VCSA Newsletter Week of 31st October 2022

VCSA logo

Newsletter for the Week of 31st October 2022


News


abbey station inside and out

Interior and Exterior Photos of Newly Refurbished Abbey Station Community Venue

 

Historic 19th Century Railway Building Doubles Up As Community Venue

Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust has been awarded £11,000 from the Community Asset Pilot Grant Scheme administered by Shropshire Council.

The funding has been put towards various improvements to Abbey Station in Shrewsbury to make the venue a comfortable space for visitors and the wider community.

This pilot grant scheme was made possible through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), which is Government funding from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that aims to provide direct business grants and wider business support as part of the recovery from the pandemic.

The design of the pilot grant scheme to benefit community assets is thanks in large part to a VCSA-led discussion with voluntary and community partners to make recommendations about the best ways to target the ARG funds. 

The station, once a terminal for The Potteries, Shrewsbury and North Wales Railway and the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Light Railway, has undergone approximately 20 years of restorations to slowly develop as a community facility. Through the hard work of both past and present councillors and trustees, and with financial assistance from local councils, the venue is now a comfortable space for its users and visitors.

The grant funding has provided some practical upgrades for the venue, including insulation for the roof, side wall and floor in the Main Room – all of which will contribute to a properly heated venue as the winter months approach.

Philip Davies, chairman of the trust, shared:-

“Last winter one of our board members, Michael Llewellyn, discovered that Abbey Station’s heat-retention properties were non-existent, and any heat we provided was completely lost overnight even with the heating on!

We are delighted to say that, after the recent improvements, the running costs for heating and lighting have now reduced by an amazing 90 percent. Kitchen facilities will be installed in the second smaller room, and we are currently working on designing and installing professional display panels to tell the story of our railway heritage. We have purchased a projector and will be installing Wi-Fi soon.

Abbey Station is a superb community asset for Shropshire residents – and was donated to the trust under the Shropshire Council Community Asset Transfer scheme.

A big thank you to Shropshire Council, and the staff who have helped us with our grant application. They have been very helpful with progressing the project, which is greatly appreciated. Abbey Station is available to community, charitable and social organisations (and not-for-profit businesses) in Shropshire. The future looks exciting!”

There is no fee to book Abbey Station for your community group, though the trust does appreciate any donations toward operating costs. If you’d like to enquire about booking Abbey Station, please email Philip Davies or write to SRHT, Abbey Station, 192A Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AH.


loss graph

Shropshire VCS Orgs See Impacts on Volunteers, Staff Related to Cost of Living 

Thank you so much to those organisations that participated in the first wave of questions from the VCSA Cost of Living Survey about cost of living impact on staff and volunteers.

A full report from Wave 1 of our survey on the impact of the cost of living crisis on volunteers and staff will be released soon in this newsletter and on the VCSA website. Just some top-level highlights:

  • 65% of survey respondents reported a decrease in the number of volunteers, volunteer hours or volunteer applications 
  • 95% of respondents reported feeling "somewhat" or "very" concerned about staff stress, burnout and wellbeing
  • 68% of respondents have concerns about staff leaving their organisations because of low pay
  • 80% of respondents have struggled to recruit in recent months

 

Wave 2 of the survey focuses on increases in expenses for VCS organisations. Again, this survey takes an average of just 3 minutes to complete, so please take a moment to do so, and then pass it on and get other organisations to take it as well!

You can participate in Wave 2 whether or not you took part in Wave 1.

Please take just a moment to respond to these few questions and help inform the sector decision-makers in the council and the sector about the impacts of the crisis on organisations like yours.

WAVE 2 NOW OPEN! (through 16th November)


hand holding house

Shropshire's Warm Welcome Offer

To help residents stay warm and safe this winter, Shropshire Council and partners have compiled a range of venues, including libraries, village and town halls, community centres and faith buildings, where residents can go during each venue’s normal opening hours, enjoy the facilities and keep warm. You can find a list/ map of all the venues on offer here.

Each venue has different opening times and facilities. You can just turn up and find a place where you feel comfortable to relax. 

