Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 29 September 2023

We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.

An archive of previous editions can be found here.

Click headings below to expand each section.

Break the Mould is LIVE!
A new funding scheme for Lancaster and Cumbria developed by young people is available NOW for Not-for-Profit organisations working with and supporting young people aged 16-24. Our Young People of the Lancaster District and Cumbria are embarking on this trailblazing grant scheme intending to ‘Break the Mould!’ In it’s 60th anniversary year, the incredible grant maker and social investor Francis Scott Trust, supported by Lancaster District CVS and Cumbria Youth Alliance are handing over £60,000 to a team of young people to distribute across the Trust’s beneficiary area. The grant programme will be managed by young people for young people. The young funders formed in May and followed up with an inspiring collaboration during their weekend residential in June with Think Forward C.I.C. The BtM program is not just about handing out money; it’s about empowering young voices and shaping their future for the better!

The talented young team have also designed their own logo and marketing materials so keep an eye out and follow the progress of the grant programme on the Break the Mould social media pages on Facebook and X.

To apply for a Break the Mould grant, you need to visit morecambebay.grantplatform.com and create an account if you don’t already have one.

Guidance documentation can be downloaded here

Watch their residential highlights video below…

 

LDCVS Funding Fair 2023
The LDCVS Funding Fair is back.  This is once again a fantastic opportunity for you and your organisation to meet local, regional and national funders face to face and to talk to them about your core, project and capital funding needs.  Take the opportunity to pitch your ideas directly to representatives of grant and trust fund organisations, ask questions about their funding priorities and find out their thoughts on what would strengthen an application from you to them.  

Bookings will be open from next week but in the meantime…SAVE THE DATE – 20 October 2023, 10am-3pm.

If you have any questions relating to this event contact [email protected] 

LDCVS Training – Keep Up To Date
Take a look at our current training programme, covering a wide range of subjects and skills.

Our first courses are already up on our revamped training page at www.lancastercvs.org.uk/training, where you can find full course descriptions and booking links.

We’ve also launched our monthly digest of our new and upcoming courses, providing an at-a-glance update of what’s on offer, alongside continuing to list opportunities here in the Bulletin.

See this week’s Events & Training section for more information about Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, and First Aid at Work courses.

LDCVS Funding Fair 2023
The LDCVS Funding Fair is back.  This is once again a fantastic opportunity for you and your organisation to meet local, regional and national funders face to face and to talk to them about your core, project and capital funding needs.  Take the opportunity to pitch your ideas directly to representatives of grant and trust fund organisations, ask questions about their funding priorities and find out their thoughts on what would strengthen an application from you to them.  

Bookings will be open from next week but in the meantime…SAVE THE DATE – 20 October 2023, 10am-3pm.

If you have any questions relating to this event contact [email protected] 

Pots of Possibility ‘Your Pots’ Grant Fund – 1 Week Deadline Reminder
It’s only one week before the application deadline for The Your Pots fund round. As part of the Closing Loops project co-led by LESS and LDCVS, grants of between £5000 and £10,000 are being offered to social enterprises, charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

The grants can be used to take forward new ideas or to scale up and expand regenerative projects and enterprises that will help our community and environment to flourish.

These include ideas in any of the following themes:

  • Reusing, repurposing and repairing materials currently going to waste (e.g. textiles, electronics, packaging, surplus food, etc)
  • Sharing resources (e.g. tools, materials, skills, etc) or repurposing unused space for community benefit
  • Inspiring people to use and buy things more sustainably and to produce less waste
  • Growing, cooking and eating food that’s local, seasonal and sustainably produced.

Find out more and download the fund guidance here

Deadline for applications: 6 October 2023 at 11:59pm.

eBay’s Circular Fashion Innovators Fund Opens for 2023
eBay UK, in partnership with the British Fashion Council, is offering funding and support for UK-based small businesses specialising in pre-loved fashion solutions. The Circular Fashion Innovators Fund, now in its second year, aims to drive innovation in the fashion industry by promoting new technology and services that encourage sustainable shopping practices.

Successful applicants stand to receive up to £25,000 in funding, personalised mentoring from industry experts, and valuable networking opportunities. This opportunity is open to small businesses operating in the UK’s circular fashion sector, with certain eligibility criteria to be met. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting initiative!

Applications are accepted between 25 September 2023 and 20 October 2023.

Learn more about this fund

Electrical Safety Fund Accepting Applications for 2023
Community safety groups and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK can apply for funding to help those most at vulnerable to electrical risk and injury. Electrical Safety First is offering grants for fire and rescue services, community safety groups, trading standards authorities, and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver projects tackling risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public’s awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour.

Through the Electrical Safety Fund, a total of £250,000 is available for projects and activities that are aimed at addressing the problems of misuse and/or lack of maintenance of electrical products. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for groups and organisations. However, grants of up to £10,000 may be considered for joint applications or larger projects.

The deadline for applications is 22 October 2023.

Find out more about this fund and apply

Funding for Community Groups in the UK to Run Events During British Science Week 2024
Funding opportunities are available for community groups and organizations to host events during British Science Week 2024, happening from March 8 to 17. Coordinated by the British Science Association and supported by UK Research and Innovation, this program seeks to engage traditionally underrepresented audiences in science-related activities. Eligible groups include those working with ethnic minority communities, economically disadvantaged individuals, people with disabilities, those in remote areas, and girls and women.

Grants of £500 or £1,000 are available to fund events and associated activities that promote science engagement. These events can encompass a wide range of activities, from sports science sessions to community exhibitions and research projects. Funding can be used for various event-related expenses, making it an excellent opportunity to spark scientific curiosity in underserved communities.

The deadline for applications is 6 November 2023 (23:59)

Full details on this fund

Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grants Open Again for Applications to Celebrate Working Class Histories
Historic England has launched its second round of Everyday Heritage Grants, offering funding for creative projects that emphasize heritage, particularly in overlooked or underrepresented areas. The grants aim to enhance collective historical understanding and encourage community-led projects from non-heritage organisations. Projects should connect people to historic places like buildings, parks, streets, and more, fostering co-creation, storytelling, and community engagement.

The grants support projects with costs up to £25,000, with a preference for smaller projects up to £10,000. The funding period is from December 2023 to May 2025, inviting a broad range of projects to celebrate working-class histories and overlooked historic places in England.

