Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 7 July 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 – Residential Weekend
A huge thanks to all the young people that joined us from across Lancaster district and Cumbria to take part in our Break the Mould residential weekend at The Kepplewray Centre on the 17th and 18th June. The inspiring group of young people worked hard to design a grants programme which will give out £60,000 to local communities. Thanks also to Buzz and Steve from Think Forward CIC for doing such a fabulous job in galvanising the young people.
The ‘Break the Mould’ project is funded by the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust to celebrate their 60th Anniversary and is delivered in partnership between LDCVS and Cumbria Youth Alliance.
Heysham South Windfarm Community Fund
The Banks Renewables Fund provides grants to local community groups, voluntary organisations and environmental projects within the boundaries of Banks Renewables wind farms.
The geographic area for this fund, usually restricted to Heaton-with-Oxcliffe, Heysham, Middleton and Overton, has now been extended (pending review after one year) to Lancaster, Morecambe, Glasson, Overton, Sunderland, Ellel and Galgate in addition.
Organisations can apply for up to £7,000 which must be spent within one year. Grants are paid in arrears, with support for cashflow in some circumstances.
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GSK Health Inequalities programme
Health inequalities are avoidable and systematic differences that include access to care, quality and experience of care, life expectancy, and wider factors such as environment and housing. The alarming scale of these inequalities was exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A huge amount of the work around tackling health inequalities is carried out by very small charities working in their communities.
The GSK Health Inequalities programme is intended to support aspirational leaders who want to develop their organisations. It is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
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Closing Loops Participatory Budgeting Design Workshop
Participatory budgeting (PB) is coming to North Lancashire as part of the Closing Loops ‘Pots of Possibility’ fund. PB is a democratic process in which citizens and local communities decide directly how to spend part of a public budget or a community fund.
At this interactive workshop, you will work with others to design the £10K Pots of Possibility grants happening this autumn.
Your involvement will be crucial to ensure the best possible and fairest use of this unique grant funding opportunity. It will also help the Closing Loops project grow ideas and scale up projects that contribute to a local ecosystem of regenerative initiatives and enterprises.
The workshop will be facilitated by Jez Hall, from Shared Future CIC, who brings many years of experience in Participatory Budgeting. This will be a fun and engaging event that will make a real difference to Lancaster District.
If you want to find out more about PB before the event, you can watch a video presentation made by Jez (view here, password 3?Yf#iFN), or this short film about PB.
No previous experience of grant making is required, and we’re looking to particularly engage people from less heard communities to ensure the money reaches widely.
Lunch will be provided after the meeting.
18 July, 10am – 12:15pm
Email Jo Stocking at [email protected] to register and receive joining instructions.
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Energy Resilience Fund
This fund will provide blended grant and loan support to community and social enterprises to enable them to retrofit energy generating/saving technology in community owned or managed buildings, with an initial focus on stabilising or reducing energy costs. It will particularly target high energy users, working in deprived communities or with marginalised groups.
Investment of between £10,000 and £150,000 available, with up to 40% of this available as a grant.
To find out more, email [email protected]
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The Fore’s Autumn 2023 Funding Round
All registered charities, CIO, CIC and CBS organisations with an annual income of under 500,000 are welcome to apply for grants create a step change for your organisation.
Grants might help your organisation to grow, increase your staff capacity, serve a new beneficiary group, become more sustainable or make your systems more efficient.
Successful applicants will receive up to £30,000 over three years, access to mentoring and support, a skills training programme, and a fully funded impact measurement course.
The first application stage is registration, which will be open for one week between 12 noon on 12 July and 12 noon on 19 July.
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Places of Worship Protective Security Fund Opens for 2023/24 Applications
Funding is available to tackle the increasing number of hate crimes directed at religious buildings. Set up in 2016, The Home Office funding aims to reduce the risk and impact of hate crime at places of worship such as churches, gurdwaras, mosques, temples, and associated faith community centres across England and Wales.
In 2023/24, there are grant two schemes, covered by the same application form:
- Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme
- Protective Security for Mosques Scheme
The deadline to apply is 15 August 2023.
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Starbucks and Hubbub Launch ‘Eat it Up Fund’ for UK
A limited number of one-off grants are available for UK registered organisations to support innovative ideas to tackle food waste in the UK. Launched by Hubbub, the environmental charity, in partnership with Starbucks, the new £200,000 Eat it Up Fund is offering grants of up to £40,000. The fund is aimed at finding and supporting creative approaches to reducing food waste. The fund will support UK registered organisations with an early-stage food waste project with potential for impact at scale.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 21 July 2023 (5pm).
Learn more about this funding option
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Which? Fund Opens for Applications
Funding for new research projects exploring the consumer harms faced by diverse and disadvantaged communities, or identifying innovative solutions to these issues. Which?, the UK’s consumer champion, is inviting UK registered charities, universities with exempt charitable status and not-for-profit Community Interest Companies registered in the UK to apply for a share of the £75,000 being made available for 2023/24. In this call for applications, the Which? Fund is offering restricted grants to support work aiming to:
- Improve understanding of consumer harms affecting diverse and disadvantaged communities, including novel harms in digital markets.
