recovery journey. The successful candidate will work closely with individuals, families, and partner agencies, ensuring access to specialist services, including counselling and pre-trial therapy. 

This role requires regular travel, and a full driving license with access to a vehicle is essential (reasonable adjustments can be considered for disabled applicants). The position offers hybrid working options, with up to two days from home. 

Salary: £26,010 – £28,050 per annum 
Contract: Full-time 
Location: Blackpool (Hybrid) 
Closing Date: 22 April 2025 at 12:48pm 

Find out more about this role and apply 

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Store Manager – The British Heart Foundation 
The British Heart Foundation is seeking a Store Manager to lead a retail team in Lancashire. This hands-on role involves managing store performance, driving sales, and ensuring excellent customer service while supporting the charity’s life-saving work. The ideal candidate will have experience in a customer-facing role, strong leadership skills, and the ability to meet sales targets in a fast-paced environment. 

Salary: £24,446 per year + benefits 
Contract: Full-time, Permanent 
Location: Lancashire (On-site) 
Closing Date: 26 March 2025 at 23:30 

Learn more about this role and apply 

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West Cumbria Asylum Seeker & Refugee Coordinator  
The purpose of this job is to support people seeking asylum, refugees and other diaspora communities to live a healthy and active life and access the support and services they need to do this. Just some of the main duties will involve, visiting and making welcome asylum seekers and settled families in the Copeland and Allerdale area, providing support and guidance to new arrivals and assisting them with registering with GPs and accessing statutory and other community services, including education and volunteering.  

Salary: £20,800 pa. (£26,000 pa pro rata)  
Contract: 30 hours per week. £20,800 pa. (£26,000 pa pro rata), 1 year contract with possibility of extension  
Location: Copeland and Allerdale, West Cumbria 
Closing Date: Friday 4th of April 2025  

Read more and apply  

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Receptionist for Cancer Care  
Are you an approachable and welcoming person? As a receptionist you will play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for clients, families, donors and volunteers. You will manage front desk operations, coordinate schedules and assist with administrative tasks.  

Salary: £14,286 (actual)  
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, generally 8.30am – 1pm daily  
Location: Slynedales, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST  
Closing Date: Monday 31st  March  

Read full description and apply  

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CEO – The Birchall Trust  
The Birchall Trust, who offer support to anyone aged 4 and above affected by rape, sexual abuse and sexualised violence abuse in Cumbria and Lancashire, are seeking a Chief Executive Officer.  

They are looking for a confident and experienced leader who will be able to empower their team to delivery their strategy and create the future beyond.  

Experienced in managing change, with the ability to manage a growing organisation and deliver their values with a genuine commitment to good governance; are just some of the cornerstones you will need to bring to the role.  

Salary: £50-55,000 dependent on experience, plus pension contribution.  

Contract: Full-time, with flexibility to allow for occasional evening and weekend working.  

Location: There is a minimum expectation the role will be a hybrid in nature – with at least 2-3 days per week on average being spent on site at one of their main locations or attending external meetings.  

Find out more about this role and apply  

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Challenge Events Fundraiser – Fire Fighters Charity  
The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout their lives.   

They are looking for a Challenge Events Fundraiser to join their national Regional Fundraising Team.  

Some responsibilities as a Challenge Events Fundraiser are, supporting the Regional Fundraising Team to build a successful programme of challenge events that will raise funds and positively promote the Charity. You will be ensuring events are marketed and celebrated via established charity platforms, and participant numbers and income are increased through promotion to new and previous supporters.   

Previous experience of event planning, participant recruitment and sponsor stewardship would be an asset to the successful candidate, who will also need experience of working with a CRM database and be competent at interpreting financial information and reports.  

Salary: £22,471 per year  
Contract: 30 hours a week  
Location: Remote home working  
Closing Date: 30th of March at 11pm  

Find out more and apply  

If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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