Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 3 November 2022
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Your invitation to our 50th Anniversary celebration and inaugural FestiVOL
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to be a part of our 50th anniversary event, and our inaugural FestiVOL, a brand-new annual celebration of the local voluntary sector to be held on Thursday 24th November at the Banqueting Suite, Lancaster Town Hall, 9.30am – 3pm. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Our organisation was established in 1972 in response to the economic and social challenges our communities faced at that time. Half a century ago, a meeting at Lancaster Town Hall agreed to start the Council of Community Service, an infrastructure organisation dedicated to supporting a growing community sector. Over the years, the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector has grown resulting in positive differences to people’s lives and a much wider participation by our communities at every level of political, economic and social life.
50 years on, the economic and social conditions our communities face may have changed, but the challenges are no less. Today, as Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions, we are proud of what has been accomplished, but know there is much that remains to be done. It is with great thanks to you as our members and as our partners that we have sustained five decades of serving the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. To recognise the achievements of the last five decades, and looking forward to what the next may bring, we are taking advantage of this significant anniversary to launch, FestiVOL, our inaugural event to celebrate the past, present and future of the voluntary community faith and social enterprise sector.
Growing Our Food Futures
FoodFutures are running an open call for micro grant proposals delivering work related to unlocking the 2030 vision identified in the Our Food Futures strategy document.
Projects and organizations that have applied before can apply again, and proposals do not need to be for a new project. This fund seeks to enable and can support ongoing work.
Grants of up to £3,000 are available. Deadline 3 December.
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Music for All Fund
Funding is currently available for community projects focusing on:
- setting up or sustaining orchestras in state schools
- using music to support those with degenerative conditions
- using electric guitars, acoustic guitars, or bass amps/cabs to support communities in deprived or marginalised areas
Support is also available for disadvantaged individuals in need of electric or acoustic guitars
Closing date 25 November 2022
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The Elephant Trust
Grants are offered to artists, small arts organisations and galleries across the UK, with the aim of making it possible for artists to undertake and complete projects, leading to new, distinct and imaginative work.
Next deadline 23 January 2023
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AB Charitable Trust
The Trust aims to defend human rights and promote respect to others, through grants to charities who focus on work around migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, penal reform and human rights.
Grants average between £10,000 and £20,000 to organisations with turnover between £150,000 and £1.5 million.
The next application deadline is 23 January 2023.
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Lancashire County Council Multiply Community Grants programme
WEA is launching its Multiply Community Grants programme for 2022/23 with funding available in the Lancashire County Council area.
Grants of between £10k and £25k are available to eligible VCSE organisations to support local residents with numeracy skills.
Deadline 5pm, 7 November.
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Sustainable Energy Funding
Crowdfunder and M&S Energy have joined forces to launch the M&S Community Energy Fund.
Up to £5,000 in match funding is available for community projects committed to being environmentally conscious through crowdfunding for ideas such as installing renewable technology or introducing energy efficiency measures in their endeavour to increase energy independence.
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The Eric Wright Charitable Trust Fund – New Rounds
The Eric Wright Charitable Trust’s fund administered by Lancaster District CVS is once again open for applications.
Applying is easy and we would like to encourage all small groups around the Lancaster District to consider whether they could benefit from £500 towards a project.
Grants are awarded to organisations with income under £50,000, providing activities that can make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Deadline: 5pm on Friday 18th November.
If you have any queries about the fund or how to apply, get in touch by email at [email protected] or by ringing CVS on 01524 555900.
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The Lancaster Community Fund 2nd Round Open – 4 week Application Window
The LCF second round is now open with four weeks in which to apply. The LCF provides grants of up to £1000 for projects across three main priorities:
- Projects that increase community involvement, build community wealth and resilience.
- Projects that contribute towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
- Projects that contribute to individual and community wellbeing
Deadlines upcoming for 2022/23 are 11 November 2022 and 10 February 2023.
For the rounds closing in November 2022 and February 2023 we are also encouraging and prioritising applications that can demonstrate a focus on activities addressing the current cost of living crisis. More information about this can be found in the guidance notes.
Lancaster BID Christmas Toy Appeal
Teaming up with Joe’s Clothes, Helping Heart for Ukraine, the Children’s Ward at RLI and Unique Kidz and Co, Lancaster BID is appealing to the public and business community to donate new or nearly new toys to those children that really need them this Christmas.
Find out more about the appeal
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Regenerative resilience and the role of communities
With the launch of a new report for Local Trust, Towards Regenerative Resilience, James Goodman, the Trust’s director of partnerships and learning, explores why building well-prepared, resilient communities is essential in an age of permanent crisis.
