LDCVS Bulletin: 10 April 2026

Find out more about this funding opportunity

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Morecambe Bay PCC VCFSE Support Fund
Short-term funding of up to £2,000 is available to support community-led activities that work with or complement general practice in improving health and wellbeing and contributing to the three “shifts” at the heart of the NHS 10-year plan:

From sickness to prevention: supporting people and communities to stay well and prevent ill health before it develops or worsens.
From hospital to community: providing more care, support and wellbeing activity closer to where people live.
From analogue to digital: improving access to services, information and support through digital approaches where appropriate.

Grants are available to VCFSE organisations in North Lancashire and South Cumbria (the Lancaster City Council area, South Lakeland, Barrow and Millom).

Apply from 1 April 2026 until 30 April 2026 (11.59pm).

Activities must have been completed by 31 August 2026 with reports due by 30 September 2026.

This fund is administered with support from Lancaster District CVS and Cumbria CVS, in partnership with the South Cumbria VCFSE Gateway.

Find out more and apply

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Morecambe Town Council Grants Fund Opens for 2026
Applications are now open for Morecambe Town Council’s Community Grants Fund, offering local organisations the chance to secure support for projects that strengthen communities across the town. With a refreshed process and online application now in place, groups are being encouraged to take a careful look at the updated criteria and plan ahead to avoid last minute hurdles.

Date & time: deadline Monday 18 May 2026 12:00

Find out more here

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Youth Music Trailblazer Fund Invites Applications
The Youth Music Trailblazer Fund is now open, supporting organisations to create more inclusive music opportunities for children and young people facing barriers. With a clear focus on testing new ideas and strengthening grassroots delivery, the fund backs projects that help young people make, learn or earn in music while shaping activity alongside them. Priority is being given to smaller organisations ready to innovate and respond to lived experience.

Deadline 10 April 2026 17:00
Find out more and apply

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Lancaster University Community Fund Opens
Applications are now open for the latest round of Lancaster University’s Community Benefit Fund, offering local groups a share of funding generated through the university’s wind turbine. With up to £20,000 available each year, the fund continues to back community led and environmentally focused projects that make a tangible difference across the district, particularly those strengthening local spaces and sustainability.

Date & time: deadline Friday 3 July 2026
Location: Lancaster district (south and east of the River Lune)
Explore this local funding opportunity

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Funding to Get Your Data House in Order
For organisations who know their data protection could do with a bit of tightening up but never quite get round to it, this one lands at just the right time. The DPO Centre is offering grants to help charities and not for profits bring in expert support, build confidence around compliance and take away some of that lingering risk that quietly sits in the background. It is a practical opportunity to strengthen systems, protect your organisation and build trust with the people you work with.

Deadline: 31 May 2026.

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Funding Support for Young People Facing Tough Times
There is fresh funding on the table for organisations standing alongside children and young people navigating some of life’s hardest challenges. The 7Stars Foundation has opened its latest round, backing work that supports those experiencing issues such as abuse, homelessness and caring responsibilities, with a strong focus this time on inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ young people. It is a meaningful opportunity for groups making a real difference on the ground, whether through direct support or wider change.

Deadline: 12 April 2026.

Find out more about the social impact grant
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Free Monthly Grant Pack for CICs
For anyone supporting CICs who are constantly chasing funding leads, this is a really helpful find. GrantNest is quietly doing the legwork by pulling together verified UK grants that CICs can actually apply for, all in one simple monthly pack. It is independently curated using official funder sources, easy to dip into and completely free, making it a handy go to for organisations who do not have hours to spare searching. Definitely one to share with your networks.

See the Grant Nest flyer here

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Pots of Possibility Community Pots Opened 16 March
The Community Pots strand of the Pots of Possibility grant programme has returned for a fourth round, look for creative ideas that help communities and the environment to flourish.

Community Pots is delivered by LDCVS in partnership with LESS. We’re looking for project ideas that fit one or more of the Closing Loops themes:

Repair: Reusing, repurposing and repairing materials currently going to waste (e.g. textiles, electronics, packaging, surplus food, etc)
Shared Resources & Community Space: Sharing resources (e.g. tools, materials, skills, etc) or repurposing unused space for community benefit
Communications, Arts & Festivals: Inspiring people to use and buy things more sustainably and to produce less waste
Food Related Projects: Growing, cooking and eating food that’s local, seasonal and sustainably produced

We’re also keen to encourage applications for projects taking place in Carnforth, and rural areas of the district. We’d also love to see ideas relating to some kinds of regenerative activities that haven’t yet been funded. These include community-led sustainable housing, energy or transport initiatives and repurposing unused space for community benefit.

This third round has opened for applications between 16 March and 30 April, providing grants of up to £5,000 for projects taking place anywhere in the Lancaster district (Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and all the surrounding rural areas).

If you’d like to talk to us about your ideas, there are four drop-in sessions coming up:

Monday 13 April 14.00-16.00: The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX
Tuesday 21 April 15.30-17.30: Carnforth Library, 65 Lancaster Road, Carnforth LA5 9DZ

Visit the Pots of Possibility page on our website to find out more and apply.

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New Funding for Women’s Football!
Sported is delighted to be able to support community groups to deliver women’s football thanks to funding from The FA’s Just Play programme, a national initiative designed to increase football participation among women aged 18+.

The Just Play programme is a national initiative led by The FA (England Football) to support informal, recreational football for adults. It provides a fun and welcoming environment for participants to engage in football, regardless of their fitness level or previous experience.

This opportunity specifically supports Just Play Kickabout sessions for WOMEN AGED 18+ ONLY, which are designed to be a social and low-pressure ‘turn up and play’ offer, prioritising enjoyment and regular participation over competition.

They are offering:

£500 funding

£250 worth of vouchers for kit and equipment

The use of “Book Football” to manage your sessions and participants. Your sessions will also be displayed on the England Football Find Football tool, to support your participant recruitment. (You can choose to hide your sessions if you do not wish to have them displayed publicly)

Apply now!

Closing date: 9am on Friday 12^th June

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

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West End Morecambe Solidarity Fund
West End Morecambe Big Local have asked LDCVS to establish the West End Morecambe Solidarity Fund. Through this fund, community organisations can access money to buy goods and services on behalf of individuals or families living in the West End Morecambe Big Local area, supporting them with urgent needs up to the value of £250.

The fund is open for applications now. Decisions will be made shortly after applications are received (within two weeks on average) and the opportunity will remain open until all the funds have been granted. You can find out more information and read a guidance document by visiting www.lancastercvs.org.uk/wemsf

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Lancaster City Council Household Support Fund
Lancaster City Council, in partnership with North Lancashire Citizens Advice, has reopened its Household Support Fund to assist residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the scheme provides longer-term support for eligible individuals aged 16+ living in the Lancaster District who are facing financial hardship. Assistance may cover essentials such as utility bills, food, appliances, and housing costs. Applicants must not have received support from the fund in the past six months and will be required to engage with Citizens Advice for assessment and benefit checks.

Households will only be able to submit one application between April 1st 2025 -March 31st 2026.

Find out more about the LCC Household Support Fund

Sector News, Resources & Reports

DfE Opens the Door Wider to VCSE
There’s a clear signal from the Department for Education with its first VCSE action plan setting out how it intends to make it easier for the sector to step into public contracts and shape delivery. With a stronger focus on removing barriers and recognising the value of community rooted organisations, this feels like a practical shift toward more inclusive commissioning that better reflects the strengths of the sector.

Read more here

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Good Things Collective Opens Community Café in Morecambe
Exciting news for Good Things Collective CIC, who are bringing a new community café to life at Good Things Studios in Morecambe, shaping a space where food, creativity and connection sit side by side. Designed with the community at its core, the Good Things Café will be co-created with local people through shared meals, pop ups and hands on sessions, with a longer-term ambition to grow into a worker owned cooperative rooted in the Bay. The invitation is open now for people to step in and help shape what it becomes.

Find out more and how to get involved

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Have Your Say on the Future of Lancaster City Museum
There’s a real opportunity here to help shape what the City Museum could become for the whole district. As plans for redevelopment gather pace, local voices are being invited to step in and show their support through a short survey that will help strengthen a major funding bid. It’s a simple ask, but one that could play a big part in securing investment and making sure the museum reflects the stories and communities it serves.

