VCSA Newsletter Week of 25th September 2023

VCSA logo

Newsletter for the Week of 25th September 2023


News


Healthwatch Hero George Rook receives his award from Shropshire High Sheriff Mandy Thorn

Healthwatch Shropshire Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Healthwatch Shropshire, the health and social care champion for the people of Shropshire, has celebrated it’s tenth anniversary. Staff and volunteers, past and present, along with leading figures in health and social care gathered to mark ten years of gathering patient and service users experiences to help improve services.

Mandy Thorn, High Sheriff of Shropshire and a former volunteer with the charity, attended the event along with Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for Shropshire and Simon Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin NHS.

The event celebrated how Healthwatch Shropshire has for 10 years raised the voice of patients and service users with NHS and social care leaders  to help improve care.

Lynn Cawley, Healthwatch Shropshire Chief Officer, said,

“We are independent from the NHS and social care providers and give people the opportunity to share their experiences of using health and social care services. We make sure that this valuable feedback reaches the powers that be and leads to positive change. We are very grateful to the more than 9,500 people who have shared their experiences with us over the last 10 years and are pleased to have provided information and signposting to over 40,000 people.”

“While thanking all of the dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly during these years to champion the voice of Shropshire patients and service users we were delighted to have the opportunity to mark this occasion by awarding ‘Healthwatch Hero’ awards to three people who have been pivotal in this work;

Jane Randall-Smith, former Healthwatch Shropshire Chief Officer, for establishing the trusted brand that is Healthwatch Shropshire and laying the groundwork for its continued success.

George Rook, former board member and active campaigner, for his passion and determination in highlighting the needs of people with Dementia and their carers in Shropshire.

Vanessa Barrett, one of our longest standing board members, for her dedicated service and support to Healthwatch Shropshire as both a volunteer and Chair of the Board.”

Image: George Rook receives his award from Mandy Thorn, High Sheriff of Shropshire


Bill Dorrell, programme participant in front of shropshire libraries sign

New Funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund Extends Digital Skills Programme for Three Years

Shropshire Council’s Digital Skills Programme has received £107,415.20 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 

The programme pilot began in 2020 and has been commissioned by Shropshire Council since 2022, helping  750 people each year to reap the benefits of digital skills for life, learning and leisure, and is delivered through 18 libraries and 10 VCS organisations in the community. 

Volunteer-led digital support is provided through a combination of free, weekly learning sessions, and digital drop-ins that provide one-off help with tasks like setting up a new device. Limited free equipment and data is available to encourage people to get online if they don’t already own a digital device.  

The additional funding will provide higher levels of free digital support, enabling participants to access a range of life-enhancing online services, plus more free equipment and data for people that need it most 

Shropshire’s digital skills programme is available to people who are included in one or more of the following groups: 

  • Aged 65 or over 
  • Live alone 
  • Provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, or receive care themselves 
  • Have a disability or a health condition 
  • Receive pension credit or another means tested benefit.

Bill, a recent participant in the Digital Skills Programme, said:-

“I’d avoided the problem for too long. For me, not understanding how to use computers was like a form of illiteracy.  

Now, I have a group email for my cycling club so arranging bike rides is easy, and I use messaging and WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends. 

Older people need to keep learning. Thanks to this initiative, I feel more confident about life and the future. I’m prepared to try new things online and don’t worry so much. For me, that’s a real result.” 

For more information and to join the waiting list for support, contact your local library or learning centre, ring 01743 254834 or visit the webpage.

Image: Bill Dorrell, a recent participant in the digital skills programme


older couple

Who is an Unpaid and Family Carer?

The Carer Support Team at Shropshire Council would like to raise awareness of unpaid and/or family carers, letting carers know that there is support out there for them and helping carers recognise they are a carer.

They have developed this colourful poster for sharing with your networks and service beneficiaries. Please feel free to share widely to help get the word out.

Carers can self-refer, or referrals are by staff working in statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations.

