Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 7 February 2025

We are recruiting Health & Wellbeing Coaches
Lancaster District CVS is currently advertising for two health coaches (at 35 hours per week and 17.5 hours per week) to work with participants on the new WorkWell programme delivered in partnership with Lancaster City Council.

See the Jobs section for further information.

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Improve your Funding Applications in 2025
If you’d like to brush up your funding application skills this new year, our colleague Sharon Phillips is offering two courses suitable for people at all levels of ability.

Writing a Compelling Funding Application
If you already have experience in writing applications but would like to finesse your skills for larger bids of £10,000 of more or develop a formal case for support document, this full-day workshop will help you explore how to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for.

19 February, 9:30m – 3:30pm, Alexandra Barracks LA1 3NY

£15 LDCVS members, £25 non-members

Book here

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

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

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

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

Visit the campaign landing page for HELP!

Real Talk: Skills, Learning & Life in Ryelands
Join us to chat about your experiences and views on education and training in Lancaster and Morecambe. The session is a chance take part in activities to focus on what could help you to access the skills and future you want. We want to hear your good, bad and scary stories to help us identify what’s important to you.  This is a chance to make a change and have your voice heard – this conversation will feed into the Community Learning Network and Lancaster City Council, making a difference to future plans for the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

Everyone is welcome and we hope to hear from those with a wide range of experiences from across the district; whether you’re in work, education or training or in none of the above, we want to hear from you!

Date & time: 11th February 2025, 9am – 12 noon
Location: Father’s House, Elim Church, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2AP

Pay: We value and appreciate your time and views so if you book to take part and attend the session you’ll receive £30 as a thank you. Refreshments will be provided, and we can also cover transport costs and provide childcare if needed.

Accessibility: If you have any accessibility requirements please let us know and we will do everything we can to accommodate these. 

Book: To book your place, please contact Bethan at [email protected] or give her a call on 01524 522067.

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Support Needed for Growing Well West Cumbria After Storm Damage
The Growing Well West Cumbria site in Egremont suffered significant damage from Storm Éowyn last Friday. While thankfully no one was injured, the greenhouses sustained severe structural damage, with some frames reduced to scrap metal and large amounts of broken glass requiring clearance and replacement.

Staff and volunteers have been working hard to make the site safe and operational again. However, as the damage is not covered by insurance, all repairs and replacement materials must be funded by Growing Well. Donations of funds, materials, or specialist skills to help rebuild the greenhouses would be greatly appreciated.

Contact: 07512 316568, email: [email protected] or donate here. Any support is greatly valued.

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Community Project Support – The King’s Trust
The King’s Trust is looking for a community project to complete between 3rd – 14th February 2025. They will fundraise to cover all costs, so there is no charge to beneficiaries. Ideally, they are seeking an indoor project (e.g., decorating) due to the time of year but are open to outdoor projects as well.

If you know a group that could benefit, please contact William on 07920 574621.

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Make a Giant Whale for Baylight 25!
Morecambe Sparkle are looking for community groups to join artist Donna Campbell in a joint effort to create a giant whale to head the Baylight 25 parade. Around five to ten people are needed for each workshop, which will take place in Morecambe every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday between Saturday 1 February and Sunday 16 February.

Seven people are also required on the night of the parade to help Donna carry the whale.

If you’re interested in bringing your group to a session, get in touch at [email protected]

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Big Lancaster Spring Clean
Lancaster Business Improvement District has partnered with Beyond Radio and Lancaster City Council to join in with the national Great British Spring Clean.

The local campaign aims to make the city centre look more attractive and to promote all the hard work that already goes into keeping the streets clean.

The BID are keen to hear your views on what should be prioritised during the campaign, including specific issues or areas of the city centre.

Email [email protected] to have your say

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Ellel Hall for Hire
Ellel Village Hall is looking for groups and organisations interested in hiring their venue on a regular basis. At present, the Hall is available all day on Mondays and is an ideal space for local groups, charities, or organizations looking for a reliable and accessible venue. 

Facilities include: 

• Free parking 
• Wheelchair accessibility 
• Fully equipped kitchen 
• Storage options 
• Wi-Fi 
• Tables and chairs 
• Cleaning after each use 

To find out more and discuss costs, email [email protected] 

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Association of Chairs – Financial Leadership in Small Charities
The Association of Chairs exists to support and champion charity Chairs. They have recently published a useful guide which helps Chairs with financial governance, including supporting trustees with financial duties, making board arrangements for financial governance, creating financial plans and more.

