 VCSA Member Feature: The 4 All Foundation
The 4 All Foundation is a newly registered charity in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and a new member of the VCSA. The charity was founded less than a year ago as a way to build communities through local hubs, and it is already growing in leaps and bounds.
Two local hubs have already been established, in Market Drayton and Shrewsbury, and a third is in the final stages of development in Telford. These hubs offer a huge range of community activities, including sports programmes, arts and crafts for adult wellbeing, eco clubs, youth groups, social groups and even a Ukranian Support hub in Market Drayton. The foundation has also recently collaborated with the two local authorities to offer HAF programmes in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
The 4 All Foundation is growing fast, and is continuing to look for other community buildings to acquire and convert into local hubs like those in Market Drayton, Shrewsbury and Telford.
George Hounsell, Foundation Lead, said:
“The Foundation's vision is to help local communities develop and achieve through their foundation programmes. Through the power of community programmes, the 4 All Foundation provides practical and educational opportunities that aim to motivate and inspire individuals within our communities.”
Because it is growing so fast, the foundation is eager to find more volunteers, including a Trustee to serve as the foundation’s treasurer. See the job/volunteer section below for more information on volunteer opportunities with the 4 All Foundation.
The foundation has a new newsletter, and encourages other community organisations to sign up and find out more about their activities. Please email info@4allfoundation.co.uk to subscribe. You can also find them on the 4 All Foundation website, and follow them on social media.
Energize Launch #TogetherWeMove Champions
Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin have an ambition to eliminate inactivity focusing first on those who experience the most barriers to achieving an active lifestyle.
But they can't do this on their own, which is why they have launched the #TogetherWeMove champions.
#TogetherWeMove champions are local people who care passionately about the benefits of moving more and are willing to join the movement to inspire others to create opportunities and enable many more people to improve their lives.
Energize have announced the first ten #TogetherWeMove champions. These are volunteers who focus on championing physical activity in their own communities.
The ten champions include Paul Kalinaukas (pictured), a 68-year-old recreational runner who started improving his physical activity after a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.
Paul said:
"I support #TogetherWeMove becauseI know from my own lived experience how monumentally life changing having an active lifestyle can be. I want to help as many people as possible to improve their lives, as I did."
Read more about all of the the #TogetherWeMove champions and how to get involved on the Energize website.
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New Age UK Report on Older People and Online Banking
A new report from Age UK details the impacts of the rise in online banking among older people.
While the survey found that most older people do bank online, a significant number (27%) still manage their banking through a branch or other physical location, and almost a third (31%) of survey respondents said they were "uncomfortable" with the idea of banking online. The survey also found that a large percentage of older people are concerned about online scams.
The report offers recommendations for the banking industry, but the reports findings also offer important insights for other sectors undergoing digital transformation.
Download the full report here.
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New On-Demand Bus Service to Begin in September
A new pilot on-demand bus service is to begin operating in an area to the southwest of Shrewsbury this autumn – with plans in place to roll the service out across the county as part of Shropshire Council’s commitment to reinvigorate public transport in Shropshire.
Operated by Shropshire Council, the Connect On-Demand service will replace the under threat 20 (Shrewsbury to Radbrook), 544 (Shrewsbury to Lyth Hill) and 546 (Shrewsbury to Pulverbatch) bus services which are fully funded by the council but have, over a period of time, seen a reduction in passengers.
The new pilot service will operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, from September, with people able to book via app or by phone. More details will be announced nearer the time.
Read the full story on the Shropshire Council newsroom.
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National Research on Cost of Living Impacts on Charities Featured on BBC
Recently, this newsletter shared latest VCSE Sector Barometer report by Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University's National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory. The report, "Running Hot, Burning Out" explores the impact of the recruitment crisis on the the charity sector.
A recent BBC Look North report visited Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in Huddersfield to find out how the charity had been affected by recruitment challenges. This is followed by a conversation with one of the Pro Bono Economics analysts who worked on the report. The video offers an excellent summary of why this research is so important.
Pro Bono Economics has launched the third wave of its research, focusing on volunteering. See the "Have Your Say" section below for more information and the survey link.