Contact Shropshire Carers support line on 01743 341995 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or email: Shropshire.Carers@shropshire.gov.uk


Interested in having your organisation's stories of success featured in our newsletter, website or social media? We want to hear from you! Contact: VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk

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Have Your Say: Current VCSE Engagement Opportunities


VCSE Sector Barometer - Volunteer Wellbeing: The fourth quarterly VCSE Sector Barometer from Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University is now live. Previous Barometers highlighted that charities of all sizes believe that volunteer wellbeing has worsened over the last 12 months. They have decided to take a closer look at this in September, with topical questions that explore wellbeing as an organisational purpose, wellbeing impact measurement, and changes in indicators of staff and volunteer wellbeing over the last year. Closing 27th September


Severn Valley Country Park: Shropshire Council and partners would like to hear what you think about how they manage Severn Valley Country Park for both visitors and wildlife.The results of the survey will help them understand how satisfied visitors are with Severn Valley Country Park and will help them see what future actions should be prioritised. They would also like to hear from you if you do not use Severn Valley Country Park so they can understand what the barriers to visiting are. Closing 5th November


Healthwatch Shropshire Domiciliary Care: Healthwatch Shropshire would like to hear people’s experiences of accessing and receiving domiciliary care or care at home in Shropshire in the last two years. Closing date TBD


Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin Health and Care Experiences: Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin are seeking local views on health and care (including experiences with GPs). Closing date TBD


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


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Events and Training Opportunities


Get grants logo

Free Virtual Fundraisers Networking Events

Next Meeting: 26th September 1-2pm

Since April 2020, Get Grants have delivered monthly Virtual Fundraisers Networking Events – supporting the sector whilst it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These friendly sessions involve a Get Grants Expert providing an update on the current grant fundraising landscape, before facilitating discussions about how the grant fundraising world continues to change, and what opportunities and challenges this presents to you as fundraisers.

Through attending this event they aim to give you the opportunity to:

  • Join the Get Grants community and connect with like-minded people.
  • Share fundraising frustrations and successes.
  • Learn from the real-world experiences of fundraisers at all levels of experience.
  • Get new fundraising ideas and inspiration.
  • Gain opinions and advice from Get Grants Fundraising Experts.
  • Tell us what else Get Grants can be doing to better support you.

Register to attend free via the Get Grants website.

If you’d like more information, would like to let them know of any access requirements you have, or have any questions, you can contact them via their website or email info@getgrants.org.uk.


coffee and biscuits

Mental Health Forum Networking & Meeting

Wednesday, 27th September 9:30-11:30am

The Lantern, Shrewsbury

The next meeting will, as always, include an opportunity to network and learn about what others are doing. It will also have a short presentation from MPFT about their grants for significant mental illness prevention.

Register here

Please note that the venue has changed from previous meetings. This time we will be at The Lantern in Shrewsbury.

Doors open at 9:00am for tea, coffee, biscuits and chat!


flyer for shropshire families networking event

collage of pics of caregivers and supporters of Embrace

Small Steps Big Difference Conference

3rd October 2023, 9.15am – 4.15pm, Shrewsbury Town Football Ground

EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion is a unique local campaign – and you can hear why people have joined in by clicking this link (4 mins).

Small Steps Big Difference takes this all a step further to practical action. It is a conference which will consider some of the issues specifically facing LGBT+ people as they age and then showcase some of the amazing work being done in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin to make this a safer and more inclusive place to age well.

Come to the conference to find out more. You will hear from local organisations which have made a commitment to EMBRACE A Culture of Inclusion, with contributions from: Residential care providers * GP Practice * Social Housing providers * Domiciliary Care Providers * Social Prescribing * Information & Advice services * Counselling services * and more ..

There will be opportunities for discussion around: 

  • how to get started with implementing change 
  • the development of a new resource which helps community and social groups to more easily understand why inclusion matters
  • how to make Equality, Diversity and Inclusion a golden thread throughout organisational practice

Plus films, stalls and lunch! For more information and to book - click here: Small Steps Big Difference

The conference is organised by locally-based organisation, SAND (Safe Ageing No Discrimination CIC) and is sponsored by Coverage Care, Cruse Bereavement Support and Wrekin Housing Group


InTune Radio Workshop attendees

FREE Radio Audio Workshop for Community and Charity groups in Shropshire

Wednesday, 4th October 11am - 1pm

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Shrewsbury

Book your free place here!