The deadline for proposals is 7 November 2023 (23:59).

Read more about this fund and how to apply

Deadline Reminder – The Arts Society Grants
The Arts Society is offering grants of up to £3,000 for UK-registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £3 million. The grants support projects and activities in the arts and heritage sector, aiming to make a difference in people’s lives and promote skills development. Eligible projects include introducing people to artistic experiences, supporting regional museums and galleries, and enhancing local arts organisations.

Priority is given to projects promoting access to the arts, emphasising localism, and supporting grassroots arts and heritage initiatives. The application process involves registering the organisation with The Arts Society through their online portal.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2023.

Find out more and apply

Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund to Give Extra £500 to Kick-Start New Crowdfunding Projects
The Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund, in collaboration with Aviva, RSPB, and WWF, offers funding to not-for-profit organisations in the UK for nature protection and restoration projects initiated through crowdfunding campaigns. New applicant groups accepted now will receive a £500 kick-start grant and up to £15,000 in match funding per project.

The fund supports projects in three key areas: nature restoration, nature connectedness, and pro-environmental behaviours, and community cohesion and connection. Eligible organisations include charities, CIOs, CICs, CLGs, CASCs, and community groups. The first step is to create a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder, and an introductory session is available for those interested in learning more about the funding opportunity.

Applications for the crowdfunding scheme can be made at any time until all the funding is allocated.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

£22m Million Hours Fund Applications Reopen Next Week
Does your project support young people and provide positive experiences to help them thrive? The National Lottery Community Fund has partnered with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to invest in vital youth projects that improve the lives of young people across England. This joint funding programme will create extra hours of youth work and additional activities to give young people more places to go and interesting things to do. Their funding page will go live on 26th September when they reopen for applications.

In the meantime you can read guidance notes on the Government website.

Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme Opens for UK Applications
Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme, supported by Dignity Funerals, is offering funding to UK hospices for creative projects and activities aimed at initiating conversations about death and grief within traditionally underserved communities. The grants support hospices in forming partnerships, particularly with arts and cultural organizations, to engage diverse audiences. Proposed projects should approach the topic of death in innovative and culturally relevant ways through arts and culture. The total budget is £40,000, with project grants ranging from £5,000 to £8,000. The lead applicant must be a UK-based hospice and a member of Hospice UK.

The deadline for applications is 24 November 2023 (17:00)

Find out more about this funding option

Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund Reopens for UK Applications
The Voices from the Frontline Fund by Rosa is reopening for UK applications, providing funding to support the advocacy and influencing efforts of women’s and girls’ organisations. The grants, ranging from £500 to £7,000, will support campaigns addressing issues faced by women and girls, targeting local communities, the general public, government, media, service providers, or businesses. Eligible applicants are not-for-profit women’s sector organisations active for at least one year, meeting specific criteria that demonstrate their focus on women and girls. Priority will be given to organizations operating in disadvantaged areas, and those led by and for marginalised groups such as Black, disabled, and LGBTQ+ Rosa will host ‘How to Apply’ webinars on September 21 and October 3 for interested applicants.

The deadline for the online application and three minute video is 11 October 2023 (16:00)

Learn more about the fund and how to apply

Freelands Foundation Invites Applications to Autumn 2023 Round
The Freelands Foundation is offering funding opportunities for visual art organisations in the UK to undertake ambitious projects in collaboration with schools and teachers, with a focus on supporting and empowering educators. In the Autumn 2023 funding round, grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 per year for up to three years are available, aimed at projects commencing between September 1 and September 31, 2024. The funding supports projects within a broad definition of visual arts, including heritage and multi-arts organisations. An online information session is scheduled for September 20, 2023, and the application process involves two stages.

More details here

Ockenden International Prize 2024 – Open for Entries
The Ockenden International Prize for 2024 is now accepting entries, offering cash rewards to registered charities with projects dedicated to enhancing self-reliance among refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. Ockenden International, a charity with a long history of aiding refugees, established this prize in 2012. The competition seeks initiatives that empower refugees and migrants, emphasizing their agency, dignity, and autonomy. It prioritizes supporting locally-based and refugee-led organizations working directly with displaced populations. Four winners will evenly share the £100,000 prize, receiving £25,000 each.

Read more about the Ockenden International Prize

The Royal Countryside Fund Opens for Autumn 2023 Round
The Royal Countryside Fund, formerly known as the Prince’s Countryside Fund, has opened its Autumn 2023 funding round. This fund supports not-for-profit community-led projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in rural communities across the UK. The program is backed by the People’s Postcode Lottery and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and is a registered charity established by HM King Charles III in 2010. Eligible organisations with an income of less than £500,000 can apply for grants of up to £25,000 over two years, with project completion by January 2026. The fund is particularly interested in supporting emerging ideas and projects. However, certain restrictions apply, such as funding exclusions for food purchase, working capital, and projects better suited to other funders.

The deadline for applications is midday on 20 October 2023.

Find out more about The Royal Countryside Fund

Reminder – Magic Little Grants Fund Still Open for Applications
The Magic Little Grants scheme, administered by Localgiving and funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, is offering small, one-off grants of £500 to not-for-profit groups and organisations in their first year of operation or with an annual income under £250,000 in Great Britain. Registered charities, including schools, are eligible to apply. The grants support projects falling under various themes, including mental health improvement, physical activity promotion, arts participation, poverty prevention, support for marginalised groups, biodiversity enhancement, climate response, and green space improvement. Each group may apply once in 2023, with results expected within six weeks of application submission.

The deadline for applications is October 31.

Read more about this grant scheme

Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s Youth Climate Action Fund Open for UK Application
The Energy Saving Trust Foundation is offering funding through its Youth Climate Action Fund for not-for-profit organizations in the UK for those that work with young people up to the age of 25 experiencing inequality. Grants of up to £20,000 per year for up to two years (total of £40,000) are available for organisations with an income of less than £1 million. The fund aims to support projects that engage with young people to understand their perspectives on the climate emergency and address their concerns. The application deadline is October 27, 2023, with an initial expression of interest stage.

The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 16 October 2023.

