VCSA Newsletter Week of 16th January 2023

VCSA logo

Newsletter for the Week of 16th January 2023


News


group activity taking place at Lower Bush Farm

Lower Bush Farm near Ludlow

Shropshire-Based Farm Continues to Support Those With Learning Difficulties Following Grant Funding

Lower Bush Farm, a CIC near Ludlow, has received approximately £15,000 of grant funding from Shropshire Council in the wake of the pandemic to repair and upgrade its facilities.

Every day the farm welcomes local people, children and those with learning difficulties to provide opportunities for them to learn about farming, gain work experience, meet and look after animals, and develop rural and social skills.

The funding has enabled the farm to make essential repairs to its roof and flooring, which means it can stay open and continue to be a safe and comfortable environment for its visitors. Prior to the grant, the care farm was facing a real danger of becoming inhabitable, and may have had to close.

Rowanna from Lower Bush Farm shared more about what the grant funding has meant to the farm:

“The funding has allowed us to insulate the roof and visitors already noticed how much warmer the barn is. It means that we can offer service users a warm place during the colder months and the option to work inside or outside depending on the weather, as not all people are outdoorsy."

The funding was secured from the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme and administered by Shropshire Council. The ARG is a Government-funded initiative set up to support community groups in delivering services of community value throughout the pandemic and beyond.

The ARG funding was used to establish the Community Asset Pilot Grant Scheme, and funding totalling more than £140,000 was awarded to community groups across Shropshire to boost their 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. 

Read the full Lower Bush Farm story on the Shropshire Council newsroom.


expense receipt

Final Wave of the VCSA Cost of Living Impacts Survey Open Now

The final wave of the VCSA cost of living impacts survey is now open!

Whether you took part in Waves 1-3 or not, please take just 5 minutes to complete these questions and help inform the sector, funders and other stakeholders as to how the cost of living crisis is impacting the VCSE sector in Shropshire.

Wave 4 focuses on income and funding impacts. Take it now!


local government association logo

LGA Report on the State of Strategic Relationships Between Local Authorities and Local VCS

The Local Government Association (LGA) has commissioned Locality UKto conduct research into the state of strategic relationships between councils and their local voluntary and community sector.

The research involved  57 councils including a deeper analysis of 18 council VCS strategies. This encompassed a representative range of political control, council type, and geography.

The resulting report, "The state of strategic relationships between councils and their local voluntary and community sector" has now been published.

The report highlights some common barriers shared by council and their local VCS sector, including:

  • low capacity
  • reduced budgets and resources
  • a lack of clarity over priorities
  • poor senior buy-in
  • a failure to plan together
  • differences in structure and process.

To help overcome these barriers, the report helps to categorize different types of relationships that councils might build with their local VCS communities, as well as four key principles to working well together. These principles are:

  • Shared foundations: clarity of purpose, values, and roles, built on shared understanding, knowledge and a commitment to partnership working
  • Relational culture: behaviours and ways of working that enable the power of community to flourish, with both sides giving generously to the process and being open to receiving feedback
  • Effective structures: systems, mechanisms and processes that are fit for purpose and enable innovation and sustain long-term commitment
  • Capacity and resources: having the wherewithal to take action.

Read the full report here.


Warp It logo

Shropshire Council's Recycling Scheme Saving Cash and the Environment

Staff at Shropshire Council who have signed up to recycle and reuse office equipment are on target to helping make an ambitious savings goal.

Warp-it (Waste Action Re-use Portal) is open to Shropshire Council employees, schools and not for profit organisations across the county enabling them to source and donate almost any kind of item.

Since its launch in 2018 Shropshire Council users have helped save more than 82,000 tonnes of carbon, avoided more than 37,000kgs of waste being dumped and saved more than £144,000 in procurement and disposal costs – just £6,000 short of its final cost savings goal.

The most commonly repurposed items among Shropshire Council’s 577 members were desks, chairs and office storage furniture.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council cabinet member for climate, environment and transport, said:

“The carbon and costs savings are significant and are the equivalent of planting nearly 105 trees or removing 33 cars from the road.

“We’ve  also been able to pass on items to partners and local charities and we’ve been very successful in passing items to new uses and reducing the cost to the public purse in general.”

