NCVS e-bulletin - Thursday 7 August 2025

Welcome to this edition of the NCVS e-bulletin - your perfect excuse to put the kettle on and skip that email you’ve been putting off!

NCVS's Practice Development Unit (PDU) has been busy setting up some new training dates for those supporting people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage - you can check out some of those upcoming courses below. The rest of the team are still working hard behind the scenes on our upcoming conference: Sector Forward. Have you got your ticket yet?

In this edition:

• Have your say on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire restructuring
• Connect with our Changing Futures Community Engagement Coordinator
• New blogs from the NCVS team
• Findings from the GreenSpace project

...and plenty more.

Happy reading!

NCVS is proud to sponsor the Community Award at the upcoming Black Achievers Awards, taking place on Saturday 25 October 2025.

This prestigious event recognises the outstanding achievements of Nottingham’s Black community – and the Community Award honours those who go above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives.

Do you know someone who’s leading change, supporting others, or building a better future for their community? Whether it's a dedicated volunteer, a mentor, or someone making a quiet but powerful impact – they deserve to be recognised.

Nominations are open now – but hurry, the deadline is Sunday 31 August 2025.

Let’s give credit where it’s due. This is your chance to say thank you, well done, and we see you to those shaping Nottingham for the better.

Help us celebrate excellence, uplift community voices, and spotlight those who truly make a difference.

Have your say before Sunday 14 September 2025

In December 2024, Central Government announced plans for the biggest shake-up of local government in England in over 50 years. The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) aims to make councils simpler and more efficient by moving from the current ‘two-tier’ system to single unitary councils that handle all local services. In Nottinghamshire, this means replacing the nine existing local authorities, including Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, with two new unitary councils serving larger communities.

This is an important change that could affect how services are delivered locally, so it’s a great opportunity for people and organisations to have their say on the proposals.

Following a recent House of Lords vote and the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, expectations around how organisations handle whistleblowing concerns are set to grow.

Whether you're starting from scratch or want to strengthen your existing approach, Protect, the UK’s whistleblowing charity, offers practical tools and expert support to help you get it right:

• Investigations Training – covering best practice for interviews, report writing, and managing risks
• Whistleblowing Scanner – a self-assessment tool to review how you handle concerns
• Membership – access to expert forums, including a dedicated session on investigations this November

Protect has over 30 years’ experience supporting organisations across all sectors.

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. 

Monday 13 October 2025, 9am to 4pm
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham | Free to attend

Sector Forward is our one-day conference to celebrate 150 years of NCVS, and more importantly, to come together as a sector to recharge, connect, and grow.

From inspirational speakers to practical workshops, a buzzing marketplace, prize draws, and goody bags – it’s a day designed by and for Nottingham’s VCSE sector.

Workshop highlight: Beyond the Numbers: Embedding Impact in Volunteer Programmes

In this practical session, Dave Thomas (NCVS) and Kathryn Russell (Erewash Voluntary Action) explore how to move beyond counting heads and hours to show real impact.

You’ll learn simple, meaningful ways to embed impact into everyday volunteer management and build a clearer case for funders, partners and your community.

Whether you're starting out or looking to improve, this session will help you take an Impact First approach - and tell a stronger story about the value of volunteering.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 20 August 2025

A new funding opportunity is offering up to £240,000 over four years (that’s £60,000 per year) to organisations that support young people aged 14 to 25.

The focus is on young people who:

• have experience of the care system
• are LGBT+
• have a learning disability or are neurodivergent

The funding is for services that help young people speak up, understand their rights, and make their own choices, especially in situations where they often feel left out or misunderstood. This might include one-to-one support, group work, peer support, or help with specific issues.

The deadline for applications is Friday 12 September 2025, 5pm

Need help with digital fundraising?
You’re not alone - more than half of charities say digital fundraising is a top priority, but 41% don’t feel confident in their skills.

That’s where the Digital Learning Grant comes in. It’s fully funded, so there’s no cost to you, and it’s designed to help you grow your digital skills and confidence.

This is a rolling programme and will close once all of the funding has been awarded.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available for projects lasting between three months and one year. Projects must start within three months of receiving the grant.

Activities must demonstrate the following desired impacts:

• People with Parkinson's become and stay active, and/or significantly increase their levels of activity if they are already active.
• More physical activity provision for everyone with Parkinson’s across the UK.
• Improved social wellbeing in people with Parkinson’s as a result of attending the project.

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

Tuesday 2 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom (BYOB – Bring Your Own Biscuits!)

The Leaders of Volunteers Network (LoVN) is back online this September – and this one’s all about creative ways to recruit volunteers (without losing your mind or your evenings).

Expect a lively session packed with ideas, practical planning tools, and a bit of a challenge from our resident LoVN host, Dave Thomas. If you support volunteers in any way, whether that’s your whole job or just part of it, you’ll come away with something useful (and maybe even fun).

'I always come away buzzing with ideas and suggestions from LoVN members.' - Dave, NCVS

Join our friendly, informal online network for anyone involved in managing or supporting volunteers. It’s a great space to:

• Share ideas and learn from others
• Ask questions about real challenges
• Connect with people who understand the sector

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.

A new report shares key learning from the final phase of GreenSpace – the local delivery of Green Social Prescribing in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Led by NCVS, this stage of the programme supported eight community groups, including people living with dementia, teenagers, individuals with serious mental illness, and those experiencing mild anxiety.

The report captures both the impact and the challenges of delivering nature-based support, particularly around sustainability, value for money, and access. Despite short-term funding windows and the added difficulty of winter delivery, the outcomes show clear benefits to people’s mental wellbeing and community connection.