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How to make recruitment disability inclusive
You want to attract brilliant candidates to your charity. Yet common recruitment practices put up barriers that stop all kinds of talented people from learning about, considering, or applying to join your team
Discover great inclusivity strategies in this Charity Digital article.
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Placemaking Lancaster Together – young people and policy makers
As part of the 2022 Festival of Social Science, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster University would like to speak to 18-3o year olds as part of a workshop to explore and develop ideas for sustainable policies to make a difference for Lancaster District.
In the workshop attendees will be invited to reflect upon their experiences of sustainable ways of living, and help to co-articulate ideas for environmental policies, strategies, and priority values.
11 November, 9:30am – 1pm, Lancaster Castle
Download the flyer to find out more
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Call for activities and resources in libraries this winter
Lancashire County Council has plans to make use of its 64 Libraries, promoting them as warm and welcoming spaces this winter. As part of the first stage of this offer, one Library per Lancashire District (in our case Morecambe) will be offering a programme of engaging and inclusive daytime events, activities and self-care packs.
The Council are keen to hear from appropriate organisations who can help them deliver across some/all of the twelve Libraries, aimed at supporting residents with key issues relating to the cost-of-living such as food (e.g. cooking healthy food on a budget), fuel (e.g. energy efficiency measures) and debt/money management (e.g. budgeting).
Other libraries involved are Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Fleetwood, Ingol, Leyland, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and St Anne’s.
If you feel that you would able to deliver an activity/event or provide self-care resources, please email [email protected]
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Giving Talents Global Volunteering Hour
A global network of charities, NGO’s and Not for Profit groups are developing a global volunteering hour that is due to take place on Tuesday 29th November between 1pm and 2pm.
This is the first year and they’re aiming to get 500,000 people across the globe signed up to the project to commit 1 hour of their time on the 29th November between 1pm and 2pm, to be generous and spread some kindness across their community.
It could be sharing some time with a neighbour, making a cup of tea and taking an hour out with someone you never really get the chance to catch up with, donating an hour to a local charity or good cause . . . it really could be anything that demonstrates generosity of spirit, time, skills etc, the choice is entirely up to you!
The CVS team will be signing up, and it would be fantastic to see Lancaster district represented on a global level, showing the world just what a kind and considerate city we are.
Warm Hubs in the Lancaster District
Lancaster City Council have published information about places opening their doors to provide warmth, information and advice over the coming months.
This resource will be updated as more locations announce their plans.
View a list of locations, hours and provision here, or see a map of locations here.
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The Growing Club’s Wellbeing Day
Join the Growing Club for a supportive morning exploring together what women need to enable them to keep their teams and communities buoyant during this difficult time.
16 November, 9:30am to 2:30pm, The Storey
Book your place by emailing [email protected]
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New vaccine marketing campaign
A new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines to top up their immunity has launched.
Targeted communications for individuals with long term health conditions, pregnant women and ethnic minority communities, with a particular focus on those with low vaccine confidence, will also appear, and will include examples of where vaccine uptake rates have been low in the past.
Download the UK Health Security Agency’s communications support and stakeholder pack here
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Health and Care Reform Timeline
Local government and the NHS are engaged in an extensive agenda of health and care reforms.
The Local Government Association has commissioned a digital version of the timeline of policy reforms, split by theme, that sets out the major pillars of reform with key deliverables. The Department of Health and Social Care, Care Quality Commission and Health Education England, amongst others, have helped produce this timeline.
The LGA would like to invite your feedback on this tool; how useful it is in local forward planning; how helpfully it is laid out; and whether the level of detail is right.
Please send feedback to [email protected]
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Free Period UK support and information sessions
This support group provides information, awareness and a safe space to share and explore issues around menstrual health.
Meeting on Mondays, 10am, at Stanleys Community Centre, Morecambe, there is group discussion and 1-to-1 support around heavy periods, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Fibroids, Menopause and other conditions.
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How can we make care better for people from minority ethnic groups with a learning disability?
Interested individuals and organisations are invited to take part in this research organised by the Race Equality Foundation, UCLan, Learning Disability England and Manchester Metropolitan University.
An online focus group will take place on 1 November, 10am – 12:30pm (download the flyer for joining instructions)
Information sheets are also available to download for participants and for carers
Santa’s Crafthouse
Lancashire Adult Learning are offering family learning opportunities focused on craft skills to make fun and exciting decorations for Christmas or winter celebrations.
To discuss hosting sessions in your community, contact Tamima at [email protected] or telephone 07467 487360.
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Introduction to Safeguarding Training
LDCVS and Lancashire Adult Learning are offering a free training course, aimed at supporting people who require further knowledge about safeguarding. This could be for a volunteer role or job, or it could be for personal development.