Date & time: survey open now
Complete the survey here

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Toolkit Supports Community Action This Season
A new Big Lunch and Big Help Out toolkit is now available to support organisations and community groups in bringing people together and strengthening local connections. Designed as a practical resource, it offers ideas and guidance to help make community activity easier to plan and more impactful, with partners encouraged to share it widely and build momentum for collective action across neighbourhoods.

Date & time: available now
Access the toolkit here

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Morecambe Town of Culture 2028
Lancaster District Arts Partners are keen to work with partners from across Morecambe and the district, to create a compelling application for an Expression of Interest to become UK Town of Culture in 2028. Three towns will be selected for the programme, with the two runners up receiving £250,000 and the winning town receiving £3m to invest in a year of culture in 2028. A small bid writing team of cultural organisations from Morecambe including Deco Publique, Morecambe Winter Gardens and More Music has been assembled to scope the feasibility. They are seeking input from a wide range of partners from across

Morecambe and the district to ensure the Expression of Interest includes a broad range of voices and input to enable them to tell the most compelling and exciting story.

There is an online portal where they are collecting ideas about the programme and they’d value your input. You can find the form here: Morecambe Town of Culture – Information Gathering – Fill in form

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BayShare Launching a New Library of Things Network
A new community sharing initiative is beginning to take shape across the district as BayShare prepares to launch a Libraries of Things network helping local people save money space and waste by borrowing everyday items instead of buying them. The project is bringing together partners including Lancaster Community Makerspace and Lancaster City Council with hopes that more groups will join the network once it launches. Residents and organisations interested in borrowing sharing or already lending items are invited to get involved and help shape the future of this community led initiative.

Show your interest here

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Shaping Lancashire’s Future: Local Government Reform Briefing
Lancaster CVS Chief Executive Yakub Patel recently joined with partners from across the county for a Local Government Reorganisation stakeholder briefing that explored what the next chapter of local governance in Lancashire might look like. The session offered a clear walk through of the Government’s statutory consultation, the different proposals being considered and the wider ambition to create stronger unitary councils that can support communities, improve services and unlock opportunity across the county. With consultation now open, organisations and residents alike are being encouraged to share their views and help shape how local government in Lancashire evolves in the years ahead.

To rewatch the session, you can access the link to the recording here
To view the proposals, follow this link
Take a look at the stakeholder briefing slides

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Lancaster Local Takes on the Arctic for Citizens Advice
Lancaster’s own Phil McGrath is taking on an extraordinary challenge — the Arctic Half Marathon in Spitsbergen on 6 June 2026 — to raise vital funds for Citizens Advice North Lancashire. Running across ice and snow in sub-zero conditions, Phil’s mission is deeply personal. While undergoing his own cancer journey, he’s determined to support others facing the same battles, raising awareness of the practical and emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis.

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, and independent advice on everything from benefits and debt to employment and housing — a lifeline for many people coping with illness. Phil’s fundraising goal is £1,000, helping ensure this crucial service can continue supporting those who need it most.

Support Phil’s journey
Event: Arctic Half Marathon, Spitsbergen – 6 June 2026

Volunteering

Camp Jojo Calls for Summer Volunteers
There’s a call out from Camp Jojo in Cumbria as they look to bring in volunteers to support their Summer camps for families caring for children with complex needs. It’s a chance to be part of something genuinely meaningful, helping create space for rest, joy and connection while being fully supported along the way.

Opportunity available from 31 July to 30 August 2026
Location: Cumbria
Visit this link to get involved

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Morecambe Maritime Festival Volunteering Opportunities
The festival is on the hunt for dedicated volunteers to help them develop and deliver their community celebration of Morecambe’s maritime heritage. This is a chance to be a part of a growing community event while developing new and existing skills.

Assist in the planning and organization of festival activities.

Engage with the local commununity and festival performers and attendees, providing information and support.

Help set up and manage various festival venues and activities.

Contribute to the  smooth running of the event on the day.

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Education Volunteers with CAFOD in Cumbria Schools
CAFOD Education Volunteers inspire children and young people by visiting schools to deliver assemblies and interactive classroom sessions. Using CAFOD-provided resources, you will help schools explore global justice issues and encourage them to take action for a fairer world.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children, communicating confidently, and supporting schools to engage with social justice and global learning.

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Community Engagement Volunteer with LSCFT
The aim of this role is to support the Engagement Officer to listen to the voices of service users, carers, families and communities. The Community Engagement Volunteer will help LSCFT to gather feedback, raise awareness of services, and promote involvement opportunities in a welcoming and inclusive way.

This is a non clinical role and is ideal for individuals who are passionate about community wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health, and improving services through lived experience and feedback.

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Non-Executive Directors at Wildlife Wellbeing Walks
Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC is a community interest company delivering non-clinical, preventative wellbeing support through gentle, wildlife-led walking experiences. The organisation supports mental and emotional wellbeing by helping people slow down, reconnect with nature, and build calm, confidence, and connection within their local community.

The CIC is looking for non-executive directors to provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and governance support to ensure Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC remains purpose-led, well-governed, financially sustainable and aligned with its community benefit objectives.

Directors are not involved in day-to-day operations but play a crticial role in challenge, support and stewardship of the organisation.

Wildlife Wellbeing Walks is also looking for a non-executive director to specifically focus on the CIC’s finance function by providing strategic financial oversight and challenge to ensure Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC remains financially sustainable, compliant, and aligned with its community purpose as it grows its wildlife-focused wellbeing work. The director will focus on financial oversight and sustainability, strategic support, and governance and compliance.

Access the application form here
View the recruitment poster here

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Do You Need Admin/IT Volunteers?
More and more people are asking for opportunities to maintain or build their office/admin/IT skills but there seem to be fewer and fewer of these roles around. If your organisation or project would welcome new volunteers to support your office administration please let the Volunteer Centre know. We have people looking for these types of roles right now who might be interested in supporting your organisation!

Microsoft Office and similar packages
Spreadsheets and databases
General office administration
Reception and telephone roles

Please email [email protected] if you can offer an opportunity to a new volunteer.

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Lancaster Arts Advisory Board Chair Vacancy
Lancaster Arts is seeking a new Chair of the Advisory Board.

They are looking for someone who is curious and enthusiastic about working alongside them to champion an arts organisation that presents and supports high-quality artwork outside urban environments, and to help them navigate the intersection of higher education and the arts.

For more details, please visit their website or share this on social media

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Lay Member – Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board
Are you looking for a voluntary position where your voice can help shape safeguarding arrangements and improve outcomes for adults at risk? If so, an opportunity has arisen for committed members of the public to join the Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as a Lay Member. This role provides an independent community perspective, offering constructive challenges and helping ensure the Board’s work is transparent and accessible.

Some aspects of this role include:

Attending and contributing to LSAB meetings (approximately six per year)

Providing independent oversight and challenge to Board discussions and decisions

Promoting links between the Board and local communities

Please see attached job description, advert and how to apply by 10^th of April 2026

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Summer Placements Needed for Psychology Students
We are excited to share an opportunity for voluntary sector organisations in the Lancaster District to benefit from Lancaster University’s MSc Psychology & Behavioural Analytics students through a14-week summer placement.

The students are trained in advanced data analysis and can help your organisation by examining social media trends, smartphone data, CCTV footage, and more to provide actionable insights. Whether you want to understand your community better, strengthen a funding bid, or evaluate your service impact, a student placement could offer valuable support.

How It Works:
• Projects: Must involve behavioural analytics and be meaningful to your organisation.
• Process: Students apply, are interviewed by host organisations, and receive academic supervision.
• Timing: Placements run from June to August, with preparations taking place from March to May.
• Benefits: Students bring fresh perspectives and data expertise, and past placements have even led to employment opportunities.

Find Out More:
If you would like to know more, please contact Dr Simon Tomlinson ([email protected]) who will be very pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Simon has informed us that the students have started to apply for available project opportunities, so, if you are interested, then it would be great to hear from you soon.

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LDFJP are Recruiting Trustees!
An opportunity has arisen to join the board of trustees at Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership to guide the partnership’s strategic direction and make positive change. Do you have a passion for food justice and community resilience? This is a great opportunity for members of the community to help steer the direction of the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership as the organisation enter a new phase of becoming a charity. You will act as an ambassador for the LDFJP and provide guidance in various decision-making processes as well as developing and overseeing the overall strategy of the organisation.