The next steps for Warp-it include encouraging sign ups from schools and academy trusts, rolling the programme out to town and parish councils, inviting local charities and not-for-profit groups to join, expanding the partner list and enrolling regional colleges and universities.

Further information for schools, higher education, charities or businesses can be found on the Council website.


the king's fund logo

Integrated Care Systems: Born Into a Storm?

The King’s Fund has been following the development of integrated care systems since 2017. Over this time, they have conducted several pieces of research including interviews with senior system leaders as the concept has developed.

To continue this work, over the summer and early autumn of 2022, they spoke to 25 chairs and chief executives of ICBs and chairs of ICPs, asking them to reflect on the creation of the new bodies, and their very earliest days as statutory entities. 

The analysis of this latest research was published in December, as one of the King's Fund "long reads" and is available in full here.

The authors conclude that:

"Given their history, there is a lot of variation in terms of how developed ICSs are, precisely how they are operating, and their relations with NHS regions and NHS England, which is itself undergoing a significant reorganisation. Not to mention differences in internal relations between local government, the VCSE sector and the NHS. There is much unfinished business."

However, the authors also found hope is the consistency of belief in the ICS concept by leadership, and their commitment to making this transformation work.

Read the full story on the King's Fund website.


vcsa logo

VCSA 2023 Membership Refresh

This year, the VCSA is changing the way it handles membership.

  • Do you want to be contacted with opportunities and news that is specific to your organisation's area of work?
  • Do you want to easily find data on the sector in Shropshire that is up to date and helpful for funding or reporting?
  • Have you ever wondered who else is a VCSA member?
  • Do you wish that the annual State of the Sector survey took a little bit less time to complete?

Then these are all great reasons to renew your membership today! 

The new membership form is now available online, and can be completed by visiting the VCSA website. Each organisation only needs to fill out the form once, and additional contact names can be added whenever you want. Please note, that if you are currently a member and want to continue your VCSA membership, you will need to complete this new form.

Updating your information will also be easy. Each year, you will receive a reminder to check your membership information is up to date, and you will only need to correct any information that has changed. There will be an "update your membership" link on the website very soon, and you can do it at your leisure. It's that simple!

Not a member yet? Then join us! Any voluntary and community sector group or organisation working for the benefit of Shropshire can join free of charge. Your group or organisation can be as active as you choose.

The Assembly allows VCS groups and organisations to:

  • Meet and exchange information, ideas and good practice
  • Discuss common issues and support each other in delivering services
  • Develop shared plans
  • Work more closely with public sector bodies such as Shropshire Council and the Integrated Care System

VCSA members can benefit in many ways, at any level of involvement

  • Hear of networking and funding opportunities
  • Have the opportunity to have a say through local consultations
  • Voice issues and concerns
  • Access helpful reports, analysis and information on the sector
  • Network with other VCS groups and organisations
  • Express an interest in getting involved in local projects or bids
  • Join in at the annual event and attend other VCSA events and workshops

megaphone

Have Your Say!

Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities

***

Making Every Contact Count: Proof of Concept: MECC are currently undertaking a short proof-of-concept project, to see how integrated communities can be better supported to achieve improved public health outcomes. Specifically, they are interested in exploring whether the use of Health Literacy principles and techniques as part of a MECC approach would support increased health engagement within communities. They are also keen to know whether this approach would help non-public health staff working and volunteering within their communities. Closing 20th January

Improve support for people to remain independent: Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS and Councils are reviewing two of their community services that support people to regain and maintain their independence:

Community Equipment Loan Services – these services provide health and social care equipment, such as beds, bath lifts, stand aids and toilet raisers to patients to help them leave hospital safely and/or stay independent and mobile in their homes.

Community Beds Services – a range of services that promote faster recovery from illness, prevent unnecessary admission to acute hospitals, support timely discharge from hospital and maximise independent living. The services are provided on a short-term basis, in hospital, or care home, usually after a stay in hospital following an illness or injury and before returning home.

