August and September can bring a lot of change for young people. 

Some might be receiving exam results, leaving school or college, looking for work, thinking about a new direction, or just not sure what they want to do next. 

The King’s Trust is here to help young people find their next steps – allowing them to explore their options, build confidence and find practical support to move towards a future that feels right for them.

Coming up:

• Build confidence with Explore
• Step into NHS
• Get into BAE
• Team: our 12-week personal development course

• Free funding to train or start work
• Support to start your own business
• Become an Achieve Delivery partner
• CV Review Service

Read on to find out more!

Upcoming courses
If you have trouble accessing any of the links below, please click here: to view in browser

Build confidence with Explore
Location: Blackburn
Taster Session: 4 Nov 26
Course Dates: 10 Nov 26 - 04 Dec 26 
Ages: 16- 25

On our Explore programme, young people will take part in fun, challenging activities to help grow their confidence whilst taking steps to achieve their goals.

They will gain key skills to support them in life and work, including teamwork, leadership and communication. We'll provide regular one-to-one support to help young people achieve a positive outcome.

Links below:
Find out more
Get in touch
Refer a young person

Step into NHS

​Location: Burnley
Course dates: 1st October (insight day)
Course dates: 8th October - 9th November
Ages: 19-30

Catering course with Burnley College and Lancashire Adult Learning.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be able to attend the whole course.

Links below:
Find out more
Get in touch
Refer a young person

Step into NHS

​Location: Blackburn
Course start date: 28th September - 6 November
Ages: 19-30

Location: Blackburn College
Course start date: 12th October - 23rd October
Enhanced Care Support Worker

This course is for those interested in Catering roles. It involves a short course at Blackburn College and a chance to learn more about a career in the NHS.

Eligibility: Must be able to attend the whole course.

Links below:
Find out more
Get in touch
Refer a young person

Team

Location: Lancashire and Cumbria
Course dates: Next programmes start Jan 27
Ages: 16- 25

Join Team, our 12- week personal development programme, for the chance to gain new skills, earn a qualification and meet like-minded people.

Young people will take part in a group community project, go on a fun-filled residential trip, and develop their English, maths, communication and teamwork skills.

Links below:
Find out more
Get in touchJennifer.Highcock@kingstrust.org.uk

Free funding to train or start work

Ages: 16- 30

Our Development Awards can cover the cost of course fees, tools or equipment to help young people achieve their goals. We offer grants of up to £500 to support young people into a positive outcome.

To be eligible for an Award, you must be:

• Aged 16-30 and living in the UK
• Studying less than 14 hours a week or not in compulsory education
• Unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week

Links below:
View poster
Find out more
Get in touch

Support to start your own business

Location: Virtual
Course dates: Enterprise runs all year round
Ages: 18- 30

Know a young person who is looking for support to launch their business? Our free Enterprise programme is here to help them turn that dream into a reality.

With expert-led workshops, one-to-one support, and opportunities to apply for funding, we provide the tools young people need to create a strong business plan and start a successful business.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The programme is open to young people aged 18 to 30.
• Young people must have the right to work in the UK, and must intend for the business to operate in the UK
• They must own, or plan to own, at least 50% of the business.
• If they’ve already started their business, they must have been actively trading for less than 1 year.
• To be eligible young people must live in Burnley, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, Preston, Pendle or Blackpool.

Links below:
View poster
Find out more
Get in touch
Book an info session

Become an education delivery partner w/ Achieve

If you are a Lancashire educational setting, you can access our Achieve personal development programme.  

The programme is for learners aged 11 to 19 (or to 25 with EHCP) to develop their soft and employability skills through a portfolio-based qualifications complimenting the Gatsby Benchmarks and the Ofsted Judgement of Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes.  Optional qualifications available at entry level 3, level 1 and level 2.

Location options vary, so please do get in touch to find out more.

