New Community Fellows scheme to strengthen sector links

The University of Lancashire has appointed seven representatives from across the county’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector as its first Community Fellows, in a move designed to strengthen collaboration and provide a stronger voice for communities across the region.

Based within the University’s School of Health, Social Work and Sport, the new Community Fellow Scheme brings together experienced sector leaders with strong networks, specialist knowledge and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for communities.

The Fellows will play a key role in shaping collaborative activity between the University and the VCFSE sector. Each Fellow will determine how they contribute, with opportunities including supporting research, influencing policy and enhancing the student experience through guest lectures, events and volunteering opportunities.

​This exciting new scheme begins with open conversations about what we can achieve together, what the organisations need from us as a University, and how we can best support them, while also reflecting on the contribution we can make.– Dr Bryan Jones, Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport
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The inaugural Community Fellows are:

• Warren Escadale, Chief Executive, VSNW (Voluntary Sector North West)
• Laura Tilston, Policy Manager, VSNW
• Garth Hodgkinson, CEO, Blackburn with Darwen CVS (Council for Voluntary Service)
• Christine Blythe, Chief Officer, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS
• Peter Lumsden, VCFSE Alliance Faith Lead
• Joe Hannett, CEO, Community Futures
• Naz Zaman, CEO, Inclusive North

Dr Bryan Jones, Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport at the University of Lancashire, said: “This exciting new scheme begins with open conversations about what we can achieve together, what the organisations need from us as a University, and how we can best support them, while also reflecting on the contribution we can make. We share a strong alignment in values, and I’m excited to build on this partnership.”

Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW), said: “This partnership has the potential to become one of the strongest in the country. The real question is how it delivers tangible benefits for everyone involved.

“For the University, it provides access to some of the best examples of community engagement, creating opportunities for research, teaching and investment. For the voluntary sector, it offers greater visibility, support and the chance to strengthen outcomes for communities across Lancashire.”

“For the voluntary sector, it offers greater visibility, support and the chance to strengthen outcomes for communities across Lancashire.'' – Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW)
Joe Hannett, CEO of Community Futures, which is based in Fulwood, said: “While we know the work the VCFSE sector does is socially valuable and economically important, the research evidence is still too limited to influence policy and investment decisions effectively.

“Partnership with a university offers a real opportunity to change that. Through stronger research, we can better understand how this sector supports health, wellbeing, employment and opportunity, as well as its wider economic contribution.”

Christine Blythe, Chief Officer, Burnley Pendle and Rossendale Lancashire CVS (Council for Voluntary Service), said: “The voluntary sector is an essential and crucial element in enabling social prescribing to work effectively but it needs proper support. By working with the University of Lancashire, we can strengthen our impact while giving students real insight into the role communities play in health and wellbeing.”

“By working with the University of Lancashire, we can strengthen our impact while giving students real insight into the role communities play in health and wellbeing.'' – Christine Blythe, Chief Officer, Burnley Pendle and Rossendale Lancashire CVS (Council for Voluntary Service)
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“For the University, it provides access to some of the best examples of community engagement, creating opportunities for research, teaching and investment. For the voluntary sector, it offers greater visibility, support and the chance to strengthen outcomes for communities across Lancashire.”
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Naz Zaman, CEO of Blackburn-based Inclusive North, said: ''At Inclusive North, our focus is on racial justice, equity and systems change. Through this partnership, we want to explore how we can work more closely with the university and other organisations to advance that agenda across Lancashire.''

“We’re particularly keen to involve students in this work, helping them gain practical experience while also supporting the development of our organisation and wider system change efforts. Together, we can build something that delivers real impact.”


''At Inclusive North, our focus is on racial justice, equity and systems change. Through this partnership, we want to explore how we can work more closely with the university and other organisations to advance that agenda across Lancashire.''– Naz Zaman, CEO of Blackburn-based Inclusive North

The Community Fellows scheme is expected to expand over the coming year, with further Fellows to be appointed.

It works in a similar way to the University of Lancashire’s well-established Leaders in Residence and Entrepreneurs in Residence programmes, both of which offer mutually beneficial opportunities to students and the organisations involved.Professor St John Crean, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Lancashire, added: “The scheme will contribute to research and knowledge exchange projects, enabling the University to operationalise the industrial strategy and Lancashire growth plans by ensuring the communities are in a position to benefit from those directions of travel.”

People interested in learning more about the scheme can visit the dedicated webpage on the University’s website .