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Volunteer Driver with Age UK Lancashire
Do you have access to a vehicle which can tow a trailer? Age UK Lancashire are looking for a volunteer driver to help support their annual canoe challenge. THe volunteer will help reduce the number of trips their canoe instructor needs to do on the day, as they currently have to make several trips back and forth from Lancaster to Southport.

Apply via the National Autistic Society website.

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Branch Treasurer Volunteer – Lancaster and Morecambe (National Autistic Society)
A vital role within the branch, the Branch Treasurer Volunteer will be looking after all finances of the branch. As our branches are financially independent and rely on local fundraising to keep themselves running, they can’t operate without a Treasurer.

You will be responsible for monitoring branch finances, with full guidance and training provided. The role is fully supported by a designated Senior Branch Engagement Officer, as well as a Finance and Admin Officer, so you will not be doing it alone.

Applicants must live locally, in Lancaster or Morecambe.

Location: Morecambe (community-based)
Minimum age: 18
Training: eLearning modules to be completed before starting
1 open space available

By applying, your application will be shared with the volunteer Branch Chair in line with GDPR.

If you’re organised, trustworthy and keen to support a well-established local branch, this is a fantastic way to make a real difference in your community.

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Branch Secretary Volunteer – Lancaster and Morecambe (National Autistic Society)
Working for the same organisation but carrying out different tasks, the Branch Secretary Volunteer plays an important role in keeping the branch organised and connected. You will be checking bulletins and newsletters that come through, circulating information, helping ensure updates are put on the website, and taking meeting minutes at branch committee meetings. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute your thoughts on future branch activities.

The role is fully supported by the regional Senior Branch Engagement Officer and other branch volunteers. Full guidance and training will be provided for everything you need to do, so you’ll feel confident in the role.

This position is mainly home-based, with travel required to attend branch meetings. Time is flexible, as required to manage emails and branch communications.

Location: Morecambe (community-based)
Minimum age: 18
Training: eLearning modules to be completed before starting
Agreed expenses reimbursed for branch events
1 open space available

Applicants must live locally to the branch (Lancaster or Morecambe). By applying, your application will be shared with the volunteer Branch Chair in line with GDPR.

If you’re organised, reliable and good at communication, this is a great opportunity to support a local branch and make a positive difference in your community.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Garstang Social Group Volunteers with Galloways
Galloways run a social group for blind and partially sighted people, helping them to enjoy social and peer-support groups and activities. They are looking for volunteers to help to create and maintain a supportive environment, to keep the conversation flowing, make brews, guide people and be a friendly voice.

The group meets on alternate Fridays, 10.30am – 12.30pm with support from Galloways’ staff.

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Community Champions with CancerCare
Community Champion volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness of cancer, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging people to take part in routine screening. They act as a trusted voice within their community, helping to break down stigma, share simple and accessible health messages, and empower people to seek support when they have concerns about their health.

As a Volunteer Community Champion, you will work closely with CancerCare, community partners, and local organisations to engage people in meaningful conversations about cancer prevention, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early action.

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Committee Members at Warton Preschool

Warton pre-school is a small pre-school based in the village of Warton in North Lancashire. The pre-school is located within the grounds of Warton Archbishop Hutton’s primary school but is run separately as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

The school is looking for volunteers to join their committee, preferably with experience in early years education or finance. The time commitment is around 1 – 2 hours per week.

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Volunteering: Reimagined – Practical Insight and Inspiration for Volunteer Managers

The Access Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of business software for charities, non-profits, and membership organisations, has produced a guide to ‘reiagining’ volunteering in a world where the ‘attention economy’ is key – how do you get people’s attention and keep them engaged when so much else is occupying their time and their mind?

This guide seeks to address some of those challenges and you might find it useful. You can access the guide HERE.

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Volunteer for Let’s BeFriends
Let’s BeFriends is a lived experience support organisation that supports people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or have recently been rehoused after a period of homeless. Volunteer befrienders receive full training and the opportunity to work across sectors including with drug and alcohol support services, supported housing services, local authorities and more. Many past volunteers with Let’s BeFriends have gone on to paid work as a result of the valuable experiences that they have gained through volunteering, with new education and training opportunities for volunteers always considered. If you are interested in volunteering with Let’s BeFriends you can find out more here.

Let’s BeFriends is also looking for new trustees

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Independent Monitors for prisons and immigration
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are recruiting volunteers across the UK. IMB members are ordinary people who monitor the treatment and conditions of people in custody and ensure standards of fairness and decency.

IMB volunteers have unique access to prisons and immigration detention centres, speaking to those in custody and staff, observing daily life, and reporting on what they find.

Previous experience is not required as full training and mentoring is given. Time commitment is for 2-3 visits a month.

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Trustee Opportunities (up to 3 roles) – Lagan’s Foundation
Lagan’s Foundation is seeking up to three new Trustees to join its Board at a pivotal stage of growth. This voluntary role offers the chance to help shape the charity’s strategic direction, support strong governance and champion high-quality support for families caring for children with complex health needs, while working within a collaborative and values-led Board.

Info: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses covered) Trustee position, ongoing
Location: Horwich (Board meetings based locally, some flexibility expected)
Closing date: Not specified (applications encouraged as soon as possible

For further information, contact: [email protected]

Explore this opportunity

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Volunteer Reading Coaches with Read Easy
Read Easy provides free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults who want to improve their reading. In Lancaster and Low Furness, they’re looking for volunteer Reading Coaches so more local adults can get the support they’ve often missed out on and gain the skills and confidence that make everyday life easier.

As a Reading Coach, you’ll be matched with one adult Reader and meet twice a week for 30 minutes, in an agreed safe venue. You’ll use Read Easy’s phonics-based Turning Pages manuals and resources, following a clear step-by-step approach. Training is provided by Read Easy UK in four online sessions, and you’ll be supported by a local Coordinator and the wider team.

Take a look for full details.

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Social Supermarket Volunteers with Warrior Down LERO CIC
The Warrior Down Social Supermarket provides affordable, high-quality products to people in recovery, those facing financial hardship, and anyone who needs a hand up. Volunteers are at the heart of making this possible.

As a volunteer, you’ll help create a warm, welcoming environment where every person is treated with respect. Tasks may include:

Supporting customers on the shop floor
Stocking shelves and organising stock deliveries
Helping maintain a clean, safe, and friendly space
Offering a listening ear and signposting where appropriate
Working alongside people with lived experience in a supportive, recovery-focused team

Volunteering is flexible, with opportunities across the week. Find out more and register.

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Monthly Volunteer Drop-ins

Over the last month we have begun new, regular drop-ins for potential volunteers, giving greater access to people who want to get involved in community activities. From January 2026 we’ll have a monthly drop-in on campus for students and staff at Lancaster University, and at St Thomas’s Church for refugees and asylum seekers. This adds to our already regular drop-in at Morecambe Job Centre, and we’ll be launching a regular drop-in at our Morecambe hub at The Link on West Street in Morecambe’s West End.

All this means that there are ever greater numbers of new potential volunteers to support your projects. So if you need volunteers, let us know! If you think that you might benefit from engaging some volunteers but you haven’t yet done so and would like to discuss how to go about it, drop Mark an email at [email protected]

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Volunteer with The Well Communities

You can now apply for the volunteer receptionist role and the connection cafe support role on our website.

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Under 18 Volunteering
We’ve had a slowdown to our regular call for opportunities for under 18s to volunteer, but we continue to receive requests for roles for people between 14 and 17 years old, so if you have any roles for under 18s to support your organisation or project, please let us know.

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

We would love to be able to support these motivated and enthusiastic young people, so please get in touch with your ideas

Please email [email protected] with the details.

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Volunteers Needed for Winter Community Meals Programme
The Food Justice Partnership is putting together a programme of free community meals and pop-up food clubs to support local residents over Christmas and New Year, and they’re calling for volunteers to help make it happen. They’re also keen to hear from any groups interested in hosting their own winter meal during the festive period. Anyone able to lend a hand or find out more can register their interest via the link provided.

Click here to help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Training

New! Free or discounted compliance training for LDCVS members
We have partnered with VSL Learning who offer high-quality, CPD-certified training for charities in:

Safeguarding adults (level 2)
Safeguarding children (level 2)
GDPR compliance
Cyber security

As long as your organisation has a turnover of under £100,000, just mention LDCVS when you book and it will be free. If your turnover is higher, you still qualify for a 25% discount. Find out more about the courses here. Email [email protected] to book or for further information.

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

The cost of the session is £45.