- Identify evidence-led, pragmatic solutions to consumer harm.
- Develop partnerships and encourage collaborative working to provide a more powerful voice for all UK consumers.
There is no set minimum or maximum grant.
Applications will be accepted from 19 June 2023 to 18 September 2023 (5pm).
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Funding for Small Independent Museums to Tell New Stories and Attract New Audiences
The Association of Independent Museums (AiM), in partnership with the Heritage Fund, is offering grants of up to £15,000 for smaller independent museums across the UK that wish to increase and widen their audiences, enhance their sustainability, and increase participation from groups that are currently under-represented. AIM members in the small museum category (up to 20,000 visitors) that seek to work with new partners and try new ideas can apply.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2023.
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Lloyd’s Bank Foundation for England and Wales Opens Newest Funding Programme
Unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years (£25,000 per year) are now available to d/Deaf and disabled people’s organisations across England and Wales. The programme is open to registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations with an annual income of £25,000 to £500,000 and is aimed at registered charities led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty.
The deadline to apply is 5pm on 31 August 2023.
For more about eligibility and application
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3R Funding Local Charities
3R is a new local charity shop based in Carnforth that aims to put the proceeds raised by the shop straight back into the local community. The charity have a simple application form to allow small charities, clubs and groups to apply for £250, £500 or £1000 grants for any projects that benefit the community. It might be a new kit for a sports team, repairs to a clubhouse or other similar costs. The application form is short but please note that the grants are given for specific items – not for general running costs.
Find out more on their website
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Applications Accepted for UK-wide Energy Learning Network Grant
As part of its £10 million Energy and Climate Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund is offering £1.5 million to one UK partnership in order to develop an Energy Learning Network to enable communities focusing on energy and climate to maximise and scale their impact and achieve their vision. It is expected that the successful partnership will provide support in both energy efficiency and generation. Funding will cover a period of three to five years. Interested partnerships are required to contact National Lottery Community Fund in advance before submitting an application for Energy Learning Network funding.
The deadline to apply is 28 July 2023.
Gardens Trust Survey of Friends of Parks and Green Spaces
The Gardens Trust is working on ‘Volunteers Save Space!’, a two-year project part-funded by Historic England. Over the next year, until April 2024, they want to make contact with a wide range of people who visit, enjoy or volunteer in historic parks and gardens, to help build a greater network of supporters for these wonderful and vulnerable landscapes.
They care encouraging people volunteering in Friends groups for parks and gardens to complete their survey, which will build a picture of volunteers interests and priorities, and to work out how the Gardens Trust can offer support and collaboration opportunities.
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Lancaster City Council Selective Licensing Survey & Consultation Meetings
Lancaster City Council would like to know your views on their proposal to introduce two licensing schemes to improve the standards and management of housing within the private sector. These two schemes are Additional Licensing which LCC currently operates and is a mandatory licensing scheme across the district required by law for particular types of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This licensing broadens the definitions of a HMO and brings more properties under the remit of such licensing.
Selective Licensing is a scheme which would allow a local authority to introduce licensing conditions to all other private rented houses within a designated area. The area of focus for this license proposal is directed at a particular area in Morecambe, covering Heysham North and West End Wards.
Survey responses are anonymous but there is an option to provide contact details for any follow ups on answers which are given should anyone wish for Lancaster City Council to do so. The survey should take around just 10 minutes and will be available until 14 of August 2023.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation Cost of Living Tracker, Summer 2023
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is making recommendations for an Essentials Guarantee which would mean that the most basic rate of Universal Credit would at least cover life’s essentials.
Amongst the many struggles that people are facing revealed in the Foundation’s Summer 2023 report is the inability to pay bills, with 4.5 million people in arrears. To make matters worse 2.8 million have been declined loans within the last two years. The report also emphasises the fact that people’s diets and health in general are also being greatly affected due to the affordability of food. Four million people have reported going hungry and 2.7 are living on a poor diet. Other recommendations put forward include unfreezing Local Housing Allowance and preventing landlords being able to raise rents to unaffordable levels.
Read more on this topic and the report in full here
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Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise sector agreement with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Last month, a significant milestone was reached between the VCFSE Alliance and the ICB. A signed partnership agreement with the ICB has now been signed and means that the ICB commits to working with the third sector across the region, system, place and neighbourhood. The agreement covers key areas including commissioning and funding, representation and attendance at key meetings, ways of working, shared understanding and more. A great deal of hard work and perseverance has gone into achieving this result and it is expected to see greater involvement from the voluntary sector in the future.
