NCVS e-bulletin - Thursday 23 January 2025

Welcome to this edition of the NCVS e-bulletin, a great excuse to put the kettle on and avoid that email you really should but don't want to read! Things might look a little different this time, but rest assured, it’s still the same great content you love—just with a fresh new look.

In this e-bulletin you’ll find:

• DBS training
• Milestone achievements at NCVS
• Register for the next Leaders of Volunteer Network meeting
• Helpful resources (including a new WhatsApp group for up-to-date health information)
• Get your voice heard and influence VCSE changes
• Brand new funds

And so much more. Happy reading!

Make your voice heard before Wednesday 22 February 2025, 12 midnight

The VCSE Data and Insights Observatory is inviting you to take part in the newest wave of the VCSE Barometer Survey.

This quarter, the focus is on the financial challenges facing our sector, including the impact of rising costs like the National Living Wage and National Insurance.

Why Take Part?

• Your voice matters: The VCSE Barometer is the UK’s largest survey of its kind, tracking challenges and opportunities in our sector since 2022.
  
  
• Make a difference: Your input shapes practical resources like quarterly reports, seminars, and an online dashboard that inform local organisations and national policymakers.
  
  
• Quick and impactful: The survey is a simple way to share your experience and take the pulse of the sector.

If enough groups in Nottingham take part, we can have our own local dashboard. Think of that ready made data you can take to funders and stakeholders - we've done our bit, have you?

Our CEO, Jules Sebelin, had this to say about participating in the VCSE Barometer:

'Over the years, I have participated in many 'business-focused' surveys to ensure charities and social enterprises were represented as integral parts of the economy. None of them ever quite ‘fit’ our type of businesses. The VCSE Barometer Survey on the other hand is designed for our sector and gives us the chance to tell our stories in a meaningful way. I look forward to the quarterly surveys and view them as an opportunity to participate in a collective effort to give our sector the profile it deserves.'

Pretties in the Wood Shop opens on Friday 31 January 2025, in the heart of Broxtowe. This charming new addition offers handcrafted goods while fostering creativity, connection, and empowerment. Join the team at 39 Scargill Walk, Eastwood, NG16 3AY, and get involved.

Founded by Broxtowe Women's Project's (BWP) CEO, Colette Byrne, who describes the shop as 'a thing of beauty that combines sustainability and community with domestic abuse awareness and access to support'. Beyond standard retail, it will host creative workshops, encouraging locals to learn, support, and connect.

All money generated in the shop will help fund BWP’s critical, specialist support services for families in the area. 

Do you have a project in Broxtowe and need some support? Contact Helen Oparinde, NCVS Group Support Coordinator (Broxtowe), at heleno@nottinghamcvs.co.uk or visit our Broxtowe page for more information.

Welcome to the new Team Talk centre, your one-stop shop for all things tips, tricks, and resources. Here you'll find the latest from the team at NCVS. While we're getting back into the swing of things and writing up our insights and updates, why not take a look through some of our past blogs?

There are plenty more blogs, think pieces and helpful resources on our website. 

We're turning 150 years in 2025! I'm sure we've mentioned that already, but now it's officially official, and to celebrate, we’ve created a dedicated webpage to highlight our history, achievements, and the exciting ways you can join in the celebrations!

Think of this page as your invitation to a year-long party. And, of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without a little something special. We’re busy putting together a calendar of events and opportunities for you to take part in—there may even be a virtual (or very real) goody bag or two!

But it’s not just about us. We’d love to hear your NCVS stories and showcase how we’ve helped you on your voluntary sector journey. Get in touch with us at communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk, and let’s get the party started!

The deadline for applications is Friday 31 January 2025

Grants of between £2,500 and £7,500 are available to UK charitable organisations that support the development of the skills, knowledge, and experience that underpin the UK's traditional cultural heritage and crafts sectors. Or to support classical music performance and training, especially chamber music, composition, and music education.

The deadline for applications is Friday 31 January 2025

Grant funding of up to £10,000 is available for UK non profit organisations to deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money.

The deadline for applications is Monday 3 March 2025, 12 noon. Please note that you must have registered an account with the Trust before Monday 17 February 2025

The overall focus of this grant is on developing and promoting sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current consumerist and growth-based paradigm. The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust will support a range of actions to achieve aims that concentrate on (there is no stated grant amount):

• Better economics
• Beyond consumerism
• New voices

We're regularly updating the funding news on our website, so click the button below and find the fund for you!

Tuesday 18 February 2025, 11am to 1pm
Middle Street Resource Centre, 74 Middle Street, Beeston, NG9 2AR

We are taking LoVN to Beeston, in partnership with NCVS Group Development Coordinator - Broxtowe, Helen Oparinde.