''At Inclusive North, our focus is on racial justice, equity and systems change. Through this partnership, we want to explore how we can work more closely with the university and other organisations to advance that agenda across Lancashire.'' – Naz Zaman, CEO of Blackburn-based Inclusive North

It was National Volunteers week the first week in June, and Caroline  the volunteer co-ordinator for BPRCVS  teamed up with Lisa Ross from LACVS to celebrate our volunteers and voluntary involving organisations in Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale. 

Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale CVS has been selected for the Tesco Blue Token Scheme, giving local shoppers the chance to support Positive Holiday Activities for children and young people across the area.
Every blue token helps the project move closer to securing up to £1,500 to fund fun, engaging and positive activities during the school holidays.

From 3 August, shoppers can support Positive Holiday Activities through the Tesco Blue Token Scheme.
Simply collect a blue token at checkout and vote for BPRCVS at participating Tesco stores.
Your vote could help secure up to £1,500 for local children and young people.

We are proud to share the final report for the Eric Wright Charitable Trust Small Groups Grants Programme, delivered across Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale.

Over the past year, this programme has supported 20 local community projects, empowering grassroots organisations to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and tackle key challenges such as loneliness, food poverty, and social isolation. 

From creative wellbeing sessions and youth activities to food support and community connections, these small grants have made a big difference to local people’s lives.

The report highlights:

• The reach and impact of funded projects
• Inspiring case studies from participants
• The contribution of volunteers and community groups
• Real stories that demonstrate lasting change

“I don’t feel alone anymore.”
“This has been a life saver.”
These voices reflect the importance of investing in local, community-led solutions.

We would like to thank the Eric Wright Charitable Trust for their continued support, as well as all the groups, volunteers, and partners who made this programme such a success.
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Read the full report below to explore the impact in more detail.

May Volunteer Hub Newsletter is here!
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May flew by (did anyone else blink and miss it?) – we hope you managed to enjoy the bank holidays and maybe even caught some sunshine ☀️

Colleagues from across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale joined us at the CVS Centre for both sessions, delivered by East Lancs Learning. Great discussions, great engagement, and lots of useful learning to take away.
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We’re now working with East Lancs Learning to bring even more training opportunities your way  watch this space.


We also attended a Behaviour Change Workshop in Rossendale, exploring how language can support healthier lifestyle choices. A really insightful session – one we’d definitely recommend for anyone working or volunteering in the community.

More training is on the way, including opportunities around trustee development – we want to hear from YOU about what would be most useful.

Got ideas for future training or support? Get in touch with Rebecca: rebecca.nolan@bprcvs.co.uk

A new vision for volunteering across Lancashire has been launched, bringing together the voices of volunteers, community organisations, residents, and the VCFSE sector to shape the future of volunteering.
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"What Does Good Volunteering Look Like? A Vision for Volunteering in Lancashire in 2026" highlights the incredible impact volunteers have on communities and sets out a shared ambition to make volunteering more accessible, inclusive, supported, and rewarding for everyone.

The report showcases inspiring stories from across Lancashire, including volunteer-to-career pathways, youth action projects, health volunteering, community partnerships, and the vital role played by local volunteer centres and infrastructure organisations.

Key themes include:

• Better promotion of volunteering opportunities
• Accessible training and support
• Flexible and inclusive volunteer roles
• Stronger partnerships across communities and services
• Recognition and celebration of volunteers
• Creating pathways into employment and skills development

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With over 208,000 people volunteering across Lancashire each month, volunteers continue to be at the heart of stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

Produced with support from the Lancashire 12 Volunteering for Health Place Based Partnership, the Lancashire 12 Volunteer Managers Forum, volunteers, residents, and organisations from across the county.

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Read the report and discover how together we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.

The programme is voluntary and typically lasts between two and eight weeks (with the potential to continue longer in some cases), giving participants the opportunity to improve their employability while supporting local organisations.

For volunteer including groups and organisations, it provides a simple and low risk way to engage with motivated individuals, contribute to the local community, and support workforce development. There is no financial cost to organisations, as participants remain on benefits and DWP can support with travel and related expenses where appropriate.

DWP provides ongoing support throughout the process, including helping organisations register, matching suitable participants, and offering guidance to ensure placements are beneficial for both the individual and the host organisation.

If you are interested we are holding a sign up event at BPRCVS offices on Yorkshire St., Burnley during Volunteers' Week (4/6/26). Please see flyer above for details on how to sign up.

