Charlotte Hollins of Fordhall Farm Nominated for Major Award
The founder of England’s first community-owned farm is in line for recognition after being nominated in the outstanding individuals’ section of the 2023 National Lottery Awards.
Charlotte Hollins has been shortlisted in the Environment category as a result of her incredible
work in the local community. Charlotte’s father, Arthur Hollins, was a pioneer of organic farming who took on the tenancy of Fordhall Farm in 1929, when he was just 14 years old. Following Arthur’s death in 2005, Charlotte and her brother Ben had to battle to save the farm and their family home, at the age of 19 and 21.
The formidable pair established the Fordhall Community Land Initiative in 2006, bringing the farm into community ownership with 8,000 people from across the world now owning a stake. Charlotte now manages the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, with Ben as their tenant farmer.
With the help of National Lottery funding, including a £62,500 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund in 2022, Fordhall now offers a range of opportunities for adults with learning difficulties and vulnerable young people, encouraging them to grow and cook fresh produce, help with conservation work, and engage with a variety of activities on the farm.
Charlotte said:
“It’s with thanks to our staff, volunteers and members that we’ve been able to achieve so much.
If we are successful in winning the awards, we intend to use the £5,000 to support mentoring and coaching of other community groups wishing to learn from Fordhall’s incredible journey.”
The National Lottery Awards are the annual celebration of the ordinary individuals and organisations who do extraordinary things with the help of National Lottery funding.
This year, 3,780 people and projects were nominated for the work they have carried out with support from The National Lottery.
Over the summer, a panel made up of representatives from The National Lottery and partners will decide the winners in each of the individual categories. Winners will be revealed in the autumn and will receive a £5,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said:
“The National Lottery Awards honour those who have stepped up and have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their communities, especially during these challenging times."
New Environmental Leadership Programme Available for Young Adults
Shropshire Wildlife Trust and UpRising are partnering to offer an Environmental Leadership Programme 2 funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Is your organisation working with 18-25 year-olds in the West Midlands who are interested in leading environmental change within their local community? This programme may be just the thing for them.
This free, 9-month programme, focusing on nature connection and behavioural change, will offer a safe space for young adults to learn about, create and measure tangible change, as well as connecting them with experts in the field.
Young people will also be supported to run their own group campaigns!
Download the flyer here.
Want to know more? Visit elp2.uk for more info and how to apply, or email hello@uprising.org.uk with any questions.
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VCSA is on the Radio
Last Thursday, the VCSA appeared on local community radio station InTune Radio's programme 'The Mag' with highlights from our weekly newsletter. The VCSA will now appear every Thursday on The Mag, which airs 10am till noon, from September with news and updates from the sector. Be sure to listen in!
InTune Radio is looking to feature community and charity groups of all kinds across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin on their programmes, and have started offering free workshops on how to produce content for radio, so your organisation can be featured too!
They ran a really successful workshop last Wednesday, and intend to run the next workshop on Wednesday 6th September. Interested? Just get in touch: info@intune-radio.co.uk.
Check out InTune Radio's website to learn more about this community radio station and its mission to empower local people and communities in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
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Show Us Your Impact
The VCSA along with Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) and the Telford Chief Officers Group (COG) are looking to showcase the impact of VCSE health and wellbeing organisations across the county at the upcoming 'Working with the Sector' event in October (see events below).
We are collecting photos, videos and logos from your health and wellbeing organisations and projects to showcase at the event in a video. If you would like to have your work shown in this presentation, please get in touch! VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk
Pictured: Elevate strength and balance class provided through Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
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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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SaTH Hospitals Transformation Programme Focus Groups: Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals want local communities and patients to have the opportunity to get involved with the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP). They are organising focus groups which will meet regularly over the next three years as plans develop. The focus groups are aligned to the clinical workstreams within the HTP programme:
- Medicine, emergency, surgery, anaesthetics, and cancer focus group
- Clinical Support Services
- Women’s and Children’s
Please email sath.engagement@nhs.net if you would like to join any of these focus groups (please specify which focus groups you would like to attend). If you would like them to come and speak to a group or organisation that you are involved with they would be very happy to do so. Please email sath.engagement@nhs.net and they will work with you to arrange a convenient date.
Closing date TBD
Audiology Services Review - Request to Meet with Groups: Last year many took part in a review of audiology, either by completing a public survey or inviting us to meet with your group. You can read the full report here. What people told the NHS engagement team has been used to help shape the future model for the Adult Hearing Service for Age Related Hearing Loss (age 55 and above).
