At this challenging time for fundraising, particularly for smaller and local charities, 3SG and Bath Fundraiser's Group is launching a pilot campaign to encourage local giving this winter. Each year, research indicates that more people tend to give at Christmas (e.g. www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/over-40-percent-of-people-more-likely-to-donate-at-christmas-survey-finds.html ) but with strong marketing campaigns from larger and national charities, it can be hard for our local charities to cut through. With the continuing decline in the number of givers across the UK, this is also an opportunity to inspire more charitable giving and promote the extraordinary impact this has in our local communities. As part of our festive #GiveLocally campaign, a Festive Giving Directory will be made available on the 3SG website and promoted to encourage local people to give to local organisations. We are inviting local charities to submit their Christmas Campaigns to the Directory here. More details can be found at the bottom of this article. You can also use #GiveLocally and the logo to take part. Reasons why giving locally makes even more of an impact at this challenging time for so many: Strengthening our communities Local charities and groups are at the heart of our communities so by supporting reliable and trusted local organisations, you are investing directly in our local communities with insight, understanding and knowledge on how best to help people and places in need. Local organisations are accountable to their communities. Visible impact By giving locally, you can directly see the impact first hand in our local communities and the tangible difference that the support kindly provided by you, and many others, achieves. Being able to see the change and where the money is going locally not only reinforces the impact of your giving but also encourages others to support locally too. Sense of belonging By supporting local organisations, you are part of a local community that cares for each another and strengthens our neighbourhoods and resilience. Empathy with local communities means you can offer meaningful support and get involved in issues that are personally relevant to you. Giving locally builds your connections and interactions with your local communities - your neighbours will benefit. Flexibility and adaptability Local organisations have an in-depth understanding of the challenges that our communities face and with local support, can be flexible and responsive to adapt their approach to build on strengths and opportunities to meet local needs at the right time. You can support and get involved in ‘problem solving’ that feels tangible. Efficiency Local organisations are often coping on tighter budgets and are highly skilled at ensuring they can be more effective, impactful, and run with lower overhead costs compared to larger, national organisations. A small gift can have a big impact, and make much more of a difference to a smaller organisation, and often you will feel valued and recognised more. Volunteering Local organisations achieve so much more through the involvement of volunteers, and can involve young people and provide learning opportunities to help the next generation understand compassion and the impact of volunteering and giving. You can give your time, energy, skills and knowledge as a volunteer, and/or support local organisations to empower more volunteers to support our local communities and achieve positive change, raise awareness and advocate for change. Boosting our local economy Local giving also helps to stimulate the financial health of our communities and build a sustainable local economy. The organisations you support employ local people, buy and use local resources, own or rent spaces in local communities, and support local people at times of crisis or when they need support with their health, wellbeing, skills and development, confidence, to find shelter, safety and/or recover from trauma, and to tackle food, fuel and other forms of poverty and disadvantage. If we've missed anything, please post in our LinkedIn Group here  or email  isobel@nspimpact.org.uk . Festive Giving Directory Please submit information about your organisation's festive appeals, activities, wish lists, volunteering opportunities etc. to include in the  Festive Giving Directory here . You will then be sent a draft of the page for your organisation including those links to check and edit. The directory will go live on the 3SG website later in November. Festive Fundraising Events Please add any festive events taking place across Bath and North East Somerset to the 3SG online calendar  by filling in the form . You can also subscribe so that the information will feed into your own calendar and keep you updated.