Read more about this agreement
If you have any questions relating to this agreement please contact Yak Patel at [email protected]
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Small Charity Week – The Value of Small Charities
Between the 19th and 23rd June is Small Charities Week, an annual celebration that brings attention to the incredible value and impact of small charities in our communities. Small charities play a vital role in addressing diverse needs and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Often operating on a local scale, and here in the Lancaster District we work with 300+ community organisations every year with 94% being small charities, allowing for a personal and tailored approach to support.
In this enlightening article by the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN), they highlight six important points about small charities that deepen our understanding of their significance. The article sheds light on the unique characteristics and challenges faced by small charities. It covers aspects such as the diverse range of causes they champion, their close connections to the communities they serve, their ability to innovate and adapt, the critical role of volunteers, the need for sustainable funding, and the impact of small charities on social cohesion. Gain valuable insights into the remarkable work of small charities and the essential role they play in building stronger and more inclusive society.
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Co-Op Fortnight
A Co-Op, which is a business or organisation owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs, are there to create value for both their members and communities rather than just maximise profits to shareholders. Co-Op Fortnight is about celebrating this different way of doing business and will involve free recourses to create your own Co-Op Fortnight social media content to enable people to get involved in the campaign, sharing stories to highlight the benefits that Co-Ops bring to people, communities and the wider economy. There is also an advertising campaign with Reach PLC who have supported them in reaching more people than ever during Co-Op Fortnight.
To read in much more detail about Co-Ops, what they achieve and how to get involved click on this link.
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Lancaster Grand Prix Community Group Advert Opportunity
You may well have heard about this years Lancaster Grand Prix which is set to take place on July 17th which starts and finishes at Williamson’s Park. Part of the British Cycling’s National Road Series, it’s the third instalment of the event and will draw large crowds to view the action which will be live streamed via big screen. The race organisers have announced that there is a televised advertising opportunity during the race for community groups that have a short promo video and would like to share what you do.
View the Lancaster Grand Prix twitter post and get in touch
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Travel and Climate Change
Lancaster City Council are welcoming residents who live and work in the Lancaster district to air their views and get involved in a discussion concerning reducing emissions while being able to freely travel around. Though Lancaster City Council have made a lot of progress tackling this issue such as the decarbonisation of Salt Air Leisure Centre, purchasing electric vehicles such as bin trucks and improving the energy efficiency of their buildings this is only part of the bigger picture. As members of the public, we are being encouraged to answer the question “How can we as residents of the Lancaster district access the recourses we need to live a good life by moving around freely while at the same time reduce harmful emissions?” Get involved in the discussion about travel and climate change and put your views forward helping to answer this important question by taking part in the interactive survey here.
Get involved with Vision for Volunteering Workshops
The Vision for Volunteering is a movement to create a diverse, innovative, ambitious, equitable and person-centred future for volunteering. It aims to set out a view of what volunteering needs to look like, and how this will make volunteers feel about their roles, by 2032. More than 350 people from more than 300 organisations contributed to the Vision for Volunteering, which is led by NAVCA, NCVO, Volunteering Matters, and the Association of Volunteer Managers.
The Vision for Volunteering programme team are leading a range of in-person and virtual workshops throughout June and July to inspire you and your organisations to bring Vision for Volunteering to life in your communities. The workshops will be places for you to share what practical tools and resources will best help you with making the Vision a reality.
Find out more on the Vision for Volunteering events webpage.
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Volunteer Centre News Update
For the latest from the Volunteer Centre you can read our Volunteering News Update here
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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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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.
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Volunteering Opportunities
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.
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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.
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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]
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Lancaster Samaritans Volunteer Recruitment Sessions
Lancaster Samaritans are available for people 24/7 to offer confidential and non-judgemental advice. They are looking for caring and empathetic people to give their time to help others. If you would like to find out about what being a volunteer involves the Samaritans are inviting people to an informal information event. The times and dates for these are: 26th of July 7:30-8:30 at The Cornerstone Sulyard Street, Lancaster or 31st of July 1:30-2:30 at Lancaster Library.
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Trustees & Directors at the Gregson Community and Arts Centre
The Gregson are keen to attract a diverse selection of new trustees, and are particularly looking for people with skills and experience in one or more of the following to join their team:
- People Management/HR
- Marketing & Communications
- Business Management
- Organisational Leadership
- Building/Venue Management
Closing date for applications is Monday 17th July 2023
Learn more about these opportunities
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Digital Directory Admin Volunteer
Lancaster District CVS needs a volunteer to support the Digital Directory of Services – click HERE for more details.
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Administrative Support Volunteers
Acorn Recovery Projects need an administration support volunteer & meetings facilitator – click HERE for more details.
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Cooking on a Budget & Living Skills Opportunity
And someone to run some sessions around cooking on a budget and living skills – click HERE for more details.
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New Trustees wanted for Lancaster Men’s Hub
The LMH is a charity that, instead of using therapy or counselling, encourages people to enjoy shared activities which will provide the opportunity to both socialise and form friendships. It is beneficial for both the physical and mental health of men and also women.