InTune Radio have already trained local organisations to use audio in their marketing mix to reach more diverse people across Shropshire in a dynamic way, they include:

  • Open Harmony
  • Citizens Advice Shropshire
  • Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance
  • Sight Loss Shropshire
  • Telford Crisis Support
  • SYA

This audio workshop is FREE, friendly, and is all about COOLaborating with each other - because working together we are stronger!

They're supplying light refreshments. Places are limited - please book early.

This is a pro-active opportunity to use radio, one of the most trusted marketing platforms - now available to you to use within your marketing mix.

All they ask is that you commit to creating 3 to 5 minutes of audio each month, within a predefined schedule, that they will master and roll into a regular show spot.

To learn more about InTune Radio, check out their website, or follow them on social media with hashtags #ListenLocal #GetInvolved

Thanks to Shropshire Chamber of Commerce for supporting this event.


shropshire landscape

Crowdfund Shropshire Launch

Wem Town Hall, High Street, Wem, SY4 5DG

1:30pm arrival for a 2.00pm start, then networking until 4pm

The VCSA is excited to support the introduction of Crowdfund Shropshire - an exciting new community fundraising programme to bring the people of Shropshire together and create more opportunities for people in the local area to get involved in their communities.

Shropshire Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has £150,000 available to pledge to local crowdfunding projects which help create healthy people, a healthy economy, a healthy environment and a healthy organisation. These projects will be crowdfunded via Spacehive, their digital funding platform partner.

The event will be led by Nicola Daniels, Joint Chair of Shropshire VCS Assembly with Julie Mellor. Nicola will be joined by others, including the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership Community Development Team, the Leader of the Council, Lezley Picton, and the Spacehive team.

Voluntary and community sector groups and organisations, town and parish councils, local businesses, and public sector contacts among other stakeholders will be welcomed at this launch event.

Please promote this crowdfunding opportunity to your networks and support locally-led projects that matter to communities.

This briefing session will cover:

  • How crowdfunding works for communities
  • How you can access funds provided through Crowdfund Shropshire
  • How to share the opportunity with your networks
  • How to get involved and the key dates to be aware of

There will also be interactive breakout rooms to access specialised support for your project.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please register your attendance and select how you plan to attend the briefing. 

If you have any questions about the event or accessibility requirements, please email support@spacehive.com.

logos for Shropshire Council, Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership and Spacehive

Cost of Living Event at Shrewsbury Job Centre

18th October 10am-11:30am

Shrewsbury Job Centre is holding a Cost of Living Event for local residents.

Several VCS advice and service organisations will be there, plus the DWP will be supporting attendees with better off calculations and conversations around PIP.

Please download the flyer and share with your service users to help spread the word.

event flyer image

community resource logo

Community Resource AGM

19th October 10am

Community Resource would love to welcome you to their 2023 AGM taking place at Dawley Town Hall, Telford on Thursday 19th October from 10am.   

Their Chair Hugh Strickland and CEO Bev Baxter will be sharing the exciting plans they have for the future, and how they'll achieve them, with the launch of their new five-year strategy. They will also be reflecting on the year’s highlights and how the charity has been navigating these ever-changing and challenging times.   

High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mandy Thorn, will be sitting down with Board member Simon Broad for a Q&A about her time in office so far, and his Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, will be presenting cheques to grant recipients.   

Attendees will also get the opportunity to view part of the Wave Project, an exhibition of photographs celebrating and raising the profile of older and old LGBT people in Shropshire. The exhibition was put together by the group Safe Ageing, No Discrimination (SAND), who Community Resource has been working closely with this year.   

Doors open at 10am for Tea, Coffee and networking, plus access to the Wave Project exhibition.   

The AGM will start promptly at 10.45am and finish at 12.30pm.    Tickets for this free event can be booked via - TicketSource, by emailing enquires@community-resource.org.uk or calling 01743 360641. 


Severn trent logo

Meet the Funder: Severn Trent Community Fund

Thursday, 9th November 12-1pm Online

This Meet the Funder event is with Natalie Cunningham, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent Community Fund.