3SG are delighted to be supporting the delivery of the #ChristmasCompassion  card project for the fourth year in a row, in partnership with Connect Bath (formerly Bath Open Christmas). More than 30 schools across B&NES supported the #ChristmasCompassion   Christmas Card project over the last four years, creating some 7,000 individual cards which were sent to care homes, hospitals, individuals and charities, such as Bath Mind and the RUH, in order to bring some festive cheer to those in need. Originally created to help tackle loneliness during the ‘Covid Christmas’, the project is continuing to send smiles to the faces of those who may find the Christmas period particularly challenging. Receiving a thoughtful, hand-designed card from a local school child is a small gesture of kindness, compassion and inclusion, which can really make a difference to those who may otherwise feel isolated at Christmas. Several participating organisations shared their joy and gratitude on behalf of the cards beneficiaries last year: “The cards were such a delight- they really did lift people's spirits reading the heartwarming, kind and sometimes hilarious messages each child had written. We were all saying, when planning who to deliver them to how much we wish they were written to us!" “My clients loved their cards and read out each one to each other. Fantastic project. Thank You.” “The Christmas cards were ALL very well received. The cards brought lots of smiles and the patients particularly loved the jokes. There were a lot of comments about the effort, love and care that had gone into making  the cards and it was really appreciated. A few patients welled-up that children would be thinking of them in hospital. I loved taking the cards round and spreading joy around the hospital. Thank you for organising a really kind gesture for lots of our patients!” Connect Bath and 3SG are eternally grateful for the school children's participation, and the winning 8 designs from the last 3 years are all available to view, and even send via e-card, on the Connect Bath website here. This years' blank cards are already with many local schools, who are busy working their magic on them ahead of collections by Thursday 5th December. We will then be delivering the cards on the week commencing Monday 9th December, with the invaluable help of volunteers, to all those who have requested them in B&NES. To get involved - whether by requesting cards for your organisation , or for an individual , friend or neighbour - please click here  to fill out the relevant form. Alternatively, if you'd be keen to help deliver the cards to their recipients, we'd appreciate your support any time that suits you between Monday 9th and Friday 13th December. Please let us know by emailing contact@3sg.org.uk.

The 2024/2025 Warm Spaces Directory for Bath & North East Somerset is now live on the Live Well B&NES website. This is the initiative’s third year and there are participating venues across B&NES, offering a range of facilities, including refreshments, free WiFi, books, magazines and newspapers, baby changing facilities, information and advice, activities, dog-friendly (facilities vary, depending on the venue)   There is a handy map of Warm Spaces to help everyone find their nearest.   It’s free, quick and easy for a venue to register as a new warm space in B&NES   If you have any questions about the Directory, please contact the Live Well B&NES team: Livewell@bathnes.gov.uk

With the Budget announced last week, we have compiled some of the key announcements for the Third Sector. The budget is characterised by increases in spending, taxes and borrowing. The increase in National Living Wage is welcome however alongside the increase in employer NI contributions, will create challenges for Third Sector organisations already struggling to cover costs. The employer national insurance contribution [NIC] will increase by 1.2%, from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025. The threshold above which employer NIC is paid will be reduced to £5000 from £9100. National Living Wage to rise by 6.7% to £12.21 from April 2025. The National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will rise to £10 per hour, an increase of 16.3%. This will either squeeze overheads or see organisations having to subsidise additional costs from reserves or other charitable sources. Secondly, this further reduces the differential in pay between roles that are paid National Living Wage, with officer / administrative roles attracting salaries of £23-27,000 per annum. This is unlikely to aid continuing recruitment challenges. The costs of increased employer NICs are likely to be reflected in reduced wage increases over the next couple of years, contributing to continued pressure on overall household income for many employees. Here is a local example of how these changes will effect this anonymous charity in B&NES: A local charity has a turnover of £3.8m per annum and employs 142 members of staff. They will see an increase in employer national insurance of £88,000. To cover these additional costs in 2025-26, they will need to either reduce the services they provide, or reduce staff hours or posts. For small Third Sector providers (less than 10 staff or largely part time staff), there should be little impact, as the