Shropshire Council Budget Consultation 2023/24: Have your say on the Shropshire Council proposed budget for next year. The responses received will be summarised and reported back to our councillors, alongside the budget proposals. Closing 30th January

Shropshire Political Boundaries Review: The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area as part of its electoral divisions review. The Commission is reviewing Shropshire to make sure councillors represent about the same number of electors, and that division arrangements help the council work effectively. It wants to be sure that its proposals reflect community ties and identities. The Commission is interested in views on which communities should be part of the same division. What facilities do people share, such as parks, leisure centres or schools and shopping areas? What issues do neighbouring communities face that they have in common, such as high numbers of visitors or heavy traffic? Have there been new housing or commercial developments that have changed the focus of communities? And are there roads, rivers, railways or other features that people believe form strong boundaries between neighbourhoods? Closing 30th January

Veterans' Survey (Office for National Statistics)Over the next 12 weeks, veterans across the country are able to complete the survey to shape the future of veteran services. Funded and commissioned by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, this is the first ever exercise to collect feedback from the entire veterans community across the UK. Please share the link with your service beneficiaries and encourage them to complete the survey. Closing date 2nd February

Telford and Wrekin Budget Consultation: Every year, Telford & Wrekin Council formally reviews and sets budget plans. This most recent budget proposal covers the period 2023 - 2024 to 2026 - 2027. Closing 5th February

New Home-to-School Transport Policy: Shropshire Council is proposing a revision to its Extremely Hazardous Routes Policy which is how unsafe walking routes are assessed in relation to home-to-school transport. This revision won't affect the number of pupils entitled to free home-to-school transport under this policy, nor does it have any financial impact for the council. Closing 10th February

Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy: Shropshire Council has produced a draft Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy.  This sets out the importance of tackling fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions from domestic dwellings. The Homes and Communities team is inviting your feedback. Closing 5th March

West Mercia PCC Digital Safety Conference Survey: West Mercia Police are planning on holding a Digital Safety Conference for front line professionals and local businesses and VCSE organisations. They would like to invite you and your teams to help shape this by completing a 5 minute survey. The Digital Safety Conference is likely to be held every six months and will aim to raise awareness of the latest digital and cyber threats to our community such as online child sexual exploitation, "sextortion", cyber crime and online fraud. There will be an opportunity to attend in person or online and it will be aimed at helping "non technical" members of staff to build their knowledge. Closing date TBD

Outpatient Services Survey: As part of their Outpatient Transformation Programme, the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS want to hear from people about their experiences with outpatient services. Closing date TBD


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


Spaces Available for FREE Domestic Abuse Training Sessions 

A few spaces are still available for two domestic abuse training sessions happening this week, offered through Stay Telford.

Tuesday 17th January:       VAWG 12.00pm-2.30pm

Wednesday 18th January: DASH Focus 9.30am-11.30am

 

To book staff on, or if you are interested yourself, then please email myself ninagee@staytelford.co.uk or training@staytelford.co.uk

ALL training is held online (Microsoft Teams) and participants will receive certificate and lesion materials. Sessions are interactive, informal, and sensitive.


SSYN meeting

Next meeting Wed 25th Jan. To book your place and receive a meeting link, email Marinke Fontein. 


SaTH logo

About Health – Transforming hospital services: the future of Future Fit

Tuesday 24th January 18:30-19:30

Join the ‘About Health’ event on Tuesday 24 January, 18:30 – 19:30, to find out more.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals (SaTH) Hospital Transformation Programme team, including clinical leads, will be giving a presentation on the progress of the Hospital Transformation Programme.  You will be able to find out more on the plans that have been developed, opportunities for you to get involved and what will happen next.

The About Health event is open to everyone and you can submit questions in advance to sath.improvinghospitals@nhs.net


Involving People and Communities Workshop

Join in person on 9 February, 1pm to 4pm, at Meeting Point House in Telford to shape the next steps for putting our Involving People and Communities Strategy into practice. The NHS have made positive steps in developing our approach to involving people and communities, but they are committed to work together to further strengthen their approach with input from partners and the communities they serve.

As a new organisation, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, this year, published its strategy ‘Our Approach to Involving People and Communities’, which was developed following a series of workshops and engagement.    It describes their principles for involving people, their governance, roles and responsibilities, and methods for involvement, aligned to national guidance but influenced by local voices and context.    

