Our Support Includes:

• Building Confidence: Learn how to present yourself confidently in interviews, and develop the self-assurance to thrive in the workplace.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Explore volunteering as a way to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and enhance your CV.
• Training Programs: We offer both in-house and accredited training to equip you with the skills employers are looking for.
• Personalised Support: Our dedicated staff will guide you through your journey, offering advice, encouragement, and practical support to help you succeed.

📅 Join Us Every Friday:

• Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
• Location: Gannow Community Centre, Adamson Street, BB12 6RB

📞 Get in Touch:

• Lisa Ross: Lisa.Ross@bprcvs.co.uk
• Christina Howarth: Christina.Howarth@bprcvs.co.uk

Ready to invest in your future? Contact us today to start your journey towards employment success! 💼
#EmploymentSupport #CareerGrowth #VolunteerExperience #SelfEsteem #BPRCVS #GannowCommunityCentre #TrainingOpportunities #Burnley #ConfidenceBuilding

💼 Empower Your Career Journey with BPRCVS! 💼
Are you struggling with finding a job or unsure of how to start your career? Let BPRCVS be your partner in achieving your employment goals. We offer tailored support to help you succeed in the workforce.
🌱 What We Can Do for You:

• Self-Esteem & Confidence Building: Gain the confidence you need to succeed in job interviews, build relationships at work, and take on new challenges.
• Volunteering as a Stepping Stone: Volunteering offers valuable experience that can open doors to future employment. We’ll help you find the right opportunities.
• Training to Enhance Your Skills: With our in-house and accredited training, you can improve your qualifications and enhance your employability.
• Ongoing Guidance & Support: Our friendly team is here to support you with practical advice and encouragement as you move forward in your career journey.

📅 When & Where:

• Fridays, 9 AM - 1 PM
• Gannow Community Centre, Adamson Street, BB12 6RB

📧 Contact Us:

• Lisa Ross: Lisa.Ross@bprcvs.co.uk
• Christina Howarth: Christina.Howarth@bprcvs.co.uk

Take the first step toward a brighter future—let’s work together to turn your career aspirations into reality! 🌟

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust Fund opened in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale in March 2018. Due to the success of delivery, the Trustees agreed that BPRCVS should continue to administer the funding and we have just closed the sixth year of successfully funded community projects.
We have seen an increase in the number of groups accessing support and services through BPRCVS.

The environment, rising cost of living, and social isolation still proving challenging. Our local small groups continue to step up, stand solid and support our local communities. Accessing funding opportunities such as the Eric Wright Charitable Trust has enabled them to provide essential activities and community support.

​20 Projects were awarded grants. A variety of activities were applied for, including gardening groups, mental health, wellbeing support and social inclusion.

Key Highlights:

• Over £338,000 in funding and grants awarded to voluntary, community, and faith groups in Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale.
• Support provided to 1,280 groups, with over 7,300 hours spent helping them grow and sustain their impact.
• Our volunteers contributed an astounding 12,496 hours, adding significant value to local economies.
• The introduction of the Volunteer for Wellbeing & Community Hub, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, further strengthened our commitment to volunteering.

Transforming Lives Through SupportThis year, we’ve helped individuals and groups through our services like social prescribing, community transport, and health and wellbeing projects. For instance:

• The Social Prescribing Programme supported 2,594 active beneficiaries, reducing social isolation and improving mental health.
• Our Communicars Service completed over 6,900 journeys, enabling passengers to attend appointments, socialise, and regain independence.
• Initiatives such as Children & Families activities empowered young people, with creative programmes and confidence-building workshops.

A Community-Driven Future

​The report also highlights our ongoing collaborations, such as with Lancashire Local and NAVCA, to amplify the voice of the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Whether through networking events, strategic partnerships, or direct funding, we remain dedicated to empowering local communities.


Join Us in Making a DifferenceAs we look ahead, BPRCVS continues to provide resources, guidance, and opportunities for groups and individuals across the region. Your involvement can help us extend our reach and impact.


📥 Download the full report by clicking here to learn more about our work, achievements, and how you can be part of this journey. Together, we make a difference!
Contact Us:
📞 01282 433740
✉️ info@bprcvs.co.uk
🌐 www.bprcvs.co.uk

The meeting offered a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by our dedicated volunteers. Networking was a key highlight of the day, with attendees exchanging valuable information, sharing experiences, and building stronger partnerships to support the work we all do.