Download the guide here

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Volunteering Research Study: Beyond Good Deeds Study
Investigating How Volunteering Motivations and Personality Shape Well-Being

Northumbria University is conducting a research study exploring the relationship between volunteering, personality traits, and well-being. Adults (18+) are invited to participate in a short, anonymous questionnaire taking 20–25 minutes. The study aims to improve our understanding of how motivations for volunteering impact mental health and could inform better practices for volunteer organisations and health professionals.

Participation is voluntary, confidential, and may help reflect on personal experiences while contributing to meaningful research. Results will support an MSc Psychology thesis and potentially future publications, remaining fully anonymous.

For more information or to take part, contact: [email protected] Supervisor: [email protected]

Your input can make a difference! Participate in the survey here

Understand Forces Pensions
The Forces Pension Society Roadshow is delivering a presentation for Armed Forces Veterans at The Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe on Wed 26 Mar 25 (10am – 12 noon), free car parking along with free refreshments are available. 

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community. 

The latest AFPS Annual Report, reveals a reduction in the number of Veterans’ unclaimed pensions. The report records some 14,800 unclaimed pensions (17,100 in 2023), a 14% improvement. 

However, it remains a cause for great concern that there are still almost 15,000 pension benefits that remain unclaimed and thousands of entitled Veterans could be missing out.

Anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an Armed Forces Pension if they served for two years or more. The pension is not paid automatically, and Veterans must apply to Veterans UK. 

This event will help veterans better understand their pension, rules around the schemes, eligibility and how to claim. 

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

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

To book:

Wed 12 March 1pm – 3pm

Tuesday 1 April 1pm – 3pm

Thursday 15 May 1pm – 3pm

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Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 
Starting in March, the Immigration Advice Service is holding this interactive workshop which aims to equip participants with the tools to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, minimising legal risks and reducing exposure to claims. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own personal experiences and ask any questions related to the topic. 

Covered in the course are topics such as sexual harassment and the law, creating a supportive work environment, post investigation considerations and much more. 

Date and Time: 4^th of March, 10am – 1pm 

Location: Online 

Read more and book a place 

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Free UK Parliament Workshops for Lancashire Community Groups
Want to learn how Parliament works and how to make your voice heard? UK Parliament’s Outreach Service is offering free, tailored workshops for community groups in Lancashire. Delivered by Rachael Dodgson, Outreach Officer for the North West, these interactive sessions cover everything from how Parliament makes decisions to how you can influence change through petitions, select committees, and more. Workshops can be held online or in person, are politically neutral, and are accessible for ESOL groups.

• Workshops available throughout the year
• Minimum 15 attendees per session

For more details, contact Rachael Dodgson at [email protected].

Find out more & book

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Peer Support Group Coaching
This free 30-minute online taster from experienced coach Dave Brown of DSB Training (dsbtraining.co.uk) gives you a taste of how peer support group coaching could help you.

If you are a charity leader who would love to know how to manage your time and energy well, to thrive in the face of challenge and to develop greater confidence in
yourself, peer support group coaching could be for you. These 90-minute monthly online sessions are a brilliant way to boost your personal effectiveness, and
to learn how to get the best out of yourself and others.

19 February, 12 noon – 12:30pm, online

Find out more and book

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

The cost of the course is £49.50, including booking fees.

4 March, 9:30am – 4:30pm at The Cornerstone LA1 1PX

Find out more and book

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Writing a Compelling Funding Application
This workshop is designed for people who already have some experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from a practical session to finesse their content for larger funding applications or to develop a project Case for Support document.

There will be an opportunity to explore the types of questions you will need to respond to for larger funding applications and how best to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for. There will also be some focus on costings and getting your budget right.

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer.

£15 for LDCVS members, £25 for non-members.

19 February 2025, 9.30am – 3:30pm, Alexandra Barracks, Lancaster

Book your ticket

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Free Online Training: MECC for Physical Activity Sessions
Health and wellbeing organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria are invited to attend one of two free online “Making Every Contact Count (MECC) for Physical Activity” sessions designed to support behaviour change through everyday conversations about physical activity.