If you sign up to the Achieve programme, you receive:

• Access to free session plans and resources on the online platform (the Education Hub) for qualification and non-qualification units that can be individualised to your students’ needs.

• Free CPD for as many staff as needed on the delivery of the Achieve programme.

• Free access to in person or virtual enrichment opportunities such as World of Work tours in corporate settings such as Tesco and others aligning to the Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Free access to Youth Development led enrichment sessions such as mock interviews, teamwork skills and personal resilience. (location specific)

• Free access to our Networking days in the Lancashire centre to gain training and to meet others delivering Achieve.

• Regular contact and support from the youth development leads.

Links below:
Find out more
Get in touch
Book an info session

CV Review Service

Location: Virtual
Ages: 16-30

The King's Trust CV Review Service will support young people to:

• Get expert feedback on their CV, cover letter and applications from corporate volunteers
• Get their CV reviewed by professionals from Barclays, Tesco, Apple and more
• Receive detailed feedback from at least two volunteers in word comment boxes

Available for all skill levels and industries, anonymised for privacy, response in 5-10 working days, adaptable to accessibility requirements.

Please send the CV, Cover Letter or Job Application answers in a Word document to the email address in the below link

Links below:
View poster
Get in touch

Downloadable Resources
If you work with young people, these might be useful as quick guides to our support. 
Guide to our support
How we help young people

Refer someone for support
We understand that some people may not know which course is right for them. If you know someone aged 16-30 who would benefit from an initial conversation to work out which course is right for them, fill in a short referral form and we will give them a call. 
Refer a young person

Didn't find what you were looking for? Don't worry 👇
If you know someone aged 16 to 30 who is thinking about their next steps but hasn't found the right course, we've got them covered.

Direct them to join our new email community to gain access to tools, tips and resources on-the-go to build confidence to spark career inspiration or business ideas. 

Sign up via the website today

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We're extremely pleased to invite you to the national premiere of The White Elephant in the Room, a documentary produced by the Co-Alc Alliance (About | Co-Alc Alliance), highlighting the hidden risks of mixing cocaine with alcohol and the emerging evidence linking cocaethylene to impulsive behaviour, mental distress, and suicide risk. 
​
We are delighted to be hosting this important screening in Blackburn with Darwen, the first in the country, and look forward to welcoming partners and professionals to what promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking event.

A​s part of Burnley's Climate Action Week, we are bringing together community groups, organisations, volunteers and residents for a borough-wide community litter pick on Friday 2nd October.

The aim is simple: to make a positive difference to our local environment while bringing people together to take pride in their neighbourhoods.

We are looking for community groups and local leaders who would be willing to:

• Host or lead a litter pick in their area
• Encourage members and volunteers to take part
• Help spread the word within their networks
• Support local environmental action and community pride

Litter picks can be as big or small as you like. Whether it's a short clean-up around your community centre, local park, estate or neighbourhood, every contribution will help make a difference.

If your group would like to get involved, please let Alexis Turner Aturner@blcgroup.co.uk   know:

• Name of your group
• Location/meeting point
• Start time
• Contact person

Together we can make Burnley cleaner, greener and more connected.

If you would like to take part or would like more information, please get in touch.
Alexis Turner
Outdoor Activity Coordinator | Development and Wellbeing
01282 664444
E: Aturner@blcgroup.co.uk 

Social Care is Changing

Nationally, the Government's Big Conversation on Adult Social Care could influence how care and support are delivered for years to come. Locally, plans for a new Pennine Lancashire Council could bring responsibility closer to home.

If you work in social care, health , local government, the voluntary sector, faith groups or support people in your community, these changes will affect you, your organisation and the people you serve.

This event is your opportunity to

• Hear directly from senior leaders across health, social care and the voluntary sector
• Understand  what these changes could mean for Pennine Lancashire
• Share your  views and experiences    
• Help influence the  conversation before decisions are made.

BPRCVS' very own Christine Blythe will also be there and facilitating one of the tables!