2 May, 10am – 4:30pm, The Cornerstone (Lancaster LA1 1PX)

Book for 2 May

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ASIST Suicide Prevention Training
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a widely-used suicide prevention workshop that teaches practical intervention skills for supporting someone at risk of suicide.

The two-day workshop focuses on suicide intervention skills rather than just awareness. It’s delivered interactively with practical exercises, discussion, role-play and skills practice, all of which helps build confidence.

ASIST trains participants to recognise, ask about, and respond to suicide risk using practical skills and a structured intervention approach. This training aims to ensure participants are comfortable offering suicide first-aid support and can apply the skills in real life when needed.

Attendees must pay a £50 deposit at the time of booking which is returned immediately after full attendance on both days.

16 & 17 April, 9am – 5pm, The Alhambra (Morecambe LA4 4EU)

Find out more and book

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Mental Health First Aid
Mental health first aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised two-day training course which teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. MHFA England training will teach you the best way to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis. Learning takes place through a mix of group activities, presentations and discussions.

2 & 3 July (delegates must attend both days), 9am – 5pm, St Thomas Church (Lancaster LA1 1XX)

Find out more and book

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Cyber Support on Offer for Charities
There’s a timely offer of support from the Cyber Resilience Centre for the North West, helping charities strengthen their digital confidence and stay protected in an increasingly challenging landscape. With free training, tailored guidance and upcoming webinars designed specifically for the sector, it’s a practical way for organisations to build resilience and keep their services running strong.

Charities Staff Awareness Webinar 14th April Register Here
Charities Leaders Webinar 21st April Register Here
Sign up to their newsletter here

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Understanding Ketamine and Its Impact
There’s a useful opportunity here for professionals across Lancashire to build their understanding of ketamine and the realities of its impact on both mind and body. Delivered by Inspire, this online briefing offers clear insight to help practitioners feel more confident in recognising risk, responding appropriately and supporting people into the right help when it’s needed.

Date & time: Wednesday 22 April 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Location: online

Reserve a place here

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A Guide to the CIC Online Registration Process
Watch this recent Charity Commission webinar for a step-by-step guide on how to successfully incorporate a Community Interest Company online.

Learn how to complete a successful online CIC incorporation application from start to finish. This webinar provides an overview of Community Interest Companies, along with some guidance on preparing your Articles of Association and completing form CIC36.

Please note: to watch the webinar you will be required to register first

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Does Your Charity Really Need a Building
A really thoughtful session is coming up for organisations weighing up one of those big strategic questions that can quietly shape everything. This free webinar invites trustees and managers to take a step back and properly consider whether having a building actually strengthens their mission or adds more pressure than it is worth. With practical insight from property advisers and space to reflect on costs, responsibilities and alternatives, it is a useful pause before making big decisions.

Date & time: Thursday 23 April 2026, 12pm to 1pm.
Location: Online via Zoom.

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One to One Property Support from Sector Experts
If your organisation has been juggling property questions, rising costs or legal headaches, this is one to get in the diary. A full day of free specialist clinics is opening up access to expert advice in a really practical way, with bookable one to one sessions covering everything from property and energy to finance, tax and insurance. It is a rare chance to sit down with people who genuinely understand the sector and get tailored guidance that can make a real difference.

Date & time: 28 April 2026, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Location: Online.

Visit here to learn more!

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New Free Financial Literacy Programme
Xero are introducing a new recourse that can help you gain greater control and understanding of your organisations finances: Unlock Your Numbers. It’s a free financial literacy programme designed for UK-based small business owners and charities. The programme is all about equipping you with the essential financial knowledge to thrive.

Key components of Unlock Your Numbers includes:

Free Educational Platform: Access digestible and actionable educational resources in a variety of formats. There are short engaging videos and straightforward guides – all designed to fit seamlessly into your busy week with bite-sized lessons you can absorb in just five minutes. Find out more here.

Xero for Good Ambassador Programme: Connect with experienced Xero accountants and bookkeepers who are volunteering their time to provide valuable mentoring support – completely free of charge. You can learn more and get started here.

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First Aid Course
Whether you missed the last course or want to refresh your essential life‑saving skills, this friendly and practical session is ideal for all ages and abilities. Learn how to stay calm and confident in an emergency – because first aid knowledge truly makes a difference.

What you’ll learn:

How to treat burns

How to use a defibrillator (AED)

Simple, memorable steps for real-life scenarios

Time and Date: Friday 18^th of September 2026,10am – 11:30am

Location: Carnforth Civic Hall, North Rd, Carnforth, LA5 9LJ

Find out more about this training

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Health and Safety Training Opportunity in Morecambe
People looking to strengthen their workplace skills are being invited to take part in a Health and Safety Awareness course delivered by PHX Training in Morecambe. The course helps participants build confidence around safe working practices while learning how to spot hazards and reduce risks in everyday work environments. Along the way learners can gain a recognised qualification that supports future employment and training opportunities while helping create safer workplaces for everyone.

Eligibility: Aged 19 or over with an annual income below £25,000
Location: PHX Training, Morecambe
Contact: 01524 748095 | [email protected]
Find out more and book a place

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Free Fundraising Training and Networking from Get Grants
Fundraisers and community organisations looking to strengthen their funding skills can tap into a range of free virtual training and networking events delivered by Get Grants. The programme brings together fundraisers from across the UK for friendly peer support, practical workshops and opportunities to hear directly from funders and sector experts. Sessions cover topics such as bid writing, community fundraising, digital fundraising and fundraising strategy, alongside regular Virtual Fundraisers Networking meet ups designed to connect people working across the sector.

Upcoming events run throughout spring and summer 2026 including networking sessions on 30 April and 28 May.

Location: Online virtual events
Find out more here

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DWP Disability Services Awareness Sessions
The Disability Services Advocacy Team is offering a series of online awareness sessions this May to help organisations and support workers better understand key benefits and support schemes. The programme includes sessions on Personal Independence Payment, Access to Work, Disability Living Allowance for children, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and guidance for SEND schools and support organisations. These sessions are designed to build confidence around the system and help professionals better support people navigating disability related benefits.

Dates: Various sessions between 6 May and 28 May 2026 (Click on the dates below)
Location: Online sessions via Eventbrite
Password for booking: DWP2026

Personal Independence Payment
13/05/2026 10:00-13:00
14/05/2026 10:00-13:00
27/05/2026 10-13:00

Industrial injuries disablement benefit
21/05/2026 10:00-11:00

Access to work awareness session
6/5/26 10:30-12
13/5/26 13:00-15:00
19/5/26 13:30-15:00

Disability living allowance child
7/5/26 13:30-15:00

DWP Disability services support for send schools, colleges and support organisations
12/05/2026 10:00-12:00

Access to work post award
27/05/2026 13:30-15:00

Disability services appointees and other payee upskilling
06/05/2026 13:30-15:00
28/05/2026 13:30-15:00

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Free AI Training for Charities
Charities looking to build confidence with artificial intelligence can now access a new set of free online training courses developed in partnership with Microsoft. The programme offers eleven short certificated courses designed to help people understand how AI works, use it safely and develop practical digital skills for the workplace. Delivered through bite sized lessons, videos and interactive tasks, the training is open to anyone in the charity sector and can be completed at your own pace.

Location: Online
Cost: Free training courses available now

Find out more
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Free Digital Strategy Training for Charities
Charities looking to sharpen their digital thinking can now take part in a new free online training programme from Charity Digital. The Charity Digital Strategy Accelerator guides organisations step by step through creating a practical digital strategy that aligns with their mission and resources. Delivered through short self paced modules, the course helps teams explore how technology can strengthen fundraising, services and collaboration while building confidence to plan and deliver digital projects that make a real difference.

Location: Online free training course available now

Learn more and sign up

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Supporting Vulnerable Clients Training Now Booking
Immigration Advice Service is offering a four hour online course designed to strengthen skills when working with vulnerable clients, particularly those experiencing trauma or mental health challenges. The session focuses on practical tools for building rapport, responding to disclosures with empathy and managing difficult conversations with confidence, making it especially relevant for advice sector professionals and those supporting people through complex systems. Delivered live via Microsoft Teams, the course blends guidance with interactive skills practice to help participants feel better equipped in real world scenarios.

Date and time: 30 April 2026, 9.30am to 12pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: £100 per person

Book your place here

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Spring Skills and Pathways Programme
A fresh round of employability and sector focused pathways is launching from February through to May, offering practical routes into work for a range of age groups and career interests.

