This July our annual conference is taking place, a time when we reflect on the challenges of the last year, and examine what we would like to do differently in the future. We want to explore how the past year has impacted the VCFSE sector, and how we might use our collective experience to help build a strong, sustainable future for community and voluntary organisations.
This year's theme is 'Safety, Strength and Kindness Through the Pandemic and Beyond'. Three two hour sessions will be spread across the conference, from Tuesday 6th July - Thursday 8th July.
We will be exploring how your services can be made safe and accessible, so that people are confident enough to go out and use them again. We will be applauding the extraordinary strength that volunteers, organisations and individuals have exhibited over the pandemic. Finally, we will be celebrating the kindness and generosity that so many have shown during extremely tough times over the past year.
We would love for you to join us at this conference, and help us reflect and build for the future. Links to register will be available very soon.
Many thanks,
Stephen Craker
Chief Executive
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR ORGANISATIONS
Weekly coffee mornings for member organisations
Our weekly Virtual Coffee Mornings for voluntary sector organisations are a chance to say hello, tell us what you are working on, what support you need and to hear from other local voluntary sector organisations.
Every Wednesday at 11am.
The sessions are friendly, informal and hopefully useful. Come along whenever you can!
Register using our calendar.
For more information, please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk or phone Christine on 01727 743018.
Thinking about your group's volunteering activities?
Contact our Volunteer Centre team who can help direct you to volunteering activities you can do safely, whether in person or remotely.
Email: volunteer@communities1st.org.uk
OUR VOLUNTEERS' WEEK EVENTS!
Volunteer's Week is Approaching!
Volunteer's week takes place from June 1st - 7th, and to celebrate it we are bringing you a week of exciting in person and virtual events!
Volunteer Celebration - Aberford Park Community Centre, Borehamwood
Tuesday 1st June between 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Register here.
Volunteer Celebration - Bishops Park Club Room, Bishop's Stortford Wednesday 2nd June between 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Register here.
Volunteer Celebration - Biggleswade Football Club, Biggleswade
Thursday 3rd June between 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Register here.
Volunteer Celebration - Highfield Park, Pavilion, St Albans
Friday 4th June between 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Register here.
An introduction to Trusteeship
1st June - 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Register here.
Volunteering Herts Annual Conference and Volunteer Management Awards
2nd June - 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Register here.
Trustee Speed Matching
3rd June - 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register here.
Member organisations funding newsletter
We will soon contact you regarding membership renewal. From June we will be launching a new members only newsletter, which will include all funding opportunities. Organisations who need to renew their membership with us should do this as soon as we contact you, to avoid missing out on important information and funding tips.
The Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual has been updated
The new, updated Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Manual is available to view here.
Charity organisation seeks office space
HACRO, a charity that works towards caring for and resettling offenders, are looking for a space to expand and develop workshops and training etc.
If you know of an available space, email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk.
Interactive tool for digital resources
With links for individuals and organisations, this document contains useful information to help develop your skills in online services.
You can view the document here.
Out of Bounds
Natural spaces in our towns and cities have lots of benefits: for our mental and physical health, for communities and for the local economy. However, not everyone has equal access to these benefits. This report by Groundwork looks at the evidence on equity in access to urban nature and how we can address it.
St Albans & District Foodbank need new warehouse space
Having supplied over 10,000 emergency food boxes to Hertfordshire locals, SADC foodbank been given a deadline to move out of their site in Harpenden. If you or anyone you know has any information that could help contact
mpontin@stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk.
Free finance checklist for charities
Download your free finance checklist for charities by Sage Foundation, in collaboration with Charity Digital and Solid Base Non-Profit Support, here.
Do you know any group who are exceptional and should be put forward for a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service?
If you know of an exceptional volunteer group, running for more than 3 years, which has positively impacted on the lives of others in your local community, you could nominate them for the QAVS. Nominations can be made from 1 April to 15 September.
Thank You Day: 4 July 2021
We all have different people to thank for helping us through the pandemic, from family members to key workers, good neighbours to volunteers. Please join your friends, neighbours and communities and take part in the country’s first ever national Thank You Day on the 4 July. And let’s say thank you together. Read more.