Session Dates:

• Thursday, 27 February 2025 (10:00 am – 12:30 pm)

Participants will learn to integrate physical activity guidance into their daily interactions, encouraging healthier lifestyles and addressing health inequalities like heart disease and stroke. This course is suitable for anyone, including workplace health champions, with no prior knowledge required.

To book your place, email [email protected] with your preferred date.

Useful links:
Benefits of Physical Activity
NHS Exercise Guide 19-64
Core20 Plus Healthcare Inforgraphic
MECC for Physical Activity Application Form

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Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
People living with MS across Lancaster, Morecambe and the Bay area tell us they would like to access more local social and exercise activities, as well as being able to access specific expertise such as benefits advice, housing and employment advice and counselling. However they also say they don’t know where these services are, how to find out about or if they meet their needs.

This free online session is primarily for organisations that offer the types of services mentioned above, but anyone with an interest in MS is also welcome. The same session is running twice, so choose the most convenient for you.

The session will deal with:

• what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is
• how it affects people
• how to support someone with MS to access the service you offer
• MS-friendly services on the Lancaster District Directory of Services (directory.lancastercvs.org.uk)

13 February 2025, 2:30pm – 3:30pm or 7pm – 8pm, online

Book your free place here

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Charity Commission Workshops: Supporting Charities Operating Internationally
The Charity Commission is hosting free in-person workshops for charities operating internationally from January to March 2025. These interactive events, titled WORLD: Working Overseas – Risks, Responsibilities, and Legal Duties, will cover essential topics such as trustee responsibilities, international risk management, safeguarding, and handling charitable funds safely.

Dates and Locations:

• Birmingham: Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, Millennium Point

Spaces are limited to two attendees per charity. These workshops offer networking opportunities, practical exercises, and expert guidance tailored to charities working abroad. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

For more details or to book, contact the Charities Engagement Team at [email protected].

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FREE LGBTQ+ Awareness Training  
Lancashire LGBT is running two more LGBTQ+ awareness training sessions for people working in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Lancashire LGBTQ+ will be running a session on Thursday 6th February at 10am-3.15pm in J365 Conference Centre, Crooklands LA7 7NU and an online session on Tuesday 11th March. There is no charge to attend this training.  

Find out more here 

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The Peer Partnership Training Opportunities
The Peer Partnership is offering a series of online workshops in November 2024 and February 2025 for VCSE, local authority, and health sector workers. Topics include peer support design, group dynamics, workplace boundaries, and responding to challenging behaviour. Each workshop costs £50 and can be booked via Eventbrite. Custom sessions for organisations are also available.

Group Dynamics and Facilitation
Tuesday 18th February 2025 09:30-13:30

Boundaries in the VCSE Workplace
Thursday 20th February 2025 12:30-16:30

Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Tuesday 25th February 2025 09:30-13:30

For more details, visit The Peer Partnership website or contact them directly at [email protected] or call on 0117 955 5038.

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

Download the role description

For more information, contact [email protected]

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

Find out more

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

Find out more

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

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

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

Find out more about this role

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

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

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

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

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

Visit here for full details and to apply 

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

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

Find out more about each role and how to get involved 

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

Visit here for more information including how to apply 

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

See here for more details including how to apply  

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

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

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

Please email [email protected] with the details. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DBS Checks 
We offer a DBS check service, working in partnership with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale CVS. If you need DBS certificates for your staff or volunteers, please visit our website here. 

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

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

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

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

Contacts for each of the ICC’s are below. 

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

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

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

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

What training and skills do you need for the life you’re after?
We want to hear young people’s views about this – we’ll give you a £30 thank you for taking part, and we’ll lay on pizza too!

Are you aged between 16 and 25? If so, we’d love you to come to our community conversation to share your experiences of education and training and tell us about the future you want to build. We’ll also use some creative activities to look at how to access the skills and the life you want.

Your ideas will go to Lancaster City Council and the Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation to improve training and education in the future.

Everyone is welcome – whether you’re in work, education or training or none of those, we want to hear from you!

Date & time: 24th February 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Lancaster and Morecambe College Employer Hub (LA1 2TZ)

Pay: If you book to take part and attend the whole session you’ll get £30 as a thank you for your time. We can also cover transport costs and provide childcare if needed.

Accessibility: If you have any requirements let us know; we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

To book a place at this community conversation please email Caterine Westwell at [email protected] or Bethan at [email protected]. You can also give Bethan a call on 01524 522067.