Launching Our 90th Year Anniversary Plans!

We were thrilled to officially launch our 90th Year Anniversary Plans for 2025 during the AGM. Next year marks an incredible milestone for BPRCVS--90 years of empowering communities and helping people to help others.

To ensure the celebrations truly reflect the heart of our work, we’re inviting you—our members, partners, and supporters—to share your thoughts and ideas.
We’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be launching an online form where you can tell us how you’d like to celebrate this special anniversary. From events and activities to legacy projects, we’re open to your creative suggestions to help us mark this occasion in a way that resonates with everyone in the community.
Your input is invaluable, and we can’t wait to see what ideas you have. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates on the form and details of the anniversary plans as they develop!
A Look Back at the AGM The energy and enthusiasm in the room on the day were truly inspiring. From thought-provoking discussions to exciting announcements, the AGM was a reminder of the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
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To relive the day, take a look below at the wonderful gallery of photos from the event. You’ll find highlights from the presentations, candid moments from the networking sessions, and snapshots of the vibrant community spirit that defines BPRCVS.​

What’s Next?

As we look toward 2025, we’re filled with excitement about what lies ahead. Celebrating 90 years of BPRCVS isn’t just about looking back; it’s about building a stronger, brighter future together. Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s work together to make 2025 an unforgettable year!
Together, we can create something truly special.

The project began in April and has provided hands-on support to help participants overcome barriers and take their first steps into business ownership. Many of our clients face challenges such as childcare responsibilities, disabilities, or educational commitments, which make traditional employment difficult. By boosting confidence, building resilience, and offering practical business training, we’ve been able to help each participant transform their passion into a potential livelihood.

The October 18 event was an exciting moment for our team as we gathered to celebrate the participants' achievements, including four newly established Burnley businesses: Petals and Polishes, Frame Fusion Studios, Alternative Knitwear by Paula, and Chrissy’s Crystals. It was heartening to see these individuals share their inspiring stories and take pride in their accomplishments.

Lisa Ross, our project coordinator, expressed our pride in the article, saying, "We’re overjoyed to see our clients’ stories recognised. This project isn’t just about employment—it’s about self-belief, ambition, and resilience. We offer ongoing support through wellbeing, confidence-building, and business development, and the results are clear."

The event also welcomed Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, who shared his congratulations: "I was honoured to meet the graduates and see firsthand the incredible businesses they’ve created. My heartfelt congratulations to each one of them.”

As the Lancashire Telegraph article shows, this project is not only a step towards economic independence but also an opportunity for our participants to share their talents and contribute to the local community. We’re grateful for the chance to spotlight the hard work of our clients and the dedication of our team here at BPRCVS.


Read the full article to learn more about their journeys and the inspiring businesses they’ve created: Lancashire Telegraph article

The BPRCVS AGM is also a perfect opportunity to network with BPRCVS staff and trustees, and other VCFSE groups and organisations in attendance.

Lunch will be provided and refreshments will be available throughout.

Places are available to BPRCVS members first, and we kindly ask that you limit your attendance to a maximum of 2 persons per group/organisation. If you are not a member, but would still like to attend, please RSVP and spaces will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

An agenda for the AGM will be released in the coming weeks.

The AGM will take place on Wednesday, 27th November 2024 with arrivals from 1pm, lunch served at 1:15pm, and the AGM commencing in earnest at 2pm. We expect to conclude at approximately 3:30pm, but you're more than welcome to stay afterwards to network.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to lorna.powell@bprcvs.co.uk no later than 20th November 2024, however we recommend reserving your place as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
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All participants are economically inactive, often very far away from employment. We work on self-esteem and resilience to enable participants to see, through tiny steps, they can make this work, taking away barriers and enabling them to work around those commitments which prevent entering traditional employment.


This maybe caring or childcare commitments, disabilities, or studies. We have seen in the case of those on disability benefits, who are regularly told they don’t need to work but want to, this project provides the means to create routine and develop ambition which is paramount for positive health and mental wellbeing. We offer sessions in the community to reach residents in Burnley we traditionally may not reach.