COULD YOU BE A COVID INFORMATION CHAMPION?
To ensure our communities are receiving accurate, up to date COVID guidance, we are engaging with COVID Information Champions, in partnership with Community Help Herts. The information champions disperse accurate, current information through their networks, to keep us informed and safe.
Anyone can be a COVID Information Champion. All you have to do is reach out to your community and share information from Hertfordshire County Council. The information is easily shared through social media, email, text messages and online messaging apps, and can also be printed out and used as a poster.
To get involved email Christine at CIChampion@communities1st.org.uk or call 020 3940 4869.
TRAINING & WEBINARS
Strengthen your impact reporting as a social enterprise
Weds 09 June 10:00-12:00
Preparing your board to be more inclusive Better Boards training
Tues 15 June 19:00- 21:00
Register here.
Social enterprise discussion forum
Weds 16 June 11:00-12:00
Fundraising for boards: What do you need to know?
Fri 18 June 10:00-12:00
The SADC Community Project Fund Information Event
Thursday 3 June - 5.30pm- 6.30pm
Register here.
FUNDING
Transformational Grants for Small Charities/Non Profit Organisations
From the 12th April 2021, small organisations working with marginalised groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £30,000 for projects and activities that have the potential to have a transformational impact on their organisation. Transformational impact includes helping an organisations become more sustainable, more efficient, to grow significantly or enabling an organisation to take a major step forward of some kind. The funding is being made available through The Fore, a seed funder for the non-profit sector. The funding is available to any registered charity, CIC, CIO or Community Benefit Society with a turnover of under £500,000 in the last financial year. Read more.
Funding to Support People and Communities Living with Mental Ill-Health, Trauma & Distress
Grants of between £200 and £500 are available to peer support, mutual aid or self-help groups in England and Wales for activities which benefit people or communities who live with mental ill-health, trauma and distress. The funding is being made available through the National Survivor User Network’s Side by Side Fund and can be used to help community member-led groups to connect remotely, prepare to move their activities to face-to-face, or make their group more sustainable. The deadline for applications is the 31 May 2021. Read more.
Grants to Support Projects in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Fine Art & Art History
UK charities and charitable organisations, including school Parent Teacher Associations, are eligible to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support projects in the areas of horticulture, plant sciences, fine art and art history. The Finnis Scott Foundation will award funding to cover capital or revenue expenditure, with preference given to smaller organisations where the grant will have a significant impact. The next closing date for applications is 4pm on the 4 June 2021. Read more.
Grants Programme for Not-For-Profit Theatres to Carry Out Essential Works
The Theatres Trust has launched a £100,000 small grants programme for not-for-profit theatres across the UK to carry out essential works, particularly improvements to buildings that protect theatre use and remove barriers to participation and attendance. The Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust, will provide grants of up to £5,000 to support small projects that make a big impact to a theatre's resilience, sustainability or accessibility. Applications are also welcome for projects that help theatres reopen as Covid-secure. The deadline for applications in this round is 5pm on the 7 June 2021. Read more.
Funding to Support Community Based Documentary Film Makers
Grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 are available to individuals and not-for-profit organisations in the creative sector to help build an independent UK documentary sector based within local communities. The BFI Doc Society’s Ripple Effect Fund is a new National Lottery funded initiative that aims to help kickstart community based documentary-focused ideas and reach new audiences. All applicants need to demonstrate how their proposed documentary activity is rooted in their communities and also describe how the activity will address specific needs within these communities. The deadline for applications is 1pm on the 10th June 2021. Read more.
Grants of up to £5,000 Available to Support Women Songwriters and Composers
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support the development of outstanding women, trans and non-binary songwriters and composers of all genres and backgrounds at different stages of their career. The funding is available to support touring, recording, promotion and marketing, community projects involving high-quality music creators, music creator residencies and live performances featuring new UK music. The funding is being made available through the PRS for Music Foundation’s Woman make Music Grants Programme and the closing date for applications is the 14 June 2021. Read more.