The LMH is looking for someone who has experience and skills in charity governance or accounting/bookkeeping. Their aim is also to expand the diversity of Board of Trustees by gaining representation form different age groups and work backgrounds.
Anyone interested in joining the charity as a Trustee is welcome to contact David Mace the LMH Chair on [email protected]
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Volunteer Community Panel Member Lancashire
The Community Foundation are looking for a someone to join the decision making panel to fill an important role and part of the funding process. Panel members have the very difficult job of deciding who is successful and who has to be declined. As well as being difficult it is also very rewarding as panel members have an opportunity to make an impact and learn more about what is happening in their community. They have the responsibility to ensure that funding is spent as per the donor’s wishes. CFLM values the knowledge, skills, expertise and experience that panel members can bring to the discussion as it can really enhance the assessments and aid decision making.
If you are interested in the role, please send your CV (if available) and brief statement of no more than 500 words to detailing your voluntary and community sector experience and why you are interested in being a panel member. If shortlisted, Community Foundation for Merseyside will invite you for an informal interview to find out more about you. If you would like to apply, please send your expression of interest to [email protected]
If you have any queries please contact James at the above email address or by telephone on 0151 294 4750.
Find out more about this opportunity
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Skilled Volunteer Opportunities with Remap
Do you have engineering or craftsman skills that could be used to help others? Remap is a unique charity, working through a nationwide network of volunteers who use their ingenuity and skills to help adults and children with disabilities achieve greater independence and enjoyment of life’s opportunities. These volunteers design and manufacture special equipment where there is nothing commercially available. The commitment is flexible and work is shared between volunteers in accordance with availability. A few hours a month can help change someone’s life. They are seeking volunteers in the Fylde area particularly but anyone living in Lancashire or the South Lakes would be welcome.
For more information see our website www.remap.org.uk or contact Harry Davis, Chairman, Lancashire NW Panel 01253 731958 or email – [email protected]
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Bay Volunteers – Various Roles
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, 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.
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Board of Director Roles at Wise Up Workshops CIC
Wise Up Workshops CIC are looking to select people who have professional expertise to join their Board of Directors and be jointly responsible for its governance and strategic direction. In order to strengthen the board’s areas of expertise, they are looking to select two people who already work in one or more of the following areas:
- As independent, practicing, self-employed artists/drama workshop leader
- Within finance – budget setting, budget management and accountancy
- In the education sector or within relevant disciplines
Take a look at the job description for the role
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Roles with n-compass
Penpal Volunteer
Provide a connection and emotional support to Carers.
Outgoing CHAT line Volunteer
Provide a listening ear and emotional support to Carers.
Sitting In Service Volunteer
To allow carers a much-needed break from their caring role in order to do something for themselves.
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Green Rose Energy Volunteer
Green Rose are advertising a variety of roles to choose from including social media support, helping at drop ins and events, delivering energy advice and holding the phone. There will be support around delivering energy champions training and briefings. The CIC provide a friendly and fun environment in which to meet new friends and learn new skills.
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The Bay Morecambe Hub Volunteer
The mental health & wellbeing project The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery have recently opened a Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre in Morecambe and are looking to use the space for events, closed group sessions and drop-in wellbeing support and signposting. The team are looking for friendly, reliable and empathetic volunteers to support with the running of the Community Hub and activities. The Bay programme is designed to help people to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the resulting social isolation by providing opportunities to connect with nature and participate in environmental activity around Morecambe Bay. The role will be flexible and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Campaign to End Loneliness – The State of Loneliness 2023
The Campaign to End Loneliness worked with Dr Heather McClelland of the University of Glasgow to analyse Office for National Statistics data on loneliness from their Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OLS) between March 2020 and January 2023.
Their new report explains how the period during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened chronic loneliness among different parts of the population, and explains what the Campaign intends to do next.
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Home Instead Dementia and Companionship Cafe
Every second Wednesday from 19 July, the cafe hosts those with dementia, their families and carers, or anyone feeling isolated. Join them for a brew, enjoy some social activities, and share experiences with people who understand.
Alternate Wednesdays during school term, 11am – 12:30pm, Pavilion Cafe in Williamson Park
Please note the new, later start time.
Email [email protected] or call 01524 951574 to find out more.
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GSK Impact Awards
The GSK IMPACT Awards provide funding, training and development for charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
The awards are funded by GSK and managed in partnership with The King’s Fund. They are open to registered charities that are at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with a total annual income of between £150,000 and £3 million.
Up to ten winners will receive £40,000 in unrestricted funding, with up to five runners-up receiving £4,000. Award winners receive a whole host of additional benefits including training and development, publicity, and national recognition at a high-profile awards ceremony.
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New way to access mental health services across Lancaster, Morecambe and South Cumbria
Residents from across Lancaster, Morecambe and South Cumbria who need to access mental health help and support are now able to via one number, 24 hours a day.
