VCSA Newsletter Week of 20th February 2023

VCSA logo

Newsletter for the Week of 20th February 2023


News


electoral commission pic of people voting

Voter ID Resources Available for Partners from the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission know that some groups are more likely to experience barriers in preparing for this change and may need support to access photo ID.

Organisations working directly with voters, including local authorities and charities, can play an important role in supporting voters to ensure they have photo ID ahead of the elections.

The Commission have created packs for organisations in England, designed to help them raise awareness, and to support people they work with to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, ahead of the local elections in May 2023. The packs also include information on voter registration.

General resources are available, as well as packs specific to groups and communities who are likely to need support for these new requirements, including:

Resources are also available in BSL and Easy Read formats.


DSC logo

New Free Governance App

from the Directory of Social Change

The Governance App from Directory of Social Change (DSC) is a new, free and easy way for your organisation's Board of trustees to review and improve their governance, together.

The Governance App:

  • Gathers responses from your whole Board
  • Gives you a performance score out of ten in seven different areas, including leadership, board effectiveness and equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Highlights where board members have different views on performance
  • Makes it easy to have targeted discussions about what’s going well, and where to focus on improving

Ben Wittenberg, Director of Development and Delivery, DSC, said: 

‘We know how hard it is for trustees to find and prioritise time to review their own performance, especially with all of the other critical issues many Boards are dealing with at the moment. The Governance App makes it easy for all charities, irrespective of size or focus, to get clear data on how and where they can improve their governance, and helps them to start doing it together. It helps trustees  to do a really detailed assessment that involves the whole Board, gathers their feedback outside of the usual meetings, and means they can spend their precious time together having much more targeted conversations, about the things that matter most.’

If you’re looking to review your governance but don’t quite know where to start, can’t afford the time or expense of a consultant or facilitator, and want an easy way to involve your whole board in the process, check out the Governance App from Directory of Social Change!

For further information, email Jose Blázquez, Development Manager, DSC.

You can also join a free webinar about the app on Tuesday, 7th March from 10:30-11am. Register here.


New SC logo banner

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Falls Emergency Service Pilot Project

STW ICB along with Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Council have been working together to develop a pilot programme to support people across the county who are at risk of falls, or have fallen and need a response service. Every month around 850 people who have fallen are conveyed to hospital by ambulance but did not all need to be admitted.

This programme aims to prevent people who fall each month from attending the emergency department by providing a first response service to get them up from where they have fallen, ensure they are safe and well and support the person to remain at home if this is best for them. This service will commence at 7am on Monday 6th February and continue until the end of March 2023.

In addition, the programme aims to increase the number of people accessing postural stability (falls prevention) programmes by at least 10% by the end of March 2023, which will improve the health and wellbeing of individuals in our local communities, giving them confidence to live their best life.

The falls response service is connected with 999 and Rapid Response. The decision to divert a 999 “falls call” to the response service is taken through the triage process with 999 and ShropDoc Single Point of Access. It is not a service that can be accessed separately.

However, please see the information below and this Help Finding the Right Support flyer for access to falls prevention and other support activity:

Elevate Programme run by Energize STW - Elevate classes are designed to improve strength and balance for local people aged 60+, you can find more information and a referral form here: Elevate strength and balance classes | Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin (energizestw.org.uk)

Functional Fitness MOT’s from Community Resource - Functional Fitness MOTs are programmes to help to reduce the risk of falling for people aged 60 and over. Activities include one-to-one fitness tests measuring strength, balance, flexibility and stamina. There is also information on how to reduce the risk of falling - with a demonstration of how to get up from the floor after a fall – plus a free taster exercise class.

Help to Keep Active - Community Resource - Support Advice & Training For Local Communities (community-resource.org.uk)

The Winter Support Service: Residents and those who support people in the community can call the Winter Support Service helpline on 0345 678 9012 to find out more and be referred where appropriate. The phoneline will be open Mondays-Fridays, 9am to 5pm. The service will connect people to a range of support that will assist residents to remain well and independent within their own home, and will also ensure safe and effective discharges home from hospital. Please find more information here: Support service returns to help keep people well this winter  - Shropshire Council Newsroom 


healthwatch logo

Healthwatch Shropshire Resumes

"Enter & View" Reports

After a suspension of the programme, due of the pandemic, Healthwatch Shropshire have restarted their Enter & View visits to health and social care locations. 