Find out more and apply

European Commission and UK Reach Political Agreement on Participation in Horizon Europe and Copernicus
The UK will fully associate itself with the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs starting from January 1, 2024. This decision follows a call between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. Under this bespoke new agreement, researchers and organisations in the UK will be able to participate in Horizon Europe on an equal footing with EU Member States, gaining access to funding. Association with Copernicus allows the UK to contribute to a vital Earth monitoring space program. Additionally, the UK will access services from the EU Space Surveillance and Tracking. The UK’s annual contribution for participation in both programs is estimated at nearly €2.6 billion.

Learn more about this

Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust Opens for Final 2023 Funding Round
The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust is offering funding to support children and young people in care and care leavers in the UK. They aim to provide grants to those facing significant challenges and limited opportunities. Currently, they are specifically focusing on projects related to children and young people in care and care leavers. Registered and exempt charities with a minimum operating income of £1 million can apply for grants of £5,000, with a limit of one grant per calendar year. In 2024, the Trust’s focus will shift to disability-related projects. It’s important to note that the Trust does not provide grants to Community Interest Companies (CICs), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), or non-profit organisations.

The deadline to apply for this round is 30 September 2023.

Read more about this funding option

Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Annual Teacher Development Fund Opens for UK Applications
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is accepting applications for its 2024 Teacher Development Fund, which aims to build partnerships between primary schools and arts/cultural organizations in the UK. Grants of £165,000 are awarded to partnerships comprising arts/cultural organizations and six to ten schools. These partnerships collaborate for two academic years, participating in activities that promote peer networking and learning. Eligible applicants include charities, community organisations, schools, and others involved in the arts. Projects should focus on supporting students facing inequities, integrating arts-based learning into the curriculum, exploring blended professional development models, and building strong partnerships.

The deadline to apply is 13 November 2023 at 12 noon.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

Rewilding Challenge Fund Reopens for Applications 2023
Collaborations of landowners, sea users, organisations, communities, and businesses can apply for funding to deliver a single large-scale rewilding project that brings lasting social, economic and ecological benefits for local communities. Rewilding Britain is offering an annual award of £100,000 for one large-scale rewilding project, at least 1,000ha/10 km² in size, based in England, Scotland, or Wales, that will bring social, economic, and ecological benefits for local communities. Priority will be given to projects that restore and reinstate natural processes, habitats, and missing species to the maximum extent across land, sea, or both. There is particular interest in community-led/co-designed approaches to rewilding which bring lasting social, economic, and ecological benefits for local communities.

The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 12 October 2023.

More information here

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Invites Applications for Final Round of 2023
Funding is available provided by ABF The Soldier’s Charity  for charities and organisations that support the Army community, which includes veterans, serving soldiers, their families and immediate dependants. The funding aims to assist projects and activities directly benefiting this community in areas such as independent living, elderly care, education, employability, mental fitness, families, and housing. The Grants Committee decides the funding amount, with no specified minimum or maximum, although new relationships may receive less than £15,000. Eligible applicants include charities, not-for-profit organisations, CICs, community groups, and housing associations supporting the Army community. There are typically three funding rounds per year.

The deadline for applications is 4 October for consideration in November 2023.

Find out more

Castle Studies Trust Reopens for Applications 2023
Individuals and organisations across the UK can apply for funding to help advance the understanding of Castle Studies. The Castle Studies Trust is offering grants of up to £10,000 to support the production of new and discrete pieces of research that enhance the understanding and knowledge of castles. Grants will initially focus on new work on castles, such as architectural and geophysical surveys, radio-carbon dating, or projects that enhance the general public’s understanding of castles. The fund will cover costs specific to carrying out research and site work, such as travel to and from a castle site, equipment costs, or services provided by a third party. Funding can be used to co-fund large-scale projects.

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2023.

Learn more about this funding and apply

Commonweal’s Call for New Ideas 2023 Focuses on Criminal Justice System in the UK
Funding has become available for frontline organisations to conduct a feasibility study to explore their proposed housing model seeking to address issues with the criminal justice system. Commonweal Housing, an independent social justice charity working to investigate, pilot and champion housing-based solutions to social injustice, is offering grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 to carry out a short-term feasibility study to evaluate a housing and support model tackling issues facing vulnerable individuals who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.Not-for-profit organisations in the UK may apply. They do not need to be experts in housing or have experience in delivering housing projects. There is particular interest in project ideas from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)-led and BAME-focused organisations.

The deadline to apply is 29 September 2023 (5pm).

Full details here

Defibrillator Grant Funding
London Hearts, the leading heart charity dealing with the funding, procurement and supply of life-saving defibrillators throughout the entire of the UK are offering grant funding towards heart defibrillators. Recent publicised events have highlighted the fact that Cardiac Arrest does not discriminate and can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time!

The statistics are alarming – Cardiac Arrest kills over 60,000 people, of all ages, in the UK each year.  If a heart defibrillator is used within 3-5 mins of a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival increases from 6% to a huge 74%. London Hearts are able to offer Grant Funding towards the cost of each Defibrillator they supply. 

With every Defibrillator, they also provide free online CPR/Defibrillator awareness training.

If you have any queries please feel free to contact me either by telephone on 02070432493 or by email reply at:  [email protected]

Further information on the Defibrillators supplied

 If you have more enquiries please feel free to contact Cerys at London Hearts by telephone on 02070432493 or by email  [email protected]

Suicide Prevention Grant Fund 2023-2025
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has made available a £10 million fund to support suicide prevention activities delivered in England by non-profit organisations.

The objectives of this fund are to support non-profit organisations in configuring their suicide prevention services to better meet the demand seen in recent years and to support a range of diverse and innovative activity to prevent suicides at both a national and community level. 

Find out more and apply

The fund closes to applications on 1 October, 11:59pm.

Charity Commission Resources
The Charity Commission has just launched a quiz on its website to help trustees gauge their knowledge and identify areas where they might need a bit more support. It’s a short ten question quiz, and each question offers feedback and signposting to further knowledge.  The quiz tackles such areas as Safeguarding, Conflicts of interest and reportable incidents. The quiz is designed to engage trustees with a variety of questions based on everyday scenarios that they may encounter at their charity. It has been designed to help identify knowledge gaps and is an ideal refresher for trustees at all levels of experience, according to the regulator.

