 The First
Small Steps – Big Difference
Conference
3rd October 2023
Meet the people who have made a commitment to EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
Just last week, the charity Compassion in Care shared the findings of their recent report on widespread abuse of LGBT+ people in care homes. The charity has received reports of hundreds of elderly people in care homes receiving homophobic or transphobic abuse and attacks. The report was featured in a Channel 4 news story.
Over the past 10 years, Safe Ageing No Discrimination (SAND) has been pioneering work to prevent the kind of homophobic and transphobic abuse seen elsewhere from happening locally. Its mission has been to encourage organisations across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion. They encourage health & social care providers, housing providers and other organisations, groups and services which people may need or want to access as they age – to sign up to a Covenant.
The Covenant consists of a series of 5 ‘pledges’ and an annual action plan for change, to ensure their service is welcoming and inclusive. SAND supports groups and organisation to develop, implement, revisit and celebrate their actions.
The 5 pledges:
- Commit to providing the best possible quality services for older and old LGBT+ people.
- Commit to learning what life can be – and has been – like for different LGBT+ people.
- Commit to vocally and visually supporting groups working with and for older and old LGBT+ people.
- Commit to creating meaningful opportunities for LGBT+ people and groups to ‘influence’ what you do.
- Commit to assess and evidence change, including work carried out to engage LGBT+ people (within the group/organisation and outside it).
These simple commitments to change, says SAND, can make all the difference to avoiding the kinds of elder abuse reported by Compassion in Care and Channel 4 last week from happening in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
Are you or your organisation interested in getting involved, but not sure where to start?
The Small Steps, Big Difference conference this October 3rd at the Shrewsbury Town Football Ground is a perfect starting point for organisations looking to take those first steps.
Sponsored by Coverage Care Services and Cruse Bereavement Support, the conference will include organisations already signed up to the Covenant, as well as those looking to find out more about what they can do. The conference will include workshops designed to help you and your organisation share and develop ideas for change.
New Toolkit for Community Climate Action
A new toolkit for community climate action has been produced by the Schumacher Institute “to empower any community which wants to take action together.” This Community Climate Action Toolkit will help you:
- with easy-to-use tools and resources to develop your group
- understand your local situation, to move into meaningful action
- ensure a diversity of views and approaches is considered
- achieve action at different levels
- find creative ways forward unique to you, not a pre-defined route
The guide takes a systems thinking approach, helping groups explore the context in which they are acting, the interconnections and how small actions can often catalyse larger changes.
Download the toolkit here.
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The KOG Community Cycling Project Is On a Roll
Do you provide services for people in Ketley Bank Oakengates or St Georges, or know anyone who does? If so why help promote residents to join the KOG Community Cycling Project! Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability.
KOG, organised by Telford & Wrekin Council with Energize STW and Shropshire Cycle Hub, secured £10,000 from Sport England's Together Funding to fund the project. Additional funding was also secured from Energize and Telford & Wrekin Council’s Safer Stronger Community Partnerships, making the total project fund over £12,500. KOG works with schools, community groups, community centres and religious establishments in Ketley Bank, Oakengates and St Georges to encourage cycling and help people overcome their barriers and obstacles to cycling. The project includes training for volunteers for 'workforce development' and the forming of a community cycling group.
FREE community cycling events
During August and September come along to a community cycling event where you can bring your bike along to be fixed for free, watch qualified bike mechanics to learn some basic repair skills, and bring questions along to get advice on overcoming problems that hold you back from cycling. You can also find out what type or size of bike is suitable for you, what to look for and avoid in a second hand bike, cycling routes that avoid busy roads, how keep your bike secure and how to carry children, shopping or luggage safely while cycling.
Beginning 16th August, these events will be available at all three locations, and you can just turn up - no need to book. But for more information on dates and locations, visit their website.
FREE group cycle rides – led by a cycling instructor
Free group led rides are also on offer for social cycling and to help people gain confidence and learn new routes. They will be led by a qualified instructor who can help out with any questions before you start – remind you of the basics such as how to change gears or put your chain back on, and how to check your bike is safe before heading off.