At all Warm Welcome venues, you’ll find:  

  • A warm welcome where you can enjoy the venue’s facilities alongside other users 
  • Easy access for all  
  • A warm environment where you can sit and enjoy a peaceful activity 
  • Most venues have toilets either in the building or close by. Please check directly with the venue before your travel
  • Information to help with rising energy costs, financial support and the rising cost of living

If you run a community building that you'd like to offer as a 'Warm Welcome' venue this winter, please email shropshirecostofliving@shropshire.gov.uk to find out more.


Jeremy Hunt

Large Coalition of National Charities Publishes Open Letter to the Chancellor Ahead of Oct 31st Statement

A group of 29 national charities have written an open letter to chancellor Jeremy Hunt, calling for action to support their work and that of local authorities.

The coalition, which includes big names such as NCVO, Disability Rights UK, and the Directory of Social Change, among others, is also demanding an inflation-level universal credit uplift and more funding for local authorities.

The letter warns Hunt: “Charities are doing as much as they can to directly help people facing poverty, but we know demand for help is higher than the resource available.”

It adds that "councils and their local partners are struggling to deliver the bare minimum as year on year they are expected to deliver more with less. This has gone beyond efficiency and value and has now resulted in poor services and instability."

The letter urges Hunt to support charities when he announces his medium-term economic plan on 31st October. The situation is “not sustainable” and “charity finances cannot replace government funding”, the letter says.

Read the full story on the Civil Society website, and you can also read the full letter to the Chancellor here.


NHS STW logo

British Red Cross To Deliver New

Positive Lives Service

Last week, the NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin announced that, following a thorough procurement process, they have awarded the contract for the new Positive Lives Service (formerly HISU) to the British Red Cross.

The British Red Cross, which has a wealth of experience delivering similar services nationally, began mobilising the service from 1st October 2022.

Individuals who could benefit from the service will be identified using patient data captured by 999, NHS 111, and A&E. They will then be contacted by the British Red Cross service leads with an offer of support.

Read the full story on the NHS Shropshire Telford & Wrekin newroom.


image of a person taking a survey

Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities

***

Shropshire Healthy Weight Strategy Consultation: Shropshire Council and its partners are developing a Healthy Weight Strategy to help Shropshire residents achieve and maintain a healthy weight and this will be informed by the views of those who live and work in Shropshire. The consultation includes two short online surveys, one is aimed at members of the public and the other is intended for NHS, Council and staff from stakeholder organisations such as voluntary and community groups. Closing 31st October 

Shropshire Healthwatch - Getting a GP referral for tests or support: Healthwatch Shropshire wants to hear from people about their experiences with GP referrals. Please share the link below with your service beneficiaries who might be interested. Closing date TBD

Shropshire Council Warm Hubs Questionnaire: Is your organisation planning to run a "warm hub" this winter, or are you thinking about doing so? Shropshire Council would like to help you get the word out about your hub. Closing date TBD

Open consultation Down Syndrome Act 2022 guidance:  This call for evidence will inform the development of the Down Syndrome Act statutory guidance. The Department of Health and Social Care are seeking your views on what should be included within the guidance. They will consider those views when producing draft guidance which we intend to publish for full public consultation. Closing 8th November


Interested in having your organisation's stories of success featured in our newsletter, website or social media? We want to hear from you! Contact: VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk

 

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Events and Training Opportunities


hand with apple

Free Day-Long Online Carbon Literacy Course

November 7th

In honour of Carbon Literacy Action Day, the Carbon Literacy Project is funding a free, day-long carbon literacy training course through your local CLP training providers, Save Our Shropshire

This one-day programme will:

  • Explain why there is a problem with Climate Change
  • Show how it will impact you and everyone else
  • Explain why we must take action now
  • Help you measure your "Carbon Footprint"
  • Give you tips and tricks to live well for the planet
  • Show you how to deal with the cost of living crisis at the same time

This is an incredible opportunity for VCS organisations to explore how they can begin their zero-carbon journey, or just to find ways to start to take action on the climate in whatever way they can. Send your organisation's representatives to this training for free!  Reserve a place now!


ICS logo

ST&W Community Mental Health Transformation VCSE Engagement

8th November 2:30-4pm

Online Event

The purpose of this workshop is to brief interested organisations in the scope of the programme for young adults, adults and older adults with SMI, and how you can join the NHS in meeting the community mental health needs of the population in new and innovative ways that supports the recovery of people within the communities in which they live.