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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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Health Needs Assessment for Shrewsbury: Shropshire Councils Public Health Community Wellbeing Outreach Team is collecting the views and wishes of all Shropshire residents regarding their current and future health and wellbeing needs. They feel it’s very important to make sure community voice is heard when decisions are made about where funding is allocated across Shropshire. Right now, they are surveying Shrewsbury residents only. Please help spread the word about this research. Closing date TBD
Healthwatch Shropshire - Complaints About Health and Social Care: Healthwatch Shropshire wants to know about people’s experience of making complaints about their NHS or social care services, not only if people achieved the outcome they sought through the complaint but also their experience of making the complaint, did they feel supported, did they have the information they needed, how they were treated and if they felt listened to. Closing date TBD
Healthwatch Shropshire - Diabetes Service Changes: To address the rising prevalence of diabetes in our community STW Integrated Care System wants to transform diabetic care pathways with a vision of improving the lives and treatment outcomes for patients affected by diabetes or those at risk of developing it. In order to do this, they would like to hear from people with diabetes or those who have been identified as being at risk of developing diabetes (pre-diabetic) about their experiences of diabetic care and support. They will then share the responses with the NHS and Public Health to help inform the transformation programme and ensure the patient voice is at the centre of developments. Closing date TBD
Pay and Equalities Survey 2023: ACEVO, CAF, ACOSVO and Chief Officers 3rd Sector have teamed up to run a really important annual CEO Pay and Equalities Survey. By filling it out, you will play a part in creating a fuller picture of the sectors pay and reward for CEOs. It's a crucial survey that will help to provide a deeper understanding of the current diversity and equality at senior levels. Closing 10th May
Shrewsbury Public Spaces Protection Order: In accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Shropshire Council is seeking your views and comments on an extension and possible amendment to the ‘Shrewsbury Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (No. 1) 2017’ (‘the Shrewsbury PSPO’). The proposal is to enable the Order to continue for a further three years. The current Order will expire on the 31st July unless extended by Shropshire Council. Prohibitions covered by the current order include: (a) urinating/defecating; (b) leaving personal belongings; (c) a wider enabling provision to require a person to stop drinking alcohol and/or hand over alcohol if causing anti-social behaviour; and (d) a wider enabling provision to require a person to leave an area and not to return for 48 hours if causing anti-social behaviour.
Proposed amendments are designed to extend the persons able to enforce the PSPO and a wider range of prohibitions to cover other forms of anti-social behaviour. Please find below a link to the details and attached document which also includes details of the current Order and associated data.
Shropshire Council would welcome any comments you wish to make particularly in response to the questions posed within the consultation covering the proposed extension period, impact of the existing PSPO, and need for amendments. Closing 14th May
Please respond in writing, including the nature of your interest (i.e. VCS group/ organisation, resident etc.) via post or email.
National Volunteering Survey: The third quarterly VCSE Sector Barometer is now live. Completing this independent survey, produced by experts at Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University's National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory, is hugely important. By taking part, you will help inform government, media, and many others, of the pressures that charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are facing across areas such as income, people, demand and impact. Please take it and pass it on. Closing 30th May
Health and Care Workforce Health and Wellbeing Survey: The ICS is conducting a survey of its workforce to determine what to offer for their health and wellbeing needs in the future. Please note, this survey is also for VCSE sector staff and volunteers working in health and care fields. Closing 31st May
The Shropshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan: (LCWIP or ‘Cycling and Walking Plan’ for short) is the council's long-term plan, aimed at dramatically improving the safety, comfort and attractiveness of walking and cycling in the county. The purpose of this plan is to set out a prioritised list of schemes for delivery over the next ten years that will improve walking and cycling infrastructure for Shropshire residents, workers and visitors alike. Closing 16th June
The Cycling and Walking plan covers the following towns (click below for the survey link):
Other ways to get involved:
- Two online webinars covering the proposals for each of the seven towns (6pm on 18 and 25 May details TBC)
- Workshops with schools to get the opinions of children and young people (w/c 19 June, details TBC)
Shropshire Electoral Boundary Review: The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published draft recommendations for new divisions, division boundaries, and division names for Shropshire. If you represent a local organisation or community group in Shropshire, please pass this message on to your members or anyone you think who might be interested in the review. Closing 10th July
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Website with information on the review and proposals
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Link to feedback form to provide views on the proposals
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Poster for sharing with communities
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals are in the process of a huge Hospital Transformation Project (HTP) and there are 4 focus groups, into which they would like voluntary and community sector input.
