 We’re proud to deliver a wide range of services across Pendle and we’re committed to making sure that they are value for money.
As we plan for the year ahead, it’s important that we understand what matters most to local people. We recognise that our budget challenges can impact local services and residents’ personal finances.  Welcome to our latest NAVCA events update, where you can find out more about what's coming up at NAVCA in January and February, as well as information about our Annual Conference.
 Big plans for 2026? Let's make them bloom. Our recent RHS Space to Grow Report, drawing on your feedback and experiences, found that fundraising is one of your biggest challenges. So we've put together four practical, community-tested tips to help you raise the funds you need to thrive:
To make it easier, we've gathered all our fundraising resources in one place. You'll find support on shaping your idea, finding funders, writing applications and more. Approach fundraising with confidence  Happy New Year to you all,
Whether you’re looking for updates, helpful tips, or new ideas, there’s something for everyone. Dive in and enjoy! In this newsletter, we will be sharing information on;
Happy New Year! It's time to welcome in the New Year. Over the last 12 months, our team at Healthwatch Lancashire has been working non-stop! From projects to events, navigating uncertainty and championing your voice, we are so grateful for all of the support and kindness shown to us in 2025.  Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2026 which runs from 19–25th January 2026, is a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention. The week is dedicated to educating people about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of regular screening. The campaign encourages women and people with a cervix aged 25–64, to book their cervical screening during the week.   Warm Welcome is a UK-wide movement creating free, inclusive spaces where anyone can find warmth, connection, and support.
Born during the cost-of-living crisis, it now operates year-round through 5,500+ community venues including libraries, cafés, and faith centres. These spaces offer a lifeline for those facing isolation, financial hardship and tough choices between heating and eating, providing not just physical warmth but also friendship, vital support and belonging close to home. Last winter, they recorded 2.6 million visits, with 70% of guests feeling less isolated and 87% reporting better mental wellbeing. January is often described as the coldest and loneliest time of the year, with “Blue Monday” symbolizing its lowest point. Warm Welcome Week is here to change that. Applications for Easter will open the week commencing 19th January 26. Applicants will need to complete both an application form and provider statement. Please read the grant scoring criteria before completing your application. Please note that applications for HAF are becoming more popular. Therefore, if you have provided activities before please do not assume we know this. All details of your provision must be included fully in the application form particularly PART C. Guidance for HAF is available here
  The Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was published on 16th January 2026, in accordance with the requirements of The Environment (Local Nature Recovery Strategies) (Procedure) Regulations 2023 and taking account of the results of a public consultation which concluded in August 2025.
We would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultation and all those who have assisted in preparing the final strategy. Statutory Consultation on the Draft Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management Plan 2026–203120/1/2026
Consultation Opens on Draft 2026–2031 Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management Plan In spring 2026, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will unveil its new five-year Management Plan—a bold and refreshed vision to protect, enhance and celebrate this extraordinary place for generations to come. Formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Forest of Bowland now forms part of the National Landscapes family—a name that better reflects the significance of these protected landscapes.  Storyhouse is delighted to announce that Slater Heelis Solicitors will be the main sponsor of Storyhouse Queer, the venue’s annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories, artists and communities, taking place in February 2026. The sponsorship forms part of Slater Heelis’ wider corporate partnership with Storyhouse and reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity, visibility and meaningful support for LGBTQIA+ communities across Chester and the region. Storyhouse Queer is a bold and joyful festival programme spanning theatre, film, talks, live events and community activity, creating welcoming spaces for connection, creativity and conversation, created in partnership with Chester Pride. Support from Slater Heelis will help deliver the 2026 festival programme, expand opportunities for free and low-cost events, and broaden invitations to local LGBTQIA+ communities. As an LGBT Foundation Accredited legal firm, Slater Heelis will offer a series of free LGBTQIA+ Legal Clinics during the festival week, to offer inclusive, approachable advice tailored to LGBTQIA+ people and their families, helping them to feel informed and empowered. This could include exploring parenthood through donor conception, cohabitation agreements, navigating relationship breakdowns or planning wills.   Last week, we officially launched promotion for the whatimpact VCSE National Summit 2026, taking place on 11 March 2026. Invitations are now live, and we’ve begun sharing across our channels, including Linkedin.
We’re reaching out to CVS’s because of the vital role you play locally and nationally. Your close relationships with VCSE organisations place you in a unique position to help ensure opportunities like this reach charities, community groups, and grassroots organisations that can benefit most. We would be incredibly grateful if you could help us promote this free, UK-wide online event to your networks. The Summit is focused on collaboration, creativity, and social impact, and is designed specifically with the VCSE sector in mind. To make this as easy as possible, I’ve linked a supporter marketing pack containing ready-to-use copy and assets that you’re welcome to share via newsletters, email bulletins, or social media here Our team is committed to raising awareness and providing valuable information to help you stay healthy and safe. We work to ensure that you have access to the resources and knowledge to help you make informed choices in order to protect yourself and your loved ones.   Check it, Don’t Chance it!’
Listen to your body. Act now on cancer Launching Lancashire and South Cumbria’s Cancer Awareness Campaign Help us to spread the word. Lancashire and South Cumbria’s Cancer Alliance is asking you to help improve the early detection and effective treatment of cancer. We want you to help launch our latest cancer awareness campaign as part of the vision to improve the earlier diagnosis of cancer. It aims to encourage people to talk about cancer, check for symptoms, and act early by contacting their GP and completing eligible cancer screenings. The simple act of encouraging this will save lives. The campaign is based on research carried out across the region with real people. It is designed to get attention, encourage action and improve lives.  I hope that 2026 is treating you very kindly. For me, January arrived with a bang, or two bangs actually. I toppled over on an icy patch of pavement, not once but twice. It was *extremely* painful. Please take extra care of yourselves. I feel very fortunate to only have a couple of bruises.
The advice from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and at least one NHS Trust, for navigating slippery pavements is to walk like a penguin. I know it sounds silly, but it’s better than a broken bone. Take small, careful steps and keep your knees slightly bent to stay balanced. Find more guidance on how to stay safe in the cold weather here. This interactive inclusion health resource contains a summary of statistics already in the public domain and provides supporting information for organisations and networks to facilitate informed decision-making.   The December newsletter is now available and includes the latest news and updates from VIC. Readers are encouraged to share the newsletter with anyone who may benefit from the information.
All previous newsletters can be accessed on the website. The VIC Facebook page and group are also updated regularly with further news, updates and information. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed