August is often seen as a quieter time for career opportunities, with holidays and the summer season slowing the pace across the arts and culture sector. But there are still plenty of ways to get involved! This month’s opportunities round-up brings together a selection of roles, commissions, open calls and development opportunities across Lancashire with deadlines this month and into September - offering creative practitioners plenty to explore, apply for and share.
Got a Lancashire-based opportunity in the arts to promote? If applications close within the next couple of months, send the details to artslancashire@gmail.com and we'll help spread the word.

​INCUBATE Professional Development Programme



The Old Electric | Blackpool



Application Deadline - 3 weeks before each session



INCUBATE is a new professional development programme from The Old Electric, designed to support creatives working in Blackpool through a series of paid workshops, skills-sharing sessions and mentoring opportunities to help develop creative practice and careers. Participants can apply for up to three paid sessions, with topics including theatre-making, funding, freelancing, budgeting, facilitation and festival arts. Applications open on Monday 3 August and close three weeks before each individual session.
​
Find Out More

ssociate Artist Programme

The Dukes | Lancaster

Application Deadline: Monday 17 August 2026
The Dukes are looking for up to five theatre makers, companies or creatives from any artistic discipline - including writers, directors, designers, producers and performers-to join their 18-month Associate Artist programme. Associate Artists will receive tailored support to develop their practice and collaborate with The Dukes. To apply, send an expression of interest (maximum one side of A4) explaining why you’d like to be an Associate Artist, along with a CV or summary of your experience, to ask@dukeslancaster.org with the subject line "FAO: Emma Nixon – Associate Artist Application".

​Find Out More

OPEN CALL

Artist Open Call
Lancaster Arts | Lancaster
Application Deadline: Monday 24 August 2026DISSENT WORKS is an open call inviting artists from across North Lancashire to respond to Lancaster Arts’ 2026 annual theme, DISSENT.
​
This year’s programme explores the many ways dissent can be expressed through artistic practice. It might be loud or quiet, public or personal, but at its heart is a willingness to question the status quo and imagine how things could be different.

Lancaster Arts is seeking work that stands out through the strength of its ideas, the quality of its making, and its thoughtful response to the theme. Whether the work is political, playful, personal, or quietly provocative, artists are encouraged to apply.

Find Out More

​Light Art Commission



Light Up The North | Remote



Application Deadline: 5pm Friday 11 September



Applications are now open for ILLUMINE 2, a light art commissioning opportunity for Black and People of Colour (POC) UK artists. This positive action initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of Black and POC artists at light festivals by supporting the creation of a bold new light installation that will tour festivals across the North of England in 2027/28. The selected artist or collective will receive an £8,000 artist bursary, a production budget of £40,000–£70,000, mentoring and support from the Light Up The North network, and the opportunity to showcase their work at up to six festivals. Whether you're an experienced light artist or exploring the medium for the first time, applications are welcome.
Find Out More

FUNDING



Crowdfund Lancashire



Autumn 2026 Round



Fund Opens: Thursday 2 July 2026



Application Deadline: Thursday 17 September 2026



The Crowdfund Lancashire Autumn 2026 funding round opens on Thursday 2 July 2026 and closes on Thursday 17 September 2026, with successful pledges announced in October 2026. Organisations could get up to £15,000 to boost projects towards their funding target. Parish and Town Councils and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) can take part too, with up to £5,000 available. Individuals with ideas and businesses who want to benefit their comunity could get £1,500 towards their live crowdfunding campaigns. Crowdfunding campaigns will need to complete by 31 January 2027. TThe Community Funding Team is available to provide advice and one-to-one support throughout the crowdfunding journey.
Find Out More

OPEN CALL



The Whitaker Open



The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery | Rawtenstall



Submission Deadline: Sunday 4 October 2026
​


The Whitaker Open is now accepting submissions from artists living, working or studying in the North West of England. Artists at any career stage and working in any medium are invited to submit work for this new exhibition celebrating contemporary art across the region, with the opportunity to exhibit at The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery. Awards include a paid commission or artwork purchase worth up to £1,000, art materials, and a People’s Choice Award. Entry costs £5 per artwork (maximum three submissions), with physical works to be delivered between 1–4 October (10am–4pm) and digital submissions accepted online.
Find Out More

Trustee
Blaze Arts | Burnley
Application Deadline: RollingBlaze is seeking new volunteer Trustees to help shape the future of its youth-led arts charity. They’re looking for people who are passionate about creativity, committed to diversity and youth leadership, and able to bring skills such as finance, HR, safeguarding or strategic planning. Applications are welcomed in a range of accessible formats, and there’s no fixed deadline, making this a great opportunity to get involved in supporting the next generation of creative leaders across Lancashire.
Find Out More

Also from Arts Lancashire

• Arts Amplified
  
• The Invisible Infrastructure: Creative Freelancing In The Arts
  
• Making Tax Digital For Artists
  

Coming Up Soon...
Cohens Chemist will be visiting Carers Link Lancashire in Accrington, on Wednesday 28th October, 10am - 3pm, to hold a drop in 1-1 support session in our information hub around the 5 Rights of Medication, including:

• Right Person
• Right Medication
• Right dose
• Right route
• Right time

Our Participation & Engagement Team will also be visiting Cohens Chemist, Oswaldtwistle, in October during their Flu & Covid vaccination clinics, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about caring and the support Carers Link Lancashire can provide:


Saturday 3rd October - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday 10th October - 9:30am - 12:30pm

We've updated the Carers Caravan page on our Carers Link Lancashire website to include a new calendar showing the dates our carers caravan is available to book and the prices for those dates. We'll be keeping this page updated as dates are booked. If you're interested in booking a holiday at our caravan in the beautiful Haven Lakeland site, there is also information on the page on how to book your holiday.