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Children’s Mental Health Week 2025: 3rd – 9th February
From the 3^rd – 9^th February, this year Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 focuses on the theme “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,” encouraging children to build self-awareness and resilience. In partnership with Here4You and supported by The Walt Disney Company, free resources are available for schools and families, featuring activities inspired by Inside Out 2.

Get Involved: Download lesson plans, activities, and fundraising packs to support young people’s mental well-being.

More info & resources

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Youth Work Evidence Alliance (YWEA) Roundtables
The YWEA are planning online roundtables to improve data collection and outcomes in the youth sector. All sector practitioners are welcome to attend. Discussions will focused on shared measurement, and exploring benefits and challenges of aligning impact measurement systems.

The North West roundtable takes place on 13 February, 1am – 12 noon.

Find out more

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Escape2Make Creative Workshops
Escape2Make are holding FREE creative workshops. There will be spaces open for all 11-18s to join them during February half term!  

There will be workshops for Botanical art, Mural painting, Photography, Singing, Upcycled furniture and more!  

Make things, make friends, make a difference. Sign up today! 

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

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

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

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Artist Callout – Escape2Make Heritage Festival
The E2M Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday, 23rd August and will be preceded by 5-weeks of creative workshops during the Summer holidays.

The festival is a celebration of Lancaster & Morecambe’s rich history in all manner of things, such as: lino printing, chocolate/sweet making, furniture making and more! But everything will have a creative twist. Young people will have the chance to learn about the history of the local area by engaging in creative practices they wouldn’t get to do in school.

E2M are looking for artists to deliver creative workshops for 11-18 year olds that are fun and creative, celebrate local heritage, and have clear outcomes that can be showcased. Workshops can be programmed over five sessions or as one-offs.

Find out more and respond to the callout

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

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

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

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

Visit here for full details and to apply. 

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BEE Unique Sessions
BEE UNIQUE Autism, a non-profit charity that supports families with children who have special educational needs (SEN) provide exclusive activities and sessions in the Lancaster district. These sessions are designed to help children enjoy everyday activities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. No official diagnosis is required for children to attend, and siblings and family members are welcome.

The charity is run by parents of SEN children and professionals who volunteer their time, ensuring that no expenses are taken. All funds raised are used to subsidise costs, enabling as many SEN families as possible to benefit from their support.

View poster one
View poster two

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Family Hubs What’s On 2025
The Family Hub centres have provided their new year schedule of events which provide various support sessions and activities for families and young children.

Baby and You sessions on Monday mornings provide engaging, age-appropriate activities for babies and parents. Infant Massage sessions on Tuesdays offer bonding time and development support with booking required. Chat Play Read sessions on Wednesdays help children under 5 develop speech and language skills. Development Matters on Friday mornings offers stimulating activities for young children.

Parenting support includes Breastfeeding Peer Support Group on Mondays and Positive Relationships, Stronger Families courses on Tuesdays. Citizen Advice sessions on Wednesdays provide practical advice, and Warm Space drop-ins on Fridays offer a supportive environment for connection.

Monthly Coffee and Connect/One Stop Shop and M.A.T.C.H (Men and Their Children) events provide further opportunities for parents to gather and share experiences.

View the What’s On Guide

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Barnardo’s Supported Lodgings
The Supported Lodgings services offers a unique opportunity to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 16-25 as they transition into adulthood. Supported Lodgings hosts offer a safe and stable home, provide guidance and emotional support, help the development of independent living skills, and have access to a dedicated support worker to address any challenges.

Hosts are provided with a 24/7 helpline and weekly financial support.

Supported Lodgings are expanding across Lancashire so if you have a spare room, want to support young people, and are a patient good listener, please contact Saira Hussain at [email protected]

Download the leaflet to find out more

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Join the new Morecambe Bay Curriculum Working Groups
Would you like:

• funding for your place-based green project ideas?
• top notch CPD delivered by Lancaster University, Eden Project, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University of Cumbria and Health Professionals?
• to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who feel passionately about the power of teaching and learning?
• to weave sustainability, place and the environment into your day-to-day practice?
• a say in shaping the Morecambe Bay Curriculum and Eden Project Morecambe?

If so, consider joining one of the MBC working groups, focusing on one of primary, secondary, special educational needs and disabilities, or alternative provision.