Government has raised the employers' NIC allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This increase in allowance should offset the increased employer NI costs. But for our larger providers, we know that this places extra strain on budgets and the sums are far from small, when you are already managing increased costs across the board and often no contract uplifts. Locally, 3SG has written to all of the B&NES MPs - Wera Hobhouse, Dan Norris and Anna Sabine, to express our concern and to ask for them to lobby on the Sector's behalf for an exemption. We are also raising this in local authority spaces and with WECA as a key concern. Other Headlines from the Budget courtesy of NAVCA*: £1Bn for Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments in 2025-26. Most departments have seen an increase in funding, with a 1.5% real terms increase in revenue funding and a 1.7% increase in capital expenditure across government. 2% in productivity and efficiency savings will be expected across all departments. The overall budget for local government has increased by £1.3Bn primarily through additional funding for social care [£600M], and £230M for homelessness and rough sleeping. There will be a £22.6Bn increase for day-to-day spending for the NHS and an increase of £3.1Bn in the capital budget for 2024-25 and 2025-26. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund [UK SPF] will continue for a further year at a reduced rate of £900M. £240M for pathfinder projects for employment support programmes as part of plans in the Get Britain Working White Paper. Charitable relief for business rates is retained, including for charity shops. There will be 40% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties from 2026-27, up to a maximum of £110,000. The Department Expenditure Limit [DEL] for DCMS has reduced by £100M from the current financial year to £2.3Bn in 2025-26. The significant injection of additional day-to-day and capital spending into the NHS is extremely welcome. The change in approach to thinking about health is currently being consulted on via proposals for a Ten Year Plan for the NHS . Moving from hospital to community, sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital will require a sizeable contribution from the VCSE sector and local infrastructure, which needs to be fully funded and resourced. The continuation of the Household Support Fund [HSF] and Discretionary Housing Payments [DHP] will alleviate some pressures on the poorest households, and enable many VCSE organisations to provide frontline services for the most vulnerable. It is currently unclear how funding will be allocated between the HSF and DHP, though funding both of these will help relieve potential additional unfunded costs that would have been borne by both the VCSE sector and councils if funding had stopped in April 2025. The continuation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund [UK SPF], albeit at a reduced total of £900M for 2025-26, is very welcome. However, the total amount available to local authorities will reduce by £600M from £1.5Bn in 2024-25. This will enable the continuation of important work conducted by many LIOs and VCSE organisations, and prevent a cliff edge in April 2025. However, there will still be cuts in funding given the reduced overall budget, and the future for UK SPF and other Levelling Up funds will not be confirmed until the Spending Review, due to be published in late spring 2025. Local government has done comparatively well from this budget, although many local authorities will still face significant budgetary pressures. Additional funding for social care, homelessness, HSF, special educational needs [SEND] and UK SPF, will bring some limited relief. The Office for Budget Responsibility and the Resolution Foundation both suggest that these spending plans are more plausible than previous government spending, which would have seen significant cuts across all departments, but there will be considerable pressure on spending within the forthcoming spending review, due to be published in late spring. For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/autumn-budget-2024 Headlines courtesy of NAVCA ( The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action)* Further reading: NCVO have compiled key implications for charities - click here to re ad ICAEW - 'A fundamental reset' - click here to read article Civil Society report on NI increases placing strain on charities - read here Charity Finance Group - Policy Briefing - click here to read NCVO & ACEVO's Open Letter to the Chancellor on the impact of increased NI contributions - click here to sign letter