They would like the opportunity to visit any group you are involved with, who would be interested in discussing the plans for this service. They want to get your views about how they ensure that any potential future service providers consider the views and experiences of people using their service.
If you would like them to come to your group or wish to make suggestions please contact Jayne Morris jayne.morris15@nhs.net or Sara Buckley s.louisebuckley@nhs.net
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 31st July
Shropshire’s Great Outdoors Survey 2023: Annual user survey in order to identify how and where best to use the council’s resources to maintain and improve Shropshire's rights of way network, country parks and countryside and heritage sites. The survey also provides information to support the delivery of Shropshire’s Great Outdoors Strategy 2018-2028. Closing 6th August
Bishops Castle Draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation: Shropshire Council is seeking the views of all parties on the Draft Bishops Castle Neighbourhood Plan and its related documents. Closing 1st September
Three Parishes Draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation: Shropshire Council is seeking the views of all parties on the Draft Three Parishes Neighbourhood Plan and its related documents. Closing 1st September
Shropshire Healthier Weight Strategy 2023-2028 Draft Consultation: Members of the public and other stakeholders are invited to give their views on Shropshire’s draft Healthier Weight Strategy. Reducing obesity is a priority for Shropshire Council and Shropshire’s Integrated Care System and the draft strategy describes how we will work together to promote healthier weight for people of all ages, tackling the broader factors that impact on people’s health and wellbeing. It reflects valuable feedback previously received from the public and stakeholders, alongside current evidence, national guidance and local data on the scale and impact of unhealthy weight in Shropshire. Please share with service beneficiaries. Closing 7th September
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Free Yoga and Wellbeing Sessions Available for Community Groups
Jenna Blair Yoga in Shrewsbury is delighted to have been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver a range of community yoga and wellbeing sessions facilitated by their team of fully qualified teachers at zero financial cost to participants.
Jenna's mission has always been to offer the benefits of yoga to as many people as possible, so this opportunity has been received with huge gratitude.
If you know of any groups or individuals who may benefit from accessing yoga and wellbeing sessions without financial implication, either in Shrewsbury or other locations locally, get in touch! Phone 07812 596609 or email jennablair@hotmail.com
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Hospitals Transformation and Planning Events
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (SaTH) are holding some important public engagement events around the planning at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and the Hospital Transformation Programme.
Download this flyer with the upcoming dates, which include:
Planning Application Information and Engagement - Royal Shrewsbury Hospital:
Hospital Transformation Plan Information and Involvement Sessions:
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Tuesday 05 September 10:00 – 12:00 Women & Children’s Services Focus Group
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Thursday 07 September 10:00 – 12:00 Medicine and Emergency Care / Surgery, Anaesthetics and Cancer Focus Group
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Thursday 21 September Clinical Support Services Focus Group
Members of the project team will take members of the public through the proposals and answer any questions you may have.
If you have any queries about the planning application, please contact team@rshplanningapplication.co.uk.
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Talks, Demonstrations and Music Part of Open Day for Those Affected by Cancer
The Personalised Care Team who support those living with and beyond cancer at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH LWBC), is encouraging anybody who is affected by cancer to go along to the open day on Tuesday August 8.
The event will be held between 10am and 4pm at Palmer’s, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QG.
Jessica Greenwood, Head of Cancer Services & Lead Cancer Nurse at SaTH, said:
“This is a chance to talk about the amazing opportunities for people affected by cancer to get involved in. You are welcome to come along, ask questions, take away information and hopefully reach out to any services that could be of a benefit to you.”
The Personalised Care Team at SaTH has worked alongside services within the Trust, Primary Care and wider voluntary sector to bring everyone together in one room to talk about all the help available for people affected by cancer throughout Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid-Wales.
Open Harmony, a community music group, will be there on the day, providing music and talking about the chance for people to get involved with their group, and there will also be the opportunity to have a hand massage.
Members of the team will be talking about personalised care, what the different aspects are within that area and how they could benefit those living with and beyond cancer, including health needs assessments, personalised care and support plans, Living Well Sessions, the award-winning Cancer Information and Support App and treatment summaries.
For more information, contact the Personalised Care Team on sath.lwbc@nhs.net or 01743 492424.
Pictured: Katey Evans, Personalised Care Navigator and Leah Morgan, Personalised Care and Cancer Improvement Facilitator, who will be at the event.
