Information and advice for the third sector across Lancaster District – 16 Dec 21

Tackling respiratory illness this winter across the Lancaster District
Lancaster District CVS has partnered with Spring North and NHS England to support Lancaster communities in the fight against respiratory illness this winter. To help us achieve this, we are recruiting and training a team of volunteer Community Champions who will work with our communities to ensure that appropriate, up-to-date information on bronchiolitis is available, including what it is, how to spot it, and what to do if you are worried about your child.

Read more about this on our website

Become a member today, it’s FREE!
LDCVS members receive benefits including this email bulletin, funding and governance advice, volunteering support and much more – including a say in our work through consultations and the AGM.

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

Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Suicide Prevention VCSE Grant Fund by DHSC
Applications are open for grants from the £4 million fund to support suicide prevention voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The grant will support services to help meet the increased demand resulting from the pandemic and will particularly focus on organisations supporting individuals from some of the groups considered to be at higher risk of suicide, as is set out within the latest progress report.

A proportion of the grant is also available to specifically support small community-led groups and organisations that play a vital role in responding to local needs. Applications close on the 16th of January 2022.

Find more information on how to apply here

Weston Charity Awards
The Weston Awards is focused on community, welfare or youth charities with at least one paid full-time member of staff in a leadership position and an income of less than £5 million per year.
The awards will help charities to plan for sustainability, development and growth through a ten month-long programme. Award holders will finish the process stronger, more effective and fit for the future, including:

• Access to the Pilotlight 360 programme — a ten-month package of leadership coaching worth an estimated £16,000.
• Unrestricted grants of £6,500 to support the work with Pilotlight.

Applications for the 2022 Weston Charity Awards opened on the 29th of November 2021 and will close on the 7th of January 2022.

Click here to start your application.

If you need more information about the awards, register here to attend the next webinar, taking place on the 6th of January 2022 from 09:30 to 10:30.

Bay (Integrated Care Community & Primary Care Network) local investment fund round 2 (2021-22)
Bay (ICC & PCN) are delighted to be able to offer a small investment fund to organisations in the locality to help improve population health.  The deadline is tight (9am on 16 December 2021) but it should allow funding to be processed in good time before projects commence.

Applications are encouraged for projects that can help support people in our community who may be at the greatest risk of inequalities in health and/or at higher risk of harm associated with the impacts of winter.

Recent feedback to the Integrated Care System Health Equity Commission (HEC) from some partners highlighted the importance of community connections and belonging. Applications will be welcomed for initiatives that seek to include people who may be marginalised and that encourage community inclusion and spirit.

Download full information and the application form here.

Lloyds Bank Foundation
Lloyds Bank Foundation provides funding for small and local charities across England and Wales with an annual income of £25,000 to £1 million and a proven track record of helping people on a journey of positive change through in-depth, holistic and person-centred support. The funding is unrestricted and applications are open all-year round.

Check your eligibility and start your application here.

Rosa’s Rise Fund
Rosa’s Rise Fund are offering two-year grants of up to £40,000 to Black and minoritised-led women’s and girls’ organisations in the UK which have been established for three years or more, and have an average income of less than £100,000 per year.

The funding is for organisational development work relating to areas such as strategy, governance, leadership, alliances and partnerships, funding, demonstrating impact, systems and processes.

Application deadline is 10th January 2022 (grants will be paid in July 2022 and will last for 2 years).

Click here to start your application.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Volunteering Opportunity: Respiratory Infections Community Champions (RICC)
An exciting volunteering opportunity is available at Lancaster District CVS (in collaboration with Spring North and NHS England) to support communities over winter with information and advice on respiratory illness, particularly in children.

As a trained Community Champion, you will act individually and as part of a team to ensure that up-to-date and appropriate information about bronchiolitis is available as widely as possible, speaking directly to those most at-risk families with young children.

This is an opportunity that would suit students studying health and social care, or other wellbeing courses, and will be an excellent chance to put into practice some of the key skills that you will need in the future, such as communicating with a variety of people in different settings and circumstances.