Please find below our August newsletter, as with previous newsletters please forward this newsletter to anyone you think would benefit from reading it.

We hope you enjoy reading the latest news from VIC. Our Facebook page and group is updated regularly with further news and information.

If you require any hard copies of the newsletter, then please don't hesitate to contact one of the team on 01706 833180.

You can also download copies of all our newsletter and latest news from our Website. Our website and Facebook page are regularly updated and there is more information on VIC services and activities.
​
Thank you for your support!

This quarter's e-newsletter highlights Gas Safety Week which starts on Monday 14th September. It includes information about the resources available for your clients to help raise awareness not of just CO, but of gas safety in general. Well worth a look.

Think CO Zoom workshops and the e-learning course continue to be popular. Details about both are in the e-newsletter.

Sponsorship opportunities are available across the campaign, including webinars, that reach thousands of volunteer-involving organisations and volunteers across the UK.

Whether your organisation is looking to demonstrate its commitment to volunteering, increase brand visibility or support communities, we'd love to hear from you.

​Know an organisation that might be interested?
Please share our sponsorship pack and help us connect with potential partners.

Find out more and download the sponsorship pack here.

Volunteers’ Week 2027 Dates Confirmed
Volunteers’ Week 2027 will take place from Monday 7th June to Sunday 13th June 2027. Following feedback from the sector, Volunteers’ Week has, in recent years, started on the first Monday in June rather than on 1 June. This approach ensures the campaign begins on a working day, making it easier for volunteers, organisations and partners to participate from the start.

In 2027, the first Monday falls on 7 June. After carefully considering a range of options, the Volunteers’ Week team has agreed to maintain the established approach to provide consistency and certainty for organisations planning activity and events.

Keeping to this principle also avoids launching during the school half-term period in England and Wales and supports longer-term planning across the sector.

We know many organisations plan well in advance, and we hope confirming the dates now helps you begin preparations for another successful Volunteers’ Week.

Read the full update and rationale on our website here. ​

Hello Neighbours, 

Tackling knife crime requires a whole-of-society approach, with government, communities, charities and local partners working together. This September we’ve got some great news about knife crime figures. This change has come thanks to a coordinated and collaborative effort from campaigners, charities, government and the police. Thanks so much to all our members who shared information about the knife amnesty in person and online. These statistics show that working together, we can make a real difference. 

Other highlights this month: 

• Save the date for the Neighbourhood Watch online conference
• World Cleanup day 
• What is ‘snapping’ and why is it a trend? 

Record number of knives taken off streets as knife murders plummet
​Nearly 60,000 knives have been removed from streets in England and Wales through new knife surrender schemes and police operations. The figures come as knife homicides have fallen by almost 20% and knife crime overall has fallen for the first time in 4 years, dropping by 5%. The latest admissions data for NHS hospitals in England and Wales also show a 10% fall in admissions for knife assaults. Read the full story on our website. 

The UK's traditional landline network is due to close in January 2027
BT customers need to switch to Digital Voice well before that date to avoid any disruption to services. If you receive information from BT about your switch, please respond and confirm any appointments offered, don’t forget to provide any additional information requested. If you have not yet booked an appointment, do that as soon as possible. 

Need help? BT customers can contact customer services teams on 0330 1234 150 or by calling 150 from their landline. If you have questions, but are not a BT customer, contact your phone provider directly for advice and support. You can find out more on the BT website. (Ad)

The Neighbourhood Watch online conference – save the date!
This year it will be taking place online on 8 October. Join members from across the country for our annual community conversation. The event is free and you’ll get updates on crime prevention and community building projects across the country. Our partner ERA Home Security will also offer expert advice on how to conduct a home security audit and a short interactive quiz. More details and registration information coming soon.

Podcast series – we want your feedback! 
Wow, we knew it was good, but we’re overwhelmed with the response we’ve had to our podcast. The Neighbourhood Watch podcast is officially a hit – the launch downloads figures showed that it is in the top 2% of podcasts globally! We’re so grateful to everyone that has listened and reviewed it. You can listen to all six episodes on our website. If you have any feedback you’d like to share, tell us what you think here.