Grants for Projects to Help Prevent, or Reduce, the Risk of Heart Disease
Not for profit groups, voluntary organisations and registered charities in the Central TV regions can apply for funding for projects that actively promote Heart Health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease. Grants of up to £10,000 for new, original and innovative projects lasting 6 - 12 months are available through the Heart Research UK (HRUK) Healthy Heart grant scheme. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 14 June 2021. Read more.
Grants of up to £50,000 Available to Support the Housing Needs of Vulnerable People
Grants of up to £50,000 are available to housing-related registered charities, co-operatives, and projects to support their work in tackling housing issues affecting vulnerable people. The grants are being made available through the £4 million Nationwide Building Society Community Grant Scheme. The funding can be used to help charities get back on their feet after the impact of Covid 19 and supporting people in housing need, in original or creative ways. The program will fund between 50% to 100% of the total cost of projects which last up to two years. This year applications will be capped by region, meaning the date on which applications close in each region may be earlier than the final deadline date of midnight on the 17 June 2021. Read more.
£1 Million Capital Stream of the Homelessness Winter Transformation Fund Opens to Applications
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a new funding stream for the homelessness, faith, community and voluntary sector to provide single room/ self-contained and Covid-19 secure accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in England this winter. The £1 million Capital stream of the Homelessness Winter Transformation Fund will provide grants of between £25,000 and £100,000 to support adaptations and renovations to accommodation, to enable Covid-19 secure environments for winter services. The fund will be managed by Homeless Link in partnership with Housing Justice. A pre-application questionnaire must be submitted by the 24th May 2021. Applicants may then be invited to submit full applications by the 21st June 2021. Read more.
Healthy Holidays Fund – Summer 2021
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for Salford-based voluntary, community or social enterprise sector organisations providing food and activities for school-age children during the summer holidays. The Healthy Holidays Fund – Summer 2021 aims to address ‘holiday hunger’ which particularly affects those children eligible for free school meals. All proposals must include healthy food provision, physical/wider ‘enrichment’ activities, and compliance with child safeguarding & food hygiene. Funds could be used to cover costs such as: purchasing, preparing and cooking food; sports equipment; art materials; venue hire; volunteer expenses; staffing; printing costs; promotion etc. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on the 21st June 2021. Read more.
Funding to Increase the Digital Skills of People Aged 18 & Over
The Thomas Wall Trust has opened the latest round of their Digital Skills Programme to equip adults with basic digital skills for work and life. Charities and other not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects working with disadvantaged people aged 18 or over to improve their basic digital skills in order to increase their employment prospects within the UK. Priority will be given to match funded projects and organisations working in collaboration. The deadline for expressions of interest is the 25th June 2021. Read more.
Funding to Support Disabled & Disadvantaged Children
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to registered charities to fund equipment and services to support disabled and disadvantaged children under the age of 13 across the UK. The Toy Trust fund helps disadvantaged children and their families to alleviate suffering; support children through awful experiences; encourage achievement through adversity; purchase vital equipment; provide care; bolster existing initiatives; initiate brand new projects; and satisfy basic needs. The next deadline to apply is the 30 June 2021. Read more.
Funding for Charities Working with Older People
Grants of between £15,000 and £75,000 are available to charitable organisations which provide care and services for older people, particularly if they have a neurodegenerative condition or are isolated. The Wolfson Foundation will provide funding for new build, refurbishment or equipment projects which aim to provide increased access to services for new and existing users, improve the quality and range of services, and improve the financial stability of the organisation. Match funding is required for projects costing more than £50,000. There is a 2-stage application process and the next stage 1 closing date is the 1st July 2021. Applications successful at this stage will have until the 1st September 2021 to complete the stage 2 application. Read more.
Funding to Support Education in Disadvantaged Areas
Grants are available to support schools and registered charities that wish to undertake educational work with children and young people under the age of 25 in disadvantaged areas within the UK and international projects working with marginalised communities. The British & Foreign Schools Society (BFSS) normally makes grants totalling about £900,000 in any one year. Grants for UK projects will range between 30,000 and £100,000 and for international projects up to £60,000. The next closing date for applications is the 8 July 2021. Read more.
