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.

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.

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.
​
Read the full report below to explore the impact in more detail.

May Volunteer Hub Newsletter is here!
​
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 ☀️

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.
​
"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.

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.

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.
​
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.

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.

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.