The meeting is kindly being hosted by Middle Street Resource Centre in Beeston to provide groups in Nottingham City and Broxtowe the opportunity to come together, connect, and network.

Middle Street Resource Centre is just opposite the Middle Street Tram Stop, which also has a bus stop right outside.

This meeting will be co-facilitated by NCVS team members, Dave Thomas (Volunteering Development Officer) and Helen Oparinde (Group Support Coordinator - Broxtowe). Come along to meet your fellow Leaders of Volunteers in person, share good practice and ideas, and celebrate your successes. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.

Please share your ideas for agenda items and topics for discussion by emailing volunteercentre@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Places are limited, and it's important that you book your place. So if you'd like to attend, please register now. Full details and venue information will be shared with registered attendees in advance of the meeting.

Active travel social prescribing connects people to walking, cycling, and wheeling activities to improve health and wellbeing, often via referral from healthcare professionals.

The 'Travel Well' project operates in Nottingham neighborhoods, enabling referrals to activities like cycle training, bike repairs, and guided walks. NCVS works with partners, including Nottingham City Council and local organisations, to deliver this support.

Three Community Connectors help manage referrals and ensure access to these services, promoting active travel as a way to enhance mental and physical health.

We’re thrilled to celebrate a whole year of the Travel Well programme! Working with Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Place-based Partnership, and Nottingham City GP Alliance, Travel Well has helped over 1,330 people get involved in fun, free activities like bike maintenance workshops, guided walks, and cycle training.

Even better, more than 160 patients have been referred to Travel Well by healthcare professionals and social prescribers, giving them the chance to enjoy walking and cycling while boosting their health.

We’ve also teamed up with the Go Jauntly app to showcase 20 short, accessible walks around Nottingham—perfect for exploring your local area and getting closer to nature.

Here’s to more successes and happy travels in the year ahead! 

The Practice Development Unit (PDU) aims to promote and facilitate collaborative learning and the sharing of good practice among professionals and volunteers from all sectors, in Nottingham and neighbouring areas, who work with people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD). This is understood as a combination of mental ill-health, substance misuse, homelessness, offending and domestic abuse, among other issues.

Contact our PDU Team if you need more information: pdu@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Join our free online hub www.pdunottingham.org

Follow us on Twitter @NottinghamCVS #PDUNottingham.

Did you know the PDU Online Hub hosts a comprehensive e-learning suite? Check out this fortnight's PDU highlight below.

Wednesday 19 February 2025, 2pm to 3.15pm
Online via Teams

Rescheduled from Tuesday 3 December 2024. This session will be a discussion of the impact of the SMD specialist practitioner roles on the local system after one year, drawing on insights from a recent evaluation report produced by the Changing Futures Learning and Evaluation team. There will be opportunities to ask questions at the end via an interactive Q&A.

Thursday 27 February 2025, 3pm to 4pm
Online via Teams

This session will discuss existing research to address: How do people who use substances experience accessing and living in homeless hostels? We will discuss themes such as living in fear, the power of human connection, the need for emotional safety, and the use of restrictive practices.

Our full Training and Development programme is available to view on our website. All courses take place online via Zoom.

We have new sessions and new dates for 2024/2025. Book now.

Thursday 20 February 2025, 10.30am to 1pm

This online training will give you a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities in safeguarding adults and how to respond to concerns.

Cost: £25 per participant

Thursday 27 February 2025, 10.30am to 1pm

This online training will give you a basic understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead Person for an organisation working with vulnerable children and young people.

Cost: £25 per participant

Thursday 13 February 2025, 6pm to 7.15pm

This online training explains your safeguarding responsibilities as a trustee for an organisation working with vulnerable adults or children and young people.

Cost: £15 per participant

Monday 3 March 2025, 6pm to 8pm

This online training covers the basic information that all trustees should know.

Cost: £20 per participant

Wednesday 5 February 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

This online training takes you through the basics of being a Fire Warden/Fire Marshal and will prepare you to carry out this very important role.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 25 February 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Learn the basics of taking effective minutes in this online training – and make note taking easy.

Cost: £20 per participant

Wednesday 12 March 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

This online training will refresh your knowledge as a trustee, update you on current issues, improve your personal skill set and help you develop your role for the benefit of your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 25 March 2025, 10am to 11am

Identify barriers to volunteering and develop ideas to minimise and remove them during this training, to ensure your organisation isn’t missing out on great volunteers.

Cost: £10 per participant

Wednesday 26 February 2025, 10am to 12 noon

This online training, previously called “How to be a Better Leader of Volunteers”, takes you beyond the basics of managing and supporting volunteers and will explore some of the real-life issues that you’re facing as a Leader of Volunteers.