Beginning Saturday 2 September, there are several free group cycle rides led by a cycling instructor available to book on from all three locations. Visit their website for dates, times and locations and to book.
Community groups – they'd like to hear from you!
Right now the KOG team would especially like to hear from any community groups in the area who would like a visit, such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts, over 50’s groups, youth clubs, adult charitable or social groups etc.
Download the KOG Community Cycling Project leaflet.
Want to take part but don’t own a bike?
Get in touch using the contact details below to ask about potential help for anyone who does not have their own bike.
You can join the Facebook group by searching for ‘KOG community cycling project’, email kog@shropshirecyclehub.uk, phone 07485 212320 or visit their website. #kogcommunitycyclingproject
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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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Carers Feedback Form: Shropshire Council Carers Support Team would like to remind all unpaid and family carers in Shropshire that they would love to hear from you. Carers can provide feedback to the team using the form below. Ongoing
Health Needs Survey for Ludlow (JSNA): Are you an organisation working in the Ludlow area? Please help get the word out about the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) happening now for Ludlow residents. This survey happens every few years and helps determine how health resources are allocated. Closing date TBD
Experiences Trauma Management- ICS Workforce Wellbeing Offer: The ICS is seeking feedback on the needs of health and wellbeing-related VCS organisations around supporting your employees and volunteers following actual or potential trauma. The Workforce Health and Wellbeing team are evaluating their offer around trauma management. Closing 31st 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
Telford & Wrekin Council Adult Social Care Charging Policies Review: Telford & Wrekin Council are proposing changes to their current policies regarding charges for adult social care services. Consultation is underway regarding these proposed changes. Closing 4th 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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Cycling Available for Those with Sight Loss
The Shrewsbury Cycling Sight Loss Opportunity Group, working in partnership with Shrewsbury Sports Village, offers a supportive and safe environment for people with sight loss to learn, practice and enjoy cycling.
The sessions are held on the third Wednesday of the month between March and September from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm and there is a charge of £3 per session.
Download flyer here
The final session for this year will be on 20th September and it would be great to anyone along.
For more information or to express an interest for next year, please call Community Resource on 01743 360641 or email SHLS@communtiy-resource.org.uk
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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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Wellbeing Retreats Available at the Cavalier Centre Much Wenlock
Free retreats focusing on health & wellbeing in recognition of Shropshire Carers Week 2023.
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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First Aid 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 our 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 August 2023 they have spaces available on the following course:
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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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29th August
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Annscroft Office
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£77
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Should you be interested in booking a place please contact Non-Member Bookings on 01743 860011 or email info@spic.co.uk.
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BeeU Open Day
30th August 10am - 2pm
Wellington Cricket Club TF1 2BW
BeeU (Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’s Children, Young People and Families’ Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service) are hosting an open day event for Children, Young People and Families in the region.
A number of BeeU staff will be present throughout the day, providing information, advice and guidance on a range of topics relating to Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, and give opportunities to learn more about the services we provide.
Please share as appropriate and display the attached flyer to ensure as many of our Children and Families know about the event.
Children and Young People not already known to BeeU, will be asked to register, and the registration form is also attached (these will be available on the day and people supported to complete them).
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Community Radio Station Offering Free Training For VCSE Orgs Who Want to Share Their Stories
INTune Radio CIC, your local Shropshire Community Radio station, wish to feature your charity or community organisation each month to help your organisation communicate your services to a wider audience.
To take advantage of this offer, that can reach pockets of communities throughout our county, and the world, is simple.
The next training session is being held at Shropshire Chamber offices in Telford on Wednesday 6th September 11:00am till 2:00pm - they're delighted that the county’s chamber is supporting INTune Radio and assisting in enabling local charity and community organisations to produce monthly audio telling the community about their updates for free.
All you need is your laptop and a smile ready to learn.
You will learn how to create an audio update schedule, how to record a 3 to 5 minute update, and how to send that to INTune Radio to master.
INTune Radio will take your monthly audio, master it and roll it into their schedules on their show called ’The Mag’ which airs 10 till noon each day.
You will know the day it’s to go out giving you ample time to communicate this to your contacts and on social media.
Starting in September, the VCSA will have a regular feature on The Mag - be sure to tune in!