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The project coordinator, Lisa Ross, said of the event, “This was a great opportunity to showcase the amazing and inspirational stories of our clients. We are so proud of the ongoing achievements. Where this project succeeds is the wrap around support BPRCVS offers our clients, enabling them to do training, volunteering and connect with their community during their journey. We offer employment support through wellbeing, confidence building and developing ambition. The results speak for themselves. It’s a great honour to deliver this project to our fantastic residents.”

Kelly from Petals and Polishes, said of the project, “The project was a great opportunity and chance to change my future. I felt I was in a safe space, where I could develop my micro set up. It has boosted my confidence and self-worth through volunteering, training and developing my focus. The event was a wonderful opportunity that gave me a chance to show off my creative venture. It was amazing meeting our MP and seeing how far I have actually come.”

The recently elected Burnley MP, Oliver Ryan, attended the spotlight event and was thrilled to see so many new businesses given start up support, and the level of employment support on offer to the people of Burnley through the Burnley Together Steps to Employment.

Oliver Ryan MP, said of the occasion, “I was pleased to be invited to join the graduation event and congratulate the recent graduates on their successful new small businesses. Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service brilliantly supports so many local people back into the workforce and is a shining example of what community organisations can achieve.


My heartfelt congratulations again to those graduates I had the pleasure to meet, and the best of luck with their future endeavours.”

The event was catered for by Burnley-based On The Kerb, and printing was supplied by Burnley-based Nu Age Printers.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Check out the gallery down below to see some photos from the event! 

What’s Included? This comprehensive course covers a variety of crucial skills:

• Job search strategies
• Boosting self-esteem and confidence
• Developing a tailored employment plan
• Understanding and overcoming barriers to employment
• Engaging in networking sessions and peer discussions
• CV reviews to polish your resume
• Workshops on wellbeing and interview techniques
• Advocacy and referrals for additional training and volunteer opportunities

Whether you're starting out or looking to return to work, this course provides the tools and guidance you need to succeed.

The next session will be held on Thursday, November 7th, from 2-4 PM at the Rosegrove Youth & Community Hub.

If you’d like to participate, contact Lisa Ross at lisa.ross@bprcvs.co.uk or drop by the hub for more details.

This project is generously funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supported by Burnley Borough Council and BPRCVS.
​
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take the next step in your career journey!

We are excited to announce an upcoming event in October that will celebrate the incredible achievements of participants in the UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) project.

​ This event will shine a light on clients who have successfully set up their own businesses through our training and workshops focused on passive income and self-employment.

Our goal for the event is to inform professionals about the impact of the UKSPF project and the businesses that have emerged as a result. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet our new business owners, who will be showcasing their products and services. You'll also learn more about the other businesses that have been established through our workshops, along with in-depth information about the training we provide to support self-employment and passive income ventures.

We aim to make this a lively, engaging event and encourage as much participation as possible. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, exciting giveaways, and a provided lunch for all attendees. It's a fantastic opportunity to network, discover new business ideas, and learn how our project can support budding entrepreneurs.

If you’re a professional interested in supporting local businesses and learning more about our training programmes, this is an event you won’t want to miss. We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the success of our clients together!

Steve’s journey with us has been one of transformation and personal growth. Initially, he planned to paint his artwork as a mural on a wall at GCC, but he decided to bring his vision to life on a canvas instead. This thoughtful choice makes the painting more movable, allowing it to be displayed and appreciated in various settings.
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Steve’s painting is not just a beautiful piece of art; it’s a powerful symbol of his journey toward independence and self-expression. While he is enjoying being in his own environment and embracing his independence, Steve knows that the support network of BPRCVS, our dedicated staff, and volunteers will always be there for him whenever he needs us.

We cannot describe just how fantastic this painting is! It embodies the positive steps he continues to take in his life. It's a vivid reminder of the impact that support, community, and volunteering can have on someone's journey.

Steve's story is a testament to the power of community and support.