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First Aid and Safeguarding 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 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 July and August 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
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31st July
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Annscroft Office
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£77
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Adult Safeguarding - Promoting a Positive Safeguarding Culture
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1st August
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Online - Zoom
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£50
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1 Day Emergency First Aid
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3rd August
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Annscroft Office
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£77
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1 Day Emergency First Aid
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8th August
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Annscroft Office
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£77
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Safeguarding Adults Awareness
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9th August
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Online - Zoom
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£50
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Professional Boundaries in Social Care & Health Settings
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11th August
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Online - Zoom
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£50
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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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Community Connectors Meetings August/September
Are you a local group or individual delivering activities that benefit and support the communities of Shropshire? Then please come along to one of the community connector network meetings throughout the county to connect with other local community services, groups and support organisations.
Shrewsbury
3rd August Online 10am to 12pm Please contact Natalie Jackson to book your place Natalie.Jackson@community-resource.org.uk
South East
22nd August venue TBC. Please contact Lesley Jewell to book your place Lesley.Jewell@community-resource.org.uk
North
12th September 10am to 12pm Ellesmere Venue TBC Please contact Lou Woolcock to book your place l.woolcock@qube-oca.org.u
NCVO Charities and Climate Change Series
The NCVO is hosting a free webinar event series related to their 'Fuelling Positive Change' campaign aimed at encouraging charities to consider divestment from from fossil fuels.
Places are free, and you can sign up to the first two events taking place in September and October now.
12 September Charities and climate change: How can we tackle the climate crisis? - book here
19 October Charities and climate change: How can we stop funding fossil fuels? - book here
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Wellbeing Retreats Available at the Cavalier Centre Much Wenlock
Free retreats focusing on health & wellbeing in recognition of Shropshire Carers Week 2023.
Veterans Community Wellbeing Day - Wednesday 9th August 2023 - 10am to 2pm.
A wonderful retreat including relaxation and mindfulness, a talk by a farrier from the Household Cavalry and spending time with the horses.
More information and contact details are available here
Community Wellbeing Retreat for Carers and Professionals - Wednesday 23rd August or Tuesday 29th August 10am - 2pm
Free half-day retreats focusing on health and wellbeing for professionals and carers who support others.
More information and contact details are available here
Interested in booking onto one of these half-day wellbeing retreats? Phone Lynette Fryer at the Cavalier Centre 01952 443 752 or email projects@cavaliercentre.org.uk
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 Harmless, a suicide prevention charity, are hosting their forth online Suicide Bereavement conference to examine the practical application of working in the field of suicide bereavement, split over 8 live webinars during the month of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The programme is designed to help those of us working with anyone impacted by suicide to improve our knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to suicide bereavement. Delegates can expect to take away from the conference a range of knowledge, inspiration and practical applications for the implementation in real life personal and professional situations. Learning from some of the leaders in the field, delegates will have access to interactive sessions that can drive change in the field of suicide bereavement.
For more information and to book a place, visit the Eventbrite site.
You can also download the conference programme flyer here.
Shropshire Charity Network Meeting
Thursday 21st September, 9.30-10.30am Online
At the September event we will be joined by Lewis Hardy, from Start Tech. Lewis will be talking to us about Cyber Security in the Charity Sector, giving some recent attacks against charities examples. He will cover how we can protect ourselves and mitigate risk and give some helpful information on Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation and potential Government Funding.
In this session we will also be joined by Selina Graham. Selina will be sharing an update on the new Shropshire Community Foundation, of which she is Chair. It is very likely that you will also be familiar with Selina who was High Sheriff for Shropshire for 2022 – 2023.
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From Here to Diversity 2023 Online Conference
28th September
Increased diversity can offer so many advantages to forward-looking organisations, including; improved performance and better governance,
greater creativity, a wider perspective and increased legitimacy and accountability.
This event will help you and your organisation be inclusive in language, behaviour and processes. We have curated a variety of sessions with experts that cover:
- Keynote on leadership and diversity
- New initiatives, the latest talking points and helpful resources in diversity
- Making your digital content more accessible
- Inclusive recruitment
- Committing to EDI (equality, diversity, inclusion)
- How not to do EDI
- Supporting neurodiversity as a leader
- Themed discussion groups (you can suggest topics)
You will go away with tips that will enable you to make the changes within your organisation (and your own behaviour) that will help improve society for all of us.
View full session details here.
