NCVS takeover e-bulletin - Thursday 12 June 2025

Welcome to our second special edition e-bulletin!
Alongside our regular updates, we've introduced themed 'takeover' issues, where we spotlight the key topics shaping Nottingham’s voluntary sector. These editions dive deeper into big themes - celebrating local work, sharing insights, and highlighting ways to get involved.

Volunteers’ Week might be over, but we’re still shining a light on Nottingham’s brilliant volunteers!

Did you know NCVS runs Nottingham’s nationally accredited Volunteer Centre? We help organisations find volunteers, advertise roles, and offer expert advice on best practice.

Keep reading for inspiring stories, top tips, and opportunities to get involved - plus, all your usual updates are just below.

It’s been a busy and brilliant Volunteers' Week here at NCVS! Our Volunteering Development Officer, Dave, has been out and about - running workshops, sharing ideas, and even throwing a few 80s tunes into the mix. From talking student volunteering at the University of Nottingham to hosting a creative session on volunteer recruitment, there’s been no shortage of great conversations and inspiration. Catch up on all the highlights in Dave’s round-up!

We’re excited to share five brilliant case studies that show just how much volunteers and local organisations are doing across Nottingham - and how NCVS has been there to support them along the way. From starting new projects to getting through tough times and celebrating big wins, these stories highlight the real impact of volunteering in our city.

If you’re someone who recruits, manages, or coordinates volunteers, the Leaders of Volunteers Network (LoVN) is just for you!

It’s a welcoming group where volunteer leaders come together to share ideas, swap helpful tips, and support each other in doing what they do best.

Whether you’re new to leading volunteers or have plenty of experience, LoVN is a great place to get inspired and connect with others who love leading volunteers as much as you do.

Ready to fall in LoVN with volunteer leadership?

At NCVS, we know volunteering helps communities get stronger. It makes people healthier and happier, brings everyone together, and helps make our local areas better.

But we also understand that making your organisation inclusive and accessible to all volunteers isn’t always straightforward.

NAVCA's new Inclusive Volunteering Guide is packed with practical tips, advice, and examples. It’s designed to be easy to use, affordable to put into practice, and full of useful links to save you time.

There is still a lot to learn about making volunteering open to everyone, but this guide is a great place to start and share with your community.

Although we've had a special focus on Volunteers' Week, we’re still here to bring you the latest updates, opportunities, and resources.

We’re marching into summer with a whole lot to celebrate! From shining a light on Pride Month and Carers Week, to shouting about new funding and community events, there’s plenty going on across the sector. Dave’s just about recovered from a jam-packed Volunteers' Week - and we’re keeping the momentum going!

In this e-bulletin, you’ll find:

• A new consultancy opportunity for VCSEs from NTU
• Exciting funding news from our partners at Changing Futures
• Nominations now open to celebrate Black Achievers in your community
• Fresh training opportunities to sink your teeth into
• Pride Month and Carers Week celebrations across the city
• Fun and vibrant community events to get involved in

Let’s dive in!

Carers Week runs from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June, with this year’s theme ‘Caring About Equality’ highlighting the inequalities unpaid carers face - from poor health to missed opportunities in education and work.

Across Nottingham, carers support services are marking the week with local events and activities, celebrating the vital contribution unpaid carers make to our communities.

Support and resources:

• Nottinghamshire Carers Hub
  
  
• Young Carers Notts
  
  
• Support for carers
  
  
• The refreshed Carers Booklet is also available. Email Linzi Adams or Dan Godley at Linzi.Adams@nottscc.gov.uk or Dan.Godley@nottscc.gov.uk for printed copies.

Let’s celebrate and support Nottingham’s unpaid carers this Carers Week.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities and champion inclusion, visibility, and equal rights. Here in Nottingham, we recognise and support the contributions of LGBTQ+ carers, colleagues, and residents - and the unique challenges they may face.

We’re also looking ahead to Nottinghamshire Pride, taking place on Saturday 26 July 2025 in Nottingham city centre, a joyful celebration open to all.

Want to connect or find support? Local organisations like the Notts LGBT+ Network offer year-round information and resources.

Great news! Changing Futures Nottingham has received new funding from the Ministry of Justice to help people dealing with tough challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction.

This 18-month funding will continue the important work of a specialist who supports individuals through the probation service. It also adds a new team member, a specialist navigator, who is already making a positive impact by offering direct support.

This support aims to reduce reoffending and help people build better lives. It's part of a bigger plan to improve how services work together in Nottingham.

Safer Nottinghamshire Together Grants are available to help create a safer Nottinghamshire, with funding for projects tackling crime, violence, and anti-social behaviour.

There are two types of grants available:

• Multi-year funding – up to £75,000
• Community Chest – up to £5,000 for one-off activities

Need help applying?
Free, expert support is available to help you develop your ideas and strengthen your application.