We are honored to have played a role in his journey and are thrilled to see him thriving in his newfound independence. His painting will serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of the work we do and the incredible people we are fortunate enough to meet along the way.
At BPRCVS, we are committed to supporting individuals like Steve as they navigate their paths to recovery and independence. Stories like his inspire us to continue our mission, providing help and support where it’s needed most.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Steve for this beautiful gift and look forward to continuing this journey with him. To everyone involved in supporting Steve—our staff, volunteers, and partner organisations—thank you for your dedication and compassion.

If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting our community efforts and people like Steve, please get in touch with our Volunteer Hub Team on 01282 436396 or email thehub@bprcvs.co.uk. 

​Or, if you or someone you know needs support, you can find information about BPRCVS' project and services by visiting our website

 Steven's Artwork will be on display at Gannow Community Centre for all to enjoy! 

Click here to download a copy

​Great news! Pendle West (Nelson and Brierfield) PCN has funded one Children and Young People's Worker since April and are so pleased with the service and support given to young people that they are now going to fund a second worker. 

Unfortunately, due to limited funding in Pendle East (Colne, Barnoldswick and Earby), Burnley and Rossendale we have no alternative but to pause acceptance of referrals for these areas with immediate effect.

We have seen an increasing number of referrals coming into the programme and are working hard to secure more funding to enable this vital service to continue across these areas and hope we can resume business as usual from 1st April 2025.

In the meantime, our teams will continue to provide the planned activities during the summer break and during the half term break in October.  Activities will then pause until Easter 2025.

Children and young people who are still on our system as requiring activities will be paused until April 2025.

Our Team will be in touch with everyone who is currently on our system including those on our waiting list.

Thank you for your patience and understanding and please keep your fingers crossed for our success in securing more funding.

Should you wish to send us a testimonial to help us in funding applications, please send them to tracey.noon@bprcvs.co.uk

📊 BPRCVS Monitoring & Evaluation Workshops! 📊
Are you looking to enhance your skills in monitoring and evaluating your funded projects? Join our expert funding team for a series of workshops designed to help you do just that!
🖥️ Online via MS Teams
💸 Free to attend!
Multiple dates and times available. For more details, please view the poster.

On the 3rd July, Christine, Carol, and Michelle had the pleasure of delivering a donation to the residents of Healthier Heroes CIC. These amazing individuals recently assisted us at BPRCVS in transforming one of our rooms on Yorkshire Street, preparing it for our new residents, Smile.

A dedicated team of 10 volunteers, including Michelle, her son CJ, and Liam from Healthier Heroes CIC, worked tirelessly on this project. They began by clearing the room of all shelves and wires, applying paint stripper to the windowsills, and filling in holes and cracks. The following day, they returned to paint the woodwork and walls, completely refreshing the space. The transformation was truly incredible!​

To show our gratitude for this ongoing collaboration, BPRCVS donated £250 to Healthier Heroes' fundraising efforts and presented a "goodie" bag filled with treats for the residents and staff to enjoy. It's important to note that Healthier Heroes didn't ask for any payment; this donation was our way of helping them to help others.
Supporting veterans is a cause dear to both Christine and Michelle, and we at BPRCVS are committed to helping the diverse groups and organisations that provide vital resources to those in need. It’s equally important to us that other groups, who might feel they could have done the work and received a donation, have the same opportunities in the future. We, as CVS, strive to ensure that no group has cause for complaint, and that we continue to foster fair and inclusive support for all.


As Liam from Healthier Heroes CIC  said: "Long may our collaboration with them and other groups and organisations continue."

''It was a delightful surprise to have you visit and demonstrate to our team that we all have a place in society. Everyone faces their own challenges, and many have family members who have served in the armed forces. Your visit was a poignant reminder that we are never alone and that there are always compassionate and genuine individuals in society striving for positive change and unity for the greater good of humanity.


We sincerely thank you for sharing your kind words with us, the donation and the treats.''

Here's to many more successful partnerships!

Thrilling Activities and Challenges The event featured a wide range of activities that kept everyone entertained:

• 🏹 Archery: Enthusiasts and novices alike enjoyed testing their aim, with friendly competitions that brought out the best in everyone.
• 📝 Rustic Pencil Making: A creative and hands-on activity where participants made their own rustic pencils for £1.50 each. It was a fun way to craft a useful keepsake.

