Information and advice for the third sector across Lancaster District – 1 Dec 21

Become a member today, it’s FREE!
Are you a member of Lancaster District CVS? It’s free to any VCFSE organisation based in the district and comes with plenty of benefits including this email bulletin, funding and governance advice, volunteering support and much more.

Even if your organisation has been a member for years, we’ve recently introduced new software and systems to better manage memberships and support the sector. To retain your membership, please create a new record – if you haven’t done so already.

Click here to begin the process – it only takes a couple of minutes.

Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

LDCVS can manage your payroll
Running a charity can be challenging and we understand how time-consuming doing your payroll can be. Our years of working with charities and our local knowledge & expertise help us to offer the services you need at the right price. If you want payroll support, we can:

• Make sure your staff are paid accurately and on time. 
• Use accredited payroll software to keep your organisation HRMC compliant. 
• File your payroll online with HMRC (monthly).
• Calculate pension and provide support with auto-enrolment.
• Provide reports for net pay and deductions.
• Create monthly or quarterly Pay As You Earn (PAYE)/National Insurance (NI) liabilities  statements.
• Complete P45 documents for exiting employees.
• Support year-end processes.

Our payroll fees are reasonable and billed annually from as little as £100. Our best practice approach is guided by frameworks from the Charity Commission code of good governance and fundraising.

Email us at [email protected] or telephone 01524 555900 to find out more.

Francis C Scott Charitable Trust – new opportunities
The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust is developing new ways of working in response to time spent listening to their grantees.

One of the Trust’s core beliefs is that organisations delivering directly to children, young people and their families are the experts in their field. The Trust has heard that one of the biggest concerns right now is not necessarily about funding, but about how staff and volunteer teams meet the strains and challenges of the pandemic, and recovering from it.

In response, FCSCT are highlighting the following opportunities, in addition to their existing grants programme. For further information or to provide feedback, contact their team on 01539 742608 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Step Change – for wellbeing and resilience
Eligible organisations (see criteria here) can apply for up to £4,000 as part of the existing Step Change programme.

Organisations should determine their own solutions, which may include but are not limited to – team and/or board development events, coaching or mentoring for key staff, structured well-being programmes for staff and volunteers. Successful applications so far have included a yoga programme for staff and volunteers, stand up desks and 1:1 coaching.

For guidance and advice about what other solutions would be considered and to direct you to local facilitators who may be able to provide support, please get in touch with the FCSCT team.

Step Change – organisational development workshops
A six-week free-to-access programme of working focused on various aspects of running a charity or social enterprise. Sessions are three hours in duration with content delivered from expert local partners as well as facilitated peer support.

Suggestions for topics are below. Please let FCSCT know if they are of interest or if you have other suggestions and feedback. Full details will be announced in the new year.

• Time and energy management
• Strategy and action planning
• Working with volunteer Trustees/Directors
• Fundraising
• Coaching skills for managers/leaders
• Marketing
• Income generation
• Applying for grant funding – identifying and approaching relevant and appropriate funders
• Managing overwhelm
• Managing volunteers

Top-up to existing FCSCT grants
Organisations in receipt of FCSCT grants awarded prior to 2021 may apply for additional funds to top these grants up if Covid has materially increased the need for the funded provision.

Social Investment
Traditionally, repayable finance has not been a major funding activity within the sector, but options are increasing, and becoming more affordable all the time.

This year FCSCT ventured into the world of social investment and are about to complete their first social loan. The Trust is taking a partnership-based approach, balancing financial returns with social returns that contribute towards their overall mission.

If your organisation is working on plans to expand, make a significant purchase, or other activity that social investment may be able to support, please contact Helen directly using the details above.

Eligible projects will need to have a business plan showing how repayments can be made, and demonstrating how the project, programme or purchase will advance our mutual charitable objectives.

Dulverton Trust
The Dulverton Trust awards small grants of up to £5,000 and targets groups with an income of under £200,000. The Fund will support a wide range of charitable activities and particularly aims to support projects that:

• Support local solutions to meet local needs
• Promote community cohesion
• Develop sustainable and supportive communities
• Provide social and educational development opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people
• Support the general conservation and protection of wildlife habitats
• Teach or promote preservation (particularly heritage skills)

Closing date: 10th December 2021

Click here to find out about the criteria or start your application.