The focus groups are:
- Urgent & Emergency Care & medicine Focus Group – 7 quarterly meetings between 25th May 2023 & 30th January 2025.
- Clinical Support Services Focus Group – 4 – Six monthly meetings between September 2023 and March 2025
- Women’s & Children’s Focus Group – 8 quarterly meetings between June 2023 & March 2025.
- Planned Care Focus Group – 9 quarterly meetings – March 2023 to March 2025.
They are also happy to provide a speaker to discuss these transformation projects should your group or organisation wish to avail themselves of this offer. For more information about a speaker or one or more of the focus groups, please email Mike Crawshaw, Social Inclusion Facilitator.
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VCSA Annual Assembly
5th July 9:30-12:30
Shrewsbury Town Football Club
This year's assembly theme will be promoting mental health and wellbeing for voluntary sector staff and volunteers. We will have speakers and a workshop that fit this theme. Our agenda will also cover a review of the work the VCSA has done this year to further the sector's priorities.
Full agenda will be available soon!
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served, and tables for putting out materials will be available. Time will be set aside specifically for networking with other VCSE organisations, so please feel free to bring your organisational flyers and materials. Please email Sarah Hampson at vcsassembly@shropshire.gov.uk if you plan to bring banners or other materials bigger than leaftlets for a table, just so that we can be prepared to accommodate you.
If you will need transportation from the Shrewsbury bus or train station to the football ground, please email Sarah Hampson at vcsassembly@shropshire.gov.uk as soon as possible as we are making arrangements for a shuttle.
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VCSA Health and Social Care Forum
Are you a community or voluntary organisation working on health and care? Join us for our next meeting of the Shropshire Health and Social Care Forum 6th June from 9:30-11:30am at Community Resource in Shrewsbury.
Attending the meeting will be Marianne Grant the ICS/VCS Engagement and Partnership lead. She will be discussing how this role supports the voluntary sector including a discussion with forum members on thoughts about how the role can help the sector.
Also attending will be Naomi Roche the Personalised Care Programme Manager from the Partnerships Team of Public Health. As we are one of 7 ICBs nationally to host a Creative Health Associate to work across our region, Naomi will be speaking about the work of the associate and her own role in creative health followed by discussion with forum members on what we are already doing or could do to support the creative agenda. See National Centre for Creative Health for more details on the creative health associates programme.
Full agenda here.
Please RSVP by the 2nd of June to Sue Chalk, Director of Operations at Community Resource.
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Calling Older and Old LGBT+ people
An opportunity to have your say on local health and care services
Healthcare leaders at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraging people across the county to join the Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation.
The aim is to understand our views on what is affecting our health and wellbeing, what really matters to us and what would make the biggest difference in terms of improving our experiences of local health and care services. The feedback gathered at these events will inform plans for the future.
SAND has offered to host two online sessions in partnership with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
They are holding two online sessions on:
17th May 6.30-8.00pm Click here to join the meeting
22nd May 10-11.30am Click here to join the meeting
If you are 50+ and would like to join the session, please click on the appropriate link above and they will look forward to seeing you
If you are unable to join either session but would like to share your views the NHS is making a survey available in the next few weeks. To find out more and access the survey please contact: jackie.robinson16@nhs.net
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The VCSA Older People's Sounding Board to Host Big Conversation
The VCSA Older People's Sounding Board will host its first in-person meeting since the pandemic as a chance for older people in Shropshire to get involved in the NHS's Big Conversation.
The event will be hosted on Thursday 25th May 2023 at 1.00pm-3.00pm at Shrewsbury Baptist Church, Central, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QG.
Refreshments will be provided.
The Big Health and Wellbeing Conversation aims to understand local views on what is affecting their health and wellbeing, and what things would make the biggest difference to improve experiences of local health and care services. The feedback gathered at these events will help NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin develop its plans for the future.
Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said:
“It is really important that the views of older people across Shropshire and Telford are fed into this Big Conversation, as this will help shape NHS service for the future. We want to make sure this reflects what older people want and need so please come and make your views known.”
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Zero Carbon Shropshire AGM
17th May 5pm
University Centre Shrewsbury
Reserve your ticket via Eventbrite to attend the session in person.
