Information and advice for the third sector across Lancaster District – 17 Nov 21
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. Previous editions of this bulletin are available by emailing [email protected] and are also available online, here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
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.
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 current funding focus is on organisations that deal with or address the following categories:
- Food banks
- Toy banks
- Poverty relief
- Housing and accommodation
The deadline for applications is 31 December 2021. Click here to find out how to apply.
Connect Fund
The Connect Fund was established as the social investment infrastructure fund. Its objective is to improve the social investment (SI) market in England by supporting and strengthening infrastructure, so it can better meet the needs of charities and social enterprises.
The Connect Fund currently has four programme areas – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Post Covid-19 Recovery; Peer Networks and Challenge Funds. The Fund does not provide grants and/or social investment to frontline charities or social enterprises for direct service delivery unless the proposal is directly linked to improving the social investment market in England.
Click here to apply or find out more, or email [email protected]
Step Change – Resilience and wellbeing support by Francis C Scott Charitable Trust
As a local funder with around ninety active grants, FCSCT has a lot of conversations with community organisations and charities who have been weathering the storm in all sorts of different ways.
One of the concerns raised is the human effects of the crisis on charities, their organisations, and their teams – at all levels. Some experience tension and challenges bringing teams back together after periods of furlough, for others there is anxiety about returning to an office environment or directly delivering programmes with groups of people. And for senior leaders and Trustees, the strain of navigating their organisations through 18 months of heightened levels of uncertainty and dynamic change. All these factors risk the health and sustainability of our vital community organisations.
FCSCT is therefore encouraging eligible organisations (those who fit the existing FCSCT eligibility criteria, which can be found here) to apply for up to £4,000 as part of the existing Step Change programme, specifically to help address these needs.
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.
Click here to start your application.
For guidance and advice, please get in touch with the team at FCSCT by calling 01539 742608, or emailing Helen or Kevin on: [email protected] or [email protected]
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.
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.
Treasurer at Escape2Make
Escape2Make (E2M) is recruiting a Treasurer to volunteer several hours a month to help with its next development phase.
E2M offer creative activities (ranging from ice-cream making to engineering) via local artists, businesses and national businesses to help young people with their wellbeing and life chances.
Click here to find out about the role and apply, or contact [email protected]
Lancaster District Volunteer Centre
We can help you find new volunteers. Register your voluntary roles online with us to reach the widest possible audience.
The Lancaster District Volunteer Centre provides support services for all not-for-profit organisations, helping them to recruit, train and retain quality volunteers.
The registration process is quick and easy. Our Volunteer Centre manager, Mark, will contact you to discuss your volunteer requirements, whether straightforward recruitment and promotion of roles, training, or anything else related to volunteer engagement.
If you would like to ask questions or just have a chat about your requirements, you can contact Mark by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01524 555900.
Morecambe Inter-Agency Forum (MIG)
MIG is an informal gathering of representatives (paid and unpaid) from voluntary and statutory organisations who deliver services to the community. It provides an informal network open to all organisations and agencies working in the community sector, and its is a great forum for information sharing and offers an opportunity to develop joint initiatives.
MIG sessions are normally held every two months at different locations in Morecambe but for time being, this is being held online.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 24th November, 12.30 – 2.30. Please email [email protected] for more information or to be added to the mailing list.
Children Young People Multi-Agency Forum
The CYPMAF provides a valuable opportunity for people working with children and young people in the district to share information ideas and keep n touch with other organisations.
This forum is open to anyone working with children, young people and families. The next meeting is taking place on Wednesday 1st December, 9.30am – 11am online (for now).
If you wish to attend or be added to the mailing list, please email [email protected]
Wellbeing Day for Women in Business
The Growing Club is organising a day of wellbeing events: making, movement, meditation and meaningful conversations to help women to manage the stress from this challenging year.
Date: 1st December 2021
Time 9.45 am – 3.15 pm
Location: The Storey, 27 Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TH.
Ticket: £5.98 (If you are in financial hardship, please request a free place by emailing [email protected])
NCVO – Vision for Volunteering workshops
Vision for Volunteering is a new collaboration between NAVCA, Volunteering Matters, the Association of Volunteer Managers, NCVO and Sport England.
These workshops will help to inform England’s Vision for Volunteering; a cross-sector consultation designed to develop a shared, actions-focused plan on volunteering.
Next workshop: 23rd November (for under 25s)
Time: 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm
Lancaster and Morecambe Beginners Meditation at Marsh and Stanley’s Community Centre
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.
November Open Evening at Lancaster & Morecambe College
The November Open Evening is the perfect chance to tour Lancaster & Morecambe College campus, get a feel for College life, and chat to tutors and current students about the courses available including full time study, apprenticeships, and traineeships.
Date: 16th November 2021
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Venue: Lancaster & Morecambe College
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
“Chameleon: The New Age” event – inviting young creatives to participate
Young people from Morecambe and Lancaster are organising a fundraising event to raise awareness of how the creative arts can support positive mental health. The event is organised by young producers from across the region: More Music’s More Media Collective, Lancashire Youth Challenge and the Mental Health Champions Network, in response to the decline in young people’s mental health post lockdown.