From an Over 50s pathway building confidence in customer service and interview skills, to a Step into Hospitality course preparing people for seasonal vacancies, the programme moves into specialist routes including a Teaching Assistant pathway with childcare, safeguarding and mental health qualifications and a CSCS pathway supporting learners to gain the Level 1 Climate Change and Health and Safety certificate and prepare for their CSCS card.

There is also a further general Employability pathway alongside a guaranteed interview opportunity with Northridge Care and Education for those completing the childcare focused route.

Dates: 17 February to 28 May
Location: Details provided on booking
Opportunity includes guaranteed interviews on selected pathways

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New Training Programme to Boost Benefits Knowledge Across the Community
North Lancashire Citizens Advice has released its January to May 2026 training programme, offering a range of practical sessions designed to help frontline workers strengthen their support for residents navigating the benefits system. The schedule includes:

* Benefits for Families

…repeat sessions through spring.

Each course focuses on building confidence, improving outcomes for claimants, and equipping community professionals with clear guidance they can apply straight away.

Find out more and reserve your place here

Dates: January to May 2026 | location: online training via TryBooking links

Health & Wellbeing

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

Voluntary organisations can also participate at no cost, gaining visibility and facilitating referrals.

Explore the directory at directory.lancastercvs.org.uk and connect with services to enhance your wellbeing. For more information or to join, email [email protected] or call 01524 555900.

Help could be closer than you think

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ICB Changes Signal System Reset
There’s a significant shift underway in the health landscape as NHS England moves to a leaner model of 26 Integrated Care Boards from April, reshaping boundaries and bringing systems closer to emerging devolution footprints. For the VCSE sector, this is one to watch closely as partnerships realign and new opportunities emerge to influence how care is designed and delivered at a local level.

View the health briefing here

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Shaping Better Access Across Lancaster
There’s an open invitation to help shape a more accessible Lancaster as the first Access Group Forum brings people together to talk honestly about the everyday realities of pavements and getting around. It’s a chance to share lived experience, contribute to practical change and be part of a wider push to make the district work better for everyone.

Date & time: 25 April 2026 11am–1pm
Location: Lancaster Methodist Church

View their information leaflet
Register your interest here

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Health Protection Update for April
There’s a helpful round up from the Health Protection team this month, bringing together timely reminders on staying well as we head into spring. From keeping an eye out for meningitis symptoms to encouraging uptake of bowel screening and seasonal vaccinations, alongside practical advice for enjoying the outdoors safely, it’s a useful nudge to stay informed and look out for one another.

Date & time: April 2026
Read the April update here

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Proposed Bed Reduction at Royal Lancaster Infirmary Questionnaire
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, in partnership with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), are seeking the views of people who live in the north Lancashire, Westmorland and Furness areas in relation to hospital and community care.

The insights they receive from this questionnaire will help to inform the development of a business case regarding a proposal to reduce the number of inpatient beds at Royal Lancaster Infirmary based on the principle of people receiving the right care in the right place.

Read the information in full and take part in the questionnaire

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Help Shape Fairer Design: Designability’s Unfair Index Survey
Designability (a UK charity) is inviting 10,000 Disabled people across the UK to share the everyday barriers they face — so we can all design a fairer future.

The survey covers:

Home life (including managing money)

Work, learning, and technology

Getting out and about (public spaces and transport)

Health and wellbeing

Social and community life

Online experiences

The results will be used to create the UK’s first Unfair Index — highlighting the barriers that are most urgent, harmful, and possible to fix through better design.

Read all about The Unfair Index and take part in their survey

Closing Date: 9am on 27th of April 2026

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Men’s Health Survey
Healthwatch Lancashire’s men’s health survey is live and encourages men across Lancashire to uncover what truly matters to men and their wellbeing.

They want to know:

How would you describe men’s health services in your area?

How comfortable do you feel talking to healthcare professionals about your health needs?

What matters to you most about your health and wellbeing?

Take part in the survey

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Coffee and Connect One Stop Shop
Drop into this warm and friendly environment to get practical advice on:

Housing

Finance

Employment

Parenting/Triple P Advice

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Relationships

Enjoy free hot drinks and a biscuit and toys are available to keep the little ones entertained

Time and Date: Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 9.30am-11.30am
Location: Firbank Family Centre, Firbank Road, Lancaster, LA1 3HL

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Building Confidence in Supporting People Living with MS
There’s a real opportunity here for teams to deepen their understanding in a way that feels grounded and practical. MS-UK are opening up a free awareness session that brings together professional insight with lived experience, helping those across health, care and the voluntary sector feel more confident in supporting people navigating MS day to day. It’s the kind of session that doesn’t just inform, it shifts perspective and strengthens how support shows up in real life.

Date & time: Friday 17 April 10.00am: location: online

Click here for more info

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Exploring What It Takes to Build a Life After Challenge
There’s a thoughtful space opening up at the Gregson for a conversation that many will recognise but don’t often get to unpack. Drawing on years of research and lived stories, Dave Barton will share insights from people who have rebuilt meaningful lives after difficult experiences, offering a starting point for reflection and open discussion in a relaxed setting.

Date & time: Tuesday 14 April 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Location: Gregson Community & Arts Centre Lancaster

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Shaping Better Support for Small Community Teams
There’s a valuable opportunity here for those working in smaller community organisations to share what really helps when the role gets tough. This research-led workshop is creating space to explore how staff access emotional support and what could be strengthened to better protect both workers and those they support. It’s a chance to contribute lived insight that can shape practical guidance across the sector. If you are interested in taking part, please reply to this email or contact Kathryn Berzins at [email protected] for further information. You’ll then receive a participant information sheet and a short consent form to complete to confirm your place.

Date & time: Wednesday 22 April 2.00pm to 3.30pm
Location: online via Microsoft Teams

View the event leaflet here

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Wild Roots Nature Fest 2026
From 6th to 14th June, coinciding with the Great Big Green Week, the second annual Wild Roots Nature Fest will be held in Lancaster, run by Wildlife Wellbeing Walks.

All sessions will be FREE or for a donation.

Bookable sessions and drop-in events will include:

…and much more!

Ask about their newsletter ([email protected]) and follow on social media to find out more about this year’s full programme. You can also visit here for more information.

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Shaping a Stigma Free Conversation
Work is underway on a new campaign focused on reducing stigma around mental health and making it easier for people to seek support, and local insight is being actively invited to shape its direction. Organisations and residents are encouraged to share what they are seeing on the ground and what messages might genuinely open doors, helping ensure the campaign reflects real experiences rather than assumptions.

Mental Health Stigma – Fill out the feedback form

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Healthy Outdoors Guide Launch Webinar
A new national guide is stepping forward to bring greater clarity to how outdoor programmes evidence their impact on health and wellbeing, responding to a long standing gap around consistent evaluation. Led by Natural England and partners, the Healthy Outdoors resource aims to support practitioners, funders and public sector partners to better understand outcomes and strengthen the case for nature based approaches. An upcoming webinar will introduce the guide and explore how it can shape more equitable and effective delivery across communities.

Date & time: Wednesday 15 April, 10:00–11:00: location: online
Register here

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Help Shape a Mental Health Campaign That Feels Real
There’s an open invite to help shape a new campaign tackling stigma around mental health and accessing support, and it’s rooted in listening first. The team behind it are looking to hear directly from people about where stigma still shows up and what messages would actually land, so the work reflects real experiences rather than assumptions. It only takes a couple of minutes to share your thoughts, but it could make a lasting difference to how support is understood and accessed across our communities. Complete the form here

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Wellbeing Adventure Walks Bring People Together Outdoors
A warm invitation is being extended by Bee Adventures to anyone experiencing mental health challenges, recovery or isolation to step outside and join their monthly wellbeing adventure walks. These friendly outdoor days offer space to reconnect with nature, build confidence and enjoy the simple power of walking together in good company. Anyone interested in finding out more or joining a future walk can get in touch with the team directly.

Time: Monthly walks, 9am to 4pm
Contact: [email protected]

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Housing Support for People Facing Homelessness
Lancaster City Council is encouraging anyone who is homeless or worried about losing their home to get in touch with its Housing Options Team as early as possible. The service offers advice, triage and housing assessments to help people stay in their current accommodation where possible or find a suitable alternative, with emergency accommodation available in some circumstances. The page is also a useful reminder for local organisations that referrals can be made on someone’s behalf, including through the Duty to Refer process, helping people access support at the earliest possible stage.