International Day of Charity
We’re celebrating the small actions that can make a big difference in our communities, from checking in on a neighbour to sharing home security advice. Discover how you can help create a safer, more connected neighbourhood with support from our partner ERA Home Security. Read more here. 

20 September is World Cleanup Day
Many Neighbourhood Watch groups do regular litter picks. It’s a brilliant way to bring people together and make a tangible difference to your street. The mission at World Cleanup Day UK is to ‘Strive for 5’: to involve 5% of the population in September cleanups – so why not get involved! Find out more and register your clean-up here. 

​The simple solution for securing your French doors is PATLOCK
No keys. No combination lock. Just quick and easy-to-fit security with ratchet locking bars that secure your doors in seconds. For instant protection and peace of mind, it’s as easy as: Push, Click, Secure. Neighbourhood Watch members can purchase PATLOCK at the exclusive discounted price of £42.50 by clicking here. (Ad)

Snapping is the dangerous craze you should know about
A new antisocial behaviour trend called ‘snapping’ involves people doing wheelies on bikes and e-bikes. They ride directly into the path of pedestrians and oncoming cars, before swerving at the very last minute. The Metro newspaper interviewed our Head of Membership, Cheryl Spruce, about how the issue is impacting our members. Read the full story here. 

The Neighbourhood Watch lottery results are in!
The winning numbers last week were 160745, and one of our supporters has won £327 in the draw. Congratulations to that lucky person. Remember to check your emails to see if you’ve won. If you haven't signed up yet, visit our lottery here and get involved! 50% of proceeds from all tickets sold from our page go to our charity. The remainder is spent on the prizes and the administration of the lottery.

​Community spotlight: Aldeburgh & Fearon Streets 
​Thanks to generous members of the community down in a little patch of east Greenwich, the Neighbourhood Watch's Little Free Library is bursting with books. It’s a resource where neighbours can donate and borrow books. There are some great ones there for children (of all ages!). Find out more about the Little Free Library programme here.

That is it for this month. If you have a story from a local NW group that you’d like to celebrate – remember to tag us on social media so we can like and share your posts. You can find us on Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads | YouTube Facebook | Bluesky. 

Refer into us for free counselling and support.

​Please find below the referral form that should be used when sending people to The-Oasis C.I.C. in order for them to be eligible for our 30 free sessions of counselling, and 30 free sessions of support service. This form can be edited or printed off and filled in manually, whichever is easier for the user.

We will assess each client's requirements at the first session, but we anticipate allocating a block of 6 sessions per client in order for them to get maximum benefit from the service.

Following a successful showing at Queen Street Mill, Burnley, the Daniel Meadows exhibition: Shuttles, Steam and Soot moves to Barnoldswick.

Fifty years on, the great documentary photographer Daniel Meadows returns to Bancroft Mill. This facsimile exhibition recreates an original touring show from the 1970s, when these extraordinary photographs were taken, many of them documenting life at Bancroft Shed in Barnoldswick. Shuttles, Steam and Soot opens at Bancroft Mill Engine Museum, the surviving part of the mill, from 5 September 2026 before touring to other northern locations.

​Click 'read more' to read the full press release.

Click images to enlarge.

Click read more to see when our upcoming support groups are happening and for more information about our services.

We also have a dedicated SEND Support Facebook group, click the link below to join:
Basically SEND support | Facebook

Are you supporting a neurodiverse child aged 0 to 25? Whether you're just starting to have questions, waiting for an assessment, recently received a diagnosis, or looking for practical advice, the NEU WAY Peer Support & Hubs are here to help.

​Delivered through Carers Link Lancashire in partnership with Spring North, these free drop-in sessions provide peer support, workshops, and access to one-to-one advice and guidance for families across Lancashire. There is no need to book, simply drop in at your local hub.