Register here
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‘Working with the Voluntary and Community Sector and Social Enterprise Sector – The Key to Health and Wellbeing across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin’
Wednesday 4th October from 9am to 3.15pm
at Shrewsbury Town Football Club
Are you a voluntary and community sector organisation working on health and wellbeing? Want to showcase your impacts to health decision-makers? Ready to network and create partnerships with other VCSE organisations doing similar work?
If you have answered yes to these questions, then this conference is for you!
Join us for this chance to come together and engage in thought-provoking discussions and practical, informative workshops that will be sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Key themes for the day
- To demonstrate, with evidence, the impact of the VCSE as a key delivery partner in the wider health and care system
- Showcase the importance of VCSE infrastructure support for Shropshire Telford & Wrekin
- To ensure a common understanding of the VCSE and strengthen integrated ways of working with Statutory Health Partners.
- To bring a wide range of decision makers and experts together to gather learning to inform and influence the future plans of the ICS.
On the day there will be a range of engagement sessions and presentations from Voluntary Sector partners, ICB members and guest speakers. This conference will be an opportunity to learn more about the work happening within the Voluntary and Community Sector and how the sector is delivering on improving health, social care and wellbeing for people in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
You will have an opportunity to participate in a range of workshops focusing on Social Value and impact, measurement tools, the value of VCSE infrastructure and ways of collaborating for societal change.
Lunch and refreshments provided on the day.
We have limited spaces and would encourage you to take the opportunity to book early, to save disappointment!
This conference is supported by Shropshire Council and in partnership with Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP), Telford & Wrekin Chief Officers Group (COG) and Shropshire VCSA
Green Doors Scheme October 2023
Energy-efficient households are being asked to lead by example and throw open their doors to people wanting to learn more this October (2023).
The Marches Energy Agency is asking for people who have already started making their homes more energy efficient to volunteer as ambassadors through the Green Doors scheme, which takes place over three weekends in October.
Households who have already carried out works are being asked to open their doors so that people can find out first-hand all the information they need about making their own homes more energy efficient and eco-friendly.
The event is being co-ordinated by the Marches Energy Agency, and participating homes are being mapped on the national network for low carbon open homes.
Tony Baker, project manager at MEA, said:-
“The need for energy efficiency improvements to homes is now greater than ever, with huge energy bills biting, inflation and interest rates hitting people’s pockets, and climate change breathing down our necks.
“Looking around a home which has already been retrofitted and talking to householders who have been on that journey, is absolutely invaluable in giving others the confidence and understanding they need, and that in a nutshell is what Green Doors is about.”
Green Doors takes place on Saturday 14 October, Sunday 15 October, Saturday 21 October, Sunday 22 October, Saturday 28 October and Sunday 29 October 2023, and homes will be open from 10am to 4pm.
Volunteers are not expected to take part on all six days. For information on how to volunteer email Tony Baker at tony.baker@mea.org.uk or call 07942 370529.
More information on Green Doors can be found here
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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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Vacancies with Shropshire MHS
Would you like to work for an award-winning charity?
Shropshire Mental Health Support have the following vacancies:
Outreach Support Workers – Various hours
Sanctuary Support Workers – Various hours, night and late shifts
Relief Support Workers – To cover various services
For further details please contact Heather on 01743 368647 or email manager@shropshiremhs.com
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Volunteer & Get Involved, InTune Radio Have BIG Plans
Would you like to volunteer for your local community radio station in Shropshire?
Did you know that they welcome the radio experienced and non-experienced!
You’ll be 18+, have half a day each month to contribute, and possess skills and experience for the volunteer opportunities below:
- New Business Manager
- Business Account Executive
- Social Media Executive
- Office Administrator
- Event Organiser
- Community and Charity Liaison Officer
This is a very exciting and unique volunteering opportunity in the exciting world of radio - they have BIG plans!
To apply, and view more information please go to: the InTune Radio website and fill out the form.
#ListenLocal #GetInvolved #Shropshire #CommunityRadio
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 Informal discussion - email lucie.roberjot@tandwcvs.org.uk
Application pack -karen.morrow@tandwcvs.org.uk
Vacancies With Together Active
Together Active is a local charity whose vision is to design out inactivity across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The charity has ambitious plans for growing and is making a significant investment in expanding their workforce over the next 12 months.
They are seeking individuals to fill the following roles (click on the links to find out more):
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Seeking Volunteers: The League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
The League of Friends (LoF) have over 200 helping in the shops and on the ward trolleys, of all ages from retirees looking to “put something back” whilst socialising to younger people gaining useful experience whilst helping their community. They are looking for more people to help support their important work.