Please visit the LDCVS volunteering website to find out more about the role and 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]

Administration Volunteer at Lancashire victim services
Do you have good administration and organisation skills with an eye for detail? As an admin volunteer, you will help to support the smooth running of local offices ensuring that the team can continue to provide victims and witnesses with the help they need.

Find out more about the role on the LDCVS volunteering website

Committee Member at SAFE
SAFE is seeking a committee member who can offer any amount of time with things like strategic development, expanding reach, fundraising and social media. As a committee member, you will need to be passionate about promoting positive mental wellbeing and will work collaboratively to further SAFE’s mission.

Find out more about the role on the LDCVS volunteering website

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]

The World Book Night book giveaway
The World Book Night giveaway provides books to organisations that can reach people who don’t regularly read for pleasure or have access to books. This includes libraries, prisons, hospitals, youth centres, charities and many more. Eligible organisations can apply here to receive a set of books to distribute in April 2022.

There are a limited number of books available so you are encouraged to think about how you can best reach people who don’t read or have access to books before applying. Applications are open until 28th January 2022.

Click here for more details.

If you have any questions about eligibility or applications, please contact, [email protected]

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending

Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) by Lancaster City Council
Lancaster City Council is inviting children and young people receiving free school meals to sign up to a week of winter fun with its Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

Funded by the Department for Education, the local HAF programme known as ‘Happy Healthy Holidays,’ aims to provide free, enriching activities and healthy food for children receiving benefits-related free school meals. The programme includes specific provision available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no cost. Some of the schemes are already full so early booking is advised.

Dates: 20th to 24th December 2021

Click here for more information and to book.

If you have any questions about the programme please contact [email protected]

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.

Prevent Training
Prevent Training helps to prevent extremism and radicalization in our communities. Various sessions are offered for those working in primary and  secondary schools, with young adults, and for staff or parents.

Workshops and group sessions will cover areas around:

• British values
• Extremism
• Internet safety
• Tolerance and respect
• Stereotyping
• Staying safe, and more

For more information or to book a session please contact Katy, North Prevent Delivery Officer at [email protected] or call 01254 585260.

Targeted Youth Support Events
These weekly events aim to provide support to young people.

Mondays:
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) youth group (ages 2 to 25).
Location and time: Morecambe Library from 6.15 pm too 8.30 pm

Thursdays:
IMPACT Group for young people (ages 12 to 19 and up to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disability – SEND) who may have some issues with anxiety, are missing school or have low self-confidence.

Location and time: Morecambe Library from 4 pm to 5.30 pm and Lancaster District Youth Council Morecambe Library from 6.15 pm to 8.30 pm.

For more information, please contact Claire at [email protected] or call 01524 581280

New Yoga Club for 11 to18-year-olds by Escape2Make
Escape2Make, is 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 to 18-year-olds.

Location: The Storey, Lancaster.

Click here to sign up.

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.

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.

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending

Funded session for women by The Growing Club CIC
The Growing Club is offering a funded 6-session course for women seeking employment, education, or thinking about setting up a small business.

If you have lost your job because of the pandemic, or if you are in a low paid work and you don’t know where to go next, this programme can offer the training and support you need.

Dates: January (12th, 19th & 26th) and February (2nd, 9th & 16th)
Time: Wednesday, 10 am to 12.30 pm on the listed dates
Location: Online via Zoom (details will be sent closer to the time)

Register here

Any questions? Email [email protected]

How co-ops can empower communities webinar (FREE)
This is an opportunity for groups across the Lancaster district and beyond to discover the power of co-ops to strengthen communities.

The one‑hour session will be introduced by Daniel Clarke, Community Wealth Building Officer at Lancaster City Council, and delivered by Co‑operatives UK’s Petra Morris, who’ll explain:

• How local people can form co‑ops to create solutions that meet their needs, and enrich and revitalise their neighbourhoods.
• The important role co‑operatives can play in strengthening communities, creating wealth locally and enabling people to have greater control over what happens in their area.
• The benefits of the co‑op model for empowering people at grassroots level.
• How communities can come together to take control of local assets.