​Locations include:

​• Hyndburn
• Burnley
• Pendle
• Rossendale
• Ribble Valley
• Blackburn with Darwen

Connect with other parents and carers, access practical support, and find out what help is available for your family.
For more information:  info@carerslinklancashire.co.uk  www.carerslinklancashire.co.uk 

This year’s conference 'Future North West' will be held at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool on Thursday 19th November 2026.

Future North West 2026 will bring together leaders from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, public services and partner organisations from across the region. Through keynote speeches, practical workshops and networking, the conference will explore how we can strengthen collaboration, work more effectively across places and collectively improve outcomes for communities across the North West.

We are delighted to welcome Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), as a keynote speaker at this year’s conference.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided. The event is free to attend, and is aimed at VCFSE leaders that are members, associates or partners of VSNW. 


When:
Thursday 19 November 2026
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location:
Imperial Hotel Blackpool
North Promenade
Blackpool, FY1 2HB
United Kingdom
Contact Email:
info@vsnw.org.uk

Get your charity’s story in front of journalists ✍️Applications open on a rolling basis

Got a newsworthy story but struggling with limited PR capacity and budget?
Media Trust has partnered with PA Media Group, the UK’s national news agency, to help small charities refine and distribute their press releases.
​
If selected, you’ll receive expert feedback from media professionals to strengthen your story, followed by free distribution through PA Media Group’s press release service giving journalists across the UK the opportunity to discover your story.

Whether you’re launching a campaign, sharing new research, announcing a milestone or highlighting your impact, this could help your story reach a much wider audience.
Applications are open on a rolling basis, with up to two charities selected each month.
We welcome applications from UK charities and nonprofits with an annual income of £1 million or less. Apply with your press release idea today!

Apply for our press programme

​

Last chance to apply! 👀
Two of our upcoming programmes are closing for applications next week, so if you’ve been meaning to apply, now’s the time!

 
Stronger Voices: Applications close 15 September
📙Join Stronger Voices, our free hybrid six-month strategic communications training for London-based equality organisations, now in its ninth year of expert delivery.
​
Build your confidence, sharpen your messaging, strengthen your media skills and connect with other organisations working to tackle inequality.

“The programme is brilliant. I genuinely feel like I've gained so much learning from being a part of it. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to grow in ways I wasn't aware I needed to grow.”
Cheryl at Purple Moon Drama

Apply for a spot on Stronger Voices
 
Health Equals Spokespeople Programme: Applications close 8 September Could your experience of living and working with a health-limiting condition help change the conversation around health and employment? Or maybe your charity works with someone who could challenge assumptions and bring a different perspective?
This free six-week training programme offers expert online training to develop the skills and confidence to share your story through Health Equals’ upcoming media campaign.

Apply to be a media spokesperson

Upcoming low-cost courses 🔎Beginner and advanced level training to build your skills

Our communications courses are designed for charities, helping you build your media, digital and communications skills in a way that is both affordable and accessible. Here are our next three courses.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Browse our full list of upcoming courses for more topics and dates.

View all upcoming courses
 
Email marketing for charities: From appeals to engagement

​Thursday 17 September, 10:00 – 12:00, online

When used properly, email can be one of the most powerful tools for building lasting relationships with your supporters.
This practical workshop will show you how to move beyond broadcast emails and use features like segmentation and automation to create warmer, more personal campaigns that build loyalty. Ideal for anyone who is looking to save time and increase engagement! Tickets from £48.

Sign up for Email marketing for charities
 
Media interviews for charities: Top tips and tricks  Tuesday 22 September, 10:00 – 12:00, online 

Learn how to ace your media interviews and gain valuable tips and tricks in one of our most popular webinars! Gain essential insights on speaking to the media with confidence, TV and radio etiquette, different interview styles and how to respond effectively when journalists reach out. Tickets from £48.  