This workshop will be the fourth in a series, following on from: 

#1 ‘Involving the VCSE’, May 2021 

#2 ‘Making involvement and co-production business as usual’, September 2021 

#3 ‘Developing our strategy for involving people and communities’, March 2022   

The purpose of the workshop will be:

  • to provide an overview of our approach to involvement and the progress we have made
  • to identify any barriers to achieving what we set out in our strategy and possible solutions and opportunities to prioritise what else do we need to do 
  • to develop our approach to evaluating and measuring the effectiveness and impact of involving people and communities.

They hope you can join us. Refreshments will be provided.  

Click here to register.


NCVO logo

NCVO The Road Ahead 2023 Launch

Online

Date | Wednesday 25 January Time | 12.00–13.00

The NCVO will soon be releasing the Road Ahead 2023. Join the launch event to better understand their key findings and gain tips from a panel of guest speakers.

 

Register here


cup of coffee

Mental Health Networking Event

20th January 10am - Noon

Shirehall, Shrewsbury

This is a chance for voluntary and community sector organisations supporting mental health and wellbeing in Shropshire to meet in person for the first time in years. Come and meet other like-minded organisations, and take part in some important discussions about the future of mental health work in Shropshire.

  • 9:30-10am Meet and Greet, tea/coffee
  • 10am - 11am MPFT Mental Health Transformation presentation and Q&A
  • 11am - 11:30am Discussion/workshop
  • 11:30am Meet Colin Foot, Shropshire VCS Mental Health Support Officer
  • 11:45am - Noon Discussion/networking

 

Click here to register via Eventbrite

Questions? Feel free to email us


woman undergoing functional fitness mot

Community Resource Functional Fitness MOTs

 

Upcoming dates & locations:

  • 20th January, Shrewsbury, University Centre       
  • 27th January, Bridgnorth, Castle Hall
  • 18th February, Newport, Cosy Hall         
  • 21st February, Church Stretton, Leisure Centre

Download printable flyer here

To book a FREE 2.5-hour appointment call 01743 360641 or email enquiries@community-resource.org.uk


Debra Allcock Tyler, DSC CEO

Directory for Social Change:

Free CEO Talk Session

Online, January 19th 5-6pm

Put the kettle on and join fellow voluntary and community sector CEOs for a cathartic session on how to get through tough times. Come out at the end of the session feeling less alone, and hopefully with some shared ideas on how we can survive, not just as charities but as human beings. Hosted by DSC CEO Debra Allock Tyler.

Book your place now.


SIP logo

 

Meet the SIP Voluntary and Community Support Team

 

Bishops Castle Library, Enterprise House

25th January 10am - 2pm

The SIP Voluntary & Community Support Team offers free advice, guidance and support to local charitable groups and organisations.

Whether you are thinking of setting up a community group, a fairly new group or organisation, or have been established for many years, they can support you with advice and guidance, training, volunteer brokerage, and grant and funding support.

Come and meet the team and learn more about what they can offer your organisation! 

Download the SIP Team informational flyer.

 


SAND logo

LGBT+ Awareness Course

SAND's public training

Tuesday 7th February 2023 - Face-to-Face, Central Shrewsbury

£40 per person

Get tickets here via Eventbrite

Targeting staff and volunteers:

  • working in health and social care, voluntary sector, housing and other associated services.
  • working in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

This half-day LGBT+ awareness raising course has a specific focus on issues impacting on LGBT+ people accessing services as we age. It provides a safe space for people to explore and discuss issues relating to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people, in particular focusing on older and old LGBT people. 


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Job / Volunteer Opportunities


AGE UK STW logo

Age UK Seeks Volunteer Recruitment Assistant

 

£18,703 Pro Rata

18.5 HOURS/WEEK

BASED IN 4 Bellstone Shrewsbury SY1 1HX

 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. They are seeking a motivated individual to support us with their ongoing volunteer recruitment. This will include helping to process volunteer applications to ensure they respond to enquiries speedily.

The successful applicant will be required to support the volunteer recruitment officer to promote their need for volunteers, process applications accurately and in a timely manner and assist with volunteer induction and training.

You will require good IT skills, an eye for detail and an ability to maintain accurate records.