Visit the council website for more

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Food Safety Checks Continue Across the District
Food safety officers from Lancaster City Council have been out and about again, carrying out inspections across food businesses throughout January. Around seventy premises were visited including cafes, restaurants, takeaways and food producers, along with schools, nurseries, care homes and supermarkets. Encouragingly, all thirty of those settings achieved the top food hygiene rating. With around nine hundred inspections taking place each year, the team continues to play an important role in keeping local food safe and supporting businesses to maintain high standards.

Visit the council website for more on food inspections.

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NAS Lancaster and Morecambe Branch Relaunch Plans Underway
The National Autistic Society Lancaster and Morecambe Branch is working hard behind the scenes to relaunch the branch and is inviting the local community to help shape its next chapter. Chair Lauren is asking supporters, families and partners to complete a short survey to share their views and priorities, ensuring the refreshed branch truly reflects local needs and aspirations. It is a simple but important opportunity to influence how autism support develops across the district.

Complete the Survey here

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Disability Voices Phase 2 Report Now Live
Healthwatch Lancashire has published Disability Voices Phase 2, digging deeper into the issue disabled people across Lancashire said matters most: transport and accessibility when trying to reach and use health and social care. The new report shares real experiences of booking and affording travel, getting to appointments on time, and navigating buildings once people arrive, with a clear focus on what is working well and what still creates barriers. The report is now live on Healthwatch Lancashire’s website, and they are encouraging partners and residents to have a read and keep the conversation moving by sharing local insight and feedback.

Location: Lancashire
Contact: [email protected], 0300 373 2820, 01524 239100

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Grandparents’ Afternoon Tea Returns with Matilda’s Mission
Matilda’s Mission is once again hosting its much loved Grandparents’ Afternoon Tea, offering a warm and welcoming space for bereaved grandparents to come together over good conversation and, of course, a proper brew. Taking place at The Red Door Café in Halton, the fully funded event invites grandparents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal, infant or child loss to connect with others who understand. With a traditional afternoon tea and unlimited loose leaf tea on offer, this gentle gathering promises comfort, community and time to reflect. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Date and time: Sunday 19 April 2026, 2pm to 4pm
Location: The Red Door Café, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6LS

See their Facebook post for more

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Roadshow 2026: Connecting to Tackle Loneliness
Throughout 2026, Befriending Networks will be bringing people together through a series of free, in-person Roadshow events for third-sector professionals committed to reducing loneliness and social isolation. These welcoming days are about sharing what works, learning from real experience and making space for honest conversation around volunteering, referrals and looking after the wellbeing of staff and volunteers. They’re designed to feel supportive, practical and energising, with plenty of time to connect with others doing similar work.

Date & locations: Wednesday 20 May, Friends Meeting House, Manchester

Learn more about these events

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

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

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

Contacts for each of the ICCs are below.

Lancaster ICC –Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]

Bay ICC – Amy Dawson (ICC admin) – [email protected]

Carnforth ICC – Sue Frame (ICC admin) – [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]

Children & Young People

Get behind SAFE’s Prop Up Project
There’s a heartfelt call for support as SAFE launches a crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of its Prop Up Project, creating safe and supportive spaces for young people in Lancaster facing real barriers to social connection. With community backing unlocking further funding, every share and small donation helps keep this vital provision moving forward and rooted in the lives of those who need it most.

If you are a business or organisation that would like to support this campaign, please contact: Keeley, SAFE CEO/Founder, [email protected] or 07568 937988.

Get behind their campaign at Spacehive

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Free Art History Course Opens for Young People
There’s a brilliant opportunity for young people to step into the world of art history as Art History Link-Up opens applications for its free accredited online course in partnership with the Courtauld. Designed for Year 9 and 10 students, the programme offers a recognised qualification and a chance to build confidence and skills through expert teaching in a supportive setting.

Course runs 3 May to 12 July 2026, online application deadline 19 April 2026 5pm
See their info leaflet for more

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Your Voice Your Future – Youth Consultation
An opportunity is coming for young people aged between 16-24 from Morecambe and not in education, work or training to share their views on how to shape things locally. Our aim is to find out more about the barriers that they are experiencing. There’s something refreshingly honest about creating space for young people to simply be heard, and this upcoming workshop does exactly that. Your Voice. Your Future. invites young people to step into a relaxed, supportive setting where their experiences shape the conversation, their ideas are taken seriously and their voice genuinely matters. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about opening up a dialogue that can influence what comes next, with support in place to make sure everyone can take part comfortably. Attendees will receive a £25 Love2shop voucher to thank them for their engagement.

Date & time: Thursday 16th April from 1.30-3.30
Location: Morecambe Library

See the info sheet here

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New Scheme to Find Missing People More Quickly
A new scheme designed to speed up the search for missing loved ones is being launched by Lancashire Police.

Do you care for a young person or adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, ADHD and are worried that they may go missing?

Lancashire Police have created KM2HM, it is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of a young person or adult with care and support needs going missing. It consists of a form that contains vital information about a person at risk that can be passed to the police at the point the person is reported missing.

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Achieve Change and Engagement – ACE Community Evening – Join Us 22nd April
Join ACE for a relaxed community evening bringing together young people, families, supporters and friends to celebrate the impact of our work and share plans for the future. Enjoy live music from young people, a short film showing the impact of ACE, a light buffet and a friendly, informal atmosphere.

All are welcome – whether you know ACE well or are new. Come along to connect, hear real stories and be part of what’s next.

Date & time: Wednesday 22 April | 5:00–8:00pm
Location: The Gregson Centre | Free (booking requested)

View the training residential flyer here
Download the YL residential Club Leader Info sheet

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Targeted Support for Year 11 Leavers at Risk
A series of Youth Futures support sessions will take place across Lancashire this August, offering focused support to young people leaving Year 11 who are disengaged from education or at risk of becoming NEET. With limited capacity and a clear emphasis on reaching those not currently supported elsewhere, the sessions are being carefully targeted to ensure the right young people can access timely, personalised support at a critical transition point.

Date & time: August 2026:
Location: Lancashire

See further details here

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A Summer Boost for Young Leaders in Lancashire
There is an exciting opportunity landing locally this summer as the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs brings a Young Leaders residential to Lancashire for the first time. Designed to build confidence, skills and real leadership experience, this fully supported programme blends hands on adventure with meaningful training, giving young people the chance to grow, connect and step into their potential. With just a small number of places available, it is a brilliant opportunity for clubs to put forward young people ready to take that next step.

Date & time: 24 to 28 July 2026.
Location: Guys Farm Activity Centre, Lancaster.

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New National Youth Strategy
A new National Youth Strategy is here – and Lancashire County Council need your help to shape what Lancashire’s Youth Strategy should look like.

If you work with young people, they’d love to connect so they can reach communities across every part of Lancashire.

They are undertaking an exercise with your support to scope the youth provision which is currently operating across the County. By gathering and reviewing this information, they will be able to share the picture of what is available for young people in Lancashire as part of a wide youth offer, publicise this to young people and consider together how they can ensure that they have a sufficient offer for young people, highlighting any gaps in provision / or different areas.

Please fill in this form

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Update on Autism and ADHD Assessment Referrals
There has been a small but important update for partners supporting children and families around Autism and ADHD assessments. Following discussions with the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, referrals for Autism and ADHD assessments will continue to be accepted until the end of March while longer term arrangements are worked through. For now it is very much business as usual, with services continuing to screen and triage new referrals. While this offers some short term stability, partners are clear that long waiting times remain a real concern for many families and conversations are continuing as plans for the future are developed.

PMHW offer info
PMHW Consultation flyer
Stay Well at Stanleys Referral form
Stay Well Project Overview

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CFW Curriculum Review
Lancashire County Council are currently reviewing their curriculum offer for the Children & Families Wellbeing Service. This includes their 0-11 groups, parenting programmes and employability groups.

They’re asking for help from schools and partner organisations, by completing the survey available here.

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CYPMAF Meeting Dates for 2026
Please note the following CYPMAF meeting dates for 2026 for your diaries. All meetings will run from 9.30–11.30, with venues to be confirmed.