LSCFT have launched a new service access through a freephone number – 0800 013 0710 – so that everyone will be able to easily access urgent or general mental health support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new approach to accessing mental health services is managed within a call centre setting, based at East Barn, Lancaster and is made up of a team of call handlers and mental health practitioners who take calls and manage referrals from patients, service users, families, carers and professionals, aiming to ensure callers are connected to the right professional in a timely manner.
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The Bay Craft Challenge
Calling all crafters! The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery is asking people to knit or crochet sea creatures to contribute to a window display for National Marine Week at their Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre. Crafting is great for your mental health! It can aid relaxation, thereby helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Learning a new craft skill and being productive also supports self-esteem building.
They have taken inspiration from Kent Wildlife Trust’s Watery Woolly World – They have lots of fabulous free knitting and crochet patterns here.
National Marine Week runs from the 23rd of July to the 7th of August – keep an eye out for their events pages to find out about other ways to celebrate them.
View their event e-poster here
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The Circuit – National Defibrillator Network
The moment someone has a cardiac arrest, the clock starts ticking. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival. But many defibrillators are never used because emergency services don’t know where they are or how to access them. The Circuit – the national defibrillator network, provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.
If you have a defibrillator in your premises, make sure it’s registered by visiting https://www.thecircuit.uk/
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5th Annual Bay 5K Recovery Run
Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Bay 5K Recovery Run event presented by The Well Communities on September 9th, 2023. Lace up your running shoes and join The Well Communities for a memorable day filled with community, wellness, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, this event is for everyone. This will be a 9-week training programme by Morecambe Community Runners. The idea is within 9 weeks to get you off the couch and build your stamina to hit 5k. The Bay 5K Recovery Run is not just about physical fitness—it’s about promoting mental well-being and embracing the power of recovery.
There are two session per week, Tuesday and Thursdays. The firsst session starts on Tuesday 11th July at 6.30pm meeting at the Morecambe Battery.
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The Lancaster District Directory – NEW IN!
The Lancaster District Directory is a comprehensive resource offering information and listings related to various health and wellbeing services, organizations, and community initiatives in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
The Lancaster District CVS Health & Wellbeing Directory has some exciting new updated content…
Visit the following links for NEW Items:
Lancaster Men’s Hub
Lancaster & Morecambe u3a
The Well Communities – New You service
Young Carers service
Home Improvement Service – Lancaster City Council
Healthwatch Lancashire
Mainspring Arts
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The Well Carers Support Group
The Well is a not-for-profit community and offer a range of services available 24 hrs a day 365 days a year. Support is entirely free and is provided by staff and volunteers with personal experience of addiction. They are also there for people with mental health issues, offending behaviour, childhood trauma, learning difficulties, domestic abuse and homelessness. The Well have called upon people struggling with addiction or if you have a loved one struggling with this issue to get in touch for support in understanding addiction and learning how to let go. Feel free to email Jonny and Janice at [email protected] and visit The Well Communities site using the link below for an insight into what the organisation is all about.
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Smear Tests
Ladies, taking care of your health is a powerful act of self-love and empowerment. One crucial step in prioritizing your well-being is getting regular smear tests. This simple yet significant screening can detect early signs of cervical cancer and other potential abnormalities, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. By scheduling your smear test, you’re actively taking control of your reproductive health and ensuring that you have the best chance of maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Remember, your health matters, and investing a short amount of time for this essential examination can have a lasting impact. Take the initiative, be proactive, and encourage other women around you to do the same. The Bay Medical Group are inviting you to drop-in to a clinic for a test, no appointments are needed. You can also find out more about the test. Appointments are also available in the NHS app.
Date & time: Tuesday 25th July, 5-8pm
Location: West End Surgery
View their campaign poster here
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Fourth annual report on Tackling Loneliness Strategy published
This year marks five years since DCMS published the world’s first government strategy developed to tackle loneliness. The fourth annual report celebrates the work the Department has undertaken with a wide range of partners to raise awareness of loneliness and improve the support for lonely people in England since 2018. It also captures over 60 new and ongoing actions that government departments are committed to delivering between 2023-2025.
Find out more about the Tackling Loneliness Strategy.
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Bay Health Festivals: Lancaster
Bay Health Festival Stalls
Join Bay Health Festivals in Dalton Square, Lancaster, on July 8 & 9 for two fantastic family events. On Saturday July 8 they will be hosting their biggest ever Bay Health Festivals event, with loads of stalls and live entertainment.
Get a free health check, find out about a huge range of health-related organisations and charities, and get inspired to discover new, healthier ways of living. There’s also live entertainment and great food and drink on offer throughout the day!
A Celebration of Cycling
On Sunday July 9th pedal on down to Dalton Square for a celebration of cycling. Whether you’re riding a bike for fitness or transport (or both) cycling is great exercise for body and mind and also helps to reduce traffic and is better for the environment. Test ride an e-bike, get tips and advice on starting cycling, get a free bike check from a qualified mechanic, and much more!