You can find the quiz here

Love Lancaster Business Awards 2023 – Lancaster Superhero Award
Do you know someone exceptional in Lancaster city centre? The HPA-sponsored Community Hero Award is here to recognise individuals who’ve generously given their time to uplift the community. It could be a school, a local community group, or a charity—anyone who’s made a significant and positive difference in the lives of others. Tell us their inspiring tale that sets them apart from the rest!

Do you know a deserved winner? Nominate them here!

Government Promises £25m for New Zero Emission Buses to Connect Rural Communities
The Government has promised to prioritise rural communities in its £129m rollout of hundreds of new zero-emission buses.The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper MP (Con, Forest of Dean) has announced the additional funding to help local transport authorities improve services. The aim is to ‘help grow the economy by connecting communities – helping people get to work or college while also providing a boost for UK manufacturing.’

The Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) 2 scheme is now open for bids from all local authorities in England (outside London) and the Department for Transport says applications from those that did not receive funding in the previous funding rounds will be prioritised.

More details here

Citizen Journalists wanted for THRIVE magazine
Do you have an interest in working towards a healthier, more sustainable food system in North Lancashire and feel you have something to say that people would be interested in reading? 

THRIVE magazine (Foodfutures quarterly publications) are looking for both experienced and beginner writers to contribute articles for future editions. There is training provided in the form of monthly mini sessions, a training day in late October (date to be decided), and in guidelines and checklists to help as you write.

If interested, please contact: [email protected]

Carnforth Charity Shop Award £22k in grants in First Year
The Carnforth Charity Shop 3R are celebrating their first year since the 3R Foundation was started, and 7 months of trading in the Charity Shop, where they have already managed to raise and award nearly £22k of grants to local clubs, groups and charities. The 3R Foundation is an independent Carnforth based registered charity, set up to provide grants to local community groups, clubs and small charities in North Lancashire and South Cumbria, through funds raised in their dedicated charity shop on Lancaster Road/Haws Hill, Carnforth.

Operations Manager Paul Calland says “It is unbelievable to think that it’s only been a year since we started the 3R Foundation and the 3R Charity shop in Carnforth only opened on 1st February. We had hoped to be able to give a few small grants out to the North Lancashire and South Cumbria community in our first year… Well we have properly smashed that and awarded nearly £22,000 already with loads more in the pipeline!”

“It has been asked of us more than a few times why no one else has ever done something like this to directly help local groups and clubs. To be honest it is not an easy thing to setup, but we have a wonderful group of experienced staff and volunteers who have really worked hard together to do what they do best, and setup from scratch and run a lovely, bright clean shop. This has been incredibly well received and we are delighted that all the profits raised will be awarded as grants back into the local community, to buy vital equipment and services, so the small groups and clubs can do what they do best.”

Why not take a look in their shop, or get your local club, group or small charity to apply for a grant.

Find out more here

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

Lancaster Guardian Column
Read all about aspects of volunteering and other third sector items in the Lancaster District with our regular Lancaster Guardian article. This week’s article is titled – Winter Challenges and Community Support: Staying Well Together.

Read all about it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the guide here

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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Winter Maintenance Coppicing of Trees, Fruit Bush Pruning at Claver Hill
Claver Hill are looking for volunteers to help with tree coppicing and fruit bush pruning. This project will begin once the leaves have come off the trees, the sap has gone down. There will be a training session given. Tools are supplied, but please bring gloves if you have them. Dress accordingly for the weather.

Get involved with this opportunity

West End Players Multiple Roles

Morecambe Poetry Festival Volunteers
Morecambe Poetry Festival is coming to town on 22nd, 23rd and 24th of September 2023 and it needs you! In return for two 4-hour shifts, you will be given a free weekend pass to the festival. This word fiesta will feature some of the most amazing and talented poets!

Find out more about this opportunity

The Bay International Film Festival Volunteers
The Bay International Film Festival is coming from the 6th to the 29th of October and it needs you! The International short film competition had more than 400 entries from over 45 countries!

Find out more about this volunteer opportunity

Cast and Crew for Alien the Musical
The West End Players CIC, who brought you fun and laughter with Aladdin Morecambe in February 2023 are now back with a new show and are looking for cast and crew for Alien The Musical on Thursday 22nd February (press night), Friday 23rd February and Saturday 24th February 2024 (performance).

Find out more about this opportunity

Befriender with Let’s Befriends
Let’s Befriends are looking for volunteers as befrienders, to work with people who are homeless, recently rehoused or under threat of eviction.

Find out more about this opportunity

Van Driver for the Well Communities
Well Communitities are looking for a van driver volunteer/s who can help assisting their community members to access the gym, take members to the Saturday hub in Lancaster and do our food collection from FareShare in Preston on Friday mornings.

Follow this link for more info

Canteen Assistant at The Friendship Centre
The Friendship Centre are in need of a canteen assistant on a Monday, Wednesday’ or Friday. The charity are a social club for isolated over 55’s and offer classes and activities from 9.30 to 1pm. They have a modern kitchen with a 4 star food hygiene rating. The group have nearly 100 very friendly members and between 20 and 30 members attend each session. Training will be given if required.

Find out more about this role

Marketing Officer with Beyond Radio
As a not for profit, volunteer organisation, the role of Marketing Officer with Beyond Radio is an important one and we are particularly keen to hear from volunteers with experience that can help us with a variation of marketing tasks from merchandising to social media.

Find out more about this opportunity

Coordinator with The City of Sanctuary’s Bike Project
The City of Sanctuary Bike Project require a volunteer to coordinate a multitude of tasks such as getting bike donations, handling bike issues and requests along with bike repair appointment setting.

Find out more about this opportunity

Bay Volunteers Opportunities
Bay Volunteers are offering various roles including the new role for a community group buddy!  

Do you have time during the week to support individual residents with things like shopping, Eggcup and prescription collections, telephone or in-person befriending, digital support, attending a community group with someone on a short-term basis, and more? 

  Bay Volunteers needs volunteers to take up either regular or one-off missions that you can pick and choose, carrying them out when and as often as it suits and fits in with you in a given week to support vulnerable members of our communities. Missions are made available to volunteers on a mobile app and website which is very easy to use, so you can choose which ones you can do. 

 Email: [email protected] 

Visit their website here for more information

Volunteer Van Driver- Morecambe
The Well Communities are looking for a volunteer/s who can help assisting their community members to access the gym, take members to the Saturday hub in Lancaster and do their food collection from FareShare in Preston on Friday mornings.