Healthwatch gather information on people experiences of health and social care services and there are times when it is appropriate for Healthwatch Shropshire to see and hear for themselves how services are provided. Following careful planning teams of specially trained volunteers visit a service, make observations, collect people’s opinions and produce a report.

In this most recent report, four authorised representatives visited Ward 22 Short Stay, Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, on Tuesday 22 November 2022 at midday. The visit was semi-announced meaning that the Ward knew that we would visit within a two-week period. The report was published at the end of January 2023.

If you are interested, or know somebody who might be interested, in joining the team download the role description here.

In case you missed it...

Be sure to also check out the Healthwatch Shropshire report on Calling for an Ambulance in an Emergency, published on 6th February.


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

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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Have Your Say: Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities


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

The draft Shropshire All-Age Carer strategy 2022-2027 review: Unpaid and family carers of all ages are invited to take part in this consultation of the Shropshire All Age Carer strategy 2022-2027. An unpaid and family carer is someone who, without pay, provides support to an individual who lives in Shropshire and may be ill, frail, with disabilities, have poor mental health or drug and alcohol problems, meaning they're unable to manage without this care and support. Please share this information with unpaid and family carers known to your service and with staff members, who may also be a carer. Closing 6th March

Digital Exclusion and the Cost of Living Inquiry: This inquiry will examine how to tackle digital exclusion in the context of the cost of living crisis. The committee wants to hear your views. They welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. Closing 7th March

Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan: Shropshire Council is seeking feedback on the draft Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development plan which has been submitted by the Cleobury Mortimer town council. Closing 10th March

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital EDS Review: RJAH are currently working through their assessment of the Equality Delivery System (EDS) to allow them to review and improve the services they provide, to ensure they are free from discrimination. Healthwatch Shropshire are supporting them with this. As part of this assessment, they are holding two focus groups which are taking in place in March, and they are looking for patients, service users and members of the public to come along to these sessions. Click on the links below to register. Closing 11th March

Shrewsbury Health and Wellbeing Hub Targeted Engagement: NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin wants to hear resident's views on a proposal to create a state-of-the-art hub to benefit the health and wellbeing of patients and the community in the South of Shrewsbury. This phase of community engagement is targeted to those who they have heard less from in previous engagement activity.  They are seeking the support of community organisations in Shropshire to help them connect with key groups within your networks and to share details of how seldom heard people can get involved in this important piece of work.  Especially: Young people (16-24); Elderly people and in particular those 80+; Males; People identifying as LGBT+; People from diverse ethnic minority groups; People with disabilities; Expectant and new parents. Closing 31st March

Rural Cost of Living Household Survey: The Rural Services Network has launched this survey in partnership with the Citizens Advice Rural Issues Group. Independent research commissioned by the RSN in summer last year shows rural areas are suffering more acutely from the cost of living crisis compared to urban areas. To lend more weight to the argument for more funding for rural areas the RSN is calling on as many rural residents as possible to complete a Rural Cost of Living Household Survey. The purpose of the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many. Closing 31st March


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Events and Training Opportunities


Mental Health First Aid Training

Monday, 20th March 9am - 5pm

Mayfair Community Centre, Church Stretton

 This is an exciting opportunity to attain a Level 2 qualification in Mental Health First Aid. This 2-day course will give you;

  • An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
  • Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
  • Confidence to step in reassure and support a person in distress
  • Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
  • Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support - whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix

Please note, this course is limited to a maximum of 16 people

This is a course which is funded through the Shropshire in Partnership Mental Health Project based at Qube, Oswestry

Register here

partner logos SIP, shropshire council and qube

Shropshire world cafe invite

You are invited to Shropshire's World Café! 

Register Here for the Shirehall event for Shropshire: 9th March

There will also be a world café at Meeting Point House event for Telford & Wrekin: 23rd March download the flyer here.

Email Sarah Page with questions or to let them know about accommodations.


Shropshire charity network logo

Shropshire Charity Network

March Virtual Meeting

Shropshire Charity Network are holding their next virtual session on Thursday 16th March from 9.30am – 10.30am on Zoom.

The speaker at this session will be George Collins. George will give a state of the nation for charity weekly lotteries and will uncover unlikely partnerships in digital supporter acquisition. Digital has fast become a mature channel but changes every 6 months in social appetite and platform algorithms are likely to leave us behind. George will share 5 actionable takeaways to overcome the digital landscape and will touch on recent campaign examples of blended digital/traditional channel approaches that have seen predictable performance.

George is Commercial Director at CFP Lottery & Raffles and CEO of Navigator.

Book your free place here


SIP team at Bishops Castle

Meet the SIP Voluntary and Community Support Team

Shawbury Village Hall: 8th March 10am - 2pm

Wem Village Hall: 30th March 9:30am - 12:30pm

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.

PhotoHigh Sheriff of Shropshire Selina Graham meets with the SIP Voluntary and Community Support Team and some community organisations at their last event in Bishop's Castle.


Office for Health Improvement and Disparities/Health Education England logo

How Can We Help Underserved Communities - Midlands

 28 March 2023, 13:00 – 15:30 BST

AIM - How we can align community services, encourage volunteers, and build sustainable, healthier and more resilient communities.

You are invited to join the conversation and discuss how we can look to bring cross-sector partners together. The broad aim is to develop a better understanding of the needs of their populations and bring them closer to their underserved communities.

In collaboration with Health Education England (Midlands), The Midlands Office for Health Inequalities & Disparities (OHID) have been running a scoping and feasibility exercise, meeting with and interviewing a wide range of stakeholders to inform the report we will be launching at this conference. You will hear from organisations who will share their experiences/good practice of aligning MECC and health literacy and what they have learned along the way.


AGE UK STW event flyer

Download the PDF event flyer here


fit4life logo

Online and In-Person Falls Prevention Exercise Classes

Mondays and Wednesdays

Fit4life a specialist personal trainer for the older adult focusing on fall prevention and mobility. With 20 years of experience, Leigh has worked with and helped clients with strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Email Leigh or phone 07865 081598 for more information and to register.

You can also visit the Fit 4 Life website to find out more about their in-person and online class offerings.


handshake

March Community Connectors Meetings

Please join one of the online or in person gatherings to meet with other community services; to share and hear about local offerings, events and support.

 

South West:Ludlow on 7th March at 10am

South West: Bishops Castle on 8th March at 3pm Both meetings are online. Please email for a link helen.vaughan@handstogetherludlow.org.uk

South East on 21st March at 10am Online meeting. Please email for a teams link lesley.jewell@community-resource.org.uk

Shrewsbury on 16th March at 10am Sundorne Sports Village Please email Natalie to book your place natalie.jackson@community-resource.org.uk

North Shropshire on 8th March at 10am Online meeting. Please email for a teams link l.woolcock@qube-oca.org.uk


shropshire european organisation logo

Shropshire European Organisation: International Community Buffet

Shropshire European Organisation would like to invite you to their International Community Buffet to celebrate Women's Day on 11th March from 5.30 till 8.30 at Radbrook Community Centre.

Every year, individuals from different backgrounds and with rich cultures, meet together and celebrate their traditions and have amazing food.

This year they expect representatives from sixteen countries and are hoping to have more. It is a unique day when you can speak with people from different countries who decided to live in the local area in one room.

Please come and join them and celebrate International Women's Day. They are raising money for Lingen Davies where two of their staff signed up to become cancer champions Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for children.

Please use this poster to help promote this event!


marches energy agency logo

Free Energy Saving Webinars from Marches Energy Agency

Are you looking to make your home warmer and greener?

To find out, check out these 2 FREE webinars coming up in partnership with Building Sense, sign up below:

Monday 20th March, 1pm - 2pm

Retrofitting historic buildings: Retrofitting historic buildings: Grade II and curtilage listed case studies Tickets, Mon 20 Mar 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite


Stay Telford logo

Wide Range of Free Specialist Domestic Abuse Training Available for Professionals and Organisations Across STW

Beginning this month, Stay Telford are offering a wide range of free specialist advice and training sessions for VCS organisations and social care professionals across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

Courses include:

  • VAWG: Understanding Violence Against Women & Girls
  • Understanding and Responding to Rape & Sexual Violence
  • Coercive Control
  • Honour Based Abuse and Force Marriage
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Other Harmful Practices
  • Elder Abuse
  • How to Understand, and Use, the DASH Risk Assessment

Download the full course descriptions here and the full training calendar here.

Want to sign up? Email training@staytelford.co.uk


Multiply image of a woman doing banking

Free Maths and Numeracy Courses for Adults

Shrewsbury Colleges Group is offering a series of new free numeracy and maths courses for adults. 

Multiply offers FREE numeracy courses to help individuals brush up their maths skills and help them become more confident with numbers, whether they need help in managing your bills, budgeting or they want to improve their potential at work. 

Courses start as early as February 2023, and include:

  • Support your child with their maths homework
  • Getting to grips with numbers
  • Manage your money
  • Numeracy upskill for ESOL adults

To qualify participants must be aged 19+, a resident in Shropshire and not already have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths.

Find out more and sign up on the Shrewsbury Colleges website.


save the date south shropshire youth conference

Save the date for South Shropshire's Youth Conference - 24th June 2023

If you are interested in talking with young people about their needs and wants, or in doing intergenerational activities, because of your (volunteer) work or because you’re a Town / Parish / Shropshire Councillor – then you are invited!

If you’d like more information, please email Marinke Fontein at South Shropshire Youth Network


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Job / Volunteer Opportunities


Qube logo

Qube: 2 Positions

Chief Officer

Qube is expanding and diversifying their portfolio of wellbeing services and seek a new Chief Officer to bring their ideas, vision, skills and funding acumen to refine the charity’s strategic vision.

You will be well-connected and creative in your approach with the confidence to challenge and drive services for the local area.

If you wish to enhance the well-being and quality of life of the communities in the area, please contact Rachel Davies today at Peridot; rachel@peridotpartners.co.uk or visit the Peridot website to learn more.

Download the full advert or visit:

Closing date for applications: Monday,  27th February 2023 at 9.00am

***

Transport Supervisor

Qube are looking to appoint a Transport Supervisor who will be responsible for the day to day operation of our Dial-a-Ride, Community Cars and other Community Transport department, which we operate within the town of Oswestry and the wider communities of Shropshire and the Welsh borders. You will also be involved in the strategic development of this valued service.

Location:          Office based at our centre in Oswestry.

Hours:              37.5 hours per week.

For more information regarding this role, please contact Nia Lloyd at Qube n.lloyd@qube-oca.org.uk or 01691 656882.

Closing date for applications:   Monday, 27th February 2023 at midday.


Shropshire Telford and Wrekin ICS image of people

Freelance Creative Facilitator

The National Centre for Creative Health and the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System are looking to recruit a freelance Creative Facilitator local to the Shropshire area to work closely with a group of young people and their parents and carers to explore co-production and co-produced outcomes that can support other young people accessing BeeU services (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service), part of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The sessions will take place in person in Shropshire.

The overarching role of the Creative Facilitator is to provide a creative and safe space for the group to voice and explore ideas and suggestions that aim to influence services and ultimately provide a better service for other young people accessing services. This might include exploring thoughts around the community outpatient building environment, or thoughts on how to engage more young people in providing feedback on their experience of using services.

This project is part of the NCCH’s Huddles programme, funded by the Baring Foundation. The Huddles are interdisciplinary learning activities for small groups to use co-production and creativity to explore and resolve challenges in healthcare settings. With creativity and lived experience at the heart, the Huddles bring together patients, participants, clinicians, artists and managers. The relationships developed will lead to new work being tested in health settings, and the learning from the work that takes place in the Huddles will spread more widely through the NCCH’s Hubs programme with NHS England.

The NCCH and staff from Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System will support the Creative Facilitator in preparation for the sessions.

The facilitator will use creative activities and techniques to provide a focus for the group that ensures they feel supported and heard. This approach will require the creative facilitator to be sensitive, experienced and able to share the creative process and work from a place of equality.

They are looking for a facilitator who has:

  • Strong experience of working creatively with young people to encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas in a safe space
  • Knowledge and experience of working in a co-produced way, particularly in a healthcare setting, would be beneficial

Download the full brief HERE

Deadline: 9am, Thursday 23rd February 2023

Freelance Fee: £1,500 (Equivalent of 6 days at £250 per day to cover planning, preparation, delivery of 6 sessions, and any relevant follow up)

Freelancers are responsible for their own Tax and NI on any fees paid.

To apply:

Please send a CV and covering letter outlining why you are interested in the role and explaining how your experience meets the person specification to: huddles@ncch.org.uk.


SaTH volunteer to career logo

NEW! SaTH Volunteer to Career Programme

Know someone who might be interested in a career in Healthcare? This is a brand-new programme which provides a direct route in to work in the healthcare sector. It’s ideal for people who are interested in a career in healthcare and would like to try out the role to see if it’s for them. You do not need previous experience or qualifications to apply for this programme.

If you would like to know more about this exciting new programme from the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals, visit their website.


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


National Allotment Gardens Trust Accepting Applications

The National Allotment Gardens Trust (NAGT), a registered charity, has a small amount of funding that it provides each year for allotment and garden projects.

Applications are currently being accepted for grants of between £250 and £2,000 for projects that will improve or develop the facilities of permanent and registered allotment gardens in the UK.

Registered non-profit making allotment associations, societies and committees in the UK can apply along with non-statutory sites if a long-term lease is in place.

To be eligible, applicants must be officially recognised by the landlord of the site and have a written and signed constitution, a bank account with three signatories and a forwarding address and named contact.

Applications are considered four times a year. The next deadline for applications is 1 April 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the NAGT website.


Children's Summer Playschemes Grants Programme Opens for UK Applications

The Woodward Charitable Trust is currently accepting applications to its annual funding round from UK registered charities, community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations or exempt charities with an annual turnover of less than £100,000.

Each year, the Trust offers around 35 one-off grants of between £500 and £1,000 for activities taking place during the summer that make a difference to children who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. The funding will cover up to 50% of the total cost of a scheme.

Projects need to run for at least two weeks, 10 full days or 20 half days, across the summer holidays. The preference is to fund trips that are educational and motivational or relate to the natural environment such as to the seaside or countryside.

Preference is given to:

  • Small local playschemes that provide a wide-ranging programme of activities. Trustees prefer activities that are relatively inexpensive such as crafts and cooking, as well as outdoor activities and sport.
  • Schemes that involve a large number of children.
  • Schemes where past users are encouraged to come back and help as volunteers.

The funding cannot be used for trips that are only social such as to a theme park or cinema or to overseas projects.

Applications are now open with a deadline of 6 April 2023 (noon). Visit the Woodward Charitable Trust website for more information and to apply.


Funding to Promote and Develop Endangered Heritage Crafts Across UK

Heritage Crafts Association is offering grants of between £500 and £2,000 to support crafts that are currently listed as endangered or critically endangered on the Red List of Endangered Crafts and provide opportunities for makers and trainees who wish to develop or share their skills in the crafts that have been identified as being most at risk.

Through the Endangered Crafts Fund, funding can be used for activities such as: 

  • Ensuring the longer-term viability or survival of heritage craft skills by implementing changes that will benefit both environmental and financial sustainability, for example:
    • Investing in more efficient machinery.
    • Developing reduced-carbon routes to market.
    • Exploring the use of alternative materials while maintaining the heritage character of your practice.
  • Direct skills transfer, for example:
    • Taking on a trainee.
    • Some or all the costs of training with a craftsperson.
    • The cost of attending a specialist training course.
    • Undertaking a self-directed programme of training with one or more craftspeople.
  • Indirect skills transfer, for example:
    • Preparing to teach courses.
    • Developing written or online training materials.
    • Online or video content to support skills.
  • Ensuring the longer-term viability or survival of heritage craft skills, for example:
    • Developing a new, innovative approach to heritage craft skills.
    • Specialist tools and equipment to facilitate skills transfer.