Alternatively, call Joan Ford on 0151 294 6092 or email [email protected]

The Fore’s Spring 2022 Funding Round
The Fore is offering unrestricted grants of up to £15,000 that can be spread over 6-18 months. The Fore is particularly keen to fund organisations run by, and/or working with, marginalised communities, and ‘micro’ organisations (organisations with an income of under £100,000).

The grant can be used for whatever grantees think will help transform their scale, sustainability, efficiency, or impact. Any UK-registered charities, CICs or CBSs with annual income under £500,000 are welcome to apply.

Registration for the next funding round opens on 13 December at 10am, and is run on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the cap is reached, the round is closed.

The deadline for applications from successfully registered organisations is 10 January 2022 at 5pm.

Click here for full information including guidelines, FAQs, and a video explaining how to write the best posssible application.

The ASDA Foundation
The Asda Foundation has launched a new grants programme to help small grassroots organisations improve local community spaces and places across the UK.

The grant will provide funding of between £5,000 and £25,000 to help with building repairs, building improvement/development, and/or outdoor improvement/development for properties which the community organisations either own or lease. Nominations will be made by each local Champion by the 9th January 2022.

Click here to find out how to start your application.

Platinum Jubilee Fund
To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the National Lottery Community Fund is making £3.5million available to fund community projects. Application deadline is 15th December 2021 or once 700 applications are received (whichever comes first).

The three areas of focus are:

• Across Generations – Strengthening relationships between generations and creating a legacy for future generations.
• Community Renewal – Supporting new opportunities for people to develop skills and experiences in their local community, as well as opportunities to bring people together in new ways, and in new or different places and spaces.
• Our Shared Natural World – Growing our care and action locally for the natural world.

Some applications will be prioritised, including those from small organisations under £100,000 annual turnover, those from organisations that The NLCF have not previously funded, and from communities that face significant economic challenges.

Click here to find out more and apply.

Reminder of previously promoted opportunities:

Household Support Fund from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The DWP has given local councils funding to support people who are experiencing financial hardship this winter. The household support fund aims to help with short-term living costs such as food, help with gas and electricity, and water bills as well as help with other essential items and household appliances.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and awards are at the discretion of the council.

To be eligible to apply for help from the scheme, applicants must be aged 16 years and over, live in the Lancaster district and be able to demonstrate that they are struggling to afford such necessities or to pay their bills this winter.

For more information and to apply online, click here

Refurbishment Funding from John Lyon’s Charity

John Lyon’s Charity is pleased to introduce the NEW Refurbishment Fund helping support groups most severely affected by Covid-19 continue to deliver their services as safely and efficiently as possible.

Refurbishment Small Grant – up to £5,000 available (No application deadlines; applications are considered six times per year).

Refurbishment Main Grant – up to £25,000 available for projects costing up to £75,000 (First stage proposal submission deadline is 10th December 2021).

Grants can be used for:

• Minor or essential maintenance to a building such as re-wiring, roof repairs or plumbing.
• Small refurbishments such as upgraded kitchens, toilets or communal/delivery spaces.
• Upgrading or refurbishing indoor or outdoor activity spaces.
• Making spaces accessible to users.

Click here to start your application.

Funding to Support Education in Disadvantaged Areas (UK / International)

Grants are available to support schools and registered charities that wish to undertake educational work with children and young people under the age of 25 in disadvantaged areas within the UK and international projects working with marginalised communities.

The funding is available to UK registered charities with an annual income of between £5,000 and £2.5 million, and at least three years of continuous accounts. Stage 1 grant application deadline is 25th January 2022.

Click here to find out how to apply.

Lancaster District Street Aid – helping people stay off the streets

The Lancaster Street Aid initiative helps people who are, or have been, on the streets to apply for a grant to help them get off, and stay off, the streets.

Types of support that can be applied for via the scheme include access to housing, furniture and other home essentials, education/training courses, clothing for job interviews, transport to interview/place of work, and help with searching for a job.

Any VCFSE organisation or public body can apply on behalf of a homeless or vulnerably housed person they work with. Maximum application value of £750. Applications are reviewed as submitted. If you would like to apply, click here for more information.

Urgent Response Fund (URF)

The URF is still open and available for charities and community groups in need of resources to effectively deliver projects/activities which support the basic health and wellbeing needs of vulnerable members of the community in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown and the gradual easing of restrictions.

No minimum or maximum award amount. Applications are reviewed monthly.

Click here to find out how to start your URF application.

