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Richmond Council is committed to supporting the voluntary and community sector in Richmond. You are receiving this email as you have opted-in to receive these mailings. To stop receiving these emails please follow the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. |
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Voluntary Sector News and Updates Bulletin
November 2025 |
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Welcome to the November edition of the Voluntary and Community Sector Newsletter. Please find information below on a range of funding and training opportunities, as well as local updates and events from across the borough.
Please email voluntarysector@richmond.gov.uk with any newsletter feedback or comments.
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Funding Opportunities
Apply Now: Funding for a Defibrillator (AED) through the British Heart Foundation
Did you know that a shock from an AED, teamed with bystander CPR, can increase chances of survival from just 6% to 74% when delivered within the first 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest? Having a publicly accessible AED within 200m really can save lives.
With World Heart Day coming up on September 29, it’s a great opportunity for your organisation to see whether you are eligible for a free publicly accessible defibrillator through the British Heart Foundation!
Funding is expected to close in February 2026; however, this may change depending on the volume of applications received. It only takes 25 minutes to apply, so we would recommend applying early!
Common Ground Resilience Fund – Apply Now!
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is offering capital funding through the Common Ground Resilience Fund to help VCSE organisations bring people together, renovate or build facilities, and purchase equipment for vital services.
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Funding: Up to £10,000 per applicant (exceptional cases up to £50,000)
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Total available: £1.7 million for 2025/26
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Who can apply: VCSE organisations in England with charitable, benevolent, or philanthropic purposes
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Applications open: 13 October 2025
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Deadline: 21 November 2025
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Awards announced: January 2026
Funding Opportunity: Help Tackle Health Inequities
The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking 10 partner organisations to address health inequities caused by structural racism and discrimination in England.
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Organisations experienced in working with:
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Black, Gypsy, Roma & Traveller, Jewish, Middle Eastern & East Asian, or South Asian communities
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Organisations led by people from these communities (ideally 3 out of 4 staff/trustees).
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Funding for new or existing work
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Project and partnership costs covered for up to 5 years
Deadline: Midday, 26 November 2025
Grants of £100–£500 are available for community groups, schools, individuals, and non-profits to deliver events, activities, and initiatives that encourage positive climate and sustainability behaviours. These microgrants aim to spark locally led climate action, offering small-scale funding to launch new green projects or grow existing ones.
Anyone living or working in the borough of Richmond upon Thames – including individuals, schools, community groups, and non-profit organisations.
Next deadline: Friday 26 December 2025
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Training Opportunities
Have an Idea to Improve Healthcare? Apply Now!
If you’re a patient or family carer and your experience has inspired a healthcare innovation, the NHS Patient Entrepreneur Programme can help you make it happen.
This free, 12-month programme gives you mentoring, business advice, workshops, webinars, and access to healthcare experts and a network of innovators.
Applications are open from 3 November to 28 November 2025.
Join the launch webinar on 20 November, 5–6:30pm or watch the recording later at the same link.
New Resource: Sexual & Reproductive Health Training and Directory
Sexual and reproductive health impacts everyone and is key to improving community wellbeing. Public health is pleased to promote a brand new Make Every Contact Count (MECC) training module on Sexual and Reproductive Health.
This course aims to build knowledge and confidence among non-specialist staff and volunteers to have effective, respectful conversations about sexual and reproductive health. MECC eLearning Module: Sexual & Reproductive Health
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Builds confidence for non-specialist staff and volunteers
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Covers key issues across all life stages
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Please share these resources with your teams and networks.
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Advice and Support
Richmond Community Drug Alcohol Service: Monthly Service Users Meetings in Richmond
Come along, connect, and be part of something bigger. The last Friday of each month offers a supportive space to connect with other peers. Collect a £10 voucher, meet others with lived experience, and help grow a strong and supportive recovery community.
Date: 28 November and 19 December
Where: United Reformed Church
For additional information regarding other social and wellbeing activities, please refer to the Richmond Community Drug Alcohol Service November Newsletter.
Richmond One Stop Shop – Domestic Abuse Support
The Richmond One Stop Shop offers free, confidential, drop-in support, including legal advice and information to those experiencing domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, or family member. No appointment required.
📍 Location: Hampton Hill Citizens Advice, 1st Floor, 94–102 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NY
🕒 Opening Hours: Fridays, 10am–12pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
📞 Contact: 020 3879 3544 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
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Events
Safeguarding Children Online Conference – 19 November 2025
and Richmond Safeguarding Children Partnership at Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham (9:30 AM–4:30 PM) for an in-person event featuring expert insights:
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Jack Barber on online grooming and extremist networks
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Gabriella Russo on neurodiversity and online risks
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Vicky Young on the impact of pornography and AI imagery
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Dr Charlotte Armitage on healthy device use through the Device Wise Programme
Clothes & Toys Swap – 29 November
November 29, from 12:00 to 17:30 at Cabbage Patch Pub, 67 London Rd, Twickenham (TW1 3SZ).
Attendees can bring and take items for babies, toddlers, and children (0–12 years), women’s clothes (including maternity wear), children’s toys, and breastfeeding/weaning items. There’s no requirement to bring something to participate, and any leftover items will be donated to charity or the local baby bank.
Please note: No damaged, stained, or large items such as bikes or furniture.
Come along, swap your pre-loved items, and find something new!
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Richmond Council Updates
Stay Warm, Stay Well This Winter
Cold weather can seriously impact health, especially for older adults, young children, and those with long-term conditions. Richmond Public Health Team urges everyone to prepare now: keep homes warm, check on vulnerable people, and promote winter vaccinations. For more information, explore top tips for staying warm and well.
Please share the Keep Warm, Keep Well resources in your communities.
Richmond Council Parks Satisfaction Survey
Every two years, this survey measures residents’ satisfaction with local parks and identifies areas for improvement. Your feedback helps shape future investment and enhancements to reflect community needs and lifestyle choices.
Closing date: 30 November 2025
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Useful Information
If your organisation has some news or an event you'd like to share with residents on the Council's community news pages, via our social media accounts or in the weekly community e-newsletter, tell us about it.
The e-newsletter is distributed to over 43,000 individual contacts and is a great way to promote your services and increase awareness of local news and issues.
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