If you like variety and want to meet new people, this could be the role for you! Their community relies on their volunteers to keep them running successfully.

Duties include:
Weekly Friday collection of food from Fareshare, Preston – Helping load and unload items for delivery (including bulky items) in line with their health and safety guidelines. This enables them to run their weekly food club for the community. 2-3 times a week (1.5hrs) – Transporting residents to local Salt Aye Gym, returning to the hub. Saturday – Transporting residents to their hub in Lancaster and collection, returning to the hub in Morecambe.

An opportunity to be part of The Well Communities CIC and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Requirements:
A clean driving license and able to drive a 15-seater minibus.
Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
For an informal discussion please contact: Richard Hancock on 07444 907135 or Jo O’Brien on 07581 027413

For an application form, please contact Sarah Lunan – [email protected]

Visit their website here

Lancaster Men’s Hub
Lancaster Men’s Hub support men of all ages in the Lancaster area with their physical and mental health through a wide variety of activities. They are looking for two volunteers to help in the kitchen during their Friday meals.

Kitchen Coordinator
This role will plan the weekly menu, buy food, and arrange a rota for cooking

Kitchen Assistant
This role will serve food and drinks, keep the cafe and kitchen area tidy, and conduct other kitchen duties.

The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone is part of Lancaster Methodist Church and is a community of people working together to create a safe place in the city. They are currently looking for volunteers in the roles of Kitchen Assistant, Promotions & Social Media, and Administration Support/Fundraising.

Kitchen Assistant
Required between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays for general kitchen duties.

Promotions & Social Media Lead
Design eye-catching leaflets and posters, and engage the community through social media.

Administration Support – Fundraising
Help with general office duties and complete funding applications.

Home-Start Volunteers
Home-Start, who offer home-visiting support to local families are looking for more volunteers such as parents, carers or grandparents who feel they could spare 2 to3 hours a week to support a family. They provide training and also other training opportunities and are hoping to run their net course in September. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact Debra Dawkins, the Senior Coordinator of Home-Start to further discuss this role.

Tel: 01524 414871
Mob: 07939404194
Email: [email protected]

Power to Change – Women Only Group
A 9-week personal development course is being held at the Red Rose Recovery office on Penny Street in Lancaster for people who have experienced unhealthy relationships. Abusive or unhealthy relationships could mean intimate relationships, relationships with friend and family or even in the workplace. Just some of the topics which will be covered are self-esteem, boundaries, relationships, needs and anger and assertiveness. There is no need to sign up and the course is being held every Friday beginning the 22nd September 2023 at 10am-11-30pm

Date & time: Friday 22nd September, 10am
Location: Red Rose Recovery, 58 Penny St, Lancaster.

For more information please call 07543302148 or 07543302149, or email [email protected] or just turn up.

Living Well with MS Morecambe Event
Discover MS information and support resources available in Lancaster and Morecambe. Learn about local services, the offerings of the MS Society and other organisations, and share your insights on services and activities that would benefit those living with MS. Both sessions will have a similar format with speakers and market stalls. Friends, family, and caregivers are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

Date & time: Wed 25 October 2023, 1 – 3.30pm
Venue: Trimpell Sports & Social Club, Morecambe

Find out more here

Being Well: Exploring Creative Approaches to Community Health
The Gregson Lancaster will be holding a day of networking, sharing, arts and creativity, where they will be looking at how to address health inequalities in our community.

The organisers believe in the bringing of people together for positive health impact and value the community’s input and ideas. There will also be discussion around the brand new ‘Health Support Programme’ – which will offer opportunities for people and organisations who want to try out new community-based projects at the Gregson, to help boost community wellbeing. This event will be open to community activists, artists, health practitioners, researchers, and anyone interested in running projects that make people feel good.

Date & time: Wednesday 11th October, 11.30-4pm
Venue: The Gregson Communty Centre, Lancaster
Other info: Free hot lunch provided.

Find out more here

MS Society Information Events Lancaster and Morecambe
There are estimated to be 634 people to have MS across the Morecambe Bay area, previous work in other areas has shown people want to access local services but often don’t know how to find them. The MS Society are holding an event each in Lancaster and Morecambe to make people affected by MS  (people with a diagnosis, carers and family) aware of what services and support are available cross the area and how to access it as well, as information on national MS support services. There will also be the opportunity to meet local stakeholders and providers.  The vent will also open discussion to find out what gaps in services people feel there are in the area.

Lancaster
Date & time: Wednesday 18th October, 4-6.30pm
Location: The Storey, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

Reserve your place here
View event e-poster

Morecambe
Date & time: Wednesday 25th October, 1-3.30pm
Location: Trimpell Sports Club, Out Moss Lane, Morecambe, LA4 4UP

Reserve your place here
View event e-poster

Love your Liver Roadshow Coming to Lancaster
Do you love your liver? The British Liver Trust are set to bring the Love your Liver roadshow to Lancaster for health guidance maintaining a healthy liver and screening for early signs of illness. Most cases of liver disease can be prevented. The Love your Liver roadshow events are for people who want to find out more about their liver health or are worried that they may be at risk of developing liver disease.

At the roadshow you can take a liver health screener to see if you might be at increased risk of liver disease. You can also have a free, liver scan. This is a quick, simple, and painless test, carried out by one of their specialist liver nurses. The results of your test are completely confidential. You will receive your test result, and information about what to do next. Depending on the result recommendation to see your GP might be advised.

Date & time: Saturday 21st October, 10am-4pm
Location: Sainsbury’s car park, Cable St, Lancaster

Find out more about the roadshow

View the Lancaster visit e-poster

Understanding Liver Cancer: Risk, Surveillance and Diagnosis Webinar
Liver Cancer UK are holding an upcoming health webinar on “Understanding Liver Cancer: Risk, Surveillance, and Diagnosis”. This informative webinar will explore the risk factors associated with liver cancer and emphasise the vital role of cirrhosis surveillance in early detection. Join the discussion with two experts and a patient to gain valuable insights into liver cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. Register now to attend and stay informed about this critical topic.

Date & time: Friday, October 13th, at 12 pm

Find out more and register to attend

Bay Wellness Suicide Awareness Kit
The Bay Wellness Partnership, formed in collaboration with partners from the Bay area, is dedicated to improving colleague health and wellbeing across Morecambe Bay. They emphasise the importance of physical and mental fitness, especially during challenging times, and aim to empower colleagues to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.