Event date: 3rd December 2021
Time: 6 pm
If you are aged under 25 and would like to perform at the event, email [email protected] with information about you and your performance. If you have video or audio recordings please send those along too.
Invitation to participate in focus groups from Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan
The Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) business engagement team will be hosting a range of face-to-face and online events to give you a chance to have your say.
Available dates: 18th – 26th November
Time: varied by date.
Click here to view all the focus group sessions and book a place.
Lancashire LGBT: LGBT+ Mental Health Hour on Trans Mental Health
Lancashire LGBT’s next Mental Health Hour will focus on Trans mental health to mark Trans Day of Remembrance 2021. The webinar will feature Dr Jay McNeil, Clinical Psychologist and trans rights advocate, talking with support worker Beth Meadows.
Date: 25th November 2021
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Location: Zoom
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
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.
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.
Wednesdays from 4 to 7 pm
13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, Lancashire. LA3 1QT.
Click here to view the full list of activities.
Email [email protected] or [email protected] to sign up.
Safeguarding & Protecting Children course by Active Lancashire
This workshop aims to increase the awareness of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, 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
Note: Price £39 (not including Eventbrite fees)
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, or to a booking form and full 2022 schedule, email [email protected]
Become a Vaccine Community Champion
The NHS and local authorities are looking for people who want to support their friends, family, neighbours, and community by sharing information and talking about Covid-19 and the vaccine in a way that helps people feel supported, make informed choices, and stay safe.
Date: 25 November
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
Location: Microsoft Teams
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: November 23, 25 & December 7 & 8, 9.30 to 10.30 am
The course is also delivered as an e-learning course you can take at a time convenient for you, accessible by emailing Gas Safe at [email protected]
Boxing 4 Fitness Activator Course by Active Lancashire
The Boxing 4 Fitness Activator has been developed by StreetGames in partnership with England Boxing. The workshop will provide volunteers, young people, community workers, leaders and sports coachers with the skills needed to deliver NON-CONTACT boxing for fitness sessions in their local community.
Date: 27th November 2021, 10am – 1pm
Venue: Gregson Arts & Community Centre, 33-35 Moor Gate, Lancaster LA1 3PY
Cost: £60pp
Email Abi to book a space: [email protected] or call 01772 299838.
Free Funds Online webinar from the Directory of Social Change (DSC)
Join DSC’s Funds Online expert George Knight for a 30-minute webinar exploring some tips and tricks to help get you access to the funding you need. The session will explore everything from completing a basic search to saving funds and search results.
Date: 20th November 2021, 12.30 to 1 pm
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Escape2Make are looking for a Treasurer
See Volunteering section for further information.
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.
Finance & Office Manager at Global Link
Global Link is seeking a permanent part-time Finance & Office Manager. Global Link is a Development Education Centre (DEC) based in Lancaster, UK. They run workshops, exhibitions, training and other events in schools, colleges and the wider community on global citizenship issues such as diversity, human rights, migration, fairtrade, climate change and sustainable development. They also provide a range of support services and integration activities for refugees and asylum seekers.
Salary: £25,160 – £31,629 pro-rata plus a 5% contribution towards a designated pension fund.
Hours of work: 14 hours per week (Flexi-work hours)
Closing date: 22nd November 2021
Click here to download the job application pack
Bar Manager at The Gregson Centre
The Gregson Community Association is seeking to appoint a Bar Manager to develop and manage the bar and catering operation at the Gregson Community Centre in Lancaster. The Bar Manager will be one of two senior staff members at The Gregson and will play a key role in helping the charity return to full operation following the COVID-enforced closure.
Salary: £30,000 p.a.
Closing date: 29th November 2021
Interview date: 4th December 2021
Click here to find out more about the role and to download an application pack.
Charity Retail Shop Manager at Active Lancashire
Salary: £19,312 – £21, 748 (SCP 5-11)
Hours of work: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
Term: Fixed Term for 12 months, starting in November 2021
Location: Accrington
Closing date: 19th November 2021
Click here to find out how to apply
Wellbeing Day for Women in Business
1 December 2021
See Events section for more information
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.
New Living Wage rates for 2021/22
Over 300,000 people working for almost 9,000 real Living Wage Employers throughout the country are set for a vital pay boost as the new Living Wage rates rise to £9.90 across the UK (40p increase), and £11.05 in London (20p increase), supporting workers and families. The Living Wage rates are the only rates independently calculated based on what people need to live on.
Click here to read the report.
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.
Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan
The Lancashire Local Skills Improvement Plan mass survey aims to help shape technical skills provision to meet future business needs. Please complete the survey to help make the transformational change Lancashire firms deserve.
Click here to complete the survey.
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.
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.
Lancaster District CVS – We are here to help
If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, doing payroll and independent examinations of accounts, funding guidance and support, governance advice, or just 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]