Carers Link Lancashire/Health and Wellbeing/Carers Caravan

Have you felt a rise in the cost of living?
Would you be prepared to share your thoughts and experiences through a survey?


In new research which RNIB are conducting around the rising cost of living, we are running a survey to gain the feedback of blind and partially sighted people to inform this work and allow us to speak to decision makers.


The survey covers important topics such as heating and energy, food and essentials and the additional costs of having sight loss. The survey should take around 20 minutes to complete, though you can take as long as you need, and answers are optional.


To take part in the survey, please visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XRZH36C


The survey closes on the 15 August 2026.
We have 2 places available to book on our Curling Trip on Wednesday 9th September. We will be visiting an Olympic sized curling venue in Preston to try the hit sport from the winter Olympics. There will be minibus collection available from either Accrington or Burnley. To book a place simply click this link and complete an online form, you will then be contacted to let you know if you have a place. Tickets are £7 per person
Activities, Events and Courses | carers-link-01


No previous experience is needed.

Our ASD offer is changing! Carers Link Lancashire has joined up with Spring North to provide a new service to families across Lancashire. If you have a child between the ages of 0 - 25 years old who you believe to be neurodiverse, then we can provide support and advice.
 Our Peer support groups are taking a break throughout August and will return in September with a peer support session, a workshop and a 1-1 hub support session.


Our upcoming Cygnet course will take place in Clitheroe in September, to book your place click on the link below:
To book a place visit our website Cygnet Autism Course | carers-link-01

Lancashire County Council are looking to develop a programme of sessions for unpaid carers. To make sure that the sessions are accessible and relevant they are looking for carers to complete a short online survey to make sure they are included in the planning of the sessions and ensure they are relevant, accessible and focused on what matters to carers.


Caring Together in Lancashire – Fill in form
For more information about our Carers activities, cafes and courses please call
01254 387444 or email info@carerslinklancashire.co.uk, activities@carerslinklancashire.co.uk

Contact Us

What we've been up to in July..

It was a beautiful day for our carers trip to Haworth, the group enjoyed a walk around the quirky streets, shops, and all that the birthplace of the Bronte's has to offer.

In July our Participation and Engagement Team took a group of carers to visit The Good Life Project in Nelson. During the visit, carers were shown around the project and were able to taste different produce grown in their allotment space as part of their Food Safari project. ​

Exciting news...we have joined Tik Tok, find us at @carerslinklancashire and give us a follow! We've launched our page with a video of our Young Carers Pottery painting activity. We'd love to hear about the type of content you'd like to see on our new social media channel, so get in touch if you have any suggestions. ​

​Charity Shops
Have you visited one of our charity shops? We have a fantastic selection of preloved items available to buy including clothing, books, homeware and more.


54-56 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1LE


Deardengate, Haslingden, BB4 5QN


59 Market Street, Colne, BB8 0LL

Volunteering
Our Volunteer Officer, Niamh, has been out and about this month to promote Carers Link Lancashire Volunteer programme and to advertise the roles we have available at the moment.
If you're interested in volunteering with us, or, you know somebody who might be we are looking for people to volunteer for the following roles:

Kitchen Assistant & Retail Roles at our Accrington Charity shop & café
Retail role at our Colne charity shop.

To find out more info visit our website https://www.carerslinklancashire.co.uk/become-a-volunteer-1 or email info@carerslinklamcashire.co.uk

Fundraising
We have a monthly 500 Club Lottery here at Carers Link Lancashire and we now have availability for new people to join. There's a guaranteed three prizes to be won each month, and its only £10 per month to play. All proceeds after the prize money has been deducted, go towards supporting our work with unpaid carers across East Lancashire, providing services and support. If you'd like to find out more information you can email us via fundraising@carerslinklancashire.co.uk, or, you can register via our application form on our website. Once you have registered to join we will send you a membership pack and your lottery number.


One of our winners from our January draw let us know just how much playing our lottery means to her:


"It was a lovely surprise winning on the Club 500 lottery with Carers Link. I've been involved with Carers Link for around 12 years now, so it's good to know some of the money I pay monthly goes back into supporting Carers like myself."


Play to win and join today!

The BEOND study is a large-scale survey being run by the Cerebra Network for 
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (www.cerebranetwork.com). We know that genetic syndromes, 
neurodevelopmental disorders, and intellectual disabilities can affect people’s lives in lots of 
different ways.

As a research group we are particularly interested in the changes in behaviour, 
emotion, physical and mental health that people might experience, and the impact that these can have on families.