Sign up for Media interviews for charities
 
Words that inspire giving: Copywriting for fundraisersWednesday 23 September, 10:00 – 12:00, online

Whether it’s a donation appeal, an event invite or a supporter thank you, the words you choose can make all the difference.
In this practical workshop, learn how to write ethically, empathetically and with your audience in mind. You’ll explore how to craft fundraising messages that resonate with supporters while staying true to your charity’s voice and values. Tickets from £48.

Sign up for Copywriting for fundraisers

To help us reach our goal, we are asking all professionals working with children aged 0-5 years to download the App yourselves. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with its features and benefits. Even more importantly, we need you to actively promote the App to parents and carers, supporting them in downloading and using it.


To give everyone the best opportunity to understand and support this initiative, we have arranged a short briefing with Easy Peasy. These will provide insights into the App through demonstrations and discussions on the benefits for babies, children, and their parents and carers. It’s important that everyone working with parents and carers of children aged 0-5 attends the briefing, as they are crucial to our progress with Easy Peasy.


The briefing will be held on Teams, and you can find the link to the webinars below:


Easy Peasy Webinars - Early Help Partnership

• Virtual - Wednesday 14 October 2026 (09:30 to 11:30)
• https://clickdelegate.lancashire.gov.uk/conferenceDetails.asp?cid=70305

Monday 5 October 2026 @ 12pm
📍 Longside Lounge, Turf Moor, Burnley Football Club, Harry Potts Way, Burnley, BB10 4BX
​
The event is open to all Trust members, colleagues and members of the public. 
On the day there will be a selection of engagement stalls where you can find out more about some of the Trust's services and our partner organisations. You can also visit our HARRI bus to improve your health and wellbeing, get involved with the Trust charity, Hope and Mind, or hop aboard and explore our mobile research unit.
During the Annual Members' Meeting, the Board of Directors will present this year's Annual Report and Accounts and provide an opportunity for members to ask questions.

Order of the day
12pm – Arrival and registration
12 to 1pm – Engagement stalls
1 to 3pm – Annual Members' Meeting
3 to 4pm – Engagement stalls
Parking and accessibility

• Turf Moor has been selected following consideration of accessibility, parking provision and venue facilities.
• Parking is available at the stadium. The Northeast Car Park is recommended for the Longside Lounge.
• The venue offers step-free access to event spaces and accessible entrances.
• Accessible toilet facilities are available within the stadium. 
• Turf Moor sits a stones throw from Burnley City Centre and is easily accessible by road, rail and bus. By car, the stadium is less than 2 miles away from the M65 motorway, and is a short walk from Burnley Manchester Road train station.

If you have any specific accessibility requirements or require additional support on the day, please let us know when registering so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
For enquiries, further details and to register your attendance, please contact the Company Secretary Team by email: company.secretary@lscft.nhs.uk. ​

Assistant Chief Constable Stasia Osiowy of Lancashire Constabulary said: 

"Keeping children safe is at the heart of everything we do, both online and offline. As technology evolves, the line between what is real and what is fake is becoming increasingly blurred, creating new challenges for young people, parents, carers and educators. 
"Artificial intelligence brings many exciting opportunities, but it can also be misused. We are increasingly seeing AI used to create highly convincing fake content, including manipulated images and videos that can cause significant distress and harm. 
"Our message is simple: understand the risks, learn how to spot deepfakes, and have open conversations about staying safe online. By working together, we can help young people navigate the digital world safely and confidently." 
​
Following its successful launch by Essex Police, the campaign has now been adopted by three police forces across England, demonstrating a growing national commitment to tackling the harms associated with deepfake technology. 

Parents, carers, educators and young people are encouraged to visit Fake or Real? Know the Deal | Lancashire Constabulary to access advice, resources and guidance on recognising deepfakes, reporting concerns and staying safe online. 
​
For support, young people and families can also contact Nest Lancashire, a free and confidential service for children and young people, on 0300 111 0323.