Closing date: Monday, 23 January 2023

Interviews: Wednesday, 1 February 2023

For further information and an application pack (please note they do not accept CVs) contact:

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin,

4 Bellstone, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1HX

Tel: 01743 233123  Email: enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk


save our shropshire logo hand holding globe

Volunteer Opportunity: Venue Manager for Carbon Literacy Training

Save Our Shropshire are delivering a series of workshops across Telford and Wrekin in 2023 in village halls, community centres and similar locations. We need a volunteer to support this activity

They are looking for an organized venue manager to handle the operations, maintenance, and bookings for venues which we will use for their workshops. In this role, you will be required to enquire about venues, secure bookings, liaise with local managers of venues, and coordinate the logistics of events.

There is a more detailed description and information about how to apply on the Save Our Shropshire website.


shropshire council logo

Volunteer Opportunity: Shropshire Council Audit Committee

Do you live in Shropshire and have practical experience in financial management or accountancy?

Shropshire Council is looking for just such a person to join its Audit Committee as co-opted independent member.

This rewarding voluntary role plays a significant part in the council’s governance and through the committee’s work, you’ll provide independent and high-level focus on the council’s audit, assurance and reporting arrangements as well as independently reviewing our governance, risk management and control frameworks, and overseeing the financial reporting and annual governance processes. 

While the successful person won’t be an employee nor member of the council, they will receive specific training to support them in their new role.  The role does not receive any allowance, but you will be reimbursed for expenses.

Apply now here

Closing date for applications is 20 January 2023.

Find out more about the work of the Audit Committee and its membership.  

Any questions, please email James.Walton@shropshire.gov.uk.


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


Energy Redress Scheme Reopens to Applications

Energy Saving Trust is administering the latest round of Energy Redress Scheme funding, with a funding pot of £3 million split across the following streams:

  • Small Project Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £49,999 for projects that will support energy consumers in vulnerable situations.
  • Main Project Fund: grants of between £50,000 and £300,000 for projects that will support energy consumers in vulnerable situations.
  • Innovation Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 for projects that will develop innovative products or services to benefit energy consumers.
  • Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 for projects that encourage householders to reduce their carbon emissions.
  • The Main and Small Project funds are open only to registered charities while the Innovation and Carbon Emissions Reduction funds are also open to Community Interest Companies, Community Benefit Societies and Cooperative Societies.

Groups must be operating in England, Scotland or Wales to be eligible.

Grants can be used for capital or revenue funding and can provide up to 100% of the project cost. Projects lasting up to two years can be funded.

Organisations that have not yet registered with the scheme must do so 10 working days before the closure of the fund to allow time for eligibility checks to take place.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 30 January 2023. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for all information and application details.


Adult Social Care Preventative Small Grants Programme: 2023-2024

This programme is designed to provide a grant funding opportunity for community-based activity that supports wellbeing and independence. Funding is up to a maximum of £5,000 per grant for activity delivered between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. It is aimed at voluntary organisations and community groups working in Shropshire.

They're welcoming funding applications for community-based activities that enable people to stay physically and mentally well, and that support independent living and prevent avoidable admissions into hospital. Funding should contribute to growing existing activity and/or the development of new ideas and start up initiatives that support the wellbeing of Shropshire’s residents.

Community-based activities and groups are vitally important in maintaining our individual wellbeing and independence, and in creating strong and resilient communities. 

The funded activity must contribute to one or more of the council’s priorities for grant funding which include activity which supports:

  • Admission avoidance
  • Supporting discharge from hospital settings
  • The cost-of-living pressures
  • Health and mental wellbeing
  • Falls prevention and reduced levels of inactivity

Furthermore, applicants will need to demonstrate how they support The Shropshire Plan and the Adult Social Care principles. These are:

  •  Healthy, safe communities where I belong 
  • Supporting our most vulnerable, disadvantaged adults, providing early support and prevention, before situations become a crisis 
  • Living in a place I call home 
  • Leading the life I want to live
  • Putting Shropshire back in the community 
  • Focusing on outcomes for customers 
  • Providing value for money 
  • Considering the impact of our activities on the climate 
  • Empowering effective collaborations for positive change 

Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the extent to which the proposed activity supports these priorities and key criteria.

The grant application form and the guidance and information document can be accessed here: Adult Social Care Preventative Small Grants Programme 2023-2024 | Shropshire Council

For more information, please contact Ness Hicken or Lisa Middleton:

ness.hicken@shropshire.gov.uk

lisa.middleton@shropshire.gov.uk

Closing date for applications - Friday 3rd February 2023 at noon.