To better understand these changes we have designed this survey. Our hope  is that in collecting a range of data from lots of people with different syndromes at different points  in their lives, we can develop a better understanding of common areas of difficulty, as well as  challenges that might be specific to certain individuals or groups within this broad community. 

Through this work we may be able to offer better ideas for how to support people with genetic syndromes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and intellectual disabilities in the future.

What is the Little Legends Olympics?
​
In collaboration with our trusted community partners and our group of young 
advisors, the Little Legends Olympics will show case a variety of sports in a festival 
theme. The key aim is to encourage participation and an opportunity to try multiple 
sports in one day. The focus is on fun and engaging activities for each sport, 
regardless of skill and ability. 
We will have access to several tennis courts at Burnley Tennis Club, and the sports 
hall, field and astro turf at Blessed Trinity College.

Multi Key Event Information 
Date: Friday 28th August
​
Venue: Blessed Trinity College, Ormerod Rd, Burnley BB10 3AA

9:45am: Arrival and Registration
10am: Welcome & group warm up
10:30am: Morning activities
12:30pm: Lunch break
1pm: Afternoon activities
3pm: Presentation
3:30pm: Departure
Some of the sports available on the day include:

• Football
• Hockey
• Dodgeball
• Tennis
• Axe Throwing
• Archery
• Cricket
• Handball

You are invited to bring a group of up to 10 young people, between the ages of 8 and 
16. Your group of young people will participate in the sessions together, rotating 
around each activity as a group, please take this into account when offering this to 
young people.
You must have at least one member of staff to accompany your group, we do 
recommend 2 members of staff, for more information about ratios, please see the 
NSPCC Sport website: 
Supervision ratios for young people's sport and activities
Contact Details
For any questions, please contact Abi Abigail.charnley@streetgames.org 

Welcome to the Get Grants August 2026 Newsletter! 


With the summer holidays upon us, we're bringing you this month's key funding deadlines, highlighting some fantastic grant opportunities, and sharing the latest Training and FREE Community Events to help you make the most of the weeks ahead.


Whether you're looking to build your fundraising skills this month, we're running some of our most popular training courses, including Bid Writing, Legacy Fundraising, Corporate Fundraising, and Trusts & Foundations.

Keep learning this summer with our on-demand Masterclasses. Watch practical 1-hour sessions whenever it suits you, covering topics including Accessing Invite-Only Funders, Core Costs Applications, Demonstrating Impact, Bid Writing Credibility and Case for Support. 


Finally, don't forget to book your FREE place for the Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference on 6 & 7 October. With over 1,200 people already registered, it's set to be packed with expert fundraising advice, live Q&As, networking, peer support, and plenty of inspiration.

Upcoming Grant Deadlines
07/08 Association of Independent Museums (AIM) – Museum Fundamentals Grant Programme
09/08 Ignite Impact Accelerator
10/08 Better Futures Fund Learning and Development Partner Competition
10/08 Screwfix Foundation
11/08 Quaker Housing Trust
12/08 Heart Research UK - Healthy Heart Grants
13/08 Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust
13/08 Souter Charitable Trust
14/08 WCIT Charity
15/08 Grocers' Charity Grant
15/08 Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust
17/08 Warburtons Families Matter Community Grants Programme
18/08 National Churches Trust - Medium Grants Programme
18/08 Royal Society of Chemistry - Inclusion and Diversity Fund
18/08 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants
19/08 Together for Service Families: Placed Based Grants Programme
21/08 Communities and Housing Investment in People (CHIP) Community Chest Fund
21/08 Paludiculture and Wetter Farming Fund
21/08 Wingate Foundation
24/08 ChurchCare - Grants for Stained Glass
25/08 Public Engagement Spark Awards 2026A
26/08 Henry Smith Foundation - Welcome for Newcomers Fund
27/08 National River Walks
28/08 Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust - Equine Grants
28/08 Fisheries Improvement Programme
28/08 Schroder Charity Trust
31/08 Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
31/08 Darwin Initiative - Capability and Capacity
31/08 Democratic Engagement Fund
31/08 Emerton-Christie Charity
31/08 HDH Wills Charitable Trust
31/08 James Tudor Foundation - Mental Health Grant
31/08 James Tudor Foundation - Physical Health Grant
31/08 The Different Foundation - AI for All
31/08 William and Jane Morris Fund (Church Conservation Grants)
31/08 Wise Music Foundation
01/09 All Saints Educational Trust (ASET)
01/09 Hinrichsen Foundation
01/09 Kelly Family Charitable Trust
01/09 Waterloo Foundation - Environment Programme
02/09 Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - Peace and Security Programme
02/09 Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - Power and Accountability Programme
02/09 Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - Rights and Justice Programme
02/09 Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - Sustainable Future Programme
04/09 Idlewild Trust
10/09 Philip Henman Trust

Featured Grants

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Kelly Family Charitable Trust


The Kelly Family Charitable Trust makes grants to local or regional UK registered charities with initiatives that support and encourage the families to work together to face adverse situations.


The Kelly Family Charitable Trust provides support in three main areas:

• Interventions that help prevent the fracture of the family unit e.g. relationship counselling and mediation
• Families where sexual, physical, alcohol/drug
  abuse or domestic violence threaten the integrity of the family unit
• Prisoners and their families during and after
  the period of imprisonment

Find out more on our website...