Through attending you will have the opportunity to take part in a session discussing the Severn Trent Community Fund, a programme that aims to support community wellbeing and protect and sustain water and natural resources focussing in three different areas: People, Places, and Environment.

Attending this event you will have the opportutnity to:

  • Hear about the current funding opportunities through Severn Trent Community Foundation
  • Identify the current priorities for the Foundation.
  • Gain an insight into the decision making processes led by the funder.
  • Receive advice direct from Severn Trent Community Foundation.

Book your free place via Eventbrite


NPC logo

How Can Charities Centre Lived Experience?

Free Hybrid event Tues, 5th December 9am - 10:45am

Join NPC and its research partners as they launch a new guide for charities looking to centre lived experience within their organisations.

In this live event, hear the headlines of the guidance, alongside a panel discussion around the importance of centring lived experience and the realities of making it work.

Book your free ticket via the Eventbrite site.


Community resource logo

Upcoming Free Health Workshops from Community Resource

Please find below posters about the following free workshops from Community Resource. Please pass the information on to your service users where possible.

Healthy Eating Awareness Workshop

A healthy, balanced diet can improve physical and mental health. Join us for free guidance on how to eat well to feel well at our “Healthy Eating Awareness” workshop at Severn Fields Health Centre, Sundorne on the 17th of Oct. Poster available to download here.

Living Well with a Hearing Loss Workshops

These free events aim to provide advice and information as well as bringing a greater understanding about hearing loss and how to make best use of hearing aids when out and about. Each attendee will leave with a valuable information booklet containing the programme and contact information. The workshop is not just for those with a hearing loss but relevant to family, friends and residential or community support workers.  

Please find posters attached for events to be held in:


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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Job / Volunteer Opportunities


Attingham Park Hiring for Two Positions

Both closing on 1st October. Learn more by following the links below or visiting the National Trust jobs website.

Senior Programming and Partnerships Officer, full time, permanent role, grade 8: IRC144074 - Senior Programming & Partnerships Officer (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Senior Visitor Experience Officer, full time, permanent role, grade 8: IRC144093 - Senior Visitor Experience Officer (nationaltrust.org.uk)

 

Attingham Park Job Ad

community resource logo

Community Development Officer

Community Resource, a long-established local charity who is committed to making life better for people and communities facing challenges in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin are looking for someone who would like to work in their Wellbeing & Care team.  The role supports local communities and residents across Shropshire by developing new and imaginative ways to reduce loneliness and isolation, encourage self-help and improve wellbeing and independence for isolated, elderly and more vulnerable individuals.

If you have experience working with voluntary and community groups, setting up or developing projects and are passionate about supporting community activities, then they want to hear from you!

The role will be three days per week (21 hours). However, some evening and weekend work is sometimes required. Flexibility is expected to ensure relevant public events are attended.

If you’re interested, please read the full job description and person spec on the Community Resource -'Working for Us' page.  Applications close 5pm Friday, 29th September.

Please direct any queries about this role to sue.chalk@community-resource.org.uk


Shropshire MHS job vacancies ad

Do you have a job or volunteer opportunity you would like us to promote? Please send your information to VCSAssembly@shropshire.gov.uk and we will include it in our next newsletter!

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Grant and Funding News


New SC logo banner

Shropshire Council Subsidised Tree Scheme for the 2023/24 Planting Season

This year residents, landowners, farmers, community groups, businesses and charities can apply for trees that are subsidised at a 50% cost by Shropshire Council. The applicant is responsible for paying the remaining 50%.

The council is offering 17,647 tree saplings to residents, schools, community groups, town councils, parish councils, charities and businesses, to help make the county a greener and cleaner place to be.

Groups can choose from hedge or native tree species, and residents will be given a choice of species depending on their own site conditions; and will include bundles for low ground, high ground, wet ground and trees for hedgerows.

The saplings are available to order online now, and confirmation and location pick up will be sent out to applicants three weeks prior to the collection date.

The tree saplings on offer are small bare rooted plants, sourced from the UK, and come with a tree shelter guard and cane. Planting and aftercare instructions are available on their website.

Learn more and apply on the Shropshire Council Tree Scheme's website.