Charities and community groups in Bath and North East Somerset are being offered a free chalet for a day to support their fundraising at this year’s Bath Christmas Market . Pan Asian restaurant wagamama has sponsored the market’s two community chalets which will offer 36 organisations the opportunity to use it for one day for fundraising. Local charities including Genesis Trust, SWALLOW and Bath Cats and Dogs Home will occupy the chalet alongside 230 other traders at the Christmas Market, which runs from November 28 to December 15. Bath & North East Somerset Council provides two charity chalets for the Christmas Market which are located at the Guildhall and Milsom Street , close to wagamama on neighbouring George Street. Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “We are excited to be working with wagamama to offer local charities and community groups a spotlight at the prestigious Christmas Market. The council is committed to supporting local causes and this partnership will make a difference to the fundraising and excellent work our community organisations do.   wagamama said: “Here at wagamama, we have an ‘all on one bench’ philosophy and are committed to supporting local charities that truly make a difference to our communities. We are proud to be supporting the 36 charities who are part of this year’s Bath's Christmas Market charity chalets and thank all of them for all of the important work they do.” Bath Christmas Market offers some of the best independent food, drink and gifts in the South West over the 18 days of the event with 85 per cent of traders based in the region. Eighty traders will be attending for the first time, with 40 per cent of the businesses signed up based in Bath and the surrounding areas. Twenty catering stalls will be offering the best festive food and drink suitable for many dietary requirements, including gluten free and vegan options. A full list of stallholders can be found at  https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/stallholders Visit the market’s social media accounts for updates about the Christmas Market: Facebook X Instagram

Next week is the annual celebration of Trustees' Week. There are nearly 1 million trustees in the UK, all of whom freely offering their time and expertise to support charities. Trustees' Week is an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication. The theme for Trustees' Week 2024 trustee recruitment and retention , highlighting a common challenge shared by many charity boards. NCVO know that strong, active and full trustee boards are key to the success of an organisation, and hope to offer support for this area of trusteeship in particular. Whether you're an experienced trustee, new to the role, or a staff member looking to show your thanks and support to your board, there's lots going on for Trustees' Week that you can get involved in. Free Events & Training this Trustees' Week and beyond Monday 4th November 12:00 - 13:00 - Young Trustees Movement: Create a diverse, inclusive and effective boardroom - click here Tuesday 5th November 10:30 - 12:00 - NCVO Trustee recruitment and retention report launch - click here to see the event and join the waiting list 12:00 - 13:00 - Young Trustees Movement Community Cafe: The Launch - click here Wednesday 6th November 10:00 - 11:15 - Third Sector Lab: Digital Trustees Matchmaking Event - click here 17:00 - 18:30 - Burton Sweet: Trustees' Week Reception in Bristol - click here 18:00 - 19:30 - Advice Services Alliance: Tools for Trustees of Black, Asian, Ethnic or Refugee advice provider   agencies- click here Thursday 7th November 10:00 - 11:15 - ICAEW: What’s the best legal form for your charity or social business? - click here 12:00 - 13:00 - Young Trustees Movement Champion Training - click here Tuesday 12th November 18:30 - 20:00 - Spark Somerset Trustees' Forum: Charity Finance for Trustees - click here Wednesday 20th November 12:30 - 13:30 - Property Compliance Webinar for Governors/Trustees - click here Paid Events Wednesday 27th November 10:00 - 16:00 - Association of Chairs: Dynamic Duo – balancing the roles between Chair and CEO - click here 17:00 - 18:15 Association of Chairs: Chairing Essentials - Building the board you want - click here 09:30 - 16:15 - DSC It's Tough at the Top: Good Leadership Matters - click here Getting on Board recently announced the sad news that they will be shutting their doors. Their brilliant annual programme, Festival of Trusteeship, will be running for the last time this Trustees' Week. All sessions are now sold out on Eventbrite - you can view the collection here. However, recordings from their Trustee Learning Programme can be watched on their YouTube channel here. Trustee Recruitment - Where to advertise? 3SG's Jobs Page shares local trustee adverts. 3SG members can post an advert for the discounted rate of £20, non-members can advertise for £60. This includes weekly promotion across our newsletters and social media. Click here to upload your Trustee vacancy , or email contact@3sg.org.uk   R each Volunteering provides a trustee recruitment service for charities, free of charge or at low cost. Other Resources 3SG's Leaders' Network  - Subscribe to updates on our Leaders' Network, which meets regularly and is designed for those in leadership roles in the local Third Sector, including trustees. Trustees' Week Supporter Resources Free charity trustee training from Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales The Charity Commission's Essential trustee guide (England and Wales) The Charity Commission: Duties of a Trustee (England and Wales) Infographic The Charity Commission: 5 minute guides Cranfield Trust: Trustee skills audit checklist Cranfield Trust blog: T he role of Trustees at a time of crisis Association of Chairs Guide: A Chair's Compass Reach Volunteering: The Trustee Recruitment Cycle DSC blog: How to be the perfect trustee Trustees Unlimited 'Step on Board' and 'Thrive on Board' programmes Find out more about Trustees' Week on the official website: https://trusteesweek.org/ If there's anything you'd like to see us offer regarding support for Trustees and Trusteeship, please don't hesitate to get in touch via contact@3sg.org.uk