Idlewild Trust


The Idlewild Trust gives grants to UK Registered Charities for projects concerning the conservation of objects and artworks, and projects that aim to nurture young arts professionals. The average amount awarded by the trust in 2024 was is £6,437.


1. Training opportunities for professionals, working creatively within the performing and visual arts, at an early stage in their careers.


2. Conservation and preservation of publicly viewable artworks and objects that are of cultural and/or historical significance.


Find out more on our website...


Hinrichsen Foundation


The Hinrichsen Foundation provides funds to support projects that see contemporary music being published, recorded or commissioned and are able to support individuals, community groups or charities.


Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom. Priority will be given to projects involving composers and activity based in the UK, though activity does not have to solely take place in the UK.


The application process is completed via an online form which you can find on the website.


Find out more on our website...

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View more on our Funder Finder

​


Upcoming Training Courses

Bid Writing Training Course – Wednesday 5th & 12th August 2026, 10am – 12pm


Legacy Fundraising Training Course – Tuesday 18th & 25th August 2026, 10am – 12pm

Corporate Fundraising Training Course – Tuesday 25th August & 1st September 2026, 10am – 12pm


Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Training Course – Wednesday 26th August & 2nd September 2026, 10 am – 12 pm

FREE Events

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Upcoming FREE Events


Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference 2026

• Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th October 2026, 10am – 3pm
• Book your place today through Eventbrite.

FREE Meet the Funder & Meet the Expert Events

• Big Issue Invest – Thursday 13th August 2026, 11am – 12pm
• easyfundraising – Monday 14th September 2026, 2pm – 3pm
• Severn Trent Community Fund – Thursday 8th October 2026, 11am – 12pm

FREE Introduction Workshops

• Corporate Fundraising Workshop – Wednesday 12th August 2026, 10am – 11am
• Storytelling in Fundraising Workshop – Tuesday 8th September 2026, 1pm – 2pm

FREE Virtual Fundraisers Networking Event

• August: Thursday 20th August 2026, 1pm – 2pm
• September: Thursday 24th September 2026, 10 am – 11 am

FREE Get Grants Showcases

• Application Review Service – Thursday 24th September 2026, 12pm – 1pm
• One-to-One Mentoring Service – Thursday 19th November 2026, 12pm – 1pm

FREE Get Grants & easyfundraising Online Webinar

• November – Monday 16th November 2026, 2pm – 3pm

We're in the midsummer of Climate Lab Pendle.
​
It's been our intention to work seasonally, promoting a healthy way of working together that gives space for emergence, and values time for rest and reflection as well as co-learning and delivering. 

Following a Spring and early Summer of establishing the Community Collective; taking part in listening sessions and hosting co-learning events, high summer is our time to make new connections. And so we've been getting out and about and meeting new people over the last few weeks. 

Team members delivered a lively Climate Fresk for local women at Pavillion Cafe, and this weekend we're holding another Fresk with a Quaker group where we will experiment with a circular conversation format in response to this context.
​
And we held the public launch of the programme at the Pendle Festival of Culture, where thousands of people were gathering to connect and have fun in Nelson. 

This hasn't happened overnight. There's been lots of things we've all worked together on - there's been a process - but it feels like a safe space to explore." Zoya
Artist-in-Residence Temujen Gunawardena has been distilling and documenting the programme's conversations and ideas.At the Festival of Culture she created a window display; an imaginative family drawing activity, and helped develop a set of prompts for conversations including 1) For you, is Climate Change.... (a hoax, a minor issue, a moderate issue, a serious issue) 2) Where does power lie? 2) If anything, what gives you hope? 3) Where do you get your information from? 
Our partners The People Speak created an interactive performance on the main stage based on the idea of an incoming deluge, where audience members wore animal masks and joined a panel of 'animal experts' to decide who or what we would let onto the ark. 
During the festival, people gathered to chat at the Talkaoke and we felt that there was much more open discussion about the realities of the Climate Crisis on this very warm day, compared to previous years. 
Through all these activities, we were able to explore together our individual relationships to climate change, and find new language to describe what's happening, how we are feeling, how we are being informed and sources of hope for the future.
Our film-maker in residence Graham captured conversations and activities throughout the day, and a cut of these will be shown to the CLP Leadership Collective as part of our season of reflection in the autumn, and will be collectively edited into a film about the public engagement we're doing in Nelson. 
Autumn will involve reflecting on what we've done so far and what we've learnt. It will also provide space for us to go deeper into our own relationships with the topics and the ways of working we are building.
"Taking time out to just watch, and sit, and think. Its strengthening the connective tissue between all of us, between communities. Everything we touch or see, everyone we meet, we're all made of the same elements, but we forget that because some are bigger and some are smaller." - Aaminah
Climate Lab Pendle explores alternative approaches to addressing climate issues at a community level, promoting knowledge, discernment, listening, respect and collective action. 
We're working in partnership with Building Bridges Pendle, The People Speak and Catalista to deliver the programme over the next four years with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. 
Do get in touch with us if you'd like to hear more, or share your own ways of working differently, by emailing anna@in-situ.org.uk.