Funding for Community Groups in the UK to Run Events During British Science Week 2024

British Science Week (BSW) is an annual programme of science, technology, engineering, and maths events and activities that takes place across the UK in March each year. BSW is coordinated by the British Science Association (BSA) and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Applications will be considered from community-based groups and organisations that work directly with audiences who are traditionally underrepresented and currently not engaged in science activity, including:

  • People from ethnic minority backgrounds.
  • People living in communities which face deprivation, including people disadvantaged in terms of education and income.
  • People with a disability or long-term health condition.
  • People living in a remote and rural location, defined as settlements of less than 10,000 people.
  • Girls and women, with priority given to community groups who work with at least one other underrepresented group.

Activity providers, libraries, museums and other institutions who are looking for funding to run an event with a group that meets one of the target audiences are encouraged to partner with a community group.

Two levels of grants are available:

  • £500 grants to run one or more events during British Science Week.
  • £1,000 grants to run one or more events during British Science Week, as well as either preparatory or follow-up activities that will lead to continued engagement beyond British Science Week.

Examples of eligible events and activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Sports science sessions with football and rugby clubs.
  • Community-created science exhibitions in places of worship, community gardens, libraries and pubs.
  • Community-led research projects and experiments with youth clubs and groups with special educational needs.
  • Scientifically-informed theatre productions and art activities.
  • Activity packs and pre-recorded videos.

Digital and hybrid physical/digital activities can be supported.

The grants can be used for materials, room hire, publicity, speakers, trainers, freelancers, project-specific staff costs, audio-visual hire, reasonable volunteer expenses, transport or other costs of running the event or activity.

The deadline for applications is 6 November 2023 (23:59). For more information and to apply, visit the British Science Week website.


Deadline Reminder – The Arts Society Grants

The Arts Society is offering grants of up to £3,000 for UK-registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £3 million to deliver projects across all aspects of the arts and heritage, such as:

  • Projects that support a wide range of activities to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to artistic experiences and practise, such as the development and training of skills in the arts, crafts, and heritage through bursaries, sponsorships, and crafts apprenticeships.
  • Support for regional museums, galleries, and arts organisations, such as:
    • Special projects.
    • Displays.
    • Internships and part-time posts.
    • Training.
    • Conservation activities.
  • Regional and local theatres and performing arts spaces and groups.

Priority will be given to projects that provide access to the arts to those who would not normally have access to them, projects where there will be more emphasis on localism, and projects and organisations that support the arts and heritage at a grassroots level and achieve greater impact for local communities.

There is a two-stage application process. Groups must register their organisation with The Arts Society through their online portal before applying.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2023.


Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Invites UK Applications to New Veterans' Capital Housing Fund

The Veterans Capital Housing Fund is provided by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and delivered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

This Fund supports projects that contribute to the wider aim of ending veterans’ homelessness by providing affordable and viable homes for veterans.

This Fund has been divided into two grants programmes:

  • Refurbishment Grants of up to £75,000 (though most will be under £40,000) for projects that will refurbish or extend existing accommodation for veterans. This could be transitional or permanent housing. Permanent housing can only include properties that are available to veterans under a social rent, or are part of a wider facility that provides a rented home to a veteran with the tailored support that meets their needs (this can include care homes).
  • Development Grants of up to £25,000 for projects lasting up to one year. The funding is to help with the costs of getting the building idea to the stage where on site works could start.

For both grants, priority will be given to projects for:

  • Single Veterans
  • Veterans and their families, including veterans who have shared custody arrangements for their children
  • Veterans with disabilities
  • Homeless Veterans
  • Female Veterans
  • LGBT Veterans
  • Veterans leaving prison.

Applications will be accepted from:

  • UK registered charities that can show experience of supporting veterans. The charity must have been registered with the relevant regulator for at least three years at the time of application and be able to provide published accounts for all three years.
  • Registered social housing providers that can show they support veterans.

More grant programmes are expected to open under this Fund later in 2023 for larger new build or major refurbishment capital projects.

There will be two funding rounds for Refurbishment and Development grants in the 2023/24 financial year.

The first deadline for applications is midday on 23 October 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust website.