We also have on hand the Volunteer Hub who can help you with how you can develop your volunteer offering. We have put in place a networking area with refreshments. Book into a slot to sign up then sit and relax for half an hour and talk to us about how we can support you to thrive.

It’s been a fantastic start for the Helping Hands Lottery since launching with the first draw on 6th December 2025! Thank you to everyone who has signed up, played, and supported local good causes across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Impact so far:

• £13,135.20 on track to be raised annually (based on current ticket sales)
• £3,102.60 already paid out to local good causes
• £125.00 paid out in cash prizes to players

Current snapshot:

• 421 active weekly tickets
• 150 active players
• 34 groups registered as good causes
• 5,171 total tickets sold
• 189 total historic players

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We’re just getting started! We’re always looking for more local groups and organisations to join as good causes it’s completely free to register and you can start raising funds in just a few days.

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Help us spread the word and grow the impact:
www.helpinghandslottery.co.uk
Together, we’re offering a helping hand to local communities

BPRCVS is currently recruiting new Funding Panel Members to help support the decision-making process for local small grant programmes across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.
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On behalf of our funders, BPRCVS administers a range of funding opportunities for community groups. Following a successful recruitment of panel members last year, we are now looking to expand our pool of volunteers to ensure a diverse and representative group supports future funding decisions.

What’s involved?
Panel members will:

• Be representatives of BPRCVS member groups
• Be actively involved in local community activity
• Have an interest in community funding and project development
• Develop an understanding of grant criteria and conditions
• Attend an initial information and induction session on available grants
• Participate in panel meetings (a mix of online and in-person sessions)
• Read and review funding applications in advance of meetings
• Contribute to fair and informed funding decisions

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Time commitment
We recognise that time is valuable. On average, panel members should expect:

• Approximately 2 hours per month for panel meetings
• Additional reading time in advance of meetings (this may vary depending on the number of applications received, particularly when funding rounds first open)

Being a panel member does not affect eligibility to apply for funding, nor does it provide any advantage in application outcomes.

Key Dates (First Round)

• Expressions of Interest deadline: Friday 29 May 2026
• Online panel briefing: Wednesday 10 June 2026 (9:30–11:30am)
• Application review period: From 15 June 2026
• In-person panel meeting: Thursday 2 July 2026

Please note: availability for 10 June and 2 July is required for the first round. Further opportunities to join will be available throughout the year as additional funding rounds take place.

LACVS Volunteering for Health project are producing a Vision for Volunteering and we are now consulting on the insights we have gathered in during 2025/6. We are asking the VCFSE sector and beyond for their feedback on the infographics, answering the following 3 questions during April and May:

1. What impact do you feel the 6 short term action points being implemented over the next 18 months will have on you/ your organisation?
2. Do you feel there are any gaps in the strategy?
3. Is this a conversation you can be part of and support?

This is your opportunity to have your say in a document which we hope will help us strengthen the VCFSE sector and our communities moving forwards.

If you would like to have a face to face or TEAMS meeting to discuss this further we would be delighted to hear form you, or we would be just as delighted for a few sentences of feedback (even if it is just, its great as it is). 

We will be launching the Vision during Volunteers Week, look out for more information on this during May.

BPRCVS and Rossendale Borough Council have had a beneficial partnership over many years. Although the partnership has not had a Service Level Agreement in place for a number of years, CVS continues to deliver vital services in the Rossendale community.

The work CVS does enables more funding to be brought into Rossendale. This enhances not only the voluntary, community and faith sector landscape but also the economic landscape of Rossendale. 
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Infrastructure support within the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector is essential for fostering resilience, sustainability, and growth. At CVS, our infrastructure principles ensure that organisations and community groups receive the guidance, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive. 

Check out the summary below (click to enlarge) and download a copy of the full report to find out more by clicking the button below.

BPRCVS and Burnley Borough Council have had a beneficial, strong and fruitful partnership over many years. The Service Level Agreements that have been in place have dictated the work CVS delivers in Burnley. 

CVS projects, connections and partnerships enable us to bring huge added value to enhance the funding from Burnley Borough Council and exceed expected delivery. 

The work CVS does outside of the Service Level Agreement enables more funding to be brought into Burnley. This enhances not only the voluntary, community and faith sector landscape but also the economic landscape of Burnley. 
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Infrastructure support within the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector is essential for fostering resilience, sustainability, and growth. At CVS, our infrastructure principles ensure that organisations and community groups receive the guidance, resources, and advocacy they need to thrive. 

Check out the summary below (click to enlarge), and download a copy of the full report by clicking the button below.