Would you like the opportunity to have your voice heard and make a real difference in your community?


We're looking for young people to join us at the next Youth Independent Advisory Group (IAG) meeting:
📍 Burnley Police Station
📅 Tuesday 22nd September 2026
🕕 6:00pm


The Youth IAG brings together young people from different backgrounds to share their opinions, experiences and ideas. Members help advise Lancashire Constabulary on issues that affect young people and provide valuable feedback on policing, community safety and engagement.
You must be aged between 14 and 17 years old. No previous experience is needed. We welcome anyone who is interested in making a positive impact, meeting new people and being part of important conversations that can help shape local policing.
If you'd like to get involved, please complete the Expression of Interest form using the link below prior to the meeting:

• CIP - Volunteer Opportunity - Youth Independent Advisory Group - EAST - Lancashire Constabulary

Please feel free to share this opportunity with friends or other young people who may be interested.
We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcoming you to the Youth IAG soon!


Shared on behalf of Burnley Police Station

Get Grants Bid-Writing Training Course provides practical support to help improve your grant fundraising success and build your confidence as a grant fundraiser.
Get Grants Bid Writing Training Course is our longest-running course, and most popular training course, helping thousands of fundraisers improve their bid writing skills, insight and confidence.

Get Grants Bid Writing Training Course is available as both Virtual and In-Person delivery.


Book your place on one of our upcoming Bid Writing Training Courses: 


Morning: Wednesday 5th & 12th August 2026, 10 am – 12 pm

Evening: Monday 7th & 14th September 2026, 6 pm – 8 pm


In-Person: London – Tuesday 3rd November 2026, 10 am – 4 pm
Birmingham – Tuesday 17th November 2026, 10 am – 4 pm

​
"Nothing felt like a silly question. Perfect balance between listening and then doing interactive tasks."


"I definitely feel more confident approaching my bid writing now."

Bid Writing Training Course

­
Access expert insights, crucial information, and friendly advice that will help you increase your organisation’s income through grant funding.




You can book now to join our upcoming courses on:


Morning: Wednesday 5th & 12th August 2026, 10 am – 12 pm

Evening: Monday 7th & 14th September 2026, 6 pm – 8 pm


In-Person: London – Tuesday 3rd November 2026, 10 am – 4 pm
Birmingham – Tuesday 17th November 2026, 10 am – 4 pm






Get Grants Bid-Writing Training Course clarifies the grant funding process so that you leave the course with a more assured approach to the task of grant fundraising.


 We use our training course to share our insights and experience from inside the world of grant fundraising and grant giving, setting you on the right path and arming you with the information you need to make the best use of your time and energy spent fundraising!
 
This course will cover:

In our Bid-Writing Course, you will cover a range of topics to equip you with a solid foundation of grant fundraising best practices. You will:

• Discover how to find funding opportunities and decide which funds are right for you.
• Learn different tactics you can use to argue Need.
• Explore Impact and Outcomes.
• Investigate common errors, reasons applications are rejected, and top tips for increasing your success rates.
• Consider different types of applications, including how to create proposals to Trusts and Foundations.
• Understand how applications are assessed and start looking at your applications from the funder's perspective.

For more information, upcoming training dates, and to book your place, check out our website.

View all of our upcoming Bid Writing Training Course dates and book via Eventbrite.

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"Came away feeling prepared and excited about getting started! Soooo much good advice and tips!"

Upcoming Events & Training

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Major Donor Fundraising Training Course
Thursday 30th July & 6th August 2026, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Register through Eventbrite.


Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course
Thursday 30th July & 6th August 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Register through Eventbrite.


Bid Writing Training Course
Wednesday 5th & 12th August 2026, 10 am – 12 pm
Register through Eventbrite.


FREE Introduction to Corporate Fundraising Workshop
Wednesday 12th August 2026, 10am – 11am
Register through Eventbrite.


FREE Meet the Funder Event: Big Issue Invest
Thursday 13th August 2026, 11am – 12pm
Register through Eventbrite.


Legacy Fundraising Training Course
Tuesday 18th & 25th August 2026, 10 am – 12 pm
Register through Eventbrite.

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Welcome to this week's NAVCA member newsletter. 


I know I always say this, but this week is full of information you’ll want to read and refer back to. It does feel like changing times. I won’t repeat here the government’s stance on devolution, pushing decisions closer to where people are, but I do really welcome the message of hope that comes with that.


On theme of being future-focused and, importantly, hopeful, there are a couple of things to point to. At NAVCA, we have been pulling together our thinking about the future face of local infrastructure. The world is changing, not least with local government reorganisation, health reforms, and an increased focus on neighbourhoods, but also increasing competition for infrastructure support and a growing trend towards funder plus rather than investing in infrastructure more widely. The blog below pulls that together to make the case for infrastructure as an essential part of the system (not an optional extra) which needs to be supported, nurtured and funded. Do use what we've written, or adapt it to suit your own circumstances and stakeholders - and let us know whether this has been helpful! ​

For reasons set out in the blog, we’re also looking at NAVCA membership, especially our criteria, to make sure we remain future-focused as a network, to reflect priorities in terms of functions, and make use of associate membership. Do come along to one of the member engagement events to tell us what you think.