The partnership’s recent focus has been on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day recently. They have created a Suicide Awareness Toolkit to raise awareness and encourage support for those impacted by suicide, emphasising suicide prevention. The partnership is also promoting initiatives like the Zero Suicide Alliance and the Orange Button Scheme to reduce suicides across the Bay. Together, they aim to create “Suicide Safer Communities” and spread hope through action.

Access the toolkit and further info here

Birchall Referral
Birchall are there to support people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse by offering a wide range of services to help heal people and to help them move forward. These include adult counselling, play therapy for children and training and education programmes and more. Information on how to get referred or to refer someone else is provided on the poster which includes a QR code besides other alternative contact details. 

View their e-poster here

NIHR Improving Engagement Research Report
The NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) and BVSC have produced a report “Improving Engagement” which highlights the crucial role played by the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in delivering social care services in the UK, currently worth £3.8 billion.

The findings highlight the importance of involving the sector in health and social care research. The report summarises outcomes from listening events organised by the NIHR Research Design Service and BVSC in 2022. It identifies barriers to engagement for VCFSE organisations, such as lack of time and confidence, as well as challenges faced by researchers, including capacity issues. Key recommendations for improving engagement include early involvement of VCFSE organizations in research, co-designing research outputs, better cost estimation, dedicated relationship-building time, and meaningful co-production based on equal partnership.

You can read the full recommendations and learning from the events in the Full Report and Summary Report.

Read the report article

Free Event for World Menopause Day
On the 18th of October is World Menopause Day. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing. Lancashire Adult Learning are pleased to be hosting a free online event on the day:

The event will highlight some of the issues surrounding menopause and give you different tips and strategies to make it more manageable for you. The important people in your life can also come along, to help them better understand the changes you might be going through.

Managing the Menopause in Life & Work
Free online session
Wednesday 18th October
6pm – 8pm

Book your place and find out more

Social Prescribing Research – University of Chester
The University of Chester is collecting views and experiences of social prescribing from VCFSE participants and providers. The project’s purpose is to unpick the processes and common features in successful social prescribing schemes, particularly from a Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise perspective. 

VCFSE providers are asked to complete a survey focusing on these questions:

  • What do successful social prescribing schemes look like to the VCFSE?
  • How can resources, impact and VCFSE support be maximised?
  • How can collaboration between PCNs and the VCFSE be encouraged to benefit all partners? 
  • What do hosting organisations need?

Find out more about the research, or go directly to the survey.

Phase two of the project will involve focus groups and interviews, however taking part in the survey phase does not mean you have to take part in further research.

Student Meningitis Vaccine Reminder
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and leading meningitis charities are urging students to make sure they have been vaccinated against meningitis as the latest data shows that around 1 in 8 new students are unprotected from this disease.  

New students going to college or university are remaining unprotected against these serious illnesses which consist of 4 strains of meningococcal bacteria. Each of these can cause long term disability, serious health complications and can be life threatening.  

The latest data shows that the vaccination rate has fallen to 79.6% which means that around 1 in 5 pupils will remain unprotected when the begin college or university if they don’t catch up.  

Find out more about the risks, and how to get a vaccine.

£22m Million Hours Fund Applications Reopen
Does your project support young people and provide positive experiences to help them thrive? The National Lottery Community Fund has partnered with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to invest in vital youth projects that improve the lives of young people across England. This joint funding programme will create extra hours of youth work and additional activities to give young people more places to go and interesting things to do.

Their funding page has now gone live for applications.

Read guidance notes on the Government website

Love Lancaster Business Awards – Young Person of the Year
The Love Lancaster Business Awards are back for 2024, and are looking for nominations for young people that have excelled in their jobs. The Young Person of the Year award, generously sponsored by Lancaster & Morecambe College, is dedicated to individuals aged 16 to 25 who work in the city centre businesses and consistently exceed expectations, leaving a positive mark on customers. If you know someone that deserve their outstanding contributions to be recognised, nominate them today, whether you’re a member of the public or a colleague.

Follow this link to nominate!

Escape2Make Heritage Market Festival
Escape2Make are about to launch over 200 spaces for young people to get involved in their Heritage Market Festival workshops! Young people aged 11-18 years of age from around Lancaster and Morecambe can get involved in these workshops for free over November and December.

Their Autumn/Winter season of events has arrived with an amazing array of exciting programmes to choose from including pottery making, graphic designer, VR artist, jewellery making and podcasting. These are just some of the options from a selection of varied workshops!

Visit the site to find out more about the individual workshops and check out all the dates, locations and get tickets Early Access – Escape2Make  

Get Ready for #iwill Week!
20th-24th November marks #iwill Week, where we’ll be celebrating 10 years of the #iwill movement. 10 years ago, in 2013, #iwill was founded to showcase the Power of Youth social action and encourage others to better involve young people in the decisions that are being made. Join us as we celebrate 10 years of #iwill and help build the Movement.

In the meantime, an Establishing Youth Voice report has been produced with how to guides that present insights and learning from an evaluation of youth voice practices and initiatives. It focuses on how to make young people’s voices heard and the impact youth voice has had on young people and communities.

Children and Family Wellbeing Service – What’s on Guide Sept-Oct
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service for the Lancaster District have a selection of support sessions for families and young people over the next couple of months. The service aims to provide early help on a whole range of issues affecting you or your family. Targeted services are available for children and young people across the age range 0-19 yrs+. Sessions are varied from baby development to youth groups and parental guidance.

Take a look at their event schedule
View What’s On at their Centres

Lancaster Family Hub Launch
Lancashire County Council are running a Family Hub in Lune Park, Lancaster. This family friendly event provides activities for all the family to enjoy with drinks and snacks provided. Drop in anytime between 10am-6pm on Wednesday 27th September.

View the event e-poster here

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Careers
The NHS’s Work Experience Programme is now open for applications. This application window closes at 4pm on Friday 29th September. There are non-clinical opportunities for 14 to 16 year olds, and work experience placements for 16+.