Thursday 14 May

Wednesday 24 June

Thursday 17 September

Wednesday 9 December

Further details, including venues, will be shared in due course. For further info, contact [email protected]

Environment & Sustainability

Pots of Possibility Community Pots – Lancaster & Carnforth Drop-ins
If you’re considering applying to the 2026 round of the Pots of Possibility Community Pots strand but have questions about the fund’s purpose or the application process, help is at hand. Representatives of LESS and Lancaster District CVS will be at the Cornerstone on 13 April and Carnforth Library on 21 April to provide support.

There’s no need to book, just show up!

13 April, 2pm – 4pm at The Cornerstone, Lancaster LA1 1PX (find us in Room 4)
21 April, 3.30pm – 5:30pm at Carnforth Library, Carnforth LA5 9DZ

Applications to the fund, which provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help us live and work in a way that protects and restores the environment, builds healthier communities and improves people’s wellbeing.

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Share the Harvest Picnic
There’s something special brewing at Claver Hill as FoodFutures invites people to come together for a gentle walk, a look around the orchard and a shared picnic rooted in community spirit. It’s a simple idea done well, creating space to connect, learn and enjoy local food while building momentum for Share the Harvest later in the year.

23 April 2026 1pm at Claver Hill Community Farm Lancaster

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From Waste to Resource at Cork Road
There’s a brilliant bit of local ingenuity unfolding at Cork Road allotments, where surplus food from Eggcup is being transformed into living compost and fed straight back into growing more good food. It’s a hands on example of circular thinking at its best, powered by volunteers, practical skills and a shared belief that nothing should go to waste when it can be put to good use.

26 April 2026 10am–11:30am at Cork Road Allotments Lancaster

Explore more and get involved

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Growing Stronger Green Spaces Together
Lancaster Green Spaces continues to get on with the work that really matters, backing volunteers across the district to look after and improve local green spaces. With a new interactive map helping people find places nearby and regular forums bringing groups together to share knowledge and build momentum, it’s a steady and practical approach to strengthening community led environmental action.

23 April 2026 6.30pm at Boot & Shoe Lancaster

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Summerhouse Community Farm Exhibition
There’s a thoughtful conversation taking shape here about who owns and shapes the things communities rely on. This upcoming exhibition explores community ownership and REcommoning through the story of Summerhouse Community Farm, opening up space for people across North Lancashire to reflect on shared assets, local food and collective futures. Visitors can also pick up the Little Book of Food, packed with ideas, insight and practical ways to get involved in more sustainable food approaches.

Date & time: 20 April to 1 May 2026
Location: The Printroom The Storey Institute Lancaster

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Sharing a Local Model for Fairer Food Systems
There’s a really practical idea taking root in Morecambe as Stanleys Community Centre opens its doors to share how a local food circle is coming to life. Built from a simple but powerful vision of connecting growing, cooking and community, this session offers a chance to see the approach in action, hear what’s been learned so far and be part of a wider conversation about creating a healthier and more resilient local food system.

Date & time: Tuesday 21 April 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Location: Stanleys Community Centre Morecambe

Learn more here

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Spring Food Event Brings Community Together at Halton Mill
There’s a real sense of community in this one as FoodFutures and Halton Mill come together for a day centred on local food, shared learning and good company. From hands-on workshops to a seasonal café and a pay-as-you-feel meal, it’s a chance to connect with others, explore sustainable food practices and get involved in something that feels both welcoming and purposeful, all while supporting St John’s Hospice.

Date & time: 25 April 2026 10.00am to 5.00pm
Location: Halton Mill Lancaster

Spring on to this link for more
Download the comms pack

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An Invitation to Community Meal Organisers!
Does your organisation provide community meals? If so, FoodFutures would like to invite you to a community meal, scheduled to take place on the evening of Thursday, 30 April at the Friends Meeting House in Lancaster.

The aims are to connect up work across the District and see if there are ways we could support each other and link with farms to supply local produce. We hope it’s also a chance to take a moment and enjoy a meal with fellow meal organisers!

If you can join us, please book your place here.

If you are interested in connecting up locally, but can’t make this date, please do let us know.

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Spring Into Action Programme of Events
Something is blooming across the district this spring as FoodFutures brings together a programme of events inviting people and organisations to get stuck into how food works locally, from growing and sharing to access and affordability. It is a brilliant mix of activity, conversation and community energy, with plenty to get involved in and even more reason to spread the word across your networks.

Date: 20 April to 2 May 2026.
Location: Lancaster District.

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Crowdfunder Launched for Lancaster Community Farm
A new community crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help bring Summerhouse Community Farm to life in Lancaster. Led by LESS CIC, the project aims to create a welcoming space where local people can learn about climate friendly food growing, soil care and biodiversity while building confidence to respond to climate change together. The farm sits within walking distance of the city centre and forms part of a wider vision through the FoodFutures North Lancashire partnership to see more land in community ownership and used to grow healthy food and skills for local residents.

View the crowdfund poster here
Visit the Food Futures website for more

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Major Improvement Works Underway at Williamson Park
A new programme of works is now underway at Williamson Park as Lancaster City Council begins upgrading infrastructure to protect one of the district’s most treasured heritage spaces. Supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project will introduce cleaner heating through air source heat pumps while improving accessibility at the Ashton Memorial and enhancing visitor facilities. The work forms part of the council’s wider ambition to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the park remains a welcoming place for residents and visitors long into the future.

Timeline: Works continuing until June 2026

Receive updates here

Events

Lived Experience Exhibition Comes to Lancaster
There’s an important and thought provoking exhibition landing at Lancaster University, bringing together lived experience through art to explore mental health, care and identity in all its forms. As part of a wider North West tour, the exhibition creates space for reflection, conversation and understanding across communities, with contributions from those who know these experiences first hand.

5–6 May 2026 at Lancaster University

Find out more about this event

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Final Push for Three Degrees Festival
There’s a real sense of momentum building as the Three Degrees Festival edges closer to its crowdfunding target, with just that final stretch needed to unlock the full pot. This youth led climate action festival is set to bring energy and purpose to More Music, and a small show of support now could make all the difference in getting it over the line.

Visit their campaign support page here

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Explore Islam Comes to Lancaster Library
There’s a warm invitation open to the community as Meet Your Muslim Neighbours brings a one day Explore Islam exhibition to Lancaster Library. With hands on activities, creative sessions and space for conversation, it’s a welcoming chance to learn, share and experience culture in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Saturday 25 April 2026 10am–4pm at Lancaster Library

View the event flyer here

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Community Meal Organisers Come Together
There’s an open invitation to those bringing people together through food to sit down, share a meal and swap insight on what’s happening across the district. This gathering offers space to connect, reflect on the realities of running community meals and explore how things might grow stronger through collaboration and local produce.

30 April 2026 6pm–8pm at Friends Meeting House Lancaster

Book your place here

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Let’s Create Fiesta Brings Inclusive Arts to Morecambe
North Lancs DS Group is inviting the community to More Music for Let’s Create Fiesta, a free and fully inclusive afternoon celebrating creativity in all its forms. With contributions from Connect Play Learn CIC, LPM Dance and Wise Up CIC, the event offers space to take part in arts, dance and performance in a way that works for everyone, with quieter creative areas alongside more lively sessions. A pre event workshop also gives people the chance to create something to share on the day.

25 April 2026 2pm–5pm at More Music Morecambe
Reserve your place here
View the Let’s Create flyer 1 here
View the Let’s Create flyer 2 here

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FREE Easter Holiday Activities!
Hop on over to Lancaster Castle and join some case‑cracking Easter fun! Explore the museum on an exciting Easter egg trail and take part in our egg‑cellent quiz.

They’ll be open on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the Easter school holidays, plus:

Saturday – 11th of April
Location: Lancaster Castle, Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN

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Try-It-Out Fun Day!
Join in this fun and free event packed with high energy activities, sports, creativity and new experiences. Try something new and enjoy free food while you explore everything on offer!

For ages 5-11 years
Time and Date: 5th of August, 1pm-3pm

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Campus in the City Festival
Lancaster University brings its popular Campus in the City festival back to Morecambe this Easter holiday, offering a full day of free, hands‑on activities for families.

Families can explore 16 different activities, all designed and delivered by Lancaster University researchers, and live music from Bay Beat. Meet the people behind the work and dive into hands‑on activities, games, experiments, virtual‑reality adventures, crafts and much more. Children and adults can try everything from meeting a humanoid robot to taking part in health‑themed activities at the Teddy Bear Hospital, collecting stickers, experiencing the Northern Lights through virtual reality or exploring Wordsworth’s Lake District in Minecraft.