In addition to funding, further support is available, including mentor support, business support or signposting to other opportunities.

The deadline for applications is 3 March 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Heritage Crafts Association website.


Canoe Foundation Now Accepting Applications

The Canoe Foundation raises money; informs and educates; and allocates funds, in line with its main purpose to “support all to enjoy and benefit from the experience of paddling on our water in a sustainable manner”.

Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available to clubs, community groups, Parish Councils, Local Authorities or anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water for recreational users and protecting the environment.

The focus for the current funding round is on:

  • Increasing and protecting public access points to water for recreational users.
  • Creation of sustainable launching and landing sites, to and alongside water, for all sectors of the community and abilities.
  • Protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Grants for projects that are able to commence quickly may be awarded before the funding window closes, and therefore organisations are encouraged to apply early.

The fund is open until 11 April 2023 (23.59). Visit the Canoe Foundation website for more information and to apply.


Lloyd’s Bank Foundation England and Wales Specialist Programme – Deadline Reminder

Organisations have almost three weeks left to apply for the Lloyd’s Bank Foundation’s Specialist Programme, which is open to registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) in England and Wales with an annual income of £25,000 to £500,000.

Funding is for organisations supporting people (17 years and older) who are experiencing complex social issues resulting in a significant impact on their lives. The Foundation focuses on the following social issues:

  • Addiction and dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or gambling
  • Asylum seekers and refugees
  • Domestic and sexual abuse
  • Homeless and vulnerably housed
  • Offending, prison or community service
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Trafficking and modern slavery
  • Care leavers

As 'specialist organisations' applicants need to demonstrate the following:

  • In-depth services, rather than short-term or one-off support.
  • Holistic and person-centred services.
  • Personal plans in the form of written or electronic records of every person being supported, noting progress against activities.

Unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years are available.

The deadline to apply is 3 March 2023 at 5pm. For more information and to apply, visit the Lloyds Bank Foundation website.


community resource logo

Twemlows Fund

Is your group/organisation is within 15 miles of Prees in North Shropshire, and running projects focussed on environmental improvements or community participation?

You can apply for a grant up to £1,000 to support your work. The fund is being managed by Community Resource, and applications are being accepted for the next six months.

Find out more and apply by visiting the Community Resource website or phone 01743 360641.


McCarthy Stone Foundation:

Winter Warm Spaces Support Grants - 2023 

Connection and engagement for older people is often dependent on access to a space suitable to host groups. The McCarthy Stone Foundation know that the costs of this are often a major expense for small community groups and charities, and that these costs have been rising recently. 

This year their foundation would like to provide some support for the many small clubs and organisations across the country providing a regular warm space for older people in their community to come together, for example, lunch clubs, coffee mornings, or memory cafes. They are making £30,000 of funding available to those grassroots groups, often led by volunteers, who need a little extra help over the winter months. 

The funding will be awarded in grants of £750, meaning there are 40 grants available. Applications are now open and will close at the end of February. 

Funding will be prioritised to grassroots groups with annual income less than £100,000 p.a. and less than 6 months of free reserves.
To qualify, your club must be independent, with its own constitution and bank account.  

New SC logo banner

Town and Parish Councils Opportunity to Bid: Thriving Children and Families Fund

This opportunity is the result of a collaboration across the Local Authority and the Integrated Care Board, with financial input from the ICB and Public Health.

In the wake of the pandemic, this funding has been secured with the understanding that Covid, and our national response, has left its mark on young people, their families and communities. At its core, the funding is to enable healthy, vibrant communities, where young people have the opportunity to thrive and grow with the support of their community.

Key elements in the application include how town and parish councils have worked with (or will work with) young people to understand needs and wants. As well, it is clear that the application demonstrates how the work will be sustained following the end of the funding.

The funding is open for Town and Parish Councils to bid for up to £25,000, and they are strongly encouraged to work with organisations within the VCS sector.

Download the letter to Town and Parish Councils

Download the application form

The application closes on Monday 6th March, 2023 at 12 noon.

Please contact Melanie France, Integration Lead, Public Health  with questions. 


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