If we all contribute to telling our contacts, more people will learn about what you do, and why, and this can have positive implications for grants, funding, volunteers and their retention, service take up, etc
You don’t have to be a seasoned presenter, this is community radio, what your organisation will need is positive commitment to continue your audio each month to air.
Please email your name, organisation name, preferred contact email and telephone number to info@intune-radio.co.uk to confirm you and your organisation wish to undertake training.
To listen, click the play button on the INTune Radio website or download the app from your app store, search for ’Shropshire Community Radio’.
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VCSE Workshop: NHS England Research Engagement Network (REN) Funding Call
Thursday 7th September 2023
You are invited to take part in a workshop where a group of partners are looking to co-develop a funding application to NHS England's Research Engagement Network (REN) funding call. The deadline for applications is 20th September, and given its holiday time they are sending out a 'hold the date' invite for the afternoon of Thursday 7th September.
Many partners will recognise the phrase REND funding others will not have had a chance yet to engage - late last year (November 2022) VCSA organisations in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin developed a joint application with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care system via the Staffordshire and Shropshire Health and Care Research Partnership (SSHERPa). SSHERPa brings together NHS, LA, Higher education institutions in our region to work collaboratively in health and care research. SSHERPa aligns to Shropshire Telford and Wrekin ICS and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS and was successful in securing REND funding for these regions which they used to hold World Cafes, undertake a survey around research engagement, and to develop the concept of a research connectors database (all in a very short period of time!).
The good news:
The group been invited to apply for more REN funding!! TWICE - one bid has gone in via Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent ICB (via SSHERPa & including STW partners) and this next bid will go in on behalf of SSHERPa partners via Shropshire Telford and Wrekin!
The challenge:
How do we make best use of these funds to engage with diverse communities?
At the workshop on the 7th September SSHERPa would like to share where they got to with previous funding opportunities and develop the ideas for this next funding opportunity. For the bid, all ideas are welcome - it’s about testing approaches to engagement in health and care research, they are looking for your advice and guidance. How do we engage with different community groups that may feel marginalised and unable to engage in health and care research?
They know capacity is a challenge, but they also know that establishing 'new networks' that tail off is not useful, so they are keen to work with partners who have community connections, and who would be interested in ensuring that local health and care research opportunities are shaped, developed and offered to a wider, diverse, more inclusive population.
This is short term funding from NHS England, to date SSHERPa have had success in securing funding that has supported our partnerships with different communities, and we're keen to continue to build upon this. They hope you are able to join them on the 7th September - please find below a link to book your place!
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Funding to Support Projects Involving Young People & Climate Change
7th September 11-12am Online webinar
Join this FREE online Meet the Funder event organised by the Energy Saving Trust Foundation on Thursday 7th September 11am-12am. Meet the Funder Events Get Grants holds regular Meet the Funder events which give attendees the opportunity to speak directly to funders, take part in discussions, get unique insights, and ask questions specific to their project or organisation.
Click here for more information on this and other Meet the Funder events coming up from Get Grants.
Book your place via Eventbrite.
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Hospitals Transformation Events
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (SaTH) are holding some important public engagement events around the Hospital Transformation Programme.
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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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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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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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Free DBS Workshop for VCSE Orgs Delivering Sporting Activities for Children and Young People
2nd October 13:30-15:00
The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) are delivering a free workshop for clubs and organisations who provide sporting activities for children & young people in the West Midlands.
The workshop will explore how DBS can help in the safer recruitment of staff and volunteers working with children in sports and will be of value to those who take part in recruitment or who are responsible for dealing with any concerns.
The workshop is open to all clubs & organisations, big or small and from any sector.
The workshop will cover:
- The role of DBS checks in safer recruitment
- The types of DBS check available and the criteria for accessing these
- What ‘Regulated Activity’ is with children and its definition
- The DBS Update Service
- Reporting concerns to DBS that someone may be unfit to work or volunteer with children
The workshop is interactive, with a 'questions & answers' segment included.