More specifically, we’ve got a bit of a bumper health edition. With the restructure of ICBs, shift to neighbourhood health and the opportunities and challenges it presents, and a growing need to focus on health inequalities, we have been reflecting on our role and where we can have greatest impact. Read the updates below on our role and theory of change, developed following conversations with many of you, and let us know what you think. We have also published the next in our series of infographics – on health foundations and health rooted in the community. Do use these within your systems, share them on, and again let us know what you think. There will be more to follow on this series in September, focusing more on the specific role of local infrastructure, so keep an eye on our LinkedIn and this newsletter for that. 


I hope you get some rest and relaxation over the coming weeks – that you’re heading away, or get chance to spend time with the family, or simply to sit in the sun and eat ice cream. My plan to holiday in September felt like a great idea at the time, to avoid August crowds, but now seems a long way away!
​

Policy
Review of National LotteryDCMS have issued an open call for evidence on what should be funded by the National Lottery.

The consultation National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you was issued on 1 July 2026 with a closing date of midday on 23 September 2026. 

DCMS are reviewing the current system for distribution of funding, with the objectives to:
•    fund what's important to you
•    empower your communities
•    simplify access.

Funding is currently split as follows: arts and culture – 20%, sport 20%, heritage 20% and charitable activities 40%.

The questions are generally framed to gather quantitative data, and although there are some opportunities for longer answers, there is little space for nuance. NAVCA will be responding, and this is an opportunity for you to do so too. Please also encourage local VCSE organisations to respond as well.

You can find all the information here.

Cut in VAT on electricity billsLast week, Andy Burnham announced a cut in VAT on electricity bills from 1 October 2026. Charity Finance Group have provided this excellent briefing, which gives more detail and indicates that charities will be included in the reduction from 5% to 0%. You can find out more here. 

Charity Commission statement on EHRC Code of PracticeLast week, the Charity Commission put out a short statement on implementation of the EHRC Code of Practice. You can read it here.


The Code will come into force around 5 August 2026, with further guidance from the Charity Commission expected in the autumn. This aims to provide more balance, offer scenarios and real life examples. Even without this further Charity Commission guidance, VCSE organisations can start to consider the implications for their work and activity. It is not necessary to take rapid decisions in the next few weeks though, and we are assured that the guidance will be issued as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Jill Hopkinson, Policy Manager. 


Proud Changemakers, an LGBTQ+ charity supporting the voluntary sector, surveyed small charities to understand how they are feeling and responding to the EHRC ruling. Their report particularly highlights the emotional and operational impact on charities, feelings of uncertainty, and the difficulties for charities that do specifically support trans people. Read the report here.

External events and resources

Crisis Fundamentals with Horizon Resilience

​VCSEP are running another session in collaboration with Horizon Resilience. They are really keen to tailor this one for those VCFSE groups and target the limited spaces available to those supporting disproportionately impacted groups. This won't preclude others from attending, but priority will be given to those outside of, or less familiar with, formal resilience structures.

Drawing on their experience at the heart of UK government crisis management, the training will provide participants with a strong practical foundation in crisis management principles, supported by a scenario-based discussion and applied learning. Attendees will go away with an improved awareness of crisis and resilience in the UK context, including how the voluntary and community sector fits within the wider resilience system and a practical understanding of the crisis lifecycle, from anticipation and response through to stabilisation and recovery.


Tuesday 15th September 10:00-11:30 - Register by emailing marcusbowen@vcsep.org.uk 

Active Bystander Training with Protection Approaches

Division in communities, rising tensions and civil unrest continue to be high on the risk register for organisations. A lot of research points to pre-bunking - intervening early to dispel myths rather than challenging misinformation after it appears, so how can community organisations feel better equipped to intervene? We’re collaborating with Protection Approaches to run a special session on helping participants safely address identity based harms in their community, school or workplace, using real-world scenarios to build confidence in implementing Active Bystandership in everyday life.


You'll learn what it means to be an active bystander, through group discussion we'll explore what being an active bystander means. How to stand up for those being targeted safely: working through a series of scenarios to consider and learn what you can do when you encounter identity-based harms and proactive prevention: returning to the scenarios we'll reflect on the root causes of prejudice and discrimination before discussing ways to contribute to dismantling those root causes and to building safer, more inclusive, and just communities.


Thursday 17th September 11:00-13:00 - Register by emailing marcusbowen@vcsep.org.uk  

Emergencies Partnership: LIVE - In-person, in Leeds
​
Bringing together partners from across the voluntary sector, local authorities, Local Resilience Forums, faith groups, government and community organisations, EP:LIVE is all about strengthening connections, sharing learning and exploring what effective community-led resilience looks like in practice. The programme covers trust, social cohesion, bridging divides, the next generation, harnessing volunteers and empowering action - with plenty of opportunities to build new relationships across the sector. 
 
Thursday 8th October - whole day event at Cloth Hall Court, Leeds - Find out more and book here.

Welcome to your Community Bulletin! - Rossendale Council produce a monthly bulletin with our health and community partners to keep you updated on the community support and activities happening across Rossendale. 

Fun for whole the family in Pendle this summer.

Looking for things to do this summer?

A range of activities across Pendle from July to August.