Electrical Safety Fund Accepting Applications for 2023

Electrical Safety First is offering grants for fire and rescue services, community safety groups, trading standards authorities, and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver projects tackling risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public’s awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour.

Through the Electrical Safety Fund, a total of £250,000 is available for projects and activities that are aimed at addressing the problems of misuse and/or lack of maintenance of electrical products, such as:

  • Product testing and product replacement events (eg amnesty events to replace unsafe electric blankets, portable heaters etc).
  • Educational and raising awareness activities.
  • Home safety activities/visits.
  • Data collection projects that would support the fund's national aims to prevent electrical-related injuries, such as collecting data relating to injuries caused by electrical products, issues with products purchased from online marketplaces, or anything else that meets the funding criteria.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for groups and organisations. However, grants of up to £10,000 may be considered for joint applications or larger projects.

The deadline for applications is 22 October 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the Electrical Safety Fund website.


Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grants Open Again for Applications to Celebrate Working Class Histories

Historic England has launched a second round of its Everyday Heritage Grants and is offering grants for creative projects that focus on heritage connecting people to historic places, specifically those people and places that are overlooked or underrepresented. The first round which took place in 2022 has already supported 57 projects.

The aim is to further the collective understanding of the past. There is particular interest in supporting community-led projects from groups and individuals that are not heritage organisations but can deliver heritage projects.

The funding is for projects with a strong connection to place and to recognise and celebrate heritage relating to:

  • A building or series of buildings.
  • A site like a park, farm, street, neighbourhood or estate.
  • The former site of any of the above.

Projects need to:

  • Have co-creation at their centre.
  • Allow people to share overlooked or untold stories of the places they live, work and play in creative ways.
  • Encourage communities and local people to learn more about their local historic places and tell their own stories about them in their own ways.
  • Contribute positively to participants’ wellbeing and/or health.
  • Help Historic England to broaden the public’s understanding and knowledge of different types of heritage, and to promote enjoyment of local heritage.

Although grants will support projects with costs of up to £25,000, there is particular interest in funding a number of smaller projects up to £10,000.

The funding is for project delivery from December 2023 to May 2025.

All organisations and individuals are eligible to apply. This includes community interest groups, charities and local authorities.

There is particular interest in:

  • Applications from groups and individuals that are not heritage organisations but can deliver heritage projects, especially those that are community led.
  • Projects that represent diverse and minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled and neurodiverse people.

Applications will also be considered from previous Everyday Heritage Grants recipients and those who were unsuccessful in the first round.

The deadline for proposals is 7 November 2023 (23:59). For more information and to apply, visit the Historic England website.


Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund to Give Extra £500 to Kick-Start New Crowdfunding Projects

The Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund, funded by Aviva and in partnership with the RSPB and WWF, is a £1 million fund to make it easier for communities across the UK to take action for nature in their local area. Since its launch at the end of March, it has given over half a million in match funding.

The Fund has announced that new groups that apply now and are accepted will receive £500 to kick-start their projects and up to £15,000 in match funding per project.

The funding is for projects that are focused on taking action for nature in of the following ways:

  • Nature restoration – activity that boosts local biodiversity by protecting or restoring habitats, creating space for nature, connecting green spaces and/or addressing activities that directly impact biodiversity.
  • Nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviours – action that supports greater connection to nature and promotes pro-environmental behaviours at the community level that will benefit nature.
  • Community cohesion and connection – nature positive activity that encourages collaboration in the local community by connecting people of diverse backgrounds, generations and abilities to nature and one another.

This opportunity is open to charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), Community Interest Companies (CIC), Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG), Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) and constituted community groups.

The first step is for applicants to set up a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdfunder.

Applications for the crowdfunding scheme can be made at any time until all the funding is allocated. For more information, visit the Save Our Wild Isles website.


UKSPF logo

UKSPF COMMUNITY & PLACE  – SEPTEMBER 2023

Shropshire Council has been allocated £3,067,408 for the Supporting Local Community and Place Priority of Shropshire’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be delivered by March 2025.

Shropshire Council are seeking applications for projects that will deliver until 31st March 2025 under the Supporting Local Community and Place Priority.

Projects applying under this call must start before January 2024 and all outputs and outcomes must be delivered by 31st March 2025.