The MBC team will be on hand to support each group as you meet regularly to explore your collective interests and develop projects, curriculum resources or campaigns that you think will make a difference in your setting.

Working Groups start in February 2025 and culminate in July 2026. Groups will meet approximately every one or two months for around 60 – 90 minutes, followed by termly inter-phase twilight CPD.

Find out more and apply

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Inside Out – Support for Children (8-11 Years) 
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service offers free weekly sessions for children aged 8-11 (Key Stage 2) who may be struggling with emotions, anxious behaviours, or low confidence. Kids can explore feelings, manage worries, build confidence, and enjoy creative, physical, and fun activities with peers. 

• Carnforth Neighbourhood Centre – Mondays, 3:30-4:30 PM
• Morecambe Library, Central Drive – Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 PM

No booking needed – just turn up! For more info, call 01524 581280. 

See the C&FWS poster here 

The Blue Festival 2025
Ryelands Primary and Nursery School Blue Influencers (The Blue Crew) are hosting their second Blue Festival, this time at the Platform in Morecambe on the afternoon of the 19th of March. The event is free to attend. We are also looking for volunteers to help us out on the day.

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

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Lancaster District Green Spaces Community Forum
Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer at Lancaster District CVS will speak about social prescribing and green spaces. Attendees can share recent news from their places and meet others working on similar activities.

26 March. Meet at 5pm at the memorial stone on Derwent Road for a visit to Miss Whalley’s Field, meeting starts 6pm at The Gregson.

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Free Seed Potatoes 
Following Lancaster’s Potato Day, 74kg of seed potatoes are still seeking a home to be planted in this season. Claver Hill is offering community groups and food projects these seed potatoes for free in 5kg or 10kg bags. 

Contact [email protected] if you would like a bag.

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Cooking Workshops this Spring 
The Closing Loops project is hosting two series of cooking workshops with local chefs and community cooks this spring:  

Worldwide cuisine cooking workshop
February to May 2025 

A series of six workshops with Vaso Makri, inspired by the ‘A Taste of Home’ project run by Global Link in 2023-24. The workshops re-imagine traditional Kurdish, Lebanese, Hungarian, Persian and Greek recipes by using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, 

Climate and budget-friendly cooking classes with Marina Tcaci
A programme of three classes hosted at Brew Bakery, focusing on seasonal produce and avoiding food waste. 

• Sunday 23 February: Cooking with leftover roasted (or boiled) potato 

•  Sunday 9 March: Cabbage: the bright side of the moon 

•  Sunday 23 March: Cooking with leftover mashed potato 

Find out more and book a session 

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Develop your Permaculture Design skills! 
LESS and FoodFutures are organising a 2-week Permaculture Design course. All food and board are included, and the two weeks will be based around the Halton Mill co-working, studios & event space. 

Time and Date: Saturday 15 March 2025 3pm – Saturday 29 March 2025 7pm. 

Book by 21 Feb! 

Find out more and book your place 

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FoodFutures Strategy Day 
This Valentine’s strategy day will address outcomes from the FoodFutures winter reflection, exploring common themes and developing strategic plans. 

The Gold Sustainable Food Places campaign, embedding a food ladders approach across the partnership, and pathways to broadening the reach of North Lancashire’s food network are all due to be explored. 

This day is suitable for active working group members and those interested in getting more involved in FoodFutures themed working groups: Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership, Healthy Food and Environment, Community Food Skills, Economy & Procurement, Comms & Engagement. 

Lunch, drinks and a lot of love for North Lancashire and its many communities and landscapes will be provided. Booking is essential.

Book your place here 

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

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

You can now book the spring sessions.

Book onto a session today 

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Allotment Skill Shares 
Following the Lancaster District Allotment Review, a number of skill shares will take forward some of the review’s recommendations around building allotments’ resilience. 

A recording from Mark Simmonds’s training on ‘legal structures and good governance for allotments & other community food projects’ is now available to watch on YouTube. 

A skill share on ‘committee structures and members roles‘ is being organised on Saturday 8 March where a light lunch will be provided. 

Time and Date: Saturday the 8^th  of March 2025, 10:00am – 2pm 

Location: Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TX 

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

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

The question is simple:

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

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

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Un-named Book Club 
For almost two years, the un-named book club has been meeting each month at the Gregson to explore social and environmental issues that concern us all. Using a book, podcast or visual content as a starting point, book club attendees learn from authors from around the world and from each other; looking for inspiration and tools to create ways of living that help regenerate the health of our planet and all those living on it.