15 November, 9:30am – 12 noon at the Cornerstone or 22 November, 6pm – 8:30pm online.
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Oxford Archaeology North evaluation of educational resources
Oxford Archaeology’s Lancaster office and National Highways are working on an exciting new project ‘Archaeology Legacy’, to evaluate existing educational resources and design a new, digitally innovative educational package. The project aims to connect young people with the archaeology on their doorstep and bring their studies alive through the wonder of archaeological discovery.
They want to hear from educators of under 18s in any context – be that school or work, youth groups or home education – to help them design a resource package that’s truly fit for purpose. Find out more and take part in the survey here.
Oxford Archaeology are also hosting some focus groups to explore the topic in more detail. If you are interested please contact Clem and Jess at [email protected]
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Campaign for Learning Family Learning Conference
Family Learning in the Early Years: First Steps to a Fairer Future
This online conference will give delegates opportunities to:
- Understand the impact covid has had on increasing inequalities and what you can do within your organisation to address this.
- Discover creative and effective early years initiatives that will engage new learners or family audiences.
- Gain a richer understanding of how you can expand your curriculum or learning offer to support children in your community to be school ready.
Speakers and workshop leaders include representatives of NESTA, Children North East, NCFE, and National Children’s Bureau among many others.
24 November, 9:30am – 2pm, online
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Delivering ChemiStories for Families
Join the Royal Society of Chemistry for a free workshop where they will share practical ideas that will enable you to engage families with chemistry concepts using storytelling techniques.
15 November, 9:30 – 12:30, online
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The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery Nature & Wellbeing Sessions
The Bay are offering a 6-week after-school programme of Nature & Wellbeing sessions for 11-18 year olds. The weekly sessions, held on a Thursday 4-6pm at Lancaster Maritime Museum, will help young people to improve their wellbeing while getting creative, learning about and taking action to protect the fantastic wildlife of Morecambe Bay.
To book a space please complete the online referral form or for more information contact Alex: [email protected] / 07884 605256
Learn more about the Living Wage
This event is for employers from any sector who want to learn more about the real Living Wage and how to achieve Living Wage Accreditation. The webinar will cover how the rates are calculated, how accreditation works, and what it could mean for your organisation, your staff and your local community.
14 November, 4pm, online
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Round-up of charity tax developments
This session will involve a round-up of topical charity tax developments including updates on VAT, Gift Aid and business rates. Charity Tax Group’s Chair, Richard Bray, will be joined by CTG’s Technical Adviser, Graham Elliott. Following the presentation there will be a Q&A.
16 November, 4pm, online
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CancerCare’s annual Santa Dash
Families are being invited to don their festive finery and make some memories by joining CancerCare’s Santa Dash fun run in Morecambe and Lancaster this Christmas.
The Santa Dash is one of the charity’s flagship events which each year raises thousands of pounds to enable it to provide professional therapy and support to people affected by cancer and bereavement from its centres in Barrow, Kendal, Lancaster, and Morecambe.
This year’s Lancaster event will take place on Sunday 27 November at Cheapside starting at 1.30pm while the Morecambe run, from the Morecambe Sailing Club Hut to the Midland Hotel, will take place on Sunday 4 December at 11am.
Entry is £6pp or £20 for a family of four.
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Talk Money Week 2022
The National Academy for Social Prescribing are hosting an online event for the North West Thriving Communities & Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).
The week long campaign this year will run between 7th & 11th November and will be talking about how money is more crucial than ever, especially with the current economic and cost of living pressures.
Alongside the event, a participation pack available for everyone includes examples of how to engage with Talk Money Week, plus how you can access free, independent resources to support delivery of your activities.
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Digital skills training from Reason Digital
Four free e-learning courses are currently on offer for third sector organisations via Reason Digital:
- Mobilising supporters: Through the power of storytelling, personalisation, data, and more, you can deliver a truly empowering journey for your supporters. In turn, your engaged supporters can deliver massive value to your organisation.
- Digital strategy for charities: how to approach and get the most out of your charity digital strategy.
- Digital fundraising: how to make the most out of online donations, including practical tips and strategies.
- Creating engaging content: how to create inspiring, impactful, and engaging content for your charity.
Find out more and access courses here
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Tackling Homelessness Digital Conference
Westminster Insight’s conference will share guidance and evidence-based strategies that services can implement to improve outcomes for people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.
Sessions include a focus on multi-agency partnerships, alternative housing solutions, young people and care leavers, and building resilient staff networks.
25 January, 9am – 1:30pm
Find out more and book tickets
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FarmStart 2023 Training Programme
LESS, The Plot and FoodFutures are opening applications for the 2023 FarmStart training programme. This hands-on 40-week programme is aimed at people who would like to play an active role in setting up new food growing enterprises around North Lancashire.