Fun and Games

• 🎟️ Phoenix RDA Tombola Stall: The tombola stall was bustling with excitement as people tried their luck to win fantastic prizes, all while supporting a great cause.
• 🎭 Burnley Youth Theatre: Offering free arts and crafts and a drama taster session, Burnley Youth Theatre engaged children and adults alike in creative expression.
• 🎯 Coconut Shy & Bat a Rat: Classic fairground games with a twist! Winners walked away with delightful prizes, making these stalls a favourite.

Special Attractions

• 🎉 Character Appearances: Children were thrilled to meet their favourite characters, creating magical moments that added to the day’s charm.
• 🐝 Bee and Bug Hotel Making: This free activity was both educational and fun, teaching participants about the importance of biodiversity while creating habitats for bees and bugs.

Delicious Food and Refreshments
No event is complete without delicious food, and the BPRCVS Family Fun Day did not disappoint:

• 🌭 Sausage Teacakes, Burgers & Hot Dogs: Priced at just £1 each, these tasty treats were a crowd favourite, providing the perfect fuel for a day full of activities.
• ☕ Refreshments: Attendees enjoyed a variety of beverages for just 50p each, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated and refreshed.

Community Spirit and Togetherness
The BPRCVS Family Fun Day wasn’t just about the activities—it was about coming together as a community. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for neighbours to connect, make new friends, and strengthen the bonds that make our community special.

Looking Forward
A big thank you to everyone who came out and made the day such a success! Your participation and enthusiasm were truly the heart of the event. We also extend our gratitude to the volunteers and organisers who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.

A Special thank you to the following because without you this event wouldn't have been possible: 

• Pheonix RDA
• HAPPA
• Burnley Youth Theatre
• BPRCVS Volunteers
• Wellocks Volunteers
• Healthier Heroes

Stay Connected
Missed the fun or want to relive the memories?  to see highlights from the day. For more events and community activities, stay tuned to our updates:

• Contact Us: For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, call 01282 436396 or email thehub@bprcvs.co.uk.
  • Follow Us: Stay connected on Facebook & X for the latest news and event announcements.

The BPRCVS Family Fun Day was just the beginning of a summer filled with exciting events. We can’t wait to see you at our next gathering!

A Day Filled with Insight and Opportunity The day commenced with an enlightening presentation from the BPRCVS team.

We detailed the extensive services we offer, the funding streams we administer, and the comprehensive support we provide to small groups within our community.

This was an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of how BPRCVS can assist in driving their initiatives forward.

Engaging Presentations from Key Funders

We were privileged to have representatives from several key funding bodies who shared their insights and funding opportunities:

• The Lancashire Environmental Fund: They discussed their commitment to supporting projects that improve local environments, highlighting successful initiatives and the application process.
• The Lancashire Crowdfund: This presentation focused on how community groups can leverage crowdfunding to gain financial support, providing tips on running successful campaigns.
• The National Lottery Community Fund: Their presentation covered the broad spectrum of projects they fund across Lancashire, offering guidance on how to craft compelling funding applications.
  

These presentations were not only informative but also inspiring, showcasing the diverse ways in which funding can catalyse community projects.

Interactive Q&A Sessions and One-to-One Networking

Attendees had the chance to engage directly with funders during the Q&A sessions, where they could ask specific questions about funding criteria, application processes, and project eligibility. Following this, there was dedicated time for one-to-one discussions, allowing for more personalized advice and fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations.

Celebrating Community Efforts

A significant highlight of the event was the opportunity for representatives from various charities and community projects across Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale to come together. This was a moment to share the incredible work being done within our local communities, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and mutual respect as attendees celebrated each other's successes and brainstormed future initiatives.


Positive Feedback and Future Aspirations

The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of the comments we received:

• "Great event, thank you."
• "Very informative, thank you!"
• "Excellent and informative. Thank you."
• "Thank you. Really relevant and helpful."
• "Very good networking."

These responses underscore the value of such events in empowering community groups with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the day.

Looking Ahead The BPRCVS Funding Fair is just one of the many ways we strive to support our community. We remain committed to providing the resources and guidance needed to help local projects flourish. Stay tuned for more events, workshops, and opportunities to come together, learn, and grow.
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Thank you once again to all our funders, speakers, and participants for making this event a resounding success. Together, we are making a tangible difference in our communities.