Thomas Wall Trust – Funding for developing skills from disadvantaged groups

The Thomas Wall Trust recognises that communication is underpinned by a set of key features and skills such as empathy, listening, emotional intelligence, confidence, and clarity, amongst others. The Trust offers grants up to £5,000 to specific projects or core activities that develop these critical life skills for people from disadvantaged groups.

Application deadline is 22nd January 2021. Click here to find out more or to start your application.

Funding for sport and activity groups
Sport and activity groups, clubs and organisations in England can apply for grants of up to £10,000 to respond to the challenges of returning to play in a coronavirus-safe way. The funding is available through the Sport England Return to Play: Small Grants Fund and can cover costs such as minor amendments to facilities, additional sports equipment, signage, sanitation and training courses for clubs in areas of high deprivation. The Fund will now also support ongoing running costs.

Application deadline is 31st December 2021. Click here to find out more about this fund and how to apply.

Matthew Good ‘Grants for Good’ – Making a positive difference to communities, people & the environment
The Matthew Good ‘grant for good’ invites local charities, voluntary groups or social enterprises that have an average annual income of less than £50,000 to apply. Every three months, the grant shares £10,000 between 5 shortlisted projects that have a positive impact on communities, people or the environment. The next application deadline is 15th December 2021.

Click here to start your application. If you need help with completing the online application form, please email [email protected]

The Arnold Clark Community Fund

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for UK registered charities and other not-for-profit organisations who need financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund aims to help UK charities and local community groups continue their important work which may be at risk due to the pandemic. Grants are awarded by a weekly draw during the winter campaign. Unsuccessful applications will be kept in the draw for the following week. The funding must be used for charitable or community purposes.

The deadline for applications is 31 December 2021. Click here to find out how to apply.

Volunteers needed – Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service
Lancaster and District Homeless Action Service needs volunteers to support staff in facilitating the Christmas Shelter which operates out of St Thomas’s parish hall between Christmas Eve and 29th December (8pm to 8am shift).

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please call Phil Moore on 01524 842008 or email [email protected]

Trustee roles at CancerCare
CancerCare is looking for an experienced Treasurer, a Marketing & Communications Trustee and a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Palliative Care Nurse Trustee.

Trustees have a crucial role at CancerCare. They use their expertise and vast experience to help steer the charity and make the important decisions needed to secure its future.

Closing date: 17th December 2021
Interviews: Mid-January 2021
Click here to view all trustee roles and apply.

Lancaster District Volunteer Centre
The Lancaster District Volunteer Centre provides support services for all not-for-profit organisations, helping them to recruit, train and retain quality volunteers.

Every week people from across Lancaster contact us to offer their help. You can help us let them know about your voluntary roles by advertising them online.

The registration process is quick and easy. Our Volunteer Centre manager, Mark, will contact you to discuss your requirements, whether recruitment and promotion of roles, finding and arranging training, or anything else related to volunteer engagement.

If you would like to discuss volunteering and find out more, contact Mark by email at [email protected] or telephone 01524 555900.

Community Learning Network Survey
The Lancaster District Community Learning Network is a group of community education providers and community development organisations working to provide educational pathways through a wide range of courses which will lead to people gaining new skills that are valuable in all areas of life and work.

We are aiming to provide community-led and community-based opportunities, so your support in helping us to understand your community’s needs would be most welcomed. Circulate the online survey among your contacts and communities, or request paper copies from [email protected]

Lancaster Job Centre Plus temporary expansion
Responding to increased demand for DWP services, the Lancaster Job Centre at Mitre House has expanded temporarily in order to host additional work coaches.

To find out more about services at the expanded Job Centre email Carla Passarello (Service Leader) at [email protected]

Safeguarding & Protecting Children workshop by Active Lancashire
This workshop aims to increase the awareness of Safeguarding and Protecting Children by helping coaches to recognise signs of abuse and poor practice, and deal sensitively and effectively with issues that arise. If you work with children, you might benefit from this course.

Date: 13th December 2021
Time: 6 pm – 8.30 pm
Location: Online
Price: £39 (not including Eventbrite fees)

Click here to book a place.

New Yoga Club for 11-18 year olds by Escape2Make
Lancaster/Morecambe based charity, Escape2Make, are looking for participants for a brand new Yoga Club. Sessions will run once every two-weeks and are completely free to attend for all 11-18 year olds.

Location: The Storey, Lancaster.