FarmStart is a year-long programme where you spend two days a week working with an experienced grower across two sites. In addition, a dedicated training and mentoring programme covers both the horticultural skills and business skills needed to set up and run a small-scale market garden to hopefully tool you up for your own local project in the future.
Find out how to book a taster session, complete a FarmStart application, and learn more about why local food is important at the FoodFutures website.
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Carbon Literacy Workshops – create your carbon reduction action plan
SDG Changemakers are working with the Carbon Literacy Project to support small/medium enterprises and social entrepreneurs in understanding and reducing carbon emissions, saving money while doing so, and ultimately becoming more resilient and sustainable.
The workshops take place over two sessions and delegates should attend both.
Workshops for SMEs and social entrepreneurs
Mornings of 9/10 November (attend both) – book here
Mornings of 16/17 November (attend both) – book here
Workshops for social housing providers
Mornings of 23/34 November (attend both) – book here
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Introduction to Safeguarding Training
LDCVS and Lancashire Adult Learning are offering a free training course, aimed at supporting people who require further knowledge about safeguarding. This could be for a volunteer role or job, or it could be for personal development.
15 November, 9:30am – 12 noon at the Cornerstone or 22 November, 6pm – 8:30pm online.
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Conference: How can we help save the rainforest?
Lancaster University Environment Centre and Halton Mill host this free event at the Storey on 19 and 20 November.
Speakers include activists working in the Amazon, film-makers, journalists, and academics.
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Maths, English and ESOL Courses at the Cornerstone
Lancashire Adult Learning are offering maths, English, and English to Speakers of Other Languages courses at the Cornerstone, Lancaster.
To find out more about ESOL, contact Dora on 07387 103250
To find out more about maths and English classes, contact Sarah on 07786 197172
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Future of Fundraising Conference
This event from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Events focuses on engaging supporters, growing income, using new digital tools, and measuring impact
17 November, 9am – 5pm, London
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CharityComms 2022 Digital Conference
The conference offers leading speakers from the national sector, exploring the latest trends to help charities thrive in the digital environment.
Themes include leadership, marketing and PR, social media, data and analytics, and websites.
16 & 17 November, 9:30am – 2:30pm, online
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Take Part in Light Up Lancaster
Light Up Lancaster are looking for stallholders for the Quay Meadow fireworks viewing area, and volunteers for Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November.
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Christians Against Poverty Budgeting Course
The FREE CAP Money Course is for anyone who would like to have more control over your finances.
Friendly, informal sessions include pointers for setting a budget sticking to it, and provides a useful free online tool to help track what you spend your money on, helping to save money and stay out of debt for a secure financial future.
The course takes place in Morecambe or Carnforth.
Find out more and register interest by emailing [email protected]
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Closing Loops Launch Events
World Cafe launch events for the FoodFutures network project Closing Loops continue across the district after a very successful event at the Gregson Centre.
The project aims to transform waste into a valuable resource whilst cultivating a circular and regenerative local economy. Activities which will be delivered include starting a composting academy, creating a gleaning network, nurturing a citizen journalist movement, and co-creation of North Lancashire recipes.
Come along to a local launch event to find out more and discuss your ideas:
Salvation Army, Balmoral Road, Morecambe – 9th November – Register here
The Victoria Institute, Caton – 19th November – Register here
All events start at 5:45pm, followed by food served from 7:30pm
Read more about the World Cafes and the Closing Loops project
Activities and Volunteering Manager at UCLan Student Union
The manager oversees the Union’s sports, societies, and volunteering activities and the Welcome Point. They are responsible for providing leadership and vision for the Activities department, leading on volunteering projects and initiatives, and for the delivery of Activities officer projects
This is a maternity cover position.
Salary: £30,574 per annum
Contract: Full time, 12 month contract
Location: Preston
Closing date: 18 November 2022
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Learning Officer at RSPB
This role delivers the RSPB’s curriculum-linked programs to early years, primary, secondary and tertiary students at RSPB Leighton Moss, encouraging meaningful connections to nature.
Salary: £23,939 – £26,558 per annum pro rata
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, permanent
Location: Carnforth/Silverdale/Arnside
Closing date: 9 November 2022
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Caseworker at Victim Support
Focusing on victims of domestic abuse, the Caseworker will provide a pro-active, short to medium term crisis intervention service, through individual safety planning, advocacy, emotional and practical support.
Salary: £23,072 per annum
Contract: Full time, fixed term to 31 March 2025
Location: Blackpool (hybrid working offered after end of probation period)
Closing date: 14 November 2022
If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:
Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]
Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]
Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]
Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]
Children and young people, contact [email protected]
Membership queries to: [email protected]
Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]
Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900
To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]