31 January Deadline for Neighbourhood Planning Grant Applications

Town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums and prospective neighbourhood forums who are preparing a neighbourhood development plan or neighbourhood development order in England still have some time to apply for the following:

  • A basic grant of between £1,000 and £10,000 for groups writing a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development order.
  • An additional grant of up to £8,000 is available for groups facing more complex issues, giving a maximum total amount of £18,000.
  • Specific packages of technical support where needed.

The programme is particularly keen to help ambitious groups, from all types of neighbourhoods, who want to really influence how their place grows and changes going into the future.

To apply for an additional grant of up to £8,000, applicants must be at least one of the following:

  • Allocating sites for housing.
  • Including design codes in their plans.
  • A designated business neighbourhood plan.
  • A cluster of three or more parishes writing a single plan.
  • A Neighbourhood Area with a population of more than 25,000.
  • A designated neighbourhood forum.
  • A group based in an area which has a high level of deprivation (where 30% or more of the neighbourhood area or population is in the 20% most deprived areas in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation).

Eligible applicants must be based in England.

The grant ceiling applies to the period April 2015 to March 2023. All grants must be spent on or before 31 March 2023.

The deadline for applications for this financial year (2022-23) is 5pm on 31 January 2023. Find further information and application details on the Groundwork website.


Applications Open for Food for the Planet Grants

As part of its wider Food for the Planet project, Sustain has reopened its small grants programme which aims to support communities to make food in their area better for people and planet.

Grants of up to £5,000 are on offer to Sustainable Food Partnerships, local authorities and community and campaign groups in the UK.

Eligible activities could include:

  • Supporting groups and communities that are marginalised to campaign for food climate justice and tackling racial injustice in the food system.
  • Encouraging climate-friendly food in public institutions and council settings.
  • Supporting sustainable farming systems through planning policy.
  • Tackling unfair and unhelpful pricing and advertising of the most climate-damaging foods.

Grants can cover costs associated with the delivery of projects.

An information session is being held on 18th January at 2pm. Register here.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 10 February 2023. More information and application details can be found on the Sustain website.


New £3m Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund Accepting Applications With First Deadline of 20 January

Launched just before Christmas, the new £3 million Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund is provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and administered by the charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).

Announced by Defra to mark the occasion of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in May 2022, the fund recognises the important role that village halls play in supporting rural communities.

The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:

  • Improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness.
  • Positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero.
  • Support for the local rural economy.
  • Promotion of community cohesion.

The £3 million funding pot offers grants of between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of eligible project costs. The total project cost can be more than £375,000 but the maximum grant available is £75,000. All project work must be completed by 31 March 2025.

The grants are for capital improvements only, where projects aim to either upgrade, extend or improve facilities or where capital items need to be purchased. This could include, for example, extensions, internal reconfigurations, new roof and roof refurbishment, refurbishment of toilets and kitchens, damp proofing, or new installation of communication systems. The grants cannot be used for maintenance, repair or renewal work.

To be eligible, the village hall must:

  • Be charity owned and managed by the community.
  • Be located in a local rural area with a population of less than 10,000 people.
  • Have a freehold or leasehold in place. If a leasehold interest, there must be at least 21 years left to run on the lease.

There is a two-stage application process.

The deadline for the first round of Stage 1 applications is midnight 20 January 2023. The fund will then close and reopen to new applicants on 20 February 2023. The duration of this will depend, however, on the value of unallocated funds remaining.

For more information and to apply, visit the fund page on the ACRE website.


Wenlock Forester Trust: Individual and Project Grants Available

The Trust considers applications for grants in accordance with its Objectives, as set out in the Trust's Deed, for both individuals and groups/projects.

The Objectives are to relieve financial hardship, sickness and poor health amongst elderly people resident in the area of benefit, including the funding and/or provision of specially designed or adapted housing and items, services or facilities calculated to relieve the needs of such persons.

NB: the “area of benefit” is: Much Wenlock and surrounding areas and the County of Shropshire.

For more information and application forms, visit the Much Wenlock Forester Trust website.


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@shropshire.gov.uk