Sign up here

COVID Vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds
All young people aged 16 and 17 will soon be able to book their second vaccine dose from 12 weeks after their first one. All young people aged 12 to 15 can now book their first vaccine dose online.

Invitation to participate – New Radicals Young People’s Group
The New Radicals is a highly focused group of young people with a passion and desire to create cultural and creative shifts within their community. Culture Coop is currently accepting responses from young people to join the first cohort.

This opportunity is available to young people aged 11-19 (and up to 25 with a disability) living within the Lancaster & Morecambe area.

Click here to apply.

Girls Can Artist Bootcamp by More Music
More music is inviting aspiring vocalists, songwriters, musicians, producers & engineers to join brilliant resident artists, Sarah Angel, IORA and Harriet North for an inspirational three-day boot camp. Participants will learn to:

• Collaborate with musicians and producers to construct their sound
• Write and record tracks
• Explore the process of releasing music
• Master the art of rehearsal & performance preparation
• Develop a profile as an artist, technician & musician
• Develop sound tech and lighting skills.

This FREE event is for women & people from marginalised genders aged 14 – 19.

Date: 10th to 12th December 2021
Time: varies per day

Click here or email [email protected] for more information.

New Mid-Week Hangout for young people at More Music
If you know of a young person who is struggling with social isolation or anxiety, accessing mental health support or on a waiting list for services, they could benefit from the range of sessions More Music offer. Having a safe and supported space for socializing, creativity and self-expression are of the utmost importance for young people’s personal, social and emotional development.

Weekly activities: Music, chatting, learning about the music industry & more.
Day of the week: Wednesdays from 4 to 7 pm
Location: 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, Lancashire. LA3 1QT.

Email [email protected] or [email protected] to sign up.

The Children & Young People section features several new opportunities for under 25s and those who work with them.

CSI Fit Body & Fit Mind (Online Nutritional Sessions) by Active Lancashire
Designed, operated and delivered by Active Lancashire, The Challenge through Sport Initiative (CSI) is an innovative behaviour change programme for people in recovery – mostly from substance and alcohol misuse but also including help for people with mental health issues, gambling addictions, isolation and just as importantly, their families.

Learn about the rules of healthy lifestyles at the coming session.

Date: 2nd December 2021
Time: 1.45pm

Click here to join – Meeting ID (374 793 4597)

You are invited to St John’s Hospice’s “Light Up A Life”
Light up a Life is a Christmas remembrance service, hosted by St John’s Hospice.

Everyone is welcome to join in, whether or not you have a connection to St John’s Hospice. There will be a mix of music, reflection and readings as we light our lights in memory of our loved ones. Light up a Life is free to attend and suitable for the whole family.

Available date: 6th December at Kendal Parish Church Kirkland, Kendal, LA9 5AF.
Time: 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm

Book your free tickets here.

New Group for Blind and Visually people in Lancaster
A new peer-led support group for blind and visually impaired people has been created by the Marsh Community Centre. There will be lots of biscuits as well as opportunities to chat and share ideas, advice and experiences.

Date: Every Monday
Time: 11 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster

For more information email [email protected] or call 07868314807

Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission – Join the conversation
Have you had enough of not being heard? Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission is inviting people who have experienced poverty to join this conversation.

These sessions will involve meeting local people in positions of power to tell your stories, challenge the stigma, change the understanding of poverty, make practical changes for the better, and help to find solutions.

Breakfast in Morecambe: every other Wednesday 9 am to 11 am.
Lunch in Lancaster: once a month 10 am to 12 pm.
Chippy tea in Lancaster: once a month, 6 pm to 8 pm.

Zoom sessions are also held once a month.

Call 07766933884 or email [email protected] for more information.

Lancaster and Morecambe Beginners Meditation at Marsh and Stanley’s Community Centres
If you’re finding yourself worrying about things, not sleeping very well, feeling on edge or just burnt out, come and try a relaxation session and see how you get on. It’s informal and friendly and you’ll be made to feel very welcome.

Day of the week: Every Wednesday
Time: 1.30 – 2.30 pm ( at Marsh Community Centre) and 11 am – 12 pm (at Stanely’s Community Centre).
Price: £5 per class or FREE for those in receipt of benefits and/or a low-income (no proof necessary).

Email [email protected] or text 07803 891650.

The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust are planning a series of organisational development workshops and seek your feedback – see their news in the Funding section.