The NHS Long Term Plan requires Mental Health Trusts to transform their community mental health services in partnership with primary care; local authorities; the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; and service users, families and carers, to create a new proactive model of community-based mental health care, in line with the new community mental health framework.

The ambition is an integrated approach to service delivery; working together, and with local communities, to improve the mental and physical health of populations. They want the wider voluntary sector not just to be involved in their plans, but to be a central feature. They would like to hear from community, charity, voluntary and social enterprise organisations across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, about the best ways for them to mobilise this approach.

Register here via Eventbrite


Age UK logo

Age UK AGM

10th November 2 - 4.30pm

Hadley & Leegomery Community Centre

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, which takes place on Thursday 10th November 2 - 4.30pm at Hadley & Leegomery Community Centre, 30 High Street, Hadley, Telford, TF1 5NL

There is limited car parking at the community centre but they have overflow parking at the Hadley United Services Club, High St, TF1 5FB and is a 5-minute walk to the community centre.

This year the meeting will start with a performance from members of their line dancing classes, their newest wellbeing activity. They hope to see you there and after two years of virtual meetings, they look forward to having their AGM in person and updating you on the work of the previous year and future plans. 

Please RSVP by emailing Angela Goodman or phoning (01743) 233123.  


community resource logo

Dementia Awareness Events In November

Community Resource is holding Dementia Awareness events in St Martins, Gobowen and Weston Rhyn in early November. 

Download the event flyer here!

The Dementia Awareness sessions are aimed mainly at families and carers of people with, or at risk of developing, dementia so they have offered different times in the three locations.  The events are free of charge but they do ask people to book in advance.

10.00 am on Wednesday, 2nd November in St Martins 

7.00 pm on Tuesday, 8th November in Gobowen

2.00 pm on Wednesday, 9th November in Weston Rhyn.

The free, 90-minute session includes:

  • Useful tips and practical support on how to best support
    a person with dementia –featured speaker: Jacquie Pomeroy, Alzheimer’s Society
  • A short, chair-based exercise taster
  • Attendees will also be provided with a directory of local services to support people living with dementia and their carers.

Book now: Call 01743 360641 or email enquiries@community-resource.org.uk


van launch invite

community resource logo

Community Resource AGM

 23 November 2022 3.30pm
 Bayston Hill Memorial Hall

New CEO Bev Baxter will share future plans, they will reflect on our past achievements and highlight the stories of their volunteers, who play such a key role in their work supporting communities.

Community Resrouce will also be welcoming Chief Officer at Cheshire Association of Local Councils and viral sensation Jackie Weaver, who will be talking about her unusual rise to fame after the now-infamous Handforth Parish Council recording, and how she supports the idea of communities supporting communities.

Jackie will also be joined by Community Resource Board member Simon Broad who will host an audience Q&A session.

To attend, please RSVP to enquiries@community-resource.org.uk by Wednesday 16 November.

If you would like to submit a question to Jackie beforehand, please also include it in your RSVP.


shropshire charity network logo

Shropshire Charity Network Meeting

Shropshire Charity Network are pleased to announce their final event for 2022 will be an in-person networking event which will be held at the Peach Tree on Monday 28th November 2022.

Please join them between 5pm and 7pm for some informal networking, festive activities and a much welcomed chance to meet in person once again.

They will be using the upstairs meeting area, which unfortunately is not accessible for anyone not able to use stairs. They will endeavour to ensure all in-person meetings are fully accessible in future.

Numbers are limited so please do book your place using the Eventbrite link.


DWP logo

DWP Information Sessions:

Health Adjustment Passports

You are invited to join the DWP for an information session to find
out more about: HEALTH ADJUSTMENT PASSPORT

This is the latest support tool to help people with disabilities
move smoothly into the world of work. All are welcome.

They will be holding 3 x 40 minute online sessions via Teams
on the following dates. Click on a date to join the meeting.


Social enterprise network meeting flyer

SSYN flyer

Interested in attending? Email Marinke Fontein, SSYN Infrastructure Support Officer, for details.


safeguarding adults week

Safeguarding Adults Week 21 – 27 November 2022, will focus on the theme ‘Responding to Contemporary Safeguarding Challenges’  

Safeguarding Adults Week is a time for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues.

Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership, Shropshire Safeguarding Partnership and Shropshire Partners in Care are delivering a week of events to support organisations and individuals to explore different elements of adult safeguarding including exploitation, predatory marriage, the abuse of older people, self-neglect and creating Safer organisational cultures.

The events are available to the workforce and interested individuals in Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin.

Download the full timetable of events here.


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Job / Volunteer Opportunities


lingen davies logo

Lingen Davies Seeks Acting CEO

Lingen Davies CEO Naomi Atkin is going on maternity leave in early 2023, and the charity is looking for an Acting CEO to cover her absence for around 12 months.

Lingen Davies Cancer Fund exists to enhance cancer services and improve lives in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales. Founded in 1979, with the aim of bringing cancer services to Shropshire for the first time, their work is now focussed in three key areas: cancer prevention and early diagnosis, excellent treatment delivered locally, and living well with and beyond cancer.

Following a very challenging time during the Covid pandemic, they have recently reported their first ever £1m+ year, and they are about to publicly launch a new five-year strategy. Alongside their traditional grant making work, they have developed a service delivery team within the charity and are currently working with NHS partners to deliver cancer screening awareness work in the community. They expect this area of work to grow and be a particular focus for the coming year.

Full details of the role and how to apply can be found on the Lingen Davies website.

For an informal conversation about this opportunity please email Naomi Atkin or phone her on 07921 369981. Applications close 25th November and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found prior to this date.


RBL logo poppy

Poppy Appeal Volunteers Needed for  Shrewsbury Town Football Match

Could you help the Royal British Legion raise funds at the Shrewsbury Town FC Remembrance match on the 12th of November?

They are looking for football fans to don a Poppy Appeal t-shirt and take donations for poppies before the match. All participants get a free ticket to the match afterwards!

Children are welcome to collect with a parent or guardian. Please email Jenny Komatis to register.


volunteer

Volunteer with the NSPCC

Be a ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ volunteer

NSPCC ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ volunteers are returning to primary schools.  They are looking for new volunteers to join them and help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect. As a ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ workshops that teach children about the different typed of abuse and how they can speak out to stay safe.

Their ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need energetic and enthusiastic people to deliver them.  You’ll work alongside other ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ volunteers to make sure at the end of each session, children feel empowered and know who to speak out to if they are worried.

If you are interested in volunteering as a ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting which is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
  • Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey

Their meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply -there’s no obligation that you will apply if you attend one.  At the meeting you’ll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.

Download the role profile

If you have any questions or experience any issues, please email the Volunteer Recruitment Team.


mhs

planet earth

Save Our Shropshire Seeking Community Engagement Volunteer and Multiple Trustees

Save Our Shropshire (SOS) is a dynamic charity delivering training to Parish and Town councils to help them tackle the climate emergency.

The training – approved by the Carbon Literacy Project – is directed at clerks and councillors of Parish and Town councillors to support their work in putting together a practical plan of how to both make their own property “carbon-neutral” and get involved in engaging their communities in changing their lifestyles.

SOS focus on the fact that the Shropshire community (and everywhere) will only tackle climate change by changing behaviour in its daily life. People need to change the way that they travel, eat, buy, and power their homes. Behaviour change is very difficult with humans!

SOS would like people to help them follow through with their training for councillors and clerks in order to support them in their work of developing their plans and their community engagement.

They want to hear from people who have the following skills:

  • Experience in developing relationships with “clients/partners” 
  • Skills in managing projects and making them happen 
  • Mentoring and consulting with “clients” to become a dependable resource
  • An excellent understanding of how local government works. 
  • Use of systems like “Customer Relationship Management”

They want enthusiasm to achieve net zero by 2030, and a commitment to bringing about the required behaviour change.

Visit Save Our Shropshire website for details on the open community engagement and trustee opportunities.


Remap logo

Shropshire Remap Looking for Volunteers: Especially in Shrewsbury and Telford

Remap is a charity which produces aids and equipment for people with disabilities/difficulties where there are no suitable alternatives. This service is provided free of charge and is delivered entirely by volunteers.

Remap volunteers are experienced engineers, crafts people or competent DIYers with access to a wide variety of skills and expertise. Remap Shropshire is one of 70+ local groups spread across the UK.