You can also access the event live online on the night via MS Teams here.
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Meet the Leader in Cleobury Mortimer
Thursday 18 May from 10am until midday
Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, is to host a Meet the Leader event in Cleobury Mortimer next week.
Lezley will be at Cleobury Mortimer Library, in Love Lane, on Thursday 18 May from 10am until midday.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the event and sit down with Lezley to share their ideas to help make Shropshire an even better place.
Lezley said:-
“I can’t wait to hear about the things that really matter to you.
If you can, please make sure that you come along to meet me. In return, I promise to listen, and anything I can’t answer I will write down and make sure that it’s actioned as appropriate.
I look forward to seeing you there.”
Slots during Lezley’s Meet the Leader event will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lezley’s visit to Cleobury Mortimer follows a series of Meet the Leader events which have taken place so far in Ludlow, Ellesmere, Market Drayton, Bishop’s Castle, Church Stretton, Bridgnorth and Wem, with many more planned for the year ahead. More information about these will be issued shortly.
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Free and Low Cost Training for Voluntary Sector Organisations Through SIP
The Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) hosts a number of free or low-cost (£15pp) training courses for voluntary and community sector organisations in Shropshire.
Click on the links below to check them out and sign up today! Upcoming courses in May and June include:
It is also highly recommended that you follow SIP on Evenbrite to get notified when new courses are added!
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Mental Health Courses for VCS Organisations
Remember to check out the list of mental health training courses offered through the Shropshire in Partnership Mental Health Project.
Courses for VCS organisations include:
Suicide First Aid
Resilience and Stress Management
and Managing Stress and Burnout.
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If you would like to join, email Marinke Fontein for a link.
First Aid and Safeguarding Adults Training
Shropshire Partners in Care is a not-for-profit organisation supporting over 250 independent adult social care providers across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Established in 2003, they exist to represent, upskill and champion our local adult social care providers and their staff. They offer quality and reasonably priced First Aid training at their offices in Annscroft, Shrewsbury, primarily to Members, but also to non-Members such as schools and community groups. All First Aid Training is nationally accredited by The First Aid Industry Body (FAIB). Safeguarding Adults Awareness training is aimed at all staff and volunteers working in social care, health, housing, charities and other areas of the independent sector.
In May 2023 they have spaces available on the following courses:
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Course Title
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Course Date
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Venue
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Price per Person
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1 Day Emergency First Aid in Ludlow, Market Drayton or Telford
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18th May
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Spiro Clinic, Ludlow
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£88
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1 Day Emergency First Aid in Ludlow, Market Drayton or Telford
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19th May
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Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton
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£88
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1 Day Emergency First Aid
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23rd May
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Annscroft Office
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£77
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1 Day Emergency First Aid in Ludlow, Market Drayton or Telford
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25th May
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The Hub on the Hill, Telford
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£88
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Should you be interested in booking a place on any of these courses, please contact Non-Member Bookings on 01743 860011 or email info@spic.co.uk.
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Shropshire Charity Network
18th May 2023 online meeting
At their May event they will be talking about fraud and offering thoughts and advice on how to minimise your charity's risk.
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Dementia Support Information Day
Thursday 18th May, 10am - 3pm
Shrewsbury Town Football Club
This is an event for people affected by dementia across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. There will be a multitude of organisations in one location, so you can find everything you need to know about dementia in one place.
Find out more here.
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King’s Award for Voluntary Service Briefing Sessions
The King's Award for Voluntary Service celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK. Groups do not have to be a registered charity and any voluntary
organisation with three or more volunteers can be nominated. The award is the equivalent to an MBE and the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, giving Royal recognition to the work they do.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire has been delighted to see so many voluntary groups in the county being awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and would like to support even more organisations across Shropshire win this award which following the Accession of King Charles III, has now become The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
To help and encourage voluntary organisations understand the award and the nomination process the Shropshire Lieutenancy will be holding three briefing sessions:
Tuesday 16th May 2023 at 10.30am – 11.30am
The Baptist Church, Water Lane, Newport, TF10 7LD
Tuesday 13th June 2023 at 7pm - 8pm
Via Zoom
They recommend attendance in person at one of the workshops (Newport or Shrewsbury) as this provides an opportunity for members of the Shropshire KAVS panel to look in more detail at the individual volunteer group’s eligibility; the zoom session is added to assist employed trustees who are unable to attend during the working day.