Grants for Community and Environmental Projects
The Veolia Environmental Trust has re-opened for applications. Grants are available for both community projects to create or improve buildings or outside spaces and large scale environmental projects such as habitat creation/management, and/or species protection. Constituted not-for-profit organisations and local authorities can apply for grants of up to £75,000 for community projects; and Environmental Bodies that are enrolled with ENTRUST, the regulator of The Landfill Communities Fund can apply for grants of over £75,000 for environmental projects. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 15th July 2021. Read more.
Boost Choose Now Change Lives programme Opens for Applications
Boost Drinks has launched the Choose Now, Change Lives community grants scheme to help groups benefit their local area. The scheme is inviting charities, community groups, local authorities, health authorities, social housing, and other not-for-profit organisations to nominate themselves for a share of the £20,000 grant fund. This could include community sports clubs, community action groups, youth work, music groups and food banks, etc. Three organisations will be shortlisted to receive a grant of between £1,000 and £10,000. For this funding round nominations must be submitted by 11.59pm on the 18th July 2021. Read more.
Grants to Improve the Quality of Life for Disadvantaged & Vulnerable People
The Hedley Foundation are inviting applications from small-to-mid-size registered charities helping to improve the quality of life of people in the UK, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. The Foundation typically makes around 250 awards of up to £5,000 each year for initiatives which benefit the lives of young people, disabled people, elderly people, the terminally ill and otherwise disadvantaged people and their carers. Occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved. Applications should be received at least 28 days before the next review meeting on the 28th July 2021. Read more.
Funding to Support Challenged & Vulnerable Young People
Grants of up to £2,500 are available to charitable organisations supporting challenged and vulnerable young people under the age of 16 in the UK. The 7stars Foundation will provide funding for projects which support young living in areas of deprivation and socioeconomic disadvantage who are challenged by abuse or addiction, who are young carers, or who are homeless. Projects should address a lack of provision, and provide immediate support. Example of support could include recreational trips, mentoring programmes, and counselling sessions. The next application window will open on the 1st June 2021 until the 31st July 2021. Read more.
Warburtons – Community Grants Scheme
Charities and organisations with charitable aims can now apply for up to £400 worth of funding for projects that have a direct and tangible social impact on families and solve significant social issues. Funding is available for projects that meet the following themes: Health, Place or Skills for families in their community. The Community Grant scheme is being made available by Warburtons and is administered by the Charities Aid Foundation. The next closing date for applications in this round is the 21st August 2021. Read more.
Funding for Hospices and Palliative Care Organisations
Charitable hospices and palliative care organisations in the UK which provide excellent care to patients and their families can apply for grants of between £15,000 and £125,000 towards the cost of capital projects. The Wolfson Foundation will award funding to new build, refurbishment or equipment projects which should provide increased access to services for new and existing users, improve the quality and range of services, and aim to improve the financial stability of the organisation. Match funding is required for projects costing more than £50,000. There is a 2-stage application process and the next stage 1 closing date is the 1st July 2021. Applications successful at this stage will have until the 1st September 2021 to complete the stage 2 application. Read more.
Funding for Financial Life Skills Projects
The MSE Charity has announced that the next round of its grants programme will re-open to applications on the 1st September 2021. The MSE Charity gives grants to not-for-profit organisations that deliver activities that make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money. This round will support projects which aim to improve and deliver personal financial life skills to people in one of the following life transitions: bereavement; redundancy, retirement, relationship breakdown, homelessness; offenders; or resettlement. The closing date for applications will be 5pm on the 30th September 2021 or earlier if the charity has accepted 40 applications. It is advised to apply early in the month to ensure that applications are considered. Read more.
Music Grants for Older People
Charitable organisations and care homes for the elderly can apply for grants of up to £250 for activities which provide musical entertainment and related activities for the elderly. Some of the charities that have received grants in the past include the Theatre Chipping Norton to help fund high calibre music recitals in six Care Homes in the area; and Sue Ryder Care, Lancashire to fund access to music therapy workshops at Birchley Hall near Wigan and St Helen’s. The grants are made available through the charity Concertina and the next closing date for applications is the 31st October 2021. Read more.
INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
Advice on the COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccine Resources:
- COVID vaccine information video in Arabic
- COVID vaccine information video in Urdu
- Herts Care Providers Association
- Herts and West Essex Health and Care Academy website
- BBC Asian Network Resources
Bedtime Stories
Our volunteers have been busy creating bedtime stories, for you and your families to enjoy at home. These stories are a great opportunity to help you children improve their literacy skills.
Email: bedtimestories@communities1st.org.uk to get access to our bedtime stories videos!
The Herts Big Weekend is Back!
The Herts Big Weekend is running from 26th June until 23rd July, and is all about giving Herts residents the chance to discover the array of fantastic things to see and do on their doorstep. This year they are focusing on building confidence to support their industries recovery.
HENRY Online Healthy Families Programme
The HENRY programme is completely free to join for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 and offers plenty of classes to help support you in getting your child off to a great start.
Starting 7th June 6.30-7.30pm
Read more.
British Cycling's Volunteer Bike Rides
British Cycling are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic about leading entry level or family friendly bike rides. Benefits include free Ride Leader training, free Ride Leader kit and access to a supportive network.
Sign up to the webinar here.
‘How Wild Are We’ survey for the WSA project
Download and print Wilder St Albans' How Wild Are We survey, that take 60 minutes. Complete it on a warm and sunny day between 23 May and 6 June and tell them what wildlife you can see from your windows, what visits your balcony, what’s living in your garden or what is in your school grounds!
Hertfordshire Family Centre Services
The Hertfordshire Family Centre is running various courses for families, including 'Families Feeling Safe', 'Parenting Puzzle' and 'Welcome to the World'.
Herts Inclusive Theatre's Play in a Day
With an event for both young children and older teens, HIC is running a day filled with games and crafts as well as drama and improvisation for the teens.
For ages 13-17: 2nd June 10.00am - 4.00pm
For ages 5-12: 1st June 10.00am-3.00pm
To learn more or book click here.
Mind Hertfordshire Network Summer Courses
Mind in Hertfordshire are offering a range of online courses this summer, including Understanding Anger, Learning to Accept Uncertainty and Change, and Overcoming Anxiety and Fear.
H'arts in Mind are holding lots of art classes this spring
Art Club - Fridays - 1.30-3.00pm
Expressive Art chat group - Starts 28th April (twice monthly)
Zentangle - Tuesdays 7.30pm and Fridays 11.00am
To register email hartsinmind@gmail.com
For more info visit their website.
Hertfordshire Libraries and partners looking for two artists in residence as part of new project
This brand new, exciting opportunity will give the chosen artists the chance to work alongside library staff in unique and varying studio spaces. Working in our libraries, artists will be able to raise the profile of their work amongst library users, the local community and beyond.
To learn more email: library.promotions@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Government launch public survey to decide England's new Women’s Health Strategy
The government want to hear from women of all ages and backgrounds. Now is the time to speak up and be heard so that the many disparities across the health service can be further evidenced, and a plan can be made to deliver future improvements.
Spectrum running a free Drug and Alcohol awareness session for Parents/Guardians
This session is run by Welwyn-Hatfield Council but open to any parents in Hertfordshire and is aimed at parents of secondary school age children. The session will include basic drug and alcohol awareness, talking about helping vs enabling, communications, relationships and boundaries.
Thu, 27 May 2021 - 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Sustainability Festival this summer!
Sustainable St Albans are running The Sustainability Festival with 100+ events starting on the 23rd May through to 6th June across St Albans, Harpenden and villages. Full programme of events can be found here.
Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service Adult Courses
Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service (HAFLS) are offering a range of fully-funded courses in employability skills, digital skills, English, maths, low-cost arts & crafts and wellbeing. Read more.
SEN Course for qualification first 4 sport Level 1 leadership in sport and physical activity
Saracens Foundation have an exciting opportunity for SEN individuals to gain a fully funded qualification first 4 sport Level 1 leadership in sport and physical activity. Full support will be given to participants with learning difficulties. Sign up here.
Hertfordshire Family Centre Service Courses
The Hertfordshire Family Centre Service are now running an antenatal and postnatal online social group, for current or future mums, dads, and families to meet other parents. For more information email hertsfamilycentres.org or call us on: 0300 123 7572. Book here.