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.

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

As part of our 150th birthday celebrations, Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) is hitting the road!

Our NCVS on Tour campaign showcases our journey through the years and the incredible people and places that have been part of it.

From local events to international adventures, our NCVS merchandise has been spotted far and wide - making appearances at the NAVCA conference and even reaching as far as Tunisia!

This tour is more than just a celebration; it's a tribute to the communities we've served and the partnerships we've built over the past 150 years. So grab your merch, take a picture, and get tagging us @NottinghamCVS!

We'd love for you to be part of our ongoing story. If you have memories, photos, or stories about your time with NCVS, please share them with us at communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Here’s to 150 years of making a difference—and many more to come!

The deadline for applications is Thursday 31 July 2025, 12 noon

Funding of up to £10,000 to help small organisations that support children aged 0 to 11 and their families.

The deadline for applications is Monday 22 September 2025

Charities in the UK can ask for up to £5,000 to run special projects that help adults (aged 18 or older) improve their communication skills. These projects should help people get ready for work and earn a proper qualification by the end or soon after.

There is no stated deadline, groups are advised to apply ASAP

Nottingham City Council has grant funding, through UK Government Funding, of up to £25,000 for organisations in Nottingham city looking to make green travel improvements.

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

Green social prescribing is a way of connecting people to nature-based activities and green groups, projects and schemes in their local community for support with health and wellbeing. Often this will be through a referral from a Link Worker based at a GP practice or another primary care professional.

Our scheme in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, called GreenSpace, was one of seven government Green Social Prescribing Test and Learn sites.

While the National Test and Learn may have ended, NCVS continues to embed green social prescribing into health systems to make nature-based/outdoor activities an intervention of choice to support people to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

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.

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 2025/2026. Book now.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• Core training – Now free*!
  Expert-led sessions covering essential skills for your organisation. You've said, we've listened, introducing brand new training to support your funding needs.
  
  
• Meet the... Series
  Join us for this new series where sector leaders share insights on the topics that matter most to Nottingham’s voluntary sector.
  
  
• PDU Training
  Supporting those working with people experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) with specialist insights and practical approaches.
  
  
• Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme (with NTU)
  Providing hands-on support for those starting or growing a social enterprise.

Check out upcoming sessions and book your place today!

* Please be aware of our Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policy.

Wednesday 2 July 2025, 10am to 11am

Join Dave Thomas to learn how to write volunteer role descriptions that really work.

Whether you're new to involving volunteers or want to boost your recruitment, this session will help you attract the right people with the right skills by making your opportunities clear, engaging, and appealing.

Book your spot and start getting the responses you’re looking for.

Tuesday 8 July 2025, 10am to 11am

Join Dave Thomas for a friendly, practical online session that guides you through the full volunteer journey - from planning and recruitment to support and supervision.

Whether you’re just getting started or want to refresh your approach with new ideas, this training will help you build strong, effective relationships with your volunteers and feel confident in your leadership role.

Book your place and take the first step towards becoming the volunteer leader your team needs.

Thursday 17 July 2025, 10.30am to 11.30am
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join us online for a relaxed and helpful session with Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, to hear all about their new funding opportunities.

You’ll learn what kind of projects they’re looking to support, how to apply, and have the chance to ask your questions. Helen from NCVS will also be there to chat about how we can support you with your application.

Ideal for groups with new ideas that support people, places or the environment.

Tuesday 24 June 2025, 10.30am to 12 noon
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join Natasha Cain, Sarah Pitts and Hayley Harris for a friendly, informative session exploring how Secondary Adult Mental Health services work—focusing on Local Mental Health Teams (LMHTs).

Together, they bring a wealth of experience across Nottinghamshire’s healthcare and mental health services, offering practical insight into referrals, team roles, support options, and how services work with people facing multiple disadvantages.

Perfect for anyone supporting people with mental health needs who want to better understand the local system.

Thursday 26 June 2025, 1 noon to 1pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join Emma Coleman from the Nottingham City Safeguarding Adults Board for a focused session exploring key lessons from Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) around institutional discharge.

You’ll hear real case examples and gain practical tips for frontline practice, including what works well - and what to avoid.

Ideal for anyone supporting people facing severe and multiple disadvantage.

Monday 16 June 2025, 5.30pm to 8pm
Broadway Cinema, 14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL

Join the SEA programme for a relaxed, practical session packed with tips to help your social enterprise grow - whether you’re just starting out or ready to take things to the next level.

You’ll get fresh ideas, meet like-minded people, and hear how the Social Enterprise Accelerator can support your journey. We’ll also chat about available grants, tailored business support, and how you can help shape the programme going forward.

