The LOCAL Project News & Updates September 2025

FREE Workshop for VCFSE Groups & Organisations

FREE Workshop: Wed 24 September 10am - 12pm (Online)
The LOCAL Project in partnership with the North West Construction Hub. Online advice & insights for VCFSE groups & organisations across Lancashire from professionals in the private sector.
Attendees can choose up to 3 topics from the following:

• Marketing & Communications
• Accounts & finance
• Social Value
• Tendering & Bid Writing
• Human Resources
• Project management
• Health & Safety 

More information & sign up HERE

INFORMATION SHARING:
Nominations are now open for The King’s Award For Voluntary Service 2026:
Celebrating the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK.
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
✅ Know a voluntary group making a real impact in your local area?
✅ Want to recognise their amazing work?
✅ Why not nominate them for a King’s award


*More details and how to nominate: The King's Award for Voluntary Service - official website

INFORMATION SHARING: Are you working with people from a diverse range of cultures and languages?
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These videos from Kind Communities can be invaluable for speakers of Dari, Farsi, Urdu, Cantonese & Arabic.

• Dealing with loneliness
• What to do in an emergency
• What to do when feeling unwell
• Food allergens
• Reducing food waste
• Cooking from a Recipe 

​LATEST REPORTS:

• Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres - New Local
  
  
  

UPCOMING WEBINARS & EVENTS:

• Alliance For Dignified Food Support: Free Online Workshops to help shape collective action (various dates in October - filling up fast) ADFS: Autumn Collective Action Workshops | Eventbrite
  
• Resolve Poverty: Thurs 27 November Free Webinar - The National Child Poverty Strategy: What It Means For Your Area (please note this date is subject to change dependent on the publication date of the governments Child Poverty Strategy) Select tickets – The National Child Poverty Strategy: What It Means For Your Area – Microsoft Teams
  
• UCL Health Equity Network National Conference 9th October: G19 Health Equity Network Third Annual National Conference | UCL Online Store
  

The Road Ahead for Health & Care
Wednesday 15 October 10am - 3.30pm:
Hosted by Syncora, this event will discuss the future of the NHS, community nursing and social devolution.
Speakers include Dr Andy Knox and Helen Coombes.
Sector-led panels, roundtable discussions, and a feedback session.

Booking Link

FUNDING: A selection of recently shared grant funding & closing dates:

• Various Wards across Lancashire 14 - The Million Hours Fund provides youth organisations with funding to deliver positive activities for young people in areas with higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Million Hours Fund | The National Lottery Community Fund. The deadline to submit applications is midday 22 October 2025
  (shared by Eleanor at Hyndburn & Ribble Valley CVS)
• Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde: LACVS/LOCAL Fylde Coast VCFSE Support Fund 2025/2026. There is no application deadline - awards are made on a first come first served basis. All awards must be spent by 28 February 2026. LACVS/LOCAL Fylde Coast VCFSE Support Fund 2025/2026 For Blackpool Wyre & Fylde - Volunteer Centre
• Lancashire wide - The Clothworkers Foundation funds capital projects: Buildings or refurbishment projects, fittings, fixtures & equipment, digital infrstructure, vehicles Apply for a Grant | Capital Funding for UK Charities at The Clothworkers’ Foundation
  
  
  

For more information on funding opportunities & funding fairs across Lancashire, take a look at our members websites & sign up for the newsletters. 


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Discover Projects in the Crowdfund Lancashire - Fundraising
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Crowdfund Lancashire: supporting local culture & sports projects.

Are you looking to support projects within your community

There are currently almost 30 projects looking for support to reach their fundraising targets - take a look at projects in your local area & from across Lancashire

Sustainable Chef Skills Bootcamp
6-week bootcamp designed for culinary professionals who wish to accelerate their knowledge & skills to embed sustainability.
More information: Blackpool & The Fylde College
(Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub)
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Crumbs of Change: Re-thinking Bread Waste
Thursday 18 September 9am - 12pm
Join the University of Lancashire to address bread waste within the Circular Economy


Eventbrite Booking Link