Each piece of equipment is tailor-made to suit the specific needs of one individual and is for their personal use only. 

Remap usually work with health professionals like occupational therapists to make sure that the equipment they provide meets the needs of each person.  It is best for those they are helping to involve their occupational therapist, or other health professional, from an early stage, but they do take self-referrals for simpler items.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like more information, please email John or phone 07807 113285.


yss volunteer

YSS Seeking Volunteers

YSS is a charity operating across Shropshire and Telford for over 30 years now. Their aim has been to support people in the local community to overcome obstacles, feel safe and be part of their local community. Volunteers have always been an important part of their operation, as they recognise the difference volunteers can make in supporting people alongside local practitioners.

YSS Volunteers can do a variety of tasks depending on their preferences and availability. The only certainty is that by volunteering, they can make a real difference in a person’s life while gaining valuable experience and knowledge.

For people who enjoy learning more about the criminal justice system and supporting young people navigate through it, you could act as an Appropriate Adult for YSS. All you have to do is support the young person while in custody and make sure all procedures are followed.

On the other hand, for people who enjoy supporting individuals on a one to one basis, they have volunteer mentors opportunities. Their volunteer mentors work with service users in their local area who could come from any of the services.

If you are interested in finding out more of what they do, their services and their volunteering opportunities contact YSS, talk to them and get to know them! Know someone who might be interested? You can also download their volunteer flyer here.

The YSS Volunteer Coordinator for Shropshire and Telford is always happy to have a chat! Simply email Pam Fenkli or call at 07815 961188


Do you have a job or volunteer opportunity you would like us to promote? Please send your information to VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk and we will include it in our next newsletter!

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Grant and Funding News


Armed Forces Families Fund Supporting Partners of Serving Personnel

Armed Forces Covenant Trust has partnered with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide the new Supporting Partners: Innovation programme, which is offering one-year grants of £20,000 to £50,000.

The programme has the following aims, with all projects required to meet at least one:

  • Encouraging new ways of enabling peer to peer support.
  • Enabling better access to employment, education & training, or wider support.
  • Reducing duplication and making it easier for partners to access knowledge and information that is relevant to their lives.

Funding could be used to support work such as:

  • Supporting partners to access paid employment or education.
  • Finding solutions for partners facing challenging situations with overseas postings (whether going overseas or coming from overseas).
  • Piloting specific support for partners, who may have different challenges to spouses.
  • Exploring solutions to challenges arising to family life from newer forms of hybrid working and deployments.
  • Helping partners overseas to better understand their options with regards to training and employment.
  • Exploring issues specific to non-traditional families.

Applications will be accepted from Armed Forces Bases, Stations or Units, as well as charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Universities in the UK.

Charities and CICs must have been registered for at least two years at the time of application, with at least three unrelated trustees/directors.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 12 December 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the Armed Forces Covenant Trust website.


BBC Children in Need Offering Grants for Core Costs

As part of its new grant-making Strategy 2022-25, BBC Children in Need has launched a grants stream for core costs, now accepting applications.

Registered not-for-profit organisations who work with disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under living in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands are eligible to apply.

The funders will prioritise applications from smaller, local organisations and are unlikely to fund groups with a turnover of more than £1 million.

In recognition of the fact that there are some organisations with a higher income delivering vital work for children and young people, the following types of organisations can apply regardless of their turnover:

  • Hospices (including Children's Hospices).
  • Housing Associations.
  • Groups delivering nationwide or UK-wide work.

Applicants must be:

  • Working with children aged 18 years and under.
  • Working in the heart of their communities, particularly in times of crisis.
  • Putting children and young people at the heart of everything they do, from design to delivery.
  • Addressing challenges faced by children and young people, and extending their choices in life.
  • Keen to keep learning about and developing their work with children and young people.
  • Committed to making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

This stream supports essential organisational and administrative spending.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the BBC Children in Need's web page on Core Costs Grants for more information and to apply.


Applications Invited for BBC Children in Need’s Project Grants

Alongside its new Core Grants programme, BBC Children in Need will also continue to offer funding for defined projects with a focus on children and young people.

Registered not-for-profit organisations who work with disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under living in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands are eligible to apply.

Through this stream, organisations can receive support for up to three years.