Creating a culture of inclusion workshop by NAVCA
All NAVCA members and their network (including staff, volunteers and trustees) are welcome to attend this highly engaging and thought-provoking interactive event. This workshop is the follow up to NAVCA’s ‘How to create a culture of inclusion’ workshops.

Gamiel Yafai, Director of Diversity Marketplace will share practical steps on how to create a culture of inclusion and becoming a diversity champion or an Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) ally within your organisation.

Date 15th December 2021
Time: 11 am to 12noon
Location: Online

Register here (This event is exclusively for NAVCA members and their networks).

Time to Listen workshop by Active Lancashire
Are you new to the Welfare Officer role within a sports club environment, or has it been three years since you last attended a Time to Listen workshop?

Date: 8th January 2022
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Location: Active Lancashire, Office 3-4, Farington House, Lancashire Business Park, Leyland, PR26 6TW.
Price: £39 (eventbrite fees not included)

Click here to register.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week – Think CO
The Gas Safe Charity is offering free carbon monoxide (CO) Zoom workshops to help launch Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week on the 22nd of November.

As the days get colder and the heating is turned on, the potential risks of CO poisoning increase. The workshops last about an hour and are a mix of practical information and interaction aimed at staff and volunteers from any organisation that delivers a service in the home of a vulnerable person via face to face or telephone support.

Available dates: December 7 & 8, 9.30 to 10.30 am

Click here to book a place

The course is also delivered as e-learning which you can take at a time convenient for you, accessible by emailing Gas Safe at [email protected]

Drug Use Screening Tool Training by ‘We Are With You’ Lancashire
Join this session to learn about the Drug Use Screening Tool (DUST) and how to use it with young people. This will be an interactive session with group activities and discussions. All participants will receive a copy of the resources booklet before the training.

Date: 23rd December 2021
Time: 10 am to 12 noon

Click here to register.

Morecambe Bay Health Coaching Sessions for 2022
New dates for the 2022 Morecambe Bay Health Coaching course are now available. The course aims to equip staff to have better conversations and support people to reach their self-identified goals.

The course is highly interactive and participatory and therefore it is important that all participants have access to a camera and microphone for the duration of each session.

Date: Monthly (from January to August 2022)
Time: Varies per session

Please note that this course is made up of two sessions (3.5hours per session) and requires full attendance on both of the identified days.

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

For more information, the booking form and full 2022 schedule, email [email protected]

Young Persons Worker at We Are With You
With You in Lancashire is We Are With You’s largest young person’s substance misuse service, delivering interventions to young people up to the age of 25. The team is seeking candidates who are passionate about supporting Children and Young People, as well as developing themselves professionally.

Salary: £21,240
Type of contract: Full time
Hours per week: 37.5
Location: Preston
Closing date: 13th Decemeber 2021

Click here to download the application pack.

For more information please call Emily Brocklebank, Team Leader, on 07977 420201 (please quote the reference number – REQ00944 in all correspondence).

Caretaker at The Cornerstone Lancaster
Lancaster Methodist Church is seeking to appoint a Caretaker to work at The Cornerstone, a partnership of Lancaster Methodist Church and a number of other charities seeking to provide ‘A Safe Place in the City’.

The primary focus of this role will be to perform a wide range of duties related to the cleaning and maintenance of the building and liaising with centre users – keeping the building clean, safe and functional.

Salary: Living Wage £9.90 (per hour)
Type of contract: Temporary (initially for 3 months),
Hours per week: Part-time, 12 to 16 hours (negotiable)
Closing date: 10th December 2021
Interview date: 16th December 2021

For further information and an application form please contact the Centre Manager. Phil McGrath at [email protected] or phone 01524 840027

Re-Fresh Peer Support Group Youth Worker – CancerCare
CancerCare is recruiting a youth worker to help support and develop the peer support youth groups in Kendal and Barrow. The group is helping to support young people in coping with bereavement or diagnoses of loved ones or helping them come to terms with their own diagnosis.

Salary: £11,472
Type of contract: 12 months fixed term
Hours per week: 20 hours
Closing date: 12th December 2021

Click here to find out how to apply

Participatory Evaluation of the Supporting and Sustaining Specialism Programme
Comic Relief is seeking a UK consultant or team with expertise in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector to undertake a participatory evaluation with organisations funded through our Supporting and Sustaining Specialism Programme (co-funded with DCMS).