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Drowning Prevention and Water Safety
As the weather begins to improve, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is joining other fire services across the UK and asking people to stay safe when spending time in and around water. The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign which ran from 24th – 30th April 2023. The campaign is warning people of the risk of accidentally drowning when in or around water. There were 277 deaths in the UK from accidental drowning in 2021 in inland and coastal locations. 40% of people who lost their lives had no intention of entering the water according to the WAID 2021 annual fatal incident report, with slips, trips and falls being the main cause of them entering the water.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service would like people to know some basic water safety information related to the #BeWaterAware campaign:
- Don’t assume you’re not at risk of drowning just because you don’t intend to go into the water.
- If someone falls into water call 999. Advise the casualty to try and float on their back and relax. Try and shout for help nearby and throw them something to either drag them to safety or to aid them to float.
- Ensure children are fully supervised near water.
- Do not enter the water if you have been drinking or taking drugs.
- If you are going running alone, try and tell someone where you are going.
- Never enter the water yourself to try and save someone.
Youth Work Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire
Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation is aiming to assess the need for youth work training (at all levels) across the district. If your organisation employs youth workers (or has ambitions to), we would appreciate your support in completing the questionnaire below. The form should take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. The results of the survey will help to gain an understanding of the need for youth work training and the barriers to accessing training across the district, which will help to inform the priorities of the YPF (Young People’s Foundation) moving forwards.
Please complete the form by Friday 21st July.
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Dino Day Slime & Poop
Get ready for a prehistoric and slimy adventure with Dino Day Poo and Slime! Join in with the fun on Saturday and Sunday, July 8th-9th, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Judges’ Lodgings Museum. Back by popular demand, this event is a must for kids and families looking to celebrate all things prehistorically slimy and poopy! For just £2 per child, let your little ones unleash their creativity by making their very own pot of dinosaur poo or slime. It’s a hands-on experience that’s sure to delight and entertain. As an added bonus, don’t forget to embark on their exciting dino trail to uncover hidden treasures.
For more info stomp onto this link
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Confucius Institute Summer School
The Confucius Institute (Chinese Centre) at Lancaster University is offering a summer school for children for up to five days of the holiday aimed at children aged 6 to 11. The school will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm on weeks commencing Monday 31st July and Monday 7th August. It’s £50 for the week/£10 per day. 15 places are available per day so it is best to book early, but as of Monday (26th June) we were told there were still places available. Children will learn about Chinese culture through arts and craft, and language-learning. No prior knowledge or familiarity with Chinese culture is required. Children should bring a packed lunch.
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Summer Playschemes for children aged 8-11 in the Lancaster District
This year Sport Works and Smart Body Sports are working with Lancaster City Council to deliver the summer playschemes across the district. These are available for children aged 8-11 years and consists of range of sport, arts and recreational activities.
Playschemes are running at the following locations:
Christ Church Primary School Carnforth 24th July – 18th August 2023 10am -2pm
Willow Lane Primary School Lancaster 31st July – 25th August 2023 10am-2pm
Morecambe Bay Primary School Morecambe 24th July- 18th August 2023 10am-4pm
For further information and to book onto the programmes please visit the links below
Smart Body Sport- Morecambe Bay Primary School
Book Online | Smart Body Sports
Sport Works – Christ Church Primary School Carnforth & Willow Lane Primary school Lancaster
https://bookwhen.com/sportworksnorthwest
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Step Into Work Programme
LDCVS is working in partnership with Morecambe Bay Trust to offer local young people (aged 18-24) and not in work or training a chance to attend our Step Into Work programme. The programme will begin with participants attending three days (from 10-2pm) of employability skills at More Lane Mills. This will be followed by a three week working placement at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Working placements will be available in the following areas: health care, catering, domestics, portering, administration, estates and facilities and carpark supervision. Admin for the programme will need to be completed on 10th July. The programme has provisionally been arranged to begin on the 11th September 2023. All young people will be guaranteed a mock interview with Morecambe Bay Trust at the end of the programme.
For more information and to book a place please email [email protected]
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Pick & Mix Learning Lunches
The Lancaster & Morecambe Primary Mental Health Team are inviting you to join a pick and mix menu of learning lunches. These hour long insightful sessions will take place with the first half in a webinar style, to listen in to the profesional sharing information on the subject area. With no expectation to partake or have your camera on, it is a great opportunity to be informed and learn new information while you lunch.
The sessions take place at 12.30-1.30pm on the following dates:
Thursday 13th July – LCC Children’s Support Services
Friends of Lancaster Judges’ Lodgings Chamber Concert
Enjoy a summer evening of chamber music live in the Dining Room at Judges’ Lodgings, supporting the Friends of Lancaster Judges’ Lodgings. The concert will be followed by refreshments.