What the recipients say:
Joe Lockley, Director of Bright Star Boxing Academy said,
“Winning this award is absolutely amazing for all of the staff and volunteers at Bright Star, it’s great to see the impact we’re having is recognised nationally. ”
For further information and/or to book a place please email: shelley.davies@shropshire.gov.uk
Information can also be found on the KAVS website.
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Menopause Meet Up
Book here for 22 May 23
The Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System Health and Wellbeing Team would like to invite you to join them at their next Menopause Meet up, bringing women together to share their experiences of the menopause. Each event is held virtually via Teams and is an informal peer support group where people are free to contribute to the conversation or simply listen while others talk about their experiences.
If you work in Health or Social Care, whether through the NHS, Local Authority, voluntary sector or in a care home, this is for you and they would love to see you there.
You are welcome whether you’ve joined the group before, or are new to all things menopause. The topic at the May group is The Beginners Guide to Menopause so will be particularly relevant to you if you are just starting to go through perimenopause or menopause.
Offering support and information throughout this session will be Kate Trifunovic, Specialist Occupational Health Nurse, and Dr Melanie Thompson, GP Partner and Clinical Lead for Health & Wellbeing for STW ICS. Menopause Meet ups are here across the ICS in order to help women open up and feel more confident speaking about their experiences. They also help to banish any unhelpful myths, raise awareness of this important topic, and positively impact on your wellbeing.
See you there
Juliet
Juliet Doman, Health and Wellbeing Manager, STW ICS - Juliet.doman@nhs.net
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Protect UK Workshop for the Voluntary Sector
Free online workshop
Wed, 24 May 2023 12:00 - 13:00 BST
An insight into protective security information, awareness products and platforms
Following the launch of the National Counter Terrorism Policing’s ‘Protect UK’ platform and App, Protect UK are pleased to be able to host a virtual awareness session for those in the voluntary sector.
The session will be solely on the ‘Protect UK’ product and how you, as an organisation, can access it. It is intended to last approximately 1 hour.
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How to Diversify your Board
25th May 12:00 Online - FREE
This free one-hour session, with award-winning trainer Sophia Moreau, will give you an introduction into how to diversify your charity board. It will be a whistle stop tour of all the things you need to do - with our free best practice guide available to you to help you every step of the way. This session will get you to think differently about how you approach your recruitment to try and attract diverse trustees.
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Carers Recipe Competition
Shropshire Council's Carers Team is running a recipe competition for carers.
Please download the details of their cooking competition to win a signed copy of Phil Vickery's cook book - Phil will be judging all entries.
Closing date is 28th May 2023. Entries should be emailed to
shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk or you can phone 01743 341995.
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Free Motivational Interviewing Training
20th June 09:15 – 16:00 Online
Free opportunity for VCSE organisations to participate in this training offered through the ICS.
If you spend your life explaining what your service users should, could, must or need to do then this is the course for you. Motivational interviewing is a style of communication that uses a guiding/reflective style to engage with people, clarify their strengths and aspirations, and utilise their own motivations for change, and promote independence of decision making.
Download the course flyer for more information, including how to book!
You can also visit the Eventbrite site to learn more and book there.
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Looking for Local Health-Related Events and Information?
Looking for health-related events and meetings local to your area? The VCSA recommends subscribing to the Community Connectors newsletter for all of the latest local event information, including classes, clubs and social groups that are related to health and wellbeing. You can subscribe by emailing l.woolcock@qube-oca.org.uk
Download the Community Connectors Leaflet for more information on what they are and how you can get involved in social prescribing in Shropshire.
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Designs in Mind in Oswestry are looking for people to donate one morning or afternoon a week to help in their new ground-floor shop as a retail volunteer. Full training will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers will be helping us to raise funds through selling items made in their studio by their members, whilst also promoting positive mental health on the high street.
For more information please call 01691 655140 or email Lauren@designsinmind.co.uk
Trustee Needed: The 4 All Foundation
The 4 All Foundation are looking for a Treasurer to lead on the financial governance, working with the Chair to deliver the charity objectives and strategy.