All of the money the volunteers help raise contributes directly to the hospital, but just as important to them and to the patients is being able to offer a touch of kindness or a friendly smile at what may be a difficult time. If you would like to know more, contact the shops manager: 01743 261008.
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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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Screwfix Foundation Accepting Applications for Autumn Funding
The Screwfix Foundation, a registered charity set up by the trade retailers Screwfix, has been supporting local charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK for the last 10 years. In March 2023, it celebrated a decade of giving. During this time, and thanks to both Screwfix customers and employees, the Foundation has awarded some £11 million to more than 2,400 local projects.
Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations based and working in the UK (including specialist not-for-profit schools) can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that improve, fix, and repair buildings, homes and facilities specifically used by people in need across the UK.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be supporting people in need in the UK by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress. The main beneficiaries could be:
- People suffering from sickness or disabilities.
- People from diverse groups.
- Disadvantaged or vulnerable people.
- People suffering from financial hardship.
- People suffering from mental health issues.
- Other.
- Be looking for funding to fix, maintain and improve properties or community facilities.
- Have suitable governance to manage funds, eg, financial reporting, committee meetings, etc.
The grants need to be spent within 12 months from receipt of payment.
Groups that are seeking funding for projects in:
- Autumn need to apply by 10 August to receive a decision by 30 September 2023.
- Winter can apply from 11 August to 10 November 2023 for a decision by 30 December 2023.
The next deadline for applications is 10 August 2023. Visit the Screwfix Foundation website for more information and to apply.
£75m Cost of Living Fund Opens for Applications from Frontline Charities and VCSE Organisations in England - Webinar Available
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery Community Fund have launched the new £75 million Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund. The fund is the first portion of funding from a total pot of £101.5 million announced by the Chancellor at the Spring 2023 Budget.
The funding is for frontline charities and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that are experiencing increased demand for critical services and increased costs in delivering them. The main priority is to fund organisations supporting low-income households and individuals.
A total of £70.9 million is being made available with grants ranging from between £10,000 to £75,000. Grants will be awarded from October 2023 until January 2024. Note, the grants can cover some retrospective costs incurred between 24 July 2023 and the date a grant is offered. All funding must be spent by 31 March 2024.
Applications will be accepted from the following organisations:
- Registered, exempt or excepted charities (either incorporated or unincorporated).
- Charitable incorporated organisations (CIO).
- Not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee who are a registered charity or have a not-for-profit 'asset lock' clause in their articles of association.
- Community interest companies (CIC).
- Community benefit societies.
- Co-operative societies who have a not-for-profit 'asset lock' clause in their society rules and are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
To be eligible, applicants must already run critical services around at least one of the following:
- Food and emergency supplies, eg, food and baby banks or the provision of hot meals, clothes or toiletries.
- Emergency shelter, eg, night shelters or other accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.
- Safe spaces, eg, domestic abuse services and youth services.
- Warmth, eg, warm rooms and spaces.
- Financial and housing advice, eg, giving people advice because of the increased cost of living.
Organisations must also be facing both:
- Increased demand for these critical services, and
- Increased costs of delivering these critical services.
Small and medium-sized front-line organisations with an annual turnover of between £10,000 and around £1 million are more likely to be successful.
However, larger organisations can also apply if they do both of the following:
- Show that they work closely and effectively with local communities.
- Fill a gap in essential local services.
The funding can be used to cover both project and core costs retrospectively from July 2023 until 31 March 2024.
An informational webinar will place on Friday 18th August at 10:30. You can book you place by clicking HERE
This short webinar will provide an opportunity to find out more about this fund. The presenters will:
- Give an overview of the new fund and who is eligible.
- Outline what the fund can cover and provide guidance on how to apply.
- Provide an opportunity to ask any specific question or queries you may have
Applications are to be made through the National Lottery Community Fund website.
The deadline for applications is 16 October 2023 (12 noon).
The Million Hours Fund
Up to £3m available for projects that support young people primarily aged between 11 to 18 (up to 25 for young people with SEND) during the 2023 school summer holidays.
Organisations must meet The Fund’s Awards for All eligibility criteria
Projects must:
- Take place in and/or benefit young people living in one of these eligible wards.
- Effectively engage with young people at risk of antisocial behaviour.
- Deliver additional youth provision.
- Start during or before the 2023 school summer holidays.