Comic Relief has ring-fenced funding for organisations that are led and managed by Black and minoritised women, for Black and minoritised women and girls working to end VAWG in England.

Available budget: £27,016 (including any taxes and expenses, if applicable)
Closing date: 14th December 2021.

Click here to download the participation pack.

Speciality Doctor at Change Grow Live (CGL)
CGL is looking to recruit a Specialty Doctor for the substance misuse treatment service in North Lancashire. The post holder will work under the Consultant Psychiatrist for the service and have the responsibility to work with a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care for the clients of both services.

Salary range (pro-rata if part-time): £80,000
Type of contract: Permanent employee
Hours per week: 37.50

Click here to download an application pack and apply or email [email protected] to find out more.

Social Workers at Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is recruiting new and experienced Social Workers within its Child Services department.

Starting salary range: £31,346 (with 2 years post-qualifying experience)

Click here to find out more about the vacancies or book a space to attend a virtual open day.

COVID Booster Vaccines
People aged 40 to 49 will be offered a booster of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 6 months or sooner after their second dose. Click here to book your vaccination appointment online or find a walk-in clinic here.

Home Working guidance by Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE have some useful guidance about home working as many people are moving to a more hybrid working pattern. Click here to find out about health and safety responsibilities as an employer and employee.

Wellbeing Toolkit for Charities
This toolkit aims to help leaders break down the wellbeing challenges facing themselves and their teams and quickly find high-quality resources to inspire and assist them. The resources can be used individually or put together to form the basis of a full or half-day team wellbeing session.

Click here to download the toolkit.

Mental health crisis lines – here for you and your loved ones
If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with mental health, you can contact the mental health crisis lines for help. The helpline is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services – ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment/support.

Click here to find your nearest line.

Mental Health Resources at Work
Mental Health at Work has created a toolkit for small organisations. The toolkit empowers employees to look after themselves and gives leaders the tools to support them too.

This toolkit contains:

• a handbook filled with advice and tips for small business owners and the self-employed
• a free and confidential mobile app for employees
• two practical tools to help you to start implementing change straight away.

Click here to access the toolkit.

A public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems
Better together: A public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems outlines how integrated care systems can adopt a public health model to use their budgets, powers and influence to support better mental health outcomes for all.

Involving all NHS bodies and local authorities in 42 areas covering the whole of England, integrated care systems have an increasingly important role to play in organising health and care and addressing the wider factors that influence people’s health.

Click here to read more and to find out how to join the conversation.

COVID-19 communications toolkit
Please click here for the latest version of the Cabinet Office’s COVID- 19 communications toolkit for you, your communities and your networks.

Key messages:

• Booster jabs
• Flu jabs
• Safer behaviours
• New social media assets

Community action on COVID now and for the future
What will the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic be on your community? And how are current and future community needs identified and understood?

The latest briefing from a long-term study between Big Local Trust and the Third Sector Research Centre into communities responding to COVID-19 looks at what the longer-term shadow of COVID is likely to be on communities and what they are doing now to prepare.

Impact of COVID on small charities
The Covid-19 crisis is radically reshaping the work of small charities. Around half of small charities have had to adapt or reduce the way their services are delivered, with many unfunded charities being unable to continue delivering services. Overall, small charities experienced a variation in changes to their total income in 2020, compared to 2019, reflecting the financial precarity of the sector.

Read the full report from Small Charities Data.

New guideline to help reduce health inequalities in people experiencing homelessness
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI) have jointly published a new guideline to increase the access people experiencing homelessness have to health and social care services.

Click here to find out more.

Digital tool for Universal Credit users
The process for claiming universal credit can be lengthy and complicated. That’s why Catalyst collaborated with several charities to work out how they could provide remote support for online Universal Credit claims. If you’re an organisation that works with those trying to claim Universal Credit, do have a look.

Supporting people with learning difficulties with digital passports
University Hospital of Morecambe Bay (UHMBT) has launched digital passports to support patients who have learning difficulties. A hospital passport provides important information about patients care and communications needs, including personal details, the type of medication they are taking, and any pre-existing health conditions.

Free data for charities from Vodaphone
Vodafone has launched Charities Connected, an initiative allowing UK charities to apply for free data. The aim is to help individuals and families supported by charities, as well as enable organisations to improve their digital capacity. Each SIM is loaded with 20GB of data plus unlimited texts and minutes to be used over 6 months.

Click here to complete your application.

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]

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