The Trustee Board meets quarterly, either online or face to face. The board works closely with the Senior Management Team. 4 All Foundation is a charitable organisation delivering local and accessible opportunities throughout our communities in Shropshire.
The Foundation's vision is to help our communities develop and achieve through foundation programmes. Through the power of their community programmes, the 4 All Foundation provides practical and educational opportunities that aims to motivate and inspire individuals within our communities.
The foundation is specifically seeking someone who can take on a Treasurer role, reviewing financial and budget information as provided by the Senior Management Team
This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. For further information, please email info@4allfoundation.co.uk
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Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance is recruiting!
Are you passionate about making a difference, making society fairer and working for an organisation that values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination?
Citizens Advice Shropshire are recruiting a coordinator for the Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance. This is a varied and exciting role with a mixture of community development and policy work, offering the post-holder opportunities for professional development.
They encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance Coordinator
Salary: £25,668 (pay award pending)
Contract: Full time 37 hours per week, 12 month fixed term.
Location: The successful applicant would be based in Shrewsbury office and must be able to work flexibly across the county when required.
Start: As soon as possible
Post may be subject to a DBS check.
SFPA is hosted by Citizens Advice Shropshire and further details and application form (no CVs) are available from their website.
Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 17th May 2023
Interviews: Wednesday 24th May 2023
(If interview date isn't convenient another may be arranged, depending on availability)
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Carer Support Practitioners
Family and unpaid carers make a large and positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities and Shropshire Carers Support Team wants to ensure the proper recognition, support and appreciation of every carer in Shropshire.
If you have a vision for how the people and places within communities can work together to do things that make a difference to everyone’s life, then as a member of our Carer Support Team within Adult Social Care, Shropshire Council, you will contribute to creating a carer friendly community in Shropshire, delivering support and information to family and unpaid carers enabling them to achieve their own outcomes.
If you would like to discuss this role further please get in touch (alison.barrett@shropshire.gov.uk Tel 01743 256282).
For more information and to apply, visit: Carer Support Practitioner – Shropshire Council. Closing date 22 May 2023.
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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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Co-op Local Fund Reopens for 2023 Applications
Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the UK and Isle of Man can now apply for grants from the Co-op Local Community Fund, which allows Co-op members to support the projects they care most about.
The grants will be awarded for projects around Co-op food stores and funeral homes that:
- Bring people together to access food.
- Help to improve people's mental wellbeing.
- Create opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference.
- Help people to save and restore nature or tackle climate change.
Funding is determined by Co-op community members who vote on the project they wish to support in their local community. The more Co-op members that support the project and shop at Co-op, the more money groups will receive.
In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
Groups can use the postcode checker on the Co-op website to receive an estimation of the average grant size in their area.
The deadline to apply is midnight on 7 June 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Co-op website.
Cycling UK Reopens Big Bike Revival Grants Programme for 2023
Cycling UK is offering grants of up to £2,000 for voluntary and community cycle groups and other not-for-profit organisations across England.
The Big Bike Revival Grants Programme will support events and activities that use the ‘fix-learn-ride’ model to provide sessions for people groups that are underrepresented in cycling, such as:
- People on low incomes.
- People who suffer from poor mental health.
- People who are not meeting physical activity guidelines.
- People who are homeless.
- People lacking confidence.
- People who are unemployed.
- Military veterans.
- People who are experiencing substance abuse.
- People who are ethnically diverse.
- Refugees and asylum seekers.
- People experiencing transport poverty.
- People with perceived barriers to cycling.
Funding is for activities delivered between 15 May 2023 and 30 September 2023.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Cycling UK website.
Healthy Heart Grants Now Open for England Applications
Working in partnership with the SUBWAY franchise, Heart Research UK is accepting applications to the next round of its programme for the promotion of heart health.
With each region of the UK having its own funding window, the current round is open for groups in England. Two grants of £15,000 each will be awarded.
Funding is for new projects that work with communities to prevent heart disease, particularly for vulnerable and isolated groups of individuals who are at an increased risk of developing heart problems in the future. Projects that are likely to have a big impact and have considered novel ways to encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes are also sought.
Activities must focus on one or more of the following risk factors of heart disease:
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating.