Read this blog post to find out more about what the book club has been reading and how to read and listen along in 2025. 

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

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

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

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Good Business Bootcamp Workshop 
What can your organisation do to build a ‘good’ business’ and have a positive impact on your local communities and the environment? The Closing Loops project is working with Future Fixers to offer free accredited training to local businesses, social enterprises, charities and other organisations who want to develop their enterprise while caring for people and planet. 

Free to eligible organisations who can commit to attending both sessions.  

Time and Date: Tuesdays 4th and 11^th of March 2025, 10am to 1pm 
Location: Lancaster 

Places are limited to 12 participants, so please sign up asap 

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Winter Recipe Challenge
Do you have a favourite winter recipe? Join the winter recipe challenge! 

The  FoodFutures Closing Loops project would like you to take part in the North Lancashire winter recipe challenge. Recipes should either use ingredients that are local and seasonal to North Lancashire or have something to do with local history. Recipes could also reflect the great diversity of food cultures that we have in our region. 

View all details and send in your recipe 

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Forming a Lancashire Food Alliance
A LancsCAN grant is supporting workshops which will explore the concept of a Lancashire Food Alliance, bringing together Sustainable Food Places Partnerships, LancsCAN members, and other food partnerships and networks from across Lancashire to explore ways to meaningfully support each other and work together to shift our local food system at a county level.

Each workshop will build on the previous ones, however you do not have attend all three.

Workshop 3 – Creating a shared vision and an action plan
Weds 12th March 2025 – in person. Venue TBC (9:30-12:30 followed by lunch)

This session will focus on the leverage points identified in workshop 2 to understand what success looks like and how we will get there. As part of this, next steps will be agreed for how this Lancashire-wide group should continue to meet and communicate and take forward actions.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EARW

For further information please contact Ellie Shackleton at [email protected]

Connect Play Learn and North Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group Family Fiesta
All ages and abilities are welcome to this inclusive event featuring a range of activities including clay sculpting, yoga, music & movement, crafts, and an open mic and DJ during the evening.

An all-day chill sensory room, food, quiet space, and a fully accessible building make this a great event for all the family.

Other partners in the event include Wise Up Workshops, More Music, and LPM Dance.

8 February, 1.15pm – 8:30pm at More Music. Tickets £5 for afternoon or evening session, or £8 all day.

Find out more and book

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The Great CancerCare Ball
CancerCare cordially invites you to The Great CancerCare Ball. Held on 21st March 2025 at Morecambe FC’s Mazuma Stadium, The Great CancerCare Ball takes inspiration from the Roaring 1920s, the golden age of Hollywood glamour.

Highlights of the evening include a welcome drinks reception on arrival, a three-course dinner, a photo booth and live entertainment from 1920s swing band Bertie & The Spiffs, a five-piece ensemble who will provide the perfect beats to get your feet moving. A range of unique prizes – from local experiences to bespoke items – will also be up for grabs in a live auction.

Book your tickets here

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SAFE Inaugural Glitter Ball
SAFE helps to support young people and adults who may be experiencing difficulties with their health and wellbeing. The charity is holding their first fundraising ball, featuring a three course meal, entertainment, and a raffle and auction.

Tickets are £55 per person, with a discount for a table of ten bookings.

22 March, 7pm – 12:30am, Mazuma Stadium.

Email [email protected] to get your tickets.

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

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

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

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

Location: 17 Lune Road, LA1 5QU 

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Yealand Village Events
Litter Pick
Saturday 15 March, at the Village Hall. Grabs and bags provided.

Digital Support Session
Get support and advice around using digital devices. 24 February 11am at the Village Hall.

Coffee Stop
Meet your neighbours every Monday, 10:30am at the Village Hall

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Acrylic Art on Canvas Workshop   
Animal Care and ColourWheel Lancaster are hosting a special canvas tote bag acrylic art workshop in the Education Room at Animal Care in Scotforth. Tickets are £36 including light lunch. All materials provided and you will be able to take home your very own original canvas tote bag creation! All proceeds go to Animal Care. Tickets are strictly limited so get yours fast! 