Referrals are reopening - scan the QR code or visit the website.

​Last year we took a chance on a small group of young people who were struggling with issues ranging from substance misuse, antisocial behaviour and isolation, to simply feeling like they didn’t fit anywhere.

What happened surprised even us.

They didn’t just complete the programme. Many of them stayed. They became part of our community. Some now volunteer with us, some train at CrossFit Colne, some help in our community café and Gardening Project and most importantly, they’re doing well. They found somewhere they belong.
​
That’s why we’re opening referrals again.

At Smile, we believe stronger communities start with better conversations.

As a registered charity, we are proud to offer this event free to attend, removing barriers and making space for people from different backgrounds and sectors to connect, learn and share ideas.

By becoming a Conference Partner, you won’t just support an event... you’ll help make it possible.

Why partner with Smile?🤔
Your support will help us continue creating opportunities for people to connect, learn and collaborate.

As a Conference Partner, you will:

• Showcase your organisation to an engaged audience
• Build relationships with like-minded organisations
• Demonstrate your commitment to social impact and stronger communities
• Gain visibility before, during and after the event
• Be recognised as an organisation helping make this event possible

Together, we can make connection happen

​As a Conference Partner you will receive:
⭐ Exclusive partnership recognition
Only one organisation will be selected for each partnership opportunity, giving you a unique association with your chosen area of the conference.

📖 A full-page feature in the conference brochure
Showcase your organisation, your work and your commitment to creating positive change.

🌐 Visibility before, during and after the conference
Your organisation will be recognised across:

• Smile website
• Conference slides
• Promotional materials
• Event signage and lanyards
• Conference communications

📧 Promotion to our network
Your partnership will be recognised through Smile emails, newsletters and social media channels.

🤝 Connect with delegates
Opportunity to showcase your organisation and continue conversations with attendees following the conference.

💡 Be recognised at the event
Your organisation’s logo will be displayed throughout the day, including digital LED displays at the venue.

🏢 Exhibition opportunity
Space available to showcase your organisation, services or resources to delegates.

❤️ Support a free community event
Your partnership helps us continue making the Smile Connection Conference free to attend, creating opportunities for people and organisations to connect, learn and collaborate.

​Interested in becoming a Conference Partner?
We’re not looking for organisations who simply want to sponsor an event we’re looking for partners who share our values and believe in the power of connection, collaboration and stronger communities.

By partnering with Smile Connection Conference 2026, you’ll help us create a space where people can come together, share ideas and build relationships that make a positive difference.

We’d love to hear from organisations who want to be part of making this event possible.

​Partnership opportunities
We have created four unique Conference Partnership opportunities, each offering a different way to support the Smile Connection Conference 2026.
Each partnership opportunity is exclusive with only one organisation able to become each Conference Partner.

🤝 Networking & Collaboration Partner £595
Help bring people together.
The best conversations often start with a simple introduction.
By supporting our networking sessions, you’ll help create opportunities for  delegates to connect, share ideas and build relationships that continue beyond
the conference.


❤️ Community Impact Partner £595
Share your story and showcase the difference you make.
A dedicated opportunity to share how your organisation supports people,
communities or positive change.
Includes a 20-minute presentation slot.


💬 Skills & Workshop Partner £595
Share your expertise and give delegates practical tools.
Deliver an engaging workshop or taster session that delegates can take away
and use within their own organisations.
Includes a 40- Minutes workshop slot.


☕ Cuppa & Connect Partner £745
Help start conversations that continue beyond the conference
A simple cuppa can be the beginning of a meaningful conversation.
Our Cuppa & Connect Packs are designed to take the theme of Connection
beyond the conference room encouraging delegates to take a moment, share a
cuppa and reconnect with someone who matters.
Whether it’s reaching out to a new connection, strengthening an existing
relationship or simply taking time to have a conversation, the packs are a
reminder that connection starts with small moments.

As our Cuppa & Connect Partner, you’ll help bring this idea to life and create a memorable experience that delegates can carry with them beyond the event.
Includes: Branding featured on Connection Packs and Cup

•  Opportunity to include a personalised message for delegates
• Opportunity to include a branded item or resource within the pack
• Recognition during the welcome session

​Who will you connect with?
Over the past two years, the Smile Conference has continued to grow, bringing together a wide range of organisations and individuals who share a commitment to improving relationships, supporting communities and creating positive change.

The Smile Connection Conference 2026 will create opportunities to connect with people from different sectors, encouraging conversations and collaborations that may not happen through everyday networks.

You’ll meet professionals and organisations including:

• Businesses and social enterprises
• Housing providers
• Local authorities
• Mediators
• Charities and community organisations
• Health and wellbeing services
• Education providers
  
  

By bringing different sectors together, the conference creates space to share ideas, learn from different perspectives and discover new ways of working together.

Please email Ella at eregan@smile-ltd.co.uk if you have any questions or would like any further information.

COURSE DETAILS

All training is accredited and your certificate will be received upon completion of the course in full. This is delivered by either email or face to face, depending on delivery.

Youth Mental Health First Aid – Full (2 day) and Half Day Aware courses

Designed to help young people aged 8 to 18.