16 July, 6:30pm, Judges’ Lodgings
Find out more and book tickets
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The Mayor of Lancaster’s Charity Quiz Night
Tickets are now on sale for the Mayor’s charity quiz night to raise funds for St John’s Hospice and Morecambe RNLI.
28 July from 7pm at Lancaster Town Hall
£4 per person, maximum team size 5.
Email [email protected] to register a team.
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Health and Employability Fair
Morecambe Job Centre is holding a Health and Employability Fair at their office on Queen Street on 13 July, 10am – 12 noon.
Organisations with service users who may find it helpful to attend are invited to let them know about this opportunity. Providers in attendance will include:
- PHX Training (courses)
- Lancaster & Morecambe College (courses and apprenticeships)
- Lancaster City Council’s Community Connectors (putting people in touch with services they might need)
- Inspira National Careers Service
- Work and Health Programme
- More Positive Together (careers advice and guidance)
- Prince’s Trust
- Standguide (12 week mental health development course)
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Digital Fundraising
The Get Grants digital fundraising course will discuss the pros and cons of a variety of popular digital platforms such as social media, email marketing tools, and third party fundraising platforms, and where to focus your efforts and resources.
Attendees will gain insights, experience, and examples of digital practice to inspire and inform their planning.
19 September and 26 September 9.30am – 11.30am, online, £95
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The Curve – Free Digital Skills Training for the Third Sector
The Curve is providing free digital training for the Third Sector. It is a series for FREE 90-minute on-line workshops. The aim is to build knowledge around best digital practices, raise awareness of digital tools and ultimately help increase impact with digital. Workshops are open to anyone working or volunteering with a third sector organisation in the UK.
The workshops take place this August.
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The Islamic Burial Workshop
An Information session has been organised by Islamic Burial and Welfare Services and Lancaster University Islamic Society, supported by Lancaster City Council. The Islamic Burial will be an informative and interactive workshop with step-by-step instructions of burial preparation. The session will be led by Brother Zuper Isap and Sister Salma Banu. The workshop will cover legal requirements upon death, preparing the body for burial and rules and etiquette pertaining to post death followed by a question and answer session.
Date & time: 14 July 2023, 6.15-7.45pm
Location Fylde LT1 Lancaster University
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Dino Fest
Get ready to step into a prehistoric wonderland as Dino Fest returns to Lancaster city centre on 8th and 9th July! Prepare to be amazed as the city comes alive with an incredible array of dinosaurs, including the captivating Britain’s Got Talent semifinalists, Dinomania, making their debut appearance in Lancaster. Be transported back in time and explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs through interactive Dino Workshops, get up close and personal with ancient fossils at the mobile museum, and even join a talk by the esteemed palaeontologist, Dr Dean Lomax. But that’s not all! Embark on a city centre dinosaur trail, unleash your creativity with face painting, and discover a myriad of exciting activities for the entire family. Mark your calendars and get ready for a roaring good time at Dino Fest!
Discover more about this event
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Swop Shop Skill Share Network Event
Following feedback from our inaugural FestiVOL event, Lancaster District CVS will be running a brand new event with a format that will give attendees the opportunity to get together and find out all about the wide number of services provided in the district. The Swop Shop Skill Share Network will bring collaborative benefit in a space to share good practice, ask for advice, work together and share skills and resources. This ecosystem of mutual support will help toward a stronger and more sustainable sector. There will be chance to experience mini master classes with Q & A, listen to key note speakers and exchange useful tools in a skill sharing session.
Date & time: Thursday July 13th, 11am – 1pm
Location: Vale of Lune Rugby Club
Limited spaces available, reserve your place today!
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Community Collage Competition Exhibition
Bay Health Festivals Lancaster is hosting its annual Community Collage Competition Exhibition. Step into a world of creativity and community expression and find captivating artwork of local talents on display. This unique exhibition showcases the power of collaboration and celebrates the diverse perspectives within our community. Marvel at the stunning collages, each telling a story and reflecting the rich tapestry of our shared experiences. From intricate designs to thought-provoking compositions, this exhibition promises to ignite your imagination and inspire meaningful connections. The free event is a great opportunity to support our local artists in the Lancaster District and witness the transformative beauty of art.
Date & time: 11 Jul 2023, 9am – 6pm
Location: The Gallery at The Storey, Meeting House Ln, Lancaster LA1 1TH, UK
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An Introduction to the Trustee Role
LDCVS is offering this free training session to those who have recently started volunteering as a Trustee or are thinking about doing so in the near future. The session will look at Trustee responsibilities and what is expected of individuals that take up the role. It will explore terms such as governance, compliance, Boards of Trustees, liability and the role of bodies such as the Charity Commission. There will be space for questions/ discussion and participants will have a clear picture of the Trustee role from legal duties and what it means in practice to good governance and why the role matters.