Cost: £20 per participant

Wednesday 5 March 2025, 10am to 12 noon

This online training takes you beyond the basics of managing and supporting volunteers and will challenge you to consider the difference that volunteers make to your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 4 March 2025, 10am to 11am

Start your journey into the exciting and rewarding world of volunteer leadership with this online training that explores the volunteer journey from start to finish.

Cost: £10 per participant

Wednesday 12 February 2025, 10am to 12 noon

Although the law has little to say about volunteers and volunteering, what it does say is important. This online training will help you develop an understanding of some of the legal requirements that relate to your volunteering programme.

Cost: £20 per participant

If you are a VCSE organisation in Nottingham City or a VCSE organisation recruiting to a job role which covers the Nottingham City area, you can submit a job advert for our website. Adverts remain on our website until the closing date. We feature new adverts once in the e-bulletin, where possible, depending on the volume of new adverts received.

There are lots more job listings on our website. You can view all the job vacancies available by clicking on the 'More Vacancies' button at the bottom of this section.

Friday 7 February 2025, 10am to 3pm
Reach Conference Centre, Riverside Court, Derby, DE24 8JN

We advertised a 'save the date' for this exciting event back in December; now you can register your spot!

Sponsored by Innovate UK as part of the Fast Followers project and delivered in collaboration with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Authorities, this community event will focus on community climate change action. It is open to all community groups and other interested parties across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The agenda will consist of presentations on aspects including the role of the new East Midlands Combined Council Authority in tackling climate change, local area energy planning, and how local authorities and community groups can work together to develop and deliver projects. There will also be a series of interactive table discussions with experts and case studies on specific topics.

A free vegan lunch and refreshments will be available (please let the team know if you have any specific dietary requirements).

First Wednesday of every month, 6pm to 8pm
Self Help UK (ground floor), 21-23 Pelham Road, NG5 1AP

The Stronger Together cancer support group is here to provide a friendly and safe space for you to connect with others on a similar journey.

The group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month. No need to book in advance—just come along! Free on-street parking is available on surrounding roads.

This member-led group offers a chance to share your experiences, find emotional support, and gain practical advice from others who understand what you're going through.

Want to know more? Contact Anett Horvath by phone/text at 07951 496784 or by email at togetherinnottingham@gmail.com.

Wednesday 12 February 2025, 12 noon to 1pm
Online

The new NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Rehabilitation (RehabHRC) is hosting a free online Discovery Event. Come along to find out about exciting new work aiming to improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients.

Anyone can sign up to attend this interactive session where you will explore how the RehabHRC will develop and support new rehabilitation technologies to transform patients' lives. They particularly welcome patients, carers, rehabilitation support groups, VCSE organisations, and local and national charities.

The RehabHRC is a brand new national research centre funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), based at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. It will actively support patients, members of the public, industry and charities, NHS, innovators, academics, clinicians, scientists, and support organisations with their ideas or suggestions for developing new rehabilitation technologies.

More event listings on our website

Head over to the dedicated 'External Events and Training' page on our website to view more events and training opportunities from Nottingham's Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.

If you would like to submit an event to feature on this page, please fill in our online event submission form. Events will be approved for publication on the NCVS website at our discretion, taking into account our aims and mission.

Thursday 30 January, Wednesday 12 February and Thursday 27 February 2025, 10am to 2.30pm
Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare, NG1 4FQ

Part of Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and NCVS's Social Enterprise Accelerator programme, this bespoke three-day skills programme is for women in leadership roles in Nottingham's voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector. Based at NTU’s City Campus, refreshments and a networking lunch will be provided.

Day 1: Thursday 30 January 2025, 10am to 2.30pm

• Roles and Relationships
• Dealing with 'the Imposter'

Day 2: Wednesday 12 February 2025, 10am to 2.30pm

• Building your Reputation 
• Negotiation Skills and Organisational Politics

Day 3: Thursday 27 February 2025,10am to 2.30pm

• Leadership and Strategies for Change
• Managing the Generational Divide

Each day will incorporate time for reflection and setting of your own personal development goals/milestones with the support of course leader Ruth Sacks or a member of the SEA programme. Participation by multiple leaders from single organisations is accepted and encouraged!

Join Lizzie Whittington, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Regional Outreach Adviser for the East Midlands, for the following free training sessions. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to aid and support those working within safer recruitment and safeguarding.