YMHFA Full Course (two day) - Provides a more in depth understanding of specific mental health issues:
• What is mental health?
• Depression and anxiety
• Suicide and psychosis
• Self-harm and eating disorders

It focuses on the issues faced by young people today, such as cyber bullying and substance misuse, and teaches how to promote protective factors and good parenting.

Training can be carried out online or F2F. Online is delivered on a training platform over 4 lives sessions (2.5 hours each with home learning required).

YMHFA Half Day Aware - An introductory course designed to increase awareness of young people’s mental health and some of the issues that can affect this age group. Delivered on Zoom.

Please see the YMHFA fact sheet for further details HERE

Adult Mental Health First Aid - Full and Half Day Aware courses

AMHFA Full Course (two day) - A practical skills and awareness course designed to give you:

• A deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing, including your own
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening − Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to appropriate support

Training can be carried out online or F2F. Online is delivered on a training platform over 4 lives sessions (3.5 hours each).

The Adult MHFA Half day Online course is a 4 hour (one date only) online training session. An introductory course designed to increase mental health awareness and give an understanding of how to look after wellbeing and challenge stigma. Delivered on Zoom.

Please see the AMHFA fact sheet for further details HERE

SafeTALK - Free suicide alertness training

SafeTALK helps participants become alert to suicide. Suicide-alert people are better prepared to connect persons with thoughts of suicide with life-affirming help. Over the course of their training, safeTALK participants will learn to:

• Notice and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present,
• Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked,
• Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide,
• Apply the TALK steps: Tell, Ask, Listen, Keep Safe, and
• Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further suicide-safer help

Please see the safeTALK fact sheet for further details HERE

Learners must be 16 years and over to attend. To be eligible for a FREE placement, you must live/work within the Lancashire border. Excluding Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.

Course placements are limited per course and we will operate on a first come first serve basis. Should the date requested be full, an alternative will be offered if available at the time of enquiry, or you will be places on our wait list.

YMHFA:

• 10th, 11th, 13th & 14th August
  🕘 9:00am – 1:00pm
  💻 Online
• 1st & 2nd September
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  📍 Rigby Street, Colne
• 14th, 15th, 17th & 18th September
  🕘 9:00am – 1:00pm
  💻 Online
• 26th, 27th, 28th & 30th October
  🕘 9:00am – 1:00pm
  💻 Online
• 16th, 17th, 19th & 20th November
  🕘 9:00am – 1:00pm
  💻 Online
• 16th & 17th December
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  💻 Online

AMHFA:

• 7th, 8th, 10th & 11th September
  🕐 1:00pm – 5:00pm
  💻 Online
• 5th & 6th October
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  📍 Colne
• 29th & 30th October, 4th & 5th November
  🕘 9:00am – 1:00pm
  💻 Online
• 9th & 10th November
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  📍 Colne
• 7th & 8th December
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  📍 Colne
• 14th & 15th December
  🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm
  💻 Online

Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) Half Day Awareness

• 16th October
  🕤 9:30am – 1:30pm
  💻 Online

safeTALK

• 2nd October
  🕙 10:00am – 2:30pm
  📍 Colne

Orange Button

Delegates attending one of our eligible courses will be able to register/receive an Orange Button pack and become an Orange Button holder. This identifies that the individual has attended one of the following courses;
YMHFA 2 DAY - F2F or Online,
YMHFA HALF DAY AWARE
AMHFA 2 Day F2F or Online
AMHFA HALF DAY AWARE
safeTALK

By wearing or displaying an Orange Button at your discretion a member of the community, service user, family or friend are able to approach the holder to ask them for support or information. An Orange Button holder will be able to identify, listen and sign post the individual reaching out for support.

For further details please click HERE

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at training@p-a-c.org.uk

​Our Annual Report is live!

We're proud to share our Healthwatch Lancashire Annual Report 2025–2026, showcasing the difference your voices have made in shaping health and social care across Lancashire over the past year.

Despite this year's considerable uncertainty due to the ongoing changes involving the 2026 Health Bill and subsequent potential effects on Healthwatch, our team continues to champion patient voice and deliver work of remarkable quality, depth and influence utilising its well-established, trusting relationships with communities across Lancashire.

This past year, we've achieved great things, including:

• 🗣️ 3,179 pieces of feedback gathered from local people
• 📋 6 engagement projects completed
• 📊 31 reports published to influence change
• 🏥 30 Enter and View visits to health and care services
• 💙 751 volunteer hours dedicated to supporting our work
• 📞 242 people were signposted to information and support

This year we've worked on a wide range of projects, including:

• Women's Health Phase 2
• Disability, Transport and Accessibility
• Ageing Well Without Family
• The Impact of Social Media on Young People
• Personalised Care and Support Planning (Neonatal)
• Safeguarding Voices

From improving accessibility for disabled people and amplifying women's health experiences to hearing from more than 1,000 young people about the impact of social media, every project has helped produce vital recommendations for local Councils and Integrated Care Boards to ensure local people's experiences are driving improvements across health and social care.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences, volunteered their time, partnered with us, or supported our work over the past year. Your contribution continues to make a real difference.

We'd love for you to take a look at the full report and see the impact we're making together.
Thank you for helping us ensure local voices continue to be heard.