Thursday 6 July 2023, 10am – 12 noon, at Brew Me Sunshine – Galloways (Victoria Street, Morecambe) – find out more and book
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South African Acoustic Guitarist Tony Cox at the Gregson
Award-winning international guitar maestro, Tony Cox, is appearing for a single show at the Gregson Community and Arts Centre this July. This is a rare opportunity for local audiences to see this acoustic guitar phenomenon play his unique brand of dazzling, finger-style guitar. With dizzying playing skills, he combines African and European influences into his own inimitable style – taking audiences on a foot-tapping, heart-beating, soul-feeding journey in every show. Tony’s laid-back grooves, effortless guitar wizardry and astonishingly layered musical creations are interspersed with his wry observations, engaging warmth and playful, rib-tickling banter. If you come to one of his performances as a stranger, you will leave feeling that Tony is your new China.
Date & time: Friday 28 July 2023, 8 – 10pm
Location: Gregson Community Arts Centre, 33-35 Moorgate, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3PY
For more information and tickets
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Warm Welcome Support Drop in
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service run weekly wellbeing drop-in sessions for those looking for some social connectivity. Their doors are wide open for those that may need some advice and support or simply just a chat and a brew (free brews and snacks). The kids are also welcome and there are lots of toys and crafts to keep them busy. The sessions run on Wednesdays from 10.30am-11.30am at Lune Park Neighbourhood Centre.
Consulting & Innovations Manager at the Bendrigg Trust
The job holder will have responsibility for designing, organising, promoting and delivering a range of high-quality training courses and consulting offers in the field of disability awareness and inclusion for staff and volunteers in client organisations.
Salary: £31,677 – £36,927
Contract: Permanent
Location: Kendal
Closing Date: 17 July
Interviews: 25 July
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Project Coordinator and Place Coordinator at Lancashire Association for Community Voluntary Services
The roles are crucial to helping LACVS, its members and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises (VCFSE Sector), who our member CVSs support to develop activities and secure resources to deliver the Lancashire VCFSE Manifesto – which has been developed by the VCFSE Sector to help local communities across Lancashire.
The successful candidates, you will work alongside the staff of the local CVS’s, Volunteer Centres, Lancashire BME Network and other local networks to build collaborations and partnerships that have a lasting social, economic and environmental impact on local communities across Lancashire.
Project Coordinator
Salary: £23,870 per annum
Contract: 30 hours week
Location: Post based in Preston, working across Lancashire
Place Coordinator
Salary: £18,476 per annum
Contract: 25 hours week
Location: Working across Lancashire
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Birchall Vacancies
Birchall, an organisation offering support to anyone aged 4 or above who has been affected by rape, sexual and domestic abuse or sexual violence in Cumbria and Lancashire are currently looking to fill two vacancies:
Community Engagement Officer
This new role to Birchall is focused on engaging, helping and providing opportunities for those who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse to help them overcome social isolation and loneliness. A couple of responsibilities included in this role will be to facilitate the groups working with people with lived experience to design and deliver activities within the community and take responsibility for advertising and marketing, promoting and raising awareness and making sure that local agencies are aware of the services.
Salary: £23,000 pro rata. Actual salary £13,800
Contract: 22.5 hours 2-year fixed term, extension subject to funding
Location: Post based in Morecambe
Closing Date: Ongoing
For more information and to apply
Volunteer Coordinator
A new role at Birchall, this will involve making sure that the roles of volunteers are understood, valued and recognised across the organisation and also ensure that other opportunities for volunteers are identified and created. You will also liaise with partners and stakeholders, attend volunteering fairs, contribute to newsletter updates, national awareness weeks and social media.
Salary: 23,000 pro rata, Actual salary £13,000
Contract: 22.5 hours
Location: Flexible-with travel across locations
Closing Date: Ongoing
For more information and to apply
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Assistant to the Almoner at Lancaster Charity
Lancaster Charity are leading the way in the sustainable provision of low-cost homes and community. The organisation work to provide quality, affordable, supported accommodation for local people in need within a friendly and caring environment. They are currently looking for an assistant to the Almoner which will include tasks such as acting as a first point for the public, residents, colleagues, trustees, and service suppliers through face to face, over the telephone, and online.
Salary: £14,274 pa
Contract: Part time (25 hours pw), Flexitime
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 9th July 2023
Find out more about this role and apply
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Project Coordinator, Adult Projects at Lancashire Mind
Lancashire Mind are looking for a passionate, hardworking and innovative individual to work as a Project Coordinator within our Adult Projects team. The role will be flexible to support a busy but small team to deliver mental health and wellbeing services to adults in Lancashire.
Salary: FTE £24,423.36 per annum (pro-rata) pay award pending
Contract: 28 hours per week, 12 months fixed term contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding
Location: Chorley, Lancashire (Hybrid)
Closing date: 12 July 2023 at 12:00
Interview date: Thursday 20th July 2023
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]