The call is specifically for intermediary organisations to deliver support, services, amenities or facilities to local communities i.e. one to many. Proposed projects must demonstrate a clear positive impact on their community

How to apply:

Refer to the links below for the application form, full details, including information on the types of projects required and eligibility.

The call application window closes at 5pm on Friday 6th October 2023. Visit the Invest in Shropshire website for more information.

Supporting Documentation:

Applications are invited for activity that will deliver the objectives, outputs and outcomes of Shropshire’s UKSPF Investment Plan and meet the aims of the Shropshire UKSPF Investment Plan, the Shropshire Plan and Economic Growth Strategy.


UKSPF logo

RURAL ENGLAND PROSPERITY FUNDS – COMMUNITY & PLACE – SEPTEMBER 2023

Shropshire Council has been allocated £1,600,000 from the Rural England Prosperity Fund as part of the UKSPF Investment Fund for Rural Communities projects to be delivered by March 2025.

Shropshire Council are seeking applications for CAPITAL only projects that can deliver up until 31st March 2025 under the Rural England Prosperity Fund – Rural Communities priority. Projects applying under this call must start by January 2024 and all outputs and outcomes must be delivered by 31st March 2025.

Projects must be in rural areas of Shropshire with populations below 10,000 and the wider countryside and market or ‘hub towns’ with populations of up to 30,000 that serve their surrounding rural areas as centres of employment and in providing services.

On this basis projects within the Shrewsbury Town Council area are not eligible to apply under this call.

How to apply:

Refer to the links below for the application form, full details, including information on the types of projects required and eligibility.

The call application window closes at 5pm on Friday 13th October 2023. Visit the Invest in Shropshire website for more information.

Supporting Documentation:

Applications are invited for activity that will deliver the objectives, outputs and outcomes of Shropshire’s UKSPF Investment Plan and meet the aims of the Shropshire UKSPF Investment Plan, the Shropshire Plan and Economic Growth Strategy.


UKSPF logo

UKSPF  SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS  – SEPTEMBER 2023

Shropshire Council has been allocated £5,900,000 for the Supporting Local Business Priority of Shropshire’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to be delivered by March 2025.

The call is specifically for intermediary organisations to deliver support to businesses, such as through business support initiatives or grant programmes, i.e. one to many. It is not a call that will support individual grant requests from businesses for their own benefit.

Shropshire Council are now seeking applications for activity that will start within 6 months of 1st November and will deliver all outputs and outcomes by 31st March 2025.

How to apply:

Refer to the links below for the application form, full details, including information on the types of projects required and eligibility:

The call application window closes at 5pm on Friday 6th October 2023. Visit the Invest in Shropshire website for more information.

Supporting Documentation:

Applications are invited for activity that will deliver the objectives, outputs and outcomes of Shropshire’s UKSPF Investment Plan and meet the aims of the Shropshire UKSPF Investment Plan, the Shropshire Plan and Economic Growth Strategy.


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Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) Issue Tender Brief for Impact Report

Energize STW, on behalf of the wider Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP), requires a consultant with an understanding of the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) in Shropshire, and how the organisations within the sector contribute to people’s health and wellbeing, and play an important role in the cultural, economic and civic life of the county.

The purpose of the contract is to complete an Impact Report on the infrastructure support activity of the Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership (SIP) and will include both the impact of individual organisations and a critique of the perceived difference the Partnership creates.

A short written expression of interest is requested from interested contractors with a proposed methodology for the work including how the outputs described will be met, a break-down of costs including day rate and number of days proposed, and evidence of relevant skills and experience. The pricing specified should include all costs required to fulfil the brief.

All aspects of the project need to be completed by 31st March 2024, excluding delivery of the briefing sessions which will be held as soon as possible after this date.

Download the full brief with all necessary information here. Submission of Expression of Interest should be sent by email to Pete Ezard pete.ezard@energizestw.org.uk by 30th September 2023

The success of the EOI will be notified by email or phone as soon as possible after this.

Should any further background information be required please feel free to contact Pete Ezard, Chief Executive Officer, Energize STW via email: pete.ezard@energizestw.org.uk


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