- Physical Activity.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
Not-for-profit organisations with a turnover of less than £1 million are eligible to apply. This includes charities, community groups, voluntary organisations, and sports groups.
The deadline to apply is 8 June 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Heart Research UK website.
Deadline Reminder for Sport England’s Small Grants
Applications remain open for the Small Grants programme, which offers grants of £300 to £15,000 to projects across England.
The aim of the fund is to bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active.
Reflecting to of the King’s personal passions, there are two additional funding priorities during the year of the Coronation 2023:
- Projects which focus on sustainability while reducing the impact on the environment, such as purchasing locally made equipment to extend capacity in a club or using local community assets to minimise travel.
- Projects which focus on developing skills in young people. This could include supporting them through coaching qualifications or relevant sports administration courses, or trying new sessions to bring new participants into the club.
For projects addressing environmental sustainability in sport and physical activity, funded work should align with at least one of the following areas of focus:
- Reducing energy use - Actions and measures which support local efforts towards achieving net zero including installing energy efficient equipment and improving insulation.
- Encouraging responsible travel - Promoting accessible and safe public transport options or encouraging active travel modes such as walking and cycling.
- Reducing waste and resource efficiency - Measures and actions that seek to reduce and eliminate waste including promotion of repairing, reusing and recycling.
Applications are accepted from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, schools and local authority bodies.
The deadline to apply is 30 June 2023. For more information, including how to apply, visit the Sport England website.
National Churches Trust Accepting Small Grant Applications for Summer 2023 Round
The National Churches Trust supports and promotes places of worship of historic, architectural and community value used by Christian denominations throughout the UK. The Trust offers three levels of funding: large grants of up to £50,000; medium grants of up to £10,000 and small grants of up to £5,000.
The Trust is currently accepting small grant applications from UK places of worship of any Christian denomination and age.
Small grants of between £500 and £5,000 for up to 50% of the project cost which should not exceed £20,000 (inclusive of VAT and fees) are to be used for:
- Urgent maintenance work.
- Items identified as high priority within a Quinquennial Inspection Report/survey reports/other sort of report.
- Small investigative works/surveys.
Priority will be given to:
- Work to architecturally and historically significant buildings.
- Urgent/essential structural repair projects as identified in a recent QIR, building survey or condition report.
- Places of worship that can demonstrate a suitable maintenance system, including a maintenance plan is in place to protect the investment.
- Places of worship with regular opening hours.
- Places of worship that can demonstrate strong community engagement and sound plans for economic viability.
Although not listed as distinct priorities, applications from non-Anglican denominations are encouraged.
Applications from churches in Scotland are particularly welcome to apply to the current round.
Deadlines will be bi-monthly throughout the year.
The next deadline for applications is 29 June 2023 (midnight). Visit the National Churches Trust website for more information and to apply.
McCarthy Stone Foundation Offers Grants in Support of Dementia Action Week 2023
The McCarthy Stone Foundation is providing 30 grants of £1,000 each to support grassroot groups in the UK who provide services, such as memory cafes, to help those with dementia. The grant is offered as part of Dementia Action Week 2023, which is taking place from 15-23 May, to increase understanding and awareness, and to encourage people to 'Act on Dementia'.
Small, grassroot community organisations and clubs from across the UK may apply. To be eligible, applicants must be independent, with their own constitution and bank account.
Priority will be given to groups with an annual income of less than £25,000.
The deadline for applications is 26 May 2023 with notification shortly thereafter. Visit the McCarthy Stone Foundation website for more information and to apply.
Force for Change Programme Accepting 2023 Applications
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is offering one-year grants of up to £15,000 to deliver changes or improvements for UK Armed Forces communities, particularly for those who are experiencing particular needs due to cost-of-living challenges.
To be eligible to apply, organisations must be one of the following:
- An established registered charity or community interest company (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities.
- An Armed Forces unit or base.
- A local authority.
- A school.
- A statutory body that delivers or co-ordinates NHS care.
The type of work that could be funded includes (but is not limited to):
- Information, advice & guidance, including debt advice where this does not duplicate other local projects.
- Projects connecting isolated and vulnerable veterans and Armed Forces families with advice or welfare support that could have a positive impact.
- Projects which help armed forces families with needs connected to cost of living challenges such as debt advice or mental wellbeing.
