Voluntary and Community Sector newsletter

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January 2023- Special Edition

Welcome to our Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) monthly newsletter, packed full of the latest news and information about Tower Hamlets' diverse and thriving voluntary and community sector. The commitments made about the VCS by partners in Tower Hamlets (including the VCS themselves) can be found in the partnership VCS Strategy. 

Keep reading to avoid missing out on the latest funding and training opportunities as well as links to surveys and consultations.

Read our strategy >


Tower Hamlets Grants Engagement

Get involved, give us your views and help prioritise the new grant funding for the voluntary and community sector (VCS). 

The Council's new Strategic Plan (2022-26) sets out priorities for the borough over the next four years.  Supporting and working in partnership with the local voluntary and community sector is a key element of delivering the council's Strategic Plan.  Our partnership VCS Strategy 2020-24 has a commitment for 'a more resilient and sustainable sector' and our new funding programme will contribute to this priority. 

The Council is keen to hear your views about the new funding proposal and what you feel are the most important priorities for the borough. 

This engagement is specifically seeking views on two proposed funding grant programmes for the period October 2023-March 2027, the Mayor's Community Grant programme and the Small Grants programme.  However, you will also be able to provide any further comments you wish to share as we value all feedback. 

Book a place on engagement workshops>

Mayor's Community Grant Programme- Funding

The new proposed Mayor's Community Grant Programme funding aims deliver services between October 2023 to March 2027 and will include the following five themes: 

  • Tackle the Cost-of Living crisis- Focusing on improving financial and economic wellbeing of residents
  • Accelerate Education- Focusing on improving educational attainment and development of children and young people
  • Culture, business, jobs and skills- Focusing on increasing employment and skills opportunities for socially excluded residents
  • Invest in public services- Focusing on improving wellbeing of residents and reduce isolation and inactivity amongst older people
  • Empower Communities and fight crime- Focusing on addressing inequalities experienced by people reflecting different equality groups and address community safety issues impacting residents

The Small Grants Programme- Funding

The new proposed Small Grants Programme will provide one-off funding for time limited projects with different rounds throughout the year, includes the following five themes: 

  • Mayor's Youth Empowerment Fund- supports young people to design, bid and deliver projects for their peers, 
  • Mayor's Positive activities for young people- supports activities during school holidays,
  • Community events- supports events that brings communities together, celebrate our diversity, national and regional celebrations,
  • Community building- support organisation development which strengthens local organisations ability to deliver services,
  • Community chest- very small grants to support community events and activities

 


engagement survey

Tower Hamlets Grants Engagement survey

Get involved, give us your views and help prioritise the new grant funding for the voluntary and community sector.  

We recognise the important role voluntary and community sector organisations play in supporting residents with many important services, including playing a crucial response during the pandemic and subsequent recovery.  In the current climate, VCS organisations are supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis with a range of services and act as a first call for our residents. 

We want to hear your views about the new funding proposed, what you feel are the most important priorities for the borough.  Tell us what you think by completing this short survey and help shape a shared vision and ambition for our borough. 

 

Please tell us what you think by completing this short survey>

 


Engagement workshops on the new Grants Programme-

**additional workshop**

We are organising a number of workshops aimed at the Voluntary, Community, Sector organsiations which are taking place on the following dates and venues.  You can book for any of the four workshops:

Information on the new proposed funding, survey and workshops will be updated on a dedicated webpage and on the council's social media channels. 

*Indicates workshops are solely for smaller VCS organisations with annual incomes of less than £150,000 a year. The workshops for smaller VCS organisations will address both the Mayor's Community Grant Programme and the Small Grants Programme

** The workshop on the 31 January 2023 will address both of the above programmes (Mayor's Community Grants Programme and the Small Grants Programme), it is open to all VCS organisations.

Find out more>

 


Self-isolation payment

Funding Opportunities

The council recognises the contribution made by local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (VCS) in responding to help people during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The demand on local VCS organisations is high, leading to pressure on both finances and staff resource.

Current local grant opportunities for the voluntary and community sector include:

Through the Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets, VCS organisations can also utilize the volunteering hub to access volunteers free of charge.  Financial support is available through local, regional and national grant schemes, which can help organisations in the borough with unexpected costs, loss of income or new projects.

Find out more about the different funding opportunities>


Coaching course

Training opportunities

The council and local partners are offering VCS organisations high-quality training, workshops, courses and events to help organisations grow stronger and more resilient.  

 

Find out more about the different training opportunities>

 


Online call

Useful links

For information on infrastructure support to VCS organisations in Tower Hamlets, please visit Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service.

For information on volunteering opportunities in Tower Hamlets, please visit Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets.


Thank you for reading

We hope you have found this bulletin useful. Contact us for any feedback or if you would like anything to be considered for inclusion in future newsletters.

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