The maximum grant is £120,000 (or £40,000 over three years), though most grants made are for much less than this.

The funders will prioritise applications from smaller, local organisations and are unlikely to fund groups with a turnover of more than £2 million.

Despite this, in recognition of the fact that there are some organisations with a higher income delivering vital work for children and young people, the following types of organisations can apply regardless of their turnover:

  • Hospices (including Children's Hospices).
  • Housing Associations.
  • Groups delivering nationwide or UK-wide work.

The Project Costs stream will support the aims and delivery of a specific piece of work. This work will usually be time-limited, and based on a defined set of activities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit the BBC Children in Need's web page on Project Grants for more information and to apply.


New Fund Offers Support for UK Initiatives to Address E-Waste

Funding is available to UK organisations to support innovative approaches to tackling e-waste, with a focus on small electrical devices.

The £500,000 Time after Time e-waste Fund has been launched by Hubbub Foundation and Virgin Media O2 to support projects in the following focus areas:

  • Projects that prevent e-waste by extending the life of small electrical items, eg encouraging or initiating repair, refreshing and encouraging people to pass on or purchase preloved electricals.
  • Projects that increase recycling rates of small WEEE, eg campaigns focusing on specific items, trialling new recycling schemes, making it easier for people to recycle. This can be part of a wider scheme to reduce waste.
  • Projects that successfully engage young people on circular economy solutions relating to e-waste.
  • Research that will support a reduction in e-waste and extend understanding of how to solve this problem.
  • Projects that focus on education and awareness raising of new or existing solutions.

Applications will be accepted from the following types of UK organisations:

  • Charity.
  • Academic body.
  • Community Interest Company.
  • Social enterprise.
  • Registered company.
  • Local authority.
  • Business Improvement District.

Collaboration is encouraged, and partnership applications are welcomed. The lead applicant for such applications must be a registered body in the UK. Applications are particularly welcomed for projects designed to engage people aged 16-24.

Grants of £10,000 to £750,00 are available, and supported projects must launch by April 2023.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 14 December 2022. Visit the Time After Time website for more information and to apply.


community resource logo

Grow and Thrive Grant Fund

VCS groups and organisations provide a wide range of community support to people in communities and they want to ensure that these groups can continue to develop, grow and remain active for as long as they are needed. The aim of the Grow and Thrive Grant is to give a modest amount of funding to help this process. They also want to encourage groups to look at new ways of working so they they can be more efficient, more effective, engage more with local people and offer local people more opportunities to volunteer.

Funding available:

Grants between £500 and £5,000 maximum

Eligibility:

For funded schemes in Shropshire that predominantly serve Shropshire residents and are:

  • Working with individuals or groups of people to reduce loneliness, isolation and prevent the deterioration of health and wellbeing OR
  • Working with groups or children/adults at risk in their community who have additional support needs AND
  • Are, or will be, offering opportunities that will boost public participation, help stimulate the local economy and provide social value including opportunities to volunteer.

How to apply:

Application form - Apply here
Further information - Download here

Deadline:

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The grants scheme will be closed once all available funds have been allocated.


community resource logo

Spark Up Grant Fund

The Covid 19 pandemic has shown that when one or two individuals recognise there is a need for a service or additional support in their community, a solution can be found but to make that happen some initial seed funding is required. Funded by Shropshire Council through the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF), Community Resource is making available small grants to help start up new initiatives, or new community support groups which can/ or will be delivering practical help and support to help people in their community. 

Funding available:

Grants between £50 and £300 maximum

Eligibility:

For funded schemes in Shropshire that predominantly serve Shropshire residents and from applicants that demonstrate:

  • They are/will be working with individuals or groups of people who require some additional support or have an additional needs
  • They are, or will be, providing practical help or support to people in their community e.g adult/children at risk, the elderly, children and young people, young families

How to apply:

Application form - Apply here
Further information - Download here

Deadline:

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The grants scheme will be closed once all available funds have been allocated.


Don't forget to check out the VCSA's latest funding roundup, which is now available to view on our website, or you can click here to download a copy now.

Don't forget to check out our list of grants with rolling deadlines as well!

Don't see something on this list that should be here? Please contact us and let us know.

 

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To share your news with Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly members and our partners email: VCSAssembly@shrophire.gov.uk