• Barring Workshop
  Tuesday 28 January 2025, 1pm to 3pm
  Online via Microsoft Teams
  Focusing on understanding the legal duty to refer. Register here
  
  
• Disclosure Workshop
  Thursday 30 January 2025, 1pm to 3pm
  Online via Microsoft Teams
  Focusing on understanding eligibility for Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS checks for volunteers. Register here
  
  
• Update Service Masterclass
  Monday 3 February 2025, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
  Online via Microsoft Teams
  This session will be of value to recruiters and employers who are interested in learning more about the Update Service. Register here

If you would like any additional support or have any questions, you are very welcome to reach out to Lizzie directly at elizabeth.whittington@dbs.gov.uk.

Get Grants has a set of free, one-hour workshops designed to provide useful hints and tips.

Meet the Funder Event: Tesco Stronger Starts - Register here
Tuesday 25 February 2025, 1pm to 2pm

Tesco Stronger Starts funding provides charities, community organisations, schools, and local good causes with grants of up to £1,500.

Introduction to Individual Giving Workshop - Register here
Tuesday 4 March 2025, 1pm to 2pm

This workshop examines practical solutions and ideas for growing your charity’s income through support from individual donors, giving a fantastic introduction to our full course whilst also providing really useful hints and tips as a stand-alone session. As a bonus, all attendees will be entered into a draw to win one of two places on the full course!!

Friday 24 January 2025, 10am to 3pm
The Plessey Centre, 27 Marconi Drive, Beeston, NG9 1NX

Steps to Work Training event specially designed for Hong Kong residents in Nottingham City and Broxtowe Borough.

Get ready to learn valuable skills and insights to help you kickstart your career journey in the UK.

• Gain confidence and build your skills
• Set goals and create an action plan
• Explore what’s holding you back
• Get support with job searching and next steps
• One-day training course with additional support
• Free snacks and refreshments provided

See below for upcoming training courses on offer from Equation.

Non-Domestic Abuse Stalking Awareness
The session is for anyone who might have contact with someone experiencing it as part of their work.

•  Thursday 6 February 2025, 9.30am to 12 noon. Register here
• Tuesday 25 February, 2025 9.30am to 12 noon. Register here

How Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse Use Technology
Discover some of the many tools to help protect survivors from tech abuse and recognise the signs. 

• Tuesday 18 February 2025, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Register here

Understanding and Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse
This half-day course will help you build up a toolkit of information and strategies to use in your workplace and everyday life. 

• Thursday 27 February 2025, 1pm to 4.30pm. Register here

Universities for Nottingham Co(l)laboratory has two fantastic opportunities for Nottingham's communities.

Applications will close on Sunday 2 March 2025, 11.59pm

This is a fantastic, fully funded, part-time opportunity for candidates who do not currently hold postgraduate degrees to work on real research projects that explore innovative solutions to community challenges while gaining valuable academic research experience and participating in PhD-level training and events. Additionally, they are offering a series of applicant support sessions to help clear up any questions about Co(l)laboratory and its objectives for the placement opportunity. 

Volunteers are needed to help develop a new short course aimed at supporting community organisations in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The course focuses on how research can be applied to enhance strategy-making, community engagement, operational improvement, and funding applications for community-focused organisations.

The course will run as a series of three-day events held in Nottingham, and volunteers will receive remuneration for their participation. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of a valuable resource for local organisations.

Wednesday 29 January 2025, 10am to 2pm
Sussex Street, NG1 7EZ

Opportunity to join Nottingham Green Guardians and Nottingham City Council - Parks and Open Spaces and clean up Nottingham's green spaces.

Calling on individuals, businesses, and groups who want to get stuck in weeding flower beds and other gardening tasks to keep Nottingham’s Green Heart thriving.
They will provide all equipment and PPE, you will just need to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.

The deadline for submissions has been extended and is now Tuesday 28 January 2025, 11.55pm

HM Prison and Probation Service is committed to ensuring that Community Payback placements serve not only as a visible demonstration of reparation and punishment but also provide benefit to the public by meeting local community needs. They are interested in capturing the views of organisations and groups who have recently or previously accessed Unpaid Work, as well as organisations who may have suggestions for unpaid work projects in your communities.

The consultation should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

A brief outline of Community Payback can be found here.

Nottingham-specific resources

• Health and care WhatsApp channel - NHAS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has launched a new WhatsApp channel to help keep local people up to date with health and wellbeing advice, services and news.
  
  
• Your Voice, Your Decision Lasting Power of Attorney campaign - A toolkit of resources from the Office of Public Guardian to enable you to help raise awareness of lasting power of attorney and its benefits. 

General VCSE sector resources

• 2025 Giving Days calendar - Are you ready to make 2025 your best fundraising year yet? Register with some professional details and pinpoint the most influential days for your cause.

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight. The deadline for contributions and comments is Monday 3 February 2025. Email communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Did you know we keep an archive of past NCVS e-bulletins? View the archive here.

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