All activities are free and suitable for a wide range of ages, with a few best suited to children aged seven and over. No need to book, just drop in at any time and stay as long as you like. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Time and Date: Friday 10th of April, from 10.30am – 4pm
Location: More Music, 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe LA3 1QT

View all events!

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The RE STORE Art and Craft Shop
The Restore at West End Impact is your go-to spot for handmade, one-of-a-kind art, gifts, and accessories created by talented local makers. Every item tells a story, and every purchase directly supports local creativity and the work of their charity.

The RE STORE is flourishing, offering a welcoming space for the community to explore unique art, furniture, and craftwork. You can visit their Facebook page here to find out more about them and also visit their website.

Opening times: Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm

Opening times may vary, so drop an email to [email protected] before you plan to visit to avoid disappointment.

Location: The RE STORE, 33 and 42 Yorkshire Street, Morecambe, LA3 1QF

New sculpting Classes at The Restore

Join the talented artist Karen Pinkney and learn the art of sculpting your very own creation.

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a fun creative experience, you’ll leave with your own beautiful sculpture!

Times and Dates:

Session 1: Friday 1st May, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Session 2: Friday 8th May, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Cost: £35 for both sessions (includes all materials, paint, and refreshments). Payment can be made by visiting the Restore and paying by cash or card. Or, bank transfer to West End Impact.

Only 10 places available, so secure your spot soon!

To book, please email: [email protected]

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A Powerful New Theatre Show Opens Conversations Around Grief
There’s a deeply human story at the heart of Broken Chords, a new gig-theatre production created by a South Cumbrian couple who have turned personal loss into something that invites connection, reflection and hope. Blending music and storytelling, the show gently opens up space for conversations many people find hard to have, offering audiences an experience that feels both moving and unexpectedly uplifting.

Date & time: 25 April to 5 June 2026
Location: Venues across Cumbria and Lancashire

See their flyer cover here
Further info here

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Free Tennis and Pickleball Open Day
A fun day for all the family!

All ages and abilities welcome
Meet the coaches and members
Equipment provided. Just turn up!

For more information please call Michael on 07523866116 or email [email protected]

Date & time: 19 April 2026, 10am-12pm
Location : Lancaster Tennis Club, Lune Road, Lancaster LA1 5QU

Visit here for more info on the Lancaster Tennis Club Open Day

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City Centre Events Seek Community Backing
Event organisers across Lancaster city centre are inviting residents to show support for local events through small pledges, helping to evidence community demand and strengthen applications to the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund.

Support is currently being sought for Lancaster Pride in June, Lancaster Art Fair in August and Lancaster Music Festival in October, all of which rely on a mix of funding and public backing to remain accessible.

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Easter Trail Brings Families into the City
An Easter Trail will run across Lancaster city centre from 28 March to 12 April, encouraging families to explore local streets and spaces while searching for hidden animals. A mobile petting zoo will also visit St Nic’s Arcades on 2 April to help draw additional footfall, with Hospitality Guides available to support longer visits and increased spend across city centre businesses. The initiative is supported by St Nic’s Arcades.

Date & time: 28 March – 12 April
Location: Lancaster city centre and St Nic’s Arcades

Click here for the Rookhow Away Fund Application form

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Evening Event at Holy Trinity Church, Bolton-le-Sands
Holy Trinity Church in Bolton-le-Sands is hosting a special evening event this April, bringing the community together for what promises to be an enjoyable and welcoming occasion. Tickets are £15 and include refreshments, with the option to purchase either online or at the door, making it easy for local residents and supporters to attend.

Date and time: Friday 24 April 2026 at 7.30pm
Location: Holy Trinity Church, Bolton-le-Sands
Tickets: £15 including refreshments
Book online

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3 Bridges 10k Running Race
The popular 3 Bridges 10k race is back again in 2026.  The running race will start from the Lancaster & Morecambe Athletic Club clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. Fees vary from £17-£25 varying by membership status and online booking fees.

The course is suitable for beginner runners and can also be used for fast preparation for spring marathons and other long races. There are prizes for the first 3 men and women to finish and medals for all finishers.

Date & time: Sunday 19th April, at 11am.
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe Athletic Club clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

Book your place or find out more by calling 07821 28210 or email [email protected]

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Lancaster and District Male Voice Choir
Get ready for an uplifting season of song as the Lancaster & District Male Voice Choir prepare for several exciting concerts in the months ahead.

The choir’s upcoming schedule of events are as follows:

Spring Concert, St Helens Church, Churchtown, Garstang
20 March 2026 at 7.30pm, £10 ticket by cash or card with refreshments.

Lancaster Library Summer Concert
20 June, 7pm

Find out more about these and future concerts at www.ldmvc.org

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CancerCare Cross Bay Half Marathon
CancerCare is inviting the local community to take on one of the most iconic fundraising challenges in the region as The Cross Bay Half-Marathon returns for summer 2026. The CancerCare Cross Bay Half Marathon takes place in July. It’s an unforgettable 13.1 mile route guided by expert local King’s Guide to the Sands.

There are lots of ticket options available depending on your preference for fundraising. Place are limited so book as early as possible. All income supports local people affected by cancer and bereavement.

Date & time: 4 July, starting at 9am
Location: Starts from Arnside Promenade, ending at Cark Airfield.

Book now for this event

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Rookhow Retreat Concerts
20th April 7pm Fundraiser concert
South Lakes Acapella Choir will be presenting a concert at Rookhow on Monday 20th April at 7pm this is a fundraiser for Rookhow Retreat Away Fund, Email Kath to book a space [email protected]

Jobs

OUT Spoken Roles Open Across the North West
We Are Survivors is recruiting for a range of OUT Spoken roles supporting work across the North West prison estate, offering opportunities to contribute to trauma informed support, navigation and therapeutic provision for individuals in the criminal justice system.

OUT Spoken Manager (1 FTE)
Salary: £37,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: North West Prison Estate
Closing date: 26 April 2026

OUT Spoken Therapist (0.4 FTE)
Salary: £30,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Location: HMP Haverigg
Closing date: 26 April 2026

OUT Spoken Navigator (1 FTE)
Salary: £30,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: North West Prison Estate
Closing date: 26 April 2026

OUT Spoken Pathfinder (1 FTE)
Salary: £32,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: North West Prison Estate
Closing date: 26 April 2026

OUT Side OUT Spoken Navigator (1 FTE)
Salary: £30,000
Contract: Fixed term 2 years
Location: North West Prison Estate
Closing date: 26 April 2026

Find out more about the above roles here

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Nature Recovery Role in Bowland Landscape
Lancashire County Council is recruiting a Development and Funding Officer to support the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, working at the heart of ecology and nature recovery. The role focuses on delivering practical conservation projects and working alongside landowners and partners to bring wildlife rich habitats back to life across this protected landscape.

Salary: £36,363 to £40,777 pro rata
Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029
Location: Forest of Bowland National Landscape Office Clitheroe (hybrid)
Closing date: 5 May 2026
Find out more about this role and apply

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Registered Home Manager – Bethany House
A leadership role with real purpose, this position offers the chance to head up a residential care home in Preston, supporting older people through high quality, person centred care within a faith based setting. The role focuses on leading staff, overseeing care delivery and ensuring a compassionate, well run home that reflects strong values and community connection.

Salary: £49,900 – £52,000 per year
Contract: Full time, permanent (40 hours per week)
Location: Ribbleton, Lancashire (on site)
Closing date: 17 April 2026

Find out more about this role and apply

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Regional Inclusive Cycling Coordinator
A community focused role supporting the growth of inclusive cycling across Cumbria and Lancashire, this position is all about helping local hubs thrive. The role works alongside volunteers and partners to build confidence, strengthen local leadership and create welcoming spaces where people of all abilities can access cycling. It is less about delivering sessions and more about enabling sustainable, community led activity that lasts.

Salary: £27,000 per year (pro rata)
Contract: Full time, fixed term until 31 March 2027
Location: Lancashire and Cumbria (hybrid, including Kendal, Blackburn and Preston)
Closing date: 14 April 2026

Find out more about this role and apply

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Could you be an on-call Firefighter?
Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service are looking for people across Lancashire to join their on-call crew – no experience needed, full training provided.

Starting retainer of £4,445 a year + call-out payments

Firefighter pension scheme

Flexible hours to fit around your life