Click here to book your place
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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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Volunteer Needed: Evaluation of Community Mental Health Transformation
Midlands Partnership Foundation University Trust (MPFT) are looking for someone with lived experience, either direct experience as a service user or as a carer/relative, to join the Community Mental Health Transformation Evaluation Group with MPFT’s Research and Innovation Team. The purpose of the lived experience role within this group is to provide lived experience perspective; inform their approach through a lived experience lens; with an option to be involved in data analysis and reviewing documentation in the future.
Meeting frequency will vary. They will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams every 3-4-weeks at the outset, but may move to every six weeks once the group is established. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Fiona Moore, MPFT Continuous Improvement Co-Production Lead, at fiona.moore@mpft.nhs.uk.
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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
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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Community Justice Fund Launches New £30m Improving Lives Through Advice Grants Programme
Funding for registered charities working in England to provide access to specialist welfare legal advice to the most marginalised communities in England, including people with disabilities, women fleeing abuse and families facing eviction.
The new £30 million, five-year Improving Lives Through Advice (ILTA) funding programmes is provided by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered by the Access to Justice Foundation with support from the Community Justice Fund.
The programme is designed to support the delivery of free legal advice to marginalised people and communities across England.
There will be two funding rounds:
- Round one is focused on funding specialist legal advice organisations.
- Round two will prioritise funding to groups led by and for marginalised communities. These can be organisations delivering advice services, and/or those working closely with advice organisations to improve access for marginalised communities. Further information will be made available in Autumn 2023.
For the first round, registered charities based and working in England can apply for multi-year core costs grants to help achieve the following outcomes:
- Advice to people from marginalised communities is sustained and improved.
- More people from marginalised communities are empowered to identify, understand and resolve their legal problems.
- Organisations have more capacity to engage in influencing, partnerships and fundraising work, which helps them meet the needs of their communities.
- Organisations are better able to demonstrate the difference they make to people’s lives.
The funding is for organisations and not for projects.
Examples of what can be funded include:
- Direct costs associated with delivering services - this can include project staff, materials, equipment, room hire, volunteer expenses and project evaluations.
- Organisational development - this can include business planning, testing new ways of working, staff training and development, developing governance and leadership, tech or IT upgrades/purchases, developing and sharing impact and learning, and increasing capacity to support collaboration and partnership working.
- Core/fixed costs to support the day-to-day running of the organisation - this can include core salaries, rent, utilities, equipment.
It is anticipated that approximately 75 organisations will be granted funding over two funding rounds.
The amount of the grant will depend on the size of the organisation:
- Annual income above £250,000
- grants of up to £100,000 per annum - maximum grant of £500,000 over five years.
- Annual income between £150,000 - £250,000
- grants of up to £75,000 per annum – maximum grant of £375,000 over five years.
- Annual income below £150,000
- grants of up to £50,000 per annum – maximum grant of £250,000 over five years.
A Q&A Zoom session will be held on 14 August (12pm) to answer about the programme and the application process. Registration is required. A recording of the event will be made available on the Community Justice Fund website.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest for Round 1 is 4pm on 15 September 2023. For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest, visit the Community Justice Fund website.
Scops Arts Trust Accepting Applications for Second Funding Round in 2023
Charities across the United Kingdom can apply for funding for new high-quality projects that provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to access, enjoy, and participate in the arts.
Scops Art Trust is offering grants of up to £30,000 to registered charities, and other constituted, not-for-profit organisations, to deliver projects and activities that give people of all ages a better quality of life by enabling them to understand, participate in, and enjoy the arts, particularly the performing arts (music, drama, opera, and dance).
In 2024, the Trustees have decided to move towards a more focused grants-making process, focusing on a particular area of performing arts in each grant round.
For the final trustee meeting of 2023, the Trust is interested in supporting performing arts projects aimed at adults and projects which will benefit all ages across the generations, as well as organisations that are planning smaller regional festivals in areas where there is little arts provision, due to socio-economic circumstances or geographically remote locations.
The Trust will continue to consider applications for music education projects for children and young people, although priority will be given to projects that focus on adults and whole communities.
Most grants will be awarded for specific projects, but the Trust will also contribute towards the core costs of smaller organisations where a grant could make an impact. Priority will be given to small-to-medium-sized organisations. Both one-off and multi-year grants will be considered.