Time and Date: Saturday March 8^th, 11am-2pm 
Location: Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth,  Lancaster, LA2 ORD 

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

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

All welcome, and all proceeds go to Animal Care. 

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

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

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

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Morecambe Camera Club Exhibition
Morecambe Camera Club’s exhibition is now on in Heysham Library. There are about 30 photographs on display. Fine art, landscapes, coastal scenes, nature, still life, architecture and the surreal are all featured. Visitors to the library are invited to vote for their favourite picture on a slip of paper and post in the box provided. The club meets on most Thursdays at 7:15pm in Heysham Library during the winter, and monthly in summer.

Date & time: during library hours until February 13.
Location: Heysham Library

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Out in the Bay Winter Drop-ins
LGBT+ Charity Out in the Bay are offering two new drop-ins this winter.

Craft sessions take place on Mondays and Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm.

Youth Group takes place on Thursdays 4.30pm – 6:30pm.

Both take place at 30-32 Claremont Road, Morecambe.

Find out more by emailing [email protected]

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3 Bridges 10k race 
The popular 3 Bridges 10k race is back again in 2025! This is always a popular race with runners from all over the north-west taking part, often as a fast preparation for spring marathons and other longer races.  It’s also very suitable for beginner runners, perhaps moving up from a Parkrun to a longer race. 

The entry fee is £21 for members of running clubs (affiliated), £23 for non-members and £17 for Lancaster Runners members, with an extra fee for on-line bookings. Entries on the day are £25, or £20 for Lancaster Runners.  No refunds once registered. 

The race meets UK Athletics Rules, is Certified Accurate and there are prizes for the first 3 men and the first 3 women finishers.  It has a flat, fast and scenic route and there will also be a really nice medal for all finishers. 

Enter here and for any queries please visit 

Time and Date: Sunday the 13^rd of April, 11am 

Location: Lancaster & Morecambe Athletic Club clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Doris Henderson Way, LA1 5JS 

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Arts4Us Project 
The Gregson are very excited to be a community partner in the Edge Hill University project – Arts4Us. 

The Arts4us project is a £2.5M AHRC funded project in collaboration with integrated care systems and community organisations including the Gregson! It focuses on the mental health of young people aged 9 to 13, a group at significant risk of developing mental health problems while transitioning from childhood to adolescence and they are now looking to recruit a panel of young people aged 9-15 with lived experience of mental health challenges who can share their ideas about the project, helping us to shape the platform and understand the research data we will collect throughout the project. 

To read all the details about this project and get involved please visit here 

Marketing and Communications Coordinator at LESS
LESS is advertising for a Marketing and Communications Coordinator role at FoodFutures. 

The purpose of the job is to coordinate and support the implementation and development of the FoodFutures communications and engagement strategy; the digital marketing model and the North Lancs is Golden campaign. 

Salary: £16,778 
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, fixed term for 12 months 
Closing Date: 16 February 

For more information and to apply please visit the FoodFutures Work With Us page.

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Administrator at Green Rose 
Green Rose are looking to recruit a friendly and experienced administrator to support their growing team of energy experts. Would you like to be at the forefront of coordinating their team’s activities, dealing with enquiries over the phone and by email, processing financial transactions, managing their records and organising events? The Administrator will be based at their Sustainability Hub in the heart of Lancaster, being a first point of contact for the business from members of the public and local organisations.   

Salary: £25,000 a year pro rata plus 5% pension contribution 
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, fixed term for 12 months 
Location: Lancaster Sustainability Hub, 1-7 Marketgate, Lancaster, LA1 1JF 
Closing Date: 10th of February at 12pm 

Read full job description 

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Health & Wellbeing Coaches (WorkWell Pilot) – Lancaster District CVS
The WorkWell programme pilot is a national initiative which provides evidence-based, low intensity work and health assessments that support individuals with their low-level occupational health needs, helping them overcome barriers to work. In the Lancaster district, the pilot is led by Lancaster City Council, working in partnership with LDCVS.

Health and Wellbeing Coaches assigned to the WorkWell programme will support people to take pro-active steps to improve the way they manage their physical and mental health conditions, helping them to stay in work or go back to work. They will help people to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in managing their health and care, to improve their health outcomes and quality of life and support them in making changes.

We’re looking for two new colleagues who enjoy working with a wide range of people, have good communication and negotiation skills, and believe that people can thrive when they’re provided with high quality and non-judgemental support.