Find out more and apply

Free Practitioner Training – Support Families Learn about Money
The Money and Pension Service (MAPS) are providing a free 90-minute workshop for practitioners working with families. It offers a new inclusive family approach to learning about money. The approach supports children aged 3-7 with diverse needs, including autism spectrum disorders and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The training is funded by the Money and Pensions Service and delivered by Campaign for Learning.

By attending you will:

  • Learn how to deliver an inclusive, differentiated and accessible financial education programme through rich learning experiences using Makaton, sensory icons, storytelling, songs, games and family activities
  • Receive all the resources and tools you need to deliver the activities including facilitator’s guide, multimedia content, session plans and certificates

Find out more and book your funded place

Community Drum Circles at Lancaster Music Festival
Lancaster Music Festival’s will be running Community Drum Circles, specially designed for healthcare organisations, service users, carers, staff, and volunteers. These drum circles offer a unique and informal musical experience, bringing people together to create music with drums and hand percussion instruments. No musical experience is needed, and all equipment is provided.

Sessions will run for about 45 minutes, accommodating between 16 and 30 participants, in an accessible city centre location during the festival weekend. The sessions are free and will be held on Saturday, 14th, and Sunday, 15th, with two sessions each day at 1:45 pm and 3:00 pm.

Filomena Ianni, an experienced facilitator specialising in healthcare drum circles, will lead the sessions. To book a session for your organization or enquire about joining a session with others, please contact Stuart Marshall at [email protected] or call 07765 120926.

View their e-poster here

Foundation Training in Nonviolent Communication with Shona Cameron
Join renowned international NVC trainer Shona Cameron for a two-day learning experience in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Shona Cameron is a Certified NVC Trainer and Assessor with CNVC.org and an active member of NVC UK. With extensive training under Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, she now leads NVC training sessions globally. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and understanding of NVC principles with an expert in the field.

Date & time: Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: St Thomas Church, Lancaster

Find out more here

Trusted Voice: Communities Leading Change Event
For young people at risk of being involved in criminal exploitation, early intervention is key. A key ingredient of this is providing them with a trusted voice and enabling them to thrive.  The National Lottery Community Fund are hosting an online event to discover innovative approaches used by grant holders to support young people in their communities through trusted voices.

Engage in discussions on how these strategies can be applied in different areas, the essential elements for building trust with young people, and future possibilities. Hear from Sharon MacIver, National Manager for Action for Children, and Conor Largey, a Senior Youth Worker, as they share their experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a panel conversation with sector leaders. Book your tickets now for this insightful online event.

Date & time: Monday 9 October, 2-3pm.
Location: Online

Full details and sign up here

Crowdfunder: Mindful Drama, Free Drama Workshops for Anxious People
Support the Mindful Drama Lancaster crowdfunding campaign in Lancaster. This project offers free mindful drama workshops for adults, designed to create connections and a sense of community, particularly for those who are quiet, introverted, or socially anxious. These workshops, both in-person and online, provide a welcoming and encouraging environment, allowing participants to engage at their own pace. Drama has the power to boost well-being, mental health, and self-esteem while offering a unique opportunity for self-expression. Through the Spacehive Crowdfund you can show your support to help provide these workshops to more individuals, making a positive impact on their lives.

Show your support via Spacehive

If you would like to take part in the group, the sessions start on Sunday 30th September, 2.15-4.15pm and the Gregson Community Centre, Lancaster.

Find out more and get involved

Global Village Cafe FREE Cookery Classes
Join The Global Village Cafe for a FREE cookery class in Lancaster. Guided by their chefs, you’ll prepare and enjoy a budget-friendly meal, using local, seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients, and take home a recipe pack and spice mix. Learn to cook low-cost, nutricious, family friendly dishes at The Global Village Cafe.

Sessions are held on Mondays & Saturdays in September from 10am to 2pm at their Lancaster Central Location. 

To get in touch with the team contact 07824 338838.

Find out more

Lego Robotics at the Fun Palaces 10th Anniversary
Inspire your child’s imagination and let them learn coding at the same time with Lego Robotics at Judges Lodgings Museum, a local community event celebrating 10 years of Fun Palaces. There will be 45 minute slots throughout the day from 11.15am-3.45pm.

This event is FREE but advance booking is required.

Book your place here
View the event e-poster here

FREE Chairs
A local village hall is giving away 90 chairs free of charge, and need to find them a good home. They are all in good condition.  If there are any community organisations in the Lancaster District that could benefit from these, contact Ken to arrange collection on 07771193665 or email [email protected]

View chairs here

Think Carbon Monoxide Workshops
This autumn The Gas Safe Charity is continuing its Think Carbon Monoxide (CO) awareness raising programme. Help protect vulnerable people that you support by booking on to one of their free, hour long (9.30 – 10.30) and interactive Zoom workshops. You will learn about the sources, signs and symptoms of CO poisoning as well as what to do to help prevent the risks and some of the sources of support that exist for those people in fuel poverty.

Book on to one of the workshops

Introduction to Community Music with More Music
More Music has been at the forefront of community music practice for 30 years, delivering inspiring and inclusive music projects across Lancashire and with partners nationally. This training day is an opportunity to learn more about community music and inclusive music-making from experienced music leaders, the wide-ranging holistic impacts it can have for participants and gain new skills to apply in your own practice.

Date & time: Saturday 30 September, 10am – 3pm
Location: The Hothouse, Morecambe

Book your place here

Gift Aid Awareness Day Webinar
As part of Gift Aid Awareness Day CFG is hosting a free Gift Aid webinar special, where you will be joined by experts from HMRC to answer any questions you might have on this vital tax relief. This event will provide an understanding of how Gift Aid can boost your charity’s income. Learn the latest insights and best practices from industry experts, ensuring you make the most of this valuable source of funding.

Date& time: Thursday 5 October, 12-1pm
Location: Online

Register now for Gift Aid Awareness Day  

Childcare and Education Courses with Lancashire Adult Learning
Lancashire Adult Learning are pleased to launch a new Working with Children and Young People – Is it for me? course. LAL are offering a taster session aimed at people who have an interest in working with children but are unsure of which pathway to take to reach their goal. During the session, learners will explore different opportunities to work with children and the skills and qualities needed for those roles. Learners will also have the opportunity to find out about further accredited courses to develop their knowledge and skills to work with children.

Upon successful completion you will progress to the Get Into Working in Schools and Colleges or the Get Into Working in an Early Years Setting.