Tuesday 24 June 2025, 10am to 1pm
Antenna, Beck Street, Creative Quarter, NG1 1EQ

Whether you’re exploring new services, reaching new clients, or expanding into different areas, this free workshop is here to help you think through your next steps.

Join us for a practical session designed for Nottingham-based VCSE organisations ready to explore growth opportunities and plan for the future.

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.

Sunday 22 June 2025, 10am to 5pm
Nottingham Castle, Lenton Road, NG1 6EL
£1 entry fee

Families in Nottingham are invited to a one-of-a-kind, superhero-themed event packed with fun, creativity, and support for positive mental health.

Designed for children aged 0 to 16 and their families, the event offers a mix of activities to promote wellbeing in a playful and relaxed environment - all before reaching crisis point.

Activities on the day include:

• Superhero cape walk
• Arts and crafts
• Nature-based fun
• Sports sessions
• Nutrition and wellbeing tips

There’s something for everyone, and it's all about helping families build healthy habits together.

Getting there is easy too!
Nottingham City Transport and NET trams are offering travel discounts, and NCP is supporting the event with £5 all-day parking.

Want to get involved? To book a stall, email: events@pekcic.co.uk.

Wednesday 25 June 2025, 9am to 3pm
Bulwell Riverside Library, Main Street, NG6 8QJ

Connect with local experts, services, and entrepreneurs – all under one roof!

Are you self-employed, thinking of starting your own business, or simply exploring new opportunities? Whether you're just beginning or ready to grow, Start Grow Connect is your gateway to expert support, valuable resources, and local networking.

What to expect:

• Support and tailored advice from trusted business organisations
• Networking with entrepreneurs and professionals across various sectors
• Access to funding, mentoring, and start-up services

Meet the experts:
Chat directly with support providers including DWP, JobCentre, HSBC, The Prince’s Trust, Champagne Webs, NBV, NCVS, First Enterprise, BIPC, HMRC, and Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

Although this is a free event, booking is essential to help manage numbers and ensure the best experience for all attendees.

Tuesday 1 July 2025, from 7.30pm
The William Gunn pub (opposite Trent Bridge Cricket Ground), 19 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5FF

The team at the William Gunn have kindly offered to host a pub quiz on behalf of the Stroke Association.

They'd love you to join them in what promises to be a great quiz night, raffle and opportunity to connect.

It will be great to have teams from our voluntary community. Let the team know if you're interested by emailing EngagementTeamMidlands@stroke.org.uk.

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.

Looking to boost your knowledge around oral health? This free training, from the Oral Health Improvement Team, is perfect for anyone working with children, families, or vulnerable adults in Nottingham City. It’s packed with practical tips to support healthier smiles in your community. With lots of dates to choose from, it’s easy to fit into your schedule.

Fearless Youth Association is running workshops to develop digital and employment skills in young people (aged 16 to 25) from the asylum community.

Get support with:

• CV and applications
• Job searches
• Digital skill building
• Interview and workplace preparation

and more...

Contact the team by email at info@fyaonline.com or by phone at 0115 850 1710 or 07563 197748. Or register interest through the form below.

Need fresh ideas, creative thinking, or some focused research to move your organisation forward?

Take part in the #NBSBright Business Challenge and get a team of final-year students from Nottingham Business School to act as your consultants - for free!

Your challenge could be around strategy, marketing, operations, research, or anything else that needs a new perspective. The students will work on your brief over several weeks and present their solutions at a showcase event in November.

A great opportunity to support local talent and benefit from new thinking at the same time.

The countdown is on! Nominations for the Black Achievers Award 2025 are now open until Sunday 31 August 2025 - shining a spotlight on individuals and organisations making a real difference in our communities.

This year sees the launch of a brand new category: the Aspiring Stars Award, created in partnership with Notts Fire and Rescue Service. Open to self-nominations only, it gives young people the chance to share their own journeys of ambition and achievement.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organisations wanting to align with a powerful celebration of Black excellence, inclusion and community impact. A range of packages can be explored via the official website.

Early bird tickets are now on sale ahead of the big event on Saturday 25 October 2025 - a night not to be missed!

Follow the Awards on socials – including their new LinkedIn Business Page – for the latest updates.

Let’s celebrate Black excellence together.

Thursday 19 June 2025, 10am to 11am
Online via Microsoft Teams

With the Radio Teleswitch (RTS) service due to be retired at the end of June 2025, it is important for frontline organisations to understand what this means for the people they support and how they can help them take action before the switch-off date. Importantly, anyone with an RTS meter should contact their energy supplier as soon as possible.

General VCSE sector resources

• Seven charity funding myths demystified - Charities Aid Foundation dispel some of the myths around charity loan funding. 
  
  
• Financing the future: A guide to repayable finance - Download Charities Aid Foundation's newest guidance on loan financing for charities.

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight. The deadline for contributions and comments is Monday 23 June 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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