Date: 3rd February 2022
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
Location: Online

Click here to book a space

Elevenses drop-in sessions by Lancaster Men’s Hub (LMH)
Elevenses drop-in runs every Friday at the Cornerstone, Sulyard Street in Lancaster.

The drop-in is run in conjunction with the Band of Brothers, whose chef, Murray Cuthbert, provides interesting soups, pasta dishes and wraps that supplement the cakes and biscuits provided by LMH and its members. This December, there will be a special collaboration between Murray and the members to provide a traditional Christmas lunch. Everyone is welcome.

Date: Every Friday (Special Christmas lunch on the 17th of December 2021)
Time: 11 pm
Location: Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster.

Lancaster’s Midwinter Market
Lancaster’s Midwinter Market will return to Lancaster’s central market square this December. The market will be showcasing local food and drink producers, woodworkers, community food projects and local craftspeople. This is an opportunity to source food and sustainable gifts for Christmas from small local businesses and community projects.

Date: 17th December 2021
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Lancaster Market Square.

Find out more at FoodFutures

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 Stanleys 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 Stanleys 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.

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending

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.

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]

Trauma Worker at Achieve Change and Engagement (ACE)
ACE is looking for an experienced, committed and motivated person to join the team to work with traumatised 10 to 18-year-olds, to support them to improve their emotional/mental health and build resilience through individual and group work. The post holder will also work with existing staff and volunteers to support and build their skills in this area of work.

Salary: £31,886 (pro-rata)
Type of contract: Part-time
Hours per week: 18.75
Location: Across Lancaster District including Morecambe and Rural areas.

Closing date: 7th January 2022
Interview dates: 12th of January (6 pm – 9 pm) or 13th of January (6 pm – 9 pm)

Click here for the person specification.

To apply for this post please send a letter of application that addresses the person specification criteria and a brief CV including the names, addresses and e-mail addresses of two referees to [email protected] or by post to Achieve Change and Engagement,18 Sun Street
Lancaster, LA1 1EW.

Finance Manager at More Music
More Music is seeking a finance manager to join the team to lead on finance, supporting the Executive Director. The successful applicant should have relevant understanding of complex funding and finance in the charitable arts sector including dealing with multiple revenue streams.

Salary: £30,000 – £33,000 (pro-rata)
Hours of work: 21 hours per week
Closing Date: 20th December 2021
Interview date: from 12th January 2022

Find out more here.

Completed applications should be sent by email to [email protected]

Project Support Officer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals
Lancaster Teaching Hospital is looking for a Project Support Officer to support the Project Management Team. The ideal candidate will make a difference by providing continuity, support and an efficient and effective administrative service.

Salary: £22,549 to £24,882 (pro-rata)
Type of contract: Fixed-term: 13 months
Hours per week: 37.5 (full – time)
Closing date: 22nd December 2021.

Start your online application here.

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
The COVID booster programme is being rapidly extended through the age groups. Click here to check eligibility and 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: Important update from Lancashire’s Directors of Public Health
Please read the update from Lancashire’s Directors of Public Health on the government’s decision to move to Plan B here.

Build the right support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people

Complete the survey here

The Government wants to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. To achieve this, the Advisory Board has asked people with lived experience from the health and wellbeing alliance to work with the Local Government Association (LGA) Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and Care Quality Commission (CQC) to find out what people think good support looks like. The survey closes on the 7th of January 2022.

If you know of anyone who would like to contribute, please share the survey link with them. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the survey.

COVID-19 Communications Toolkit
The latest toolkit published by the Cabinet Office (9 December 2021) can be downloaded here.

Safeguarding for charities and trustees
The Charity Commission has recently updated its guidance on safeguarding in voluntary sector organisations. Find out about your responsibilities to keep everyone who comes into contact with your charity safe from harm: this includes volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. Click here to read more.

Start-up Toolbox for New Non-profit
The Start-up Toolbox has important information which can help make your new non-profit a success. Find resources to help register your charity, register with HMRC and more. There is also a substantial selection of fundraising, governance, strategy and other guides.

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.

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:

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]

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