Enrol on the course today!

Energy Saving Workshops
Struggling to save money with your energy bills? Lancaster City Council are running  energy saving workshops to provide some support. There will be specialist guidance on energy efficient ways to reduce your bills and save money. The workshops are a great opportunity to be proactive before the colder months start creeping back in. There will also be opportunity to take away some handy (and FREE) energy saving gadgets. FREE parking and lunch available!

Morecambe Energy Saving Workshop e-poster

Reserve your place at lancaster.gov.uk/workshop or call 01524 582000

Suicide Prevention – Funded Workshop
LDCVS has secured an additional Suicide Prevention workshop, as the first date offered is now full.

This half-day workshop provides learners with the confidence and tools to understand the impact of suicide and take someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide from a place of danger and isolation to a place of safety and support, using a three-step ‘first aid’ approach.

This approach enables the suicide ‘first aider’ to identify the signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, recognize the needs of that person, ask about suicide clearly and directly and use safety planning to empower the individual to find appropriate help.

The workshop is City and Guilds registered, delivered by a trainer registered with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention.

This is a funded course, with just a registration fee (£5 LDCVS members / £10 non-members, plus ticket and payment processing fees) to cover venue and refreshments costs.

5 December 2023, 9:15am – 12:30pm, St Thomas Church

Find out more and book

Mental Health First Aid – Funded Course
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.

LDCVS is promoting this course which normally costs up to £300. In this case, it has been fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health and is free of charge. A £50 deposit (plus £2.65 covering ticketing and payment fees charged by our suppliers) is required at the time of booking to guard against non-attendance. £50 will be repaid on completion of both full days.

16 & 17 October, 9am – 5pm, The Cornerstone

Find out more and book

Cranfield Trust Essentials to Excellence Webinars

Charities – Why Bother with Process Improvement?
Cranfield Trust are also offering a new webinar on Process Improvement. 100% of your charity’s performance is a result of how well your people design, operate and continuously improve your processes. So if you know you need to make a step-change in performance, you will only be able to do that by changing your processes and this webinar can help.

Date & time: Thursday 12 October 2023 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Find out more and book your place now!

Find out more and book

Place Delivery Manager for the Lancashire Place Team 
The Lancashire Place are looking for someone to lead their programme management function, working across the system to bring about large-scale change. You would be responsible for the delivery of agreed programme and project objectives on time within budget and to specification. 

The postholder will be expected to work across organisations and with Executive leaders from all sectors. This is a very varied role and it will change over time as Lancashire Place develops. 

Salary: £50, 952-£57, 349 per annum 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: Preston 
Closing Date: 28th of September 23 at 23:59 

Click here to read full description of the role and to also apply. 

Senior Supported Housing Officer for Key Unlocking Futures
For this role you would be supporting individuals living in supported accommodation in Preston as they are looking to gain independence and also support a small staff team. Amongst many duties you will be providing case management and audits, liaise with Progress Housing Group support the staff to embed an assets-based approach and implement Key’s appraisal process.

If you are someone who is passionate about people and possess a can-do attitude, then Key would love to hear from you. 100% of Key employees said that they would recommend working for the organisation. Join them to find out why!

Salary: £28, 245 – £30, 293
Contract: Mon – Fri 36.5 hours per week
Location: Preston
Closing Date: 9am Monday the 2nd of October 2023

To read the full job description and download the application form please click here

Research and Campaigns Team Leader – Citizens Advice North Lancashire
Citizens Advice North Lancashire are looking for someone to lead our Research and Campaigns. Research and Campaigns are one of the twin aims of the charity (the other being the advice given) and they are looking for someone who can look at what issues are affecting clients, research them and campaign for change where policies and practices are unfairly impacting on people. This involves data analysis, report writing and contact with a variety of people in our community and further afield.

Salary: £29,600 pro rata
Contract: 21 hours per week – we can negotiate a working pattern but it will include a Wednesday morning
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe
Closing Date: Friday 13 October 2023, 5pm

Find out more and apply

Audience Development Services Consultant – Morecambe Winter Gardens
The Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust is seeking an Audience Development consultant for its “People’s Palace” project, running in tandem with a restoration program. This initiative is part of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities program, with support from Theatres Trust and various funding sources.

The Trust is focused on restoring the historic Winter Gardens, a cultural gem in Morecambe, and is now in need of a consultant to assist in creating an Audience Development Plan. The consultant will work on data analysis, documentation review, procurement requirements clarification, and the drafting of a brief for Audience Development activity.

The project offers a fee budget of £10,000 and is open for submissions until October 13, with a possible extension to October 16 by request.

Find out more about this opportunity

Shop Manager – Save the Children
Save the Children is seeking a Shop Manager for their shop in Garstang. This role involves leading a team of volunteers, exploring new opportunities to strengthen community links, and increasing donations and income. The ideal candidate should have experience in team leadership, a passion for sustainable/vintage fashion, and a can-do attitude. While previous charity retail experience is advantageous, transferable leadership skills are also considered.

Salary: £21,284 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Garstang
Closing Date: 8th October 2023

Find out more about the role and apply

Fundraising Co-ordinator (Individual Giving)
The Bendrigg Trust is seeking a Fundraising Co-ordinator (Individual Giving) to join their passionate fundraising team. Bendrigg Trust is known for challenging perceptions of disability and enabling individuals with disabilities to experience adventure and develop independence. In this role, you’ll focus on growing their individual giving program, managing fundraising administration, and engaging donors through compelling communications. While prior fundraising experience is beneficial, applications from those with transferable skills or limited fundraising experience are also encouraged.

Salary: £23,100 – £28,350 per year
Contract: Permanent, Part-time, 21.75 – 36.25 hours per week, flexible, Full-time
Location: Kendal, Cumbria (Hybrid)
Closing Date: 4 October 2023, 12:00

Find out more here and apply

Kentown Family Support Worker – Rainbow Trust
Rainbow Trust is looking to appoint a Kentown Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of the pilot Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme, in collaboration with Kentown Wizard and Together for Short Lives.

Reporting to the Kentown Project Lead out of our North West team base and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you 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: £21,000 pa + benefits (company car, 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Preston, Lancashire (Hybrid)
Closing Date: 13 October 2023, 23:59

Full details of this role here

Find out more here

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

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

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]