In 2024, the Trustees have decided to move towards a more focused grants-making process, focusing on a particular area of performing arts in each grant round.
There is a two-stage application process, wherein groups must complete an eligibility check before being invited to submit a Stage 1 application. Selected applicants will then be invited to complete a Stage 2 online application form.
The next deadline for Stage 1 applications is 22 August 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Scops Arts Trust website.
Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund - Small Grants Application Deadline 25 August
Funding for UK registered non-profit organisations supporting grassroots projects in diverse and deprived communities across the UK.
The Prince of Wales's Charitable Fund (PWCF) aims to transform lives and build sustainable communities by funding a wide range of good causes within its core funding themes.
On average, 150 charities a year share in approximately £5 million worth of grants. Single-year grants of up to £5,000 and multi-year grants of up to £15,000 are available. The average single award is £2,000.
UK registered not-for-profit organisations with an income of up to £1 million may apply as long as they have completed at least two years of activity and can submit accounts or income and expenditure statements.
The funding is for community projects that fall within the PWCF's core funding themes:
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Heritage and conservation - heritage, conservation and restoration projects at places of worship and community buildings. PWCF is interested in funding non-capital projects that improve the fabric of buildings for the benefit of local communities.
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Education - education and training projects outside of The Prince's Trust scope and age range, including support for people with special educational needs.
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Health and wellbeing - community projects and initiatives which support health and wellbeing of people with disabilities or life limiting illnesses in disadvantaged communities. Applications for respite care, young carers and complementary therapies would be considered.
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Social inclusion - community and art projects that aim to relieve poverty, loneliness and other social issues or support the welfare of the elderly, veterans and interfaith cohesion.
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Environment - community environmental projects (including the circular economy), economic sustainability initiatives and conservation of the natural environment.
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Countryside – projects that transform improve living conditions in rural communities, especially those which help to preserve and enhance the countryside and the people who live and work there.
For all themes, there is particular interest in projects in deprived communities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
PWCF is keen to support projects/activities and organisations that are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion principles or aim to support diverse communities.
Priority will be given to non-profit organisations of which King Charles III is Patron.
The deadline for applications is 25 August 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund website.
New £10m Community Energy Fund for England to Open in Early Autumn
New government funding will empower local communities across England to develop renewable energy projects that will benefit their local areas.
The Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero’s new £10 million Community Energy Fund will give both urban and rural communities the opportunity to develop clean energy projects in their area. Setting up local energy projects is expected to provide local jobs and deliver energy security.
The funding is for projects that are proposed, designed and owned by local people, such as small-scale wind farms, rooftop solar partnerships, battery storage, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and fuel poverty alleviation schemes.
As with the former Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF), the new Community Energy Fund will be delivered through Local Net Zero Hubs (partnerships between local authorities and local private sector businesses).
The government announcement can be read on GOV.UK website.
The Community Energy Fund will open to applications in the early Autumn.
Money Saving Expert (MSE) Charity Announces Funding Theme for September Round
A small number of grants for not-for-profit organisations in the UK for projects that relate to the delivery of financial skills to different defined groups.
MSE Charity has announced the theme for the September 2023 grant round is 'Life Changes'.
The new round is focused on funding groups working with adults who are specifically impacted by one of life changes (bereavement, retirement, relationship breakdown, homelessness, offenders or resettlement (migrants/refugees), to develop the personal financial life skills which are essential to navigate through the transition they are facing.
Grants of up to £8,000 will be available (an increase from £500 from previous rounds).
Full project cost recovery will be considered, but costs must only relate to the project itself and not the organisation's core funding.
Small to medium-sized non-profit organisations with a constitution can apply, including UK registered charities, community interest companies, social enterprises and credit unions. To be eligible, applicants must be based in the UK, looking for funding for UK based activities, have an annual income of less than £750,000 and unrestricted reserves that are less than six months of their running costs.
Applications are usually invited twice a year: in February and September.
The September application form questions and eligibility quiz are currently available to review, and groups should review them before the fund opens for applications as each grant round is limited to the first 40 accepted applications. Previous rounds have closed within a couple of weeks of opening.
Applications will be accepted from 4 September to 29 September 2023. Visit the MSE 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.
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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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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