As we look ahead, the report offers valuable insights for integrating this work more deeply into local health systems – helping ensure that nature-based activities remain a trusted, accessible option for wellbeing support.

The Practice Development Unit (PDU) offers a unique opportunity for professionals and volunteers from all sectors in Nottingham and beyond, who work with people facing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD), to connect, learn collaboratively and share good practice. SMD is generally understood as a combination of homelessness, substance use, mental ill health, domestic sexual violence and abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system. People’s experiences are often shaped by histories of trauma, poverty, stigma and abuse.

See our information pack to find out more about the free PDU learning offer.

To discover new events, training and resources, sign up for the PDU bulletin.

Any queries, please contact the team at pdu@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

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.

Thursday 4 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

Even though you know your volunteers make a difference, it can be hard to prove it.

Join Dave Thomas for this practical online session exploring how to measure the real impact of your volunteer programme - from planning what to track, to collecting and using data that shows the value volunteers bring to your organisation, your community, and themselves.

Perfect for experienced Leaders of Volunteers who want to feel more confident about demonstrating impact and making the case for volunteering.

Wednesday 24 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

Being a Fire Warden might sound daunting - but it doesn’t have to be.

This online session will walk you through the basics of fire safety and what’s expected of you in this vital role, whether there's an emergency or not. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your responsibilities, the tools that can help, and the confidence to take action if needed.

Perfect for anyone new to the role, or anyone in your team, paid or voluntary, who wants to refresh their knowledge and stay fire-aware.

Delivered by David Saunders, Group Development Officer (Training) at NCVS, who brings over 15 years’ experience supporting VCSE organisations.

Thursday 18 September 2025, 10.30am to 11.30am
Online via Zoom

Looking to boost your charity’s income through trusts and foundations?

Join fundraising consultant Suzie Rees for a friendly, practical session designed especially for small organisations. Suzie will guide you through the steps to build a successful trust fundraising programme, even if you’re short on time or new to the process.

You’ll also hear about her Trust Fundraising in a Box toolkit, packed with templates and guidance to help you get started.

Bring your questions and get ready to unlock new funding opportunities!

Tuesday 2 September 2025, 1pm to 2.30pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join Clinical Psychologists Anna Tickle and Natasha Bloor for an insightful session on a six-month pilot at Nottingham Recovery Network, exploring how brain injury often goes unrecognised in people facing substance use and severe multiple disadvantage.

You’ll learn about the links between brain injury and substance use, how staff awareness is being improved, and what the future could look like - including the potential of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Ideal for anyone working in substance use, homelessness or SMD services who wants to better identify and support people with hidden needs.

Tuesday 16 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Microsoft Teams

People experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD), such as homelessness, substance use, poor mental health, and more, are much more likely to be neurodivergent. But many go undiagnosed, and their needs can be misunderstood or missed entirely.

In this session, Amelia Draper and Jeremy Garner from Changing Futures Nottingham will help you understand what neurodivergence really means, why it’s so common in this group, and how you can work more effectively and compassionately with people facing these challenges.

You’ll explore real-life case studies, learn about the impact of executive functioning difficulties, and leave with practical, trauma-informed ways to adapt your approach - no diagnosis required.

Ideal for anyone supporting people experiencing SMD who wants to create more inclusive and person-centred support.

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.

Wednesday 3 September 2025, 10am to 3pm
Online
£65 (free sponsored places available on application)

This autumn, Harmless will host its sixth annual online Suicide Bereavement Conference – a space for learning, reflection, and connection. Timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day the following week, the conference brings together a series of live, expert-led webinars focused on compassionate, practical approaches to supporting those bereaved by suicide. The theme for this year's event is Beyond Beginnings: Achieving Postvention Excellence.

Wednesday 17 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Assembly Hall, Nottinghamshire County Hall, Loughborough road, NG2 7QP

The event will feature reflections from Directors of Public Health, service leads, clinicians, and team members. Alongside key discussions, there will be interactive stalls and activities that showcase service initiatives and create opportunities for connection and engagement.

Your attendance would be sincerely valued and appreciated, as your insight and support are instrumental in advancing the collective vision for responsive and inclusive sexual health and reproductive care.

Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 October 2025, 10am to 3pm
Online via Zoom
Free

Get Grants Virtual Conference will bring together thousands of fundraisers for a programme led by Get Grants Experts, funders, and other speakers from across the sector. The conference will enable fundraisers of all levels to build their confidence and celebrate the wonderful work they do with like-minded, friendly people! Keep an eye on their website for updates.

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.

Hello everyone! I’m Jenna, the Community Engagement Coordinator for Changing Futures.

I’m really looking forward to connecting with local community and faith groups across Nottingham to raise awareness about Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) – and to learn more about the rich diversity that makes our city so special.

Even if your group doesn’t directly support people experiencing SMD, I’d still love to meet you! Building understanding and relationships is a vital part of making Changing Futures more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities.

If you work with any minority or marginalised groups (see above), or if you’re simply curious to learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at jennaa@nottinghamcvs.co.uk. I’d love to arrange a chat.

General VCSE sector resources

• Donor Pulse Report 2025 - Register some personal details and get your hands on Enthuse's research exploring the hottest trends for the voluntary sector.
  
  
• Estimating the economic and social value of volunteering - London Economics' research finds the average economic impact of a volunteer is £2,012. Read the full report for full details.
  
  
• Financial resilience and the role of small charities - To mark 40 years of supporting communities, Lloyds Banking Group and its Foundations researched the challenges faced by financially vulnerable people and the role small charities play in helping them.

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight. The deadline for contributions and comments is Monday 18 August 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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