- Activities which will improve quality of life.
Funding can cover continuation of existing work, provision of pilot activities or projects that build on earlier work with vulnerable Armed Forces communities.
The next deadline to apply is 5pm on 17 July 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website.
Large, Strategic Grants from Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities Fund has reopened for 2023, with a focus on delivering real change among vulnerable Armed Forces communities who are most impacted by cost-of-living challenges.
This year, grants of up to £100,000 over two or three years are available. Projects taking place over one year may be eligible for grants of up to £50,000, though applicants must be able to demonstrate how their project would achieve a significant impact within this shorter timeframe.
In exceptional circumstances, the Trust may consider making enhanced grants of up to £150,000. In this case, core projects must be able to be delivered in £100,000 or less, and an additional £50,000 should be requested for additional work.
The Fund is open to UK charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs) that have been registered for at least three years, and UK Armed Forces units.
Projects should support serving personnel and/or their families or veterans and their families. Funded work must take a specialist, rather than generalist, approach. This could mean supporting a defined group with its own defined needs (such those with mental or physical health needs or members of the LGBT+ community) or addressing a challenging and pressing need within Armed Forces communities.
Funding can cover most costs associated with delivering a project or activity.
Due to inflationary pressures and the impacts of cost-of-living crisis, the funders will also consider applications that include a reasonable contribution to core/overhead costs.
The first deadline to apply is 5pm on 3 July 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Armed Forces Covenant Fund website.
West Midlands Mayor Community Weekend Fund Opens for Applications
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, has joined up with the National Lottery Community Fund for the first time since the pandemic to hold the Mayor’s Community Weekend which takes place during the weekend of Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September 2023.
The funding aims to bring people together to celebrate the strength and diversity of West Midlands’ communities.
There is a total of £150,000 this year which will be awarded in grants of between £500 and £2,000 across the West Midlands.
Priority will be given to projects and activities that focus on one or more of the following aims:
- Bringing communities together – connecting and strengthening the relationships between neighbours and neighbourhoods.
- Celebrating the strength and diversity of communities across the West Midlands, particularly the role young people can play in the communities bringing together volunteers and promoting volunteering.
- Creating more chances for communities to enjoy green spaces.
The funding can support a number of different things, including but not limited to sports and cultural events, litter picks, community gatherings such as picnics and celebrations.
Grants can help pay for the costs of setting up and running an event, including staffing, insurance, transport, equipment and venue hire and volunteer expenses.
Voluntary, community and social enterprise groups and organisations in the West Midlands can apply, as can schools (for wider community activity) and statutory bodies such as local authorities and town, parish and community councils.
There is particular interest in applications from small organisations and groups and these may be prioritised for funding.
The deadline to apply is 12 noon on 7 June 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the WMCA website.
National Express Foundation’s Community Grant Scheme Opens to Applications from across UK
In 2023, the National Express Foundation has expanded its community grants programme from the West Midlands to include the whole of the UK.
This year’s funding focus is to help community groups that support young people (aged 15 to 24 years) continue to build back from the pandemic.
There is a total budget of £100,000 with grants of £1,000, £2,500, or £5,000 for projects which begin in the third quarter of 2023.
Projects need to fit into one or more of the following funding themes:
- Diversionary Activities. Initiatives that specifically focus on engaging with young people, providing them support and deterring anti-social behaviour.
- Environmental. Initiatives could include but are not limited to: encouraging young people to engage with the outdoors, initiatives that support the environment and involve youth groups
- Employability. Initiatives that directly or indirectly equip young people with skills, experience or qualifications that will support them gaining access to employment.
- Wellbeing. Initiatives that positively impact or provide support to young people through: physical activity, mental health and/ or social interaction.
Applications will be accepted from unincorporated associations, charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), voluntary groups, and sports and community clubs with an annual turnover of less than £ 250,000. Please note applications from organisations who turnover more than £250,000 annually will be considered, providing they can guarantee match funding in-kind from another organisation or grant.
There is a two-stage application process. The deadline for first stage applications is 6 June 2023. Find more information and an application form on the National Express Foundation website.
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Community Fund Grants
Community Resource administers a number of grants schemes through the Shropshire Community Fund to support groups to improve their community and the lives of local people.
Check them out here!
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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
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