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This postcode checker allows you to check whether you are in an eligible area.
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When submitting an application, prefix your project name with MH.
For more information and to apply, visit the Million Hours Fund page on Gov.uk.
Neighbourhood Planning Grants and Support Programme Now Open for Applications
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has confirmed that funding has been made available for the full continuation of the Neighbourhood Planning Support Programme run by Locality on behalf of DLUHC for a further year, 2023-2024.
Local communities across England can apply now for grants and technical support to develop a neighbourhood plan or neighbourhood development this year (2023/24).
Town and parish councils, neighbourhood forums and prospective neighbourhood forums preparing a neighbourhood development plan or neighbourhood development order in England may 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.
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 2024. All grants must be spent before 31 March 2024.
Expressions of Interest can be submitted at any time before March 2024. Visit the Neighbourhood Planning website for more information and to submit an expression of interest.
Funding for UK Theatres to Improve Environmental Sustainability
The Theatres Trust, in association with Wolfson Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants of up to £20,000 to support not-for-profit theatres in the UK who need financial support to help reduce their environmental impact. This is a small fund with a total budget of £115,000 for this round.
Grants support a range of projects that consider different ways theatre buildings can reduce their environmental impact, for example:
- Sedum roofs.
- New windows.
- Building management systems.
- More efficient water heaters.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Demonstrate that they run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year.
- Have a bona fide UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years.
- Operate theatres that achieve excellence through their producing and programming or architectural significance.
Please note this is a highly competitive scheme with a limited amount of funding. In the last two years (2021-22) only 15 theatres have received funding.
This is the final year of the current three-year partnership (2021-2023) and it is unknown whether the funding will continue into 2024.
The deadline for applications is noon on 5 September 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Theatres Trust website.
Cash for Kids Sports Challenge
Free Radio's Cash for Kids has got £10,00 in funding for local sports groups to win! They want to help YOU enable more local children to get active and get involved in sport.
The Cash for Kids sports challenge is back for 2023, entries for the sports challenge open online on Monday 24th July, with the challenge taking place from Saturday 16th September until Monday 16th October.
This is a unique opportunity to get your group or club together behind one goal, working together to help more local children get involved in your sport.
All the money you raise you get to keep, on top of that they have grant prizes to be won with 1st place receiving £5,000 2nd place receiving £2,500 and 3rd place receiving £1,500 plus two prizes of £500 for best use of social media and most creative fundraising idea.
Download a flyer here.
To find out more or to register please visit the Planet Radio website.
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Early Market Engagement: Wellbeing and Independence Services for Adults
Shropshire Council would like to take the opportunity to engage with potential providers and/or partners in the future commissioning of Wellbeing & Independence services for adults.
Please note that the purpose of this process is for the council to discuss with the market and inform their current understanding of key issues and themes relating to the provision of these services and also to discuss what the market has to offer to assist the Council to deliver the services from 1st April 2024.
Please note that this is not the commencement of any formal procurement process and the Council is not committed to carrying out such a process.
For the avoidance of doubt no information provided in response to this process will be used by the Council in assessing providers during any subsequent procurement process.
This early market engagement exercise is intended to allow potential providers to outline their views and to provide information to the Council decision making process.
The Council will consider the information received as a result of this exercise to help inform the Council’s options appraisal and subsequent Council decision making process.
Background
The Council currently commissions Wellbeing and Independence services for adults with the overarching aim of helping people to remain independent and active in their own home and their community in order to reduce the likelihood of them becoming unwell, using health services or long-term formal care and support. The current scope of the services consists of the 4 following key elements:
- Practical help in the home
- Friendship support (befriending)
- Day opportunities
- Keeping well, keeping active incorporating the development and support of groups aimed at keeping people active
The Council is keen to engage with the market to understand the opportunities available to meet the overarching aim set out above.
Please read this announcement and questionnaire in full for details on how to participate in this market engagement process.
Completed questionnaires (see Appendix 1 of document linked above) should be returned to Lisa Middleton lisa.middleton@shropshire.gov.uk by 5.00pm on 4th August 2023.
If you have any questions about this early market engagement, such questions should be submitted to the Council through an email to Lisa Middleton lisa.middleton@shropshire.gov.uk
They intend to invite all potential providers who express an interest in getting involved in this early market engagement exercise to meet with them to discuss their response. This could either be in person or via Teams and it is anticipated to take about an hour. A provisional date of 15th August has been set for meetings.
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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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