Salary: £29,825 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Two role: 35 hours per week or 17.5 hours per week, fixed term until 31 March 2026.
Location: Lancaster, Morecambe and home-based
Closing date: 14 February, 5pm

Find out more and apply

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IT Systems Administrator – Alzheimer’s Society 
Are you ready to make a difference with your technical expertise? Do you want to work for a purpose-driven company where your skills will directly contribute to transforming lives? 

This job role involves reporting to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Infrastructure Manager. You’ll manage and optimise their network infrastructure, including Active Directory, Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 services. You’ll ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of their systems while collaborating with external managed service providers to implement and maintain these technologies.   

Salary: £37, 395-£41, 549 Per Annum 
Contract: 35 hours 
Location: Home based 
Closing Date: 12^th of Feb 2025, 12 am 
Interview Date: Week commencing 24^th of February 2025 

Find out more and apply 

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Communications and Marketing Lead – Shannon Trust 
The Shannon Trust is looking for an experienced communications and marketing professional to help them spread the word about the levels of low literacy and numeracy experienced by people across the UK. Currently, over 70% of people in prisons either can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with their numeracy. 

Shannon Trust supports people in the criminal justice system, and in the wider community, to learn to read and improve their numeracy skills. The work you will be promoting makes day to day life safer for the learner, their families, and the wider community. It provides more opportunities for work and education for the learner, helps break the intergenerational cycle of low literacy and numeracy, and reduces re-offending. 

Salary: £32,000-£35, 000 
Contract: 35 hours, full time 
Location: Home based but may require occasional travel around the UK including overnight stays 
Closing Date: 21^st of February 2015, 11:30pm 
Interview Date: Week commencing the 3^rd of March 

Find out more and apply 

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Community Network & Partnerships Worker – Skerton Community Centre
Skerton Community Association are looking for a new worker to expand the centre’s reach and increase its impact.

The worker will develop a community outreach programme, promote the centre, develop new activities, and secure new funding.

Salary: £17,096 per annum pro-rata
Contract: 24 hours per week
Closing date: 28 February, 3pm

Download the job advert and job description to find out more

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CYP Schools Lead – Lancashire Mind
Lancashire Mind is hiring a Children and Young People’s Schools Lead to spearhead mental health and wellbeing projects in educational settings across Lancashire. This full-time role, based in Chorley, involves engaging with schools to identify needs, oversee delivery, and demonstrate impact.The ideal candidate will have experience working with schools, managing teams, and navigating mental health challenges in educational settings.

Salary: £31,556
Contract: Full-time, (Fixed term until 31 December 2025, with the high likelihood of extension)
Location: Chorley, Lancashire
Closing date: 11 February 2025, 12pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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Head of Assessment Delivery – National Examining Board for Dental Nurses
The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) is seeking a Head of Assessment Delivery to lead its assessment services in a regulated, customer-focused environment. This senior leadership role involves managing a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring compliance, promoting quality assurance, and driving innovation. Candidates should have strong experience in assessment delivery, compliance, and people management, along with excellent communication and data analysis skills.

Salary: £50,000 – 55,000
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Preston (hybrid)
Closing date: Friday 7 February 2025

Find out more about this role and apply

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CancerCare Volunteer Coordinator 
CancerCare is seeking a highly motivated person with a passion for managing a diverse team of volunteers for this full-time role. You will play a key role in recruiting, training and supporting new and existing volunteers and ensuring the team is inclusive, cohesive and well trained to support the incredible work that CancerCare does. 

For more information and to apply for this roll, please visit here 

Salary: £25,000 per annum 
Contract: 37.5 hours per week 
Location: Lancaster or Kendal (on site) with travel throughout the region 
Closing Date: Friday the 7^th of February 

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Entry Level Fundraiser with RSPB
Join Europe’s largest nature conservation charity as a Fundraiser and help inspire public support for vital environmental work. No prior fundraising experience is needed—full training is provided. Using a company van, you’ll travel to various venues, set up engaging fundraising stands, and encourage memberships through direct debit.

Salary: £25,890 – £26,720 per year
Contract: Full-time or part-time (Choose to work 3, 4, or 5 days per week.) Permanent
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Closing date: 9 February 2025, 11.30pm

Find out more and apply

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

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

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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