Charities urged to have their say in 3SG’s Annual Third Sector Survey The Bath and North East Somerset annual Third Sector Survey has been released this week, with the added opportunity for local charities to have an in-depth discussion with one of the 3SG team. Becky Brooks, Director at 3SG explains: “3SG has decided to rename the annual survey ‘Members’ Voice’, because we really wanted to get across to member organisations that this is an opportunity to take a deep dive into the challenges the Sector is facing and the importance of that voice being heard. Really getting into the detail of this will help us greatly in the work that we are doing to support local charities in the year ahead. “This year’s survey will be asking questions around integration with the NHS, local authority relationships and commissioning, subjects such as digital technology and AI - and how the sector does or doesn’t use it - and of course issues such as funding and the recruitment of volunteers. We’ll also be asking about how organisations are reporting social impact and questions related to projects we are currently working on at 3SG, on subjects such as social prescribing, inclusion and diversity. “The responses give us a genuine understanding of how the Sector is doing and whilst we know everyone is extremely busy, we would be so grateful for a representative from your charity to take time to respond so that we have a really clear picture of what is needed going forward and can advocate for this on your behalf.” Members will still be able to fill out the survey as usual online, or alternatively can book a session with one of the 3SG team to talk through the survey, one to one. It will also give charities the opportunity to speak freely to a member of the team. Sessions can be booked by filling out the Calendly link here . The survey is conducted by 3SG, an independent charity with five  employees  and a membership network  of over 240 charities, social enterprises and community groups in the area. As the infrastructure organisation for B&NES, 3SG offers 1:1 support, training, events and networking opportunities for its members. Every local organisation is encouraged to respond to the short survey by 5pm on Tuesday, 10th December 2023. The B&NES Third Sector Survey has been carried out every year since 2020, with survey findings of significant importance to inform 3SG’s priorities in supporting the local Third Sector in the year ahead. This research will also be used to advocate for the sector by demonstrating to decision-makers and funders the challenges the local Third Sector is currently facing, and the support needed to continue this vital work. The data from the survey will be analysed by 3SG and the findings will be shared in January 2025. To be notified of the findings, please subscribe here  to the 3SG weekly newsletter. Please complete the short survey here  and encourage other organisations to complete it also (please only one member of the team per charity). For further information or support to complete the survey, please email: contact@3sg.org.uk *The Third Sector includes registered charities, associations, cooperatives, self-help groups, churches, community groups and social enterprises.

Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG) has been celebrating its second successful Volunteer Fair, held on Friday, 18th October at the Apex Hotel in Bath. The day championed all things volunteering, and saw over 300 potential new volunteers visit the 43 charity stalls, who were showcasing their amazing services. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things a person can do with their spare time. It makes a positive impact in so many ways and can help improve self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing, whilst developing new skills or offering existing ones. The local Third Sector in B&NES relies on people to help support its work, which often adds so much more to statutory services or fills a gap or a need that wasn’t being met. The two biggest asks for Third Sector organisations is securing both sustainable funding and ensuring the organisation has enough volunteers. Before the High Sheriff of Somerset officially opened the Fair at 11 am, the 3SG team had already been on site for hours - adding an extra event to the day’s schedule. Aiming to better connect local businesses and charities, a special networking breakfast event was held which looked at balancing purpose with profit - and why volunteering time and skills could actually boost productivity and job satisfaction among the workforce. Over 70 people enjoyed breakfast and heard from Paul King, founder of Towards Better, and James Brown, from Off the Record, who spoke about the charity’s successful corporate relationships, before spending valuable time networking. Becky Brooks, Director at 3SG, said: “We suspect that there are many businesses who are keen to support local charities, but don’t know where to start. We hope that this was the beginning of a much closer dialogue between both the local business community and the Third Sector in B&NES, so that we can have really honest conversations about what is truly needed to do good in communities. “The Volunteer Fair was hugely successful and we will be looking to see if we can run the event in 2025, building on the progress we have made over the past two events and to see if we can make this an annual event in the B&NES calendar that everyone looks forward to. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the charities who came along and created such wonderful stalls - the whole room had a brilliant energy and we hope that you found some fantastic new volunteers. “3SG is a charity itself, existing to strengthen the Third Sector in B&NES through 1:1 support, advocacy work, events and training. We have a membership network of around 250 local charities, social enterprises and community groups and a staff team of just five. “We’ll be looking for anyone interested in sponsoring next year’s Volunteer Fair to please get in touch and help support the Third Sector in B&NES.” As well as the charity stalls, the main event saw various talks and workshops held throughout the day, which included looking at digital technology and volunteering, the power of storytelling; discussing the changing landscape of volunteering, a special Q&A session and the launch of the B&NES Community Awards. 3SG has received fantastic feedback from stallholders who attended on the day. Comments included: ‘The organisation was excellent and the event was very productive for us’, ‘We had a lot of interest’, ‘It was an exceptionally well-organised event. My colleague and I agreed it was the best Volunteer Fair we’ve attended, with great engagement from the public. Thank you, 3SG, for all your hard work!’ For more information on 3SG, visit: 3sg.org.uk If you are a business who might be able to support next year’s Fair through sponsorship, please contact: becky@3sg.org.uk Huge thanks to the 3SG Volunteer Fair sponsors: Bath Spa University, Riviam Digital Care and our media partners, Radio Bath. Thank you also to the breakfast sponsors: Bath Unlimited and Stone King - and to all of our speakers who took time out of their busy schedules to be involved in the day.

NHS, Local Authority and third sector staff are working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists down and consistently deliver the best care.   We know change is needed. But we also know that many of the solutions we need are already here, working somewhere in the NHS today.   Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) is already doing great work in this area and is supporting the NHS to tackle these challenges head-on. BSW ICB is doing this through initiatives such as the Care Coordination project to coordinate health and care services so that patients avoid emergency admission, increasing the number of patients able to receive a high level of acute care at home through our Hospital at Home Virtual Wards scheme and helping members of farming communities access health and wellbeing support through outreach work.   BSW ICB and the NHS know there is much more to do, which is why this consultation for the 10-Year Health Plan is so important.   The NHS  wants to hear from you — patients, their families and the wider public — about your NHS story. Whether you have a little to say or a lot, your views, experiences and ideas will shape immediate steps and long-term changes: a new 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS.   This is a once in a generation opportunity to make the NHS fit for the future. Together we can fix it. We need your voice.   Go to change.nhs.uk to find out how you can take part. Organisations can provide their own organisational responses through the change.nhs.uk website here https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/folders/organisations

Annual awards which recognise people who make life better for others in their community have been launched for 2024 by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners. Nominations are now open for the Community Awards which acknowledge volunteers, carers, charities, or employees who make exceptional contributions to their communities. The awards were officially launched at the 3SG Volunteer Fair in Bath last week (October 18). This year’s awards have nine categories, with three of those to be decided by public vote: The Beryl Dixon Community Leader of the Year for exceptional leadership within the charitable sector The Willson Volunteer of the Year Award  for volunteers Young Volunteer of the Year  for young volunteers  Carer of the Year  for individuals who go beyond in caring for children and adults who live in Bath and North East Somerset Young Carer of the Year  for individuals who go beyond in caring for children and adults who live in Bath and North East Somerset The Peter Duppa-Miller Parish Award  for commitment and service provided by town or parish councillors Charity of the Year  for organisations in Bath and North East Somerset that provide outstanding services to support residents, decided by public vote Volunteer Team of the Year  decided by public vote Young Volunteer Team of the Year  decided by public vote Nominations can be made on the council website and close on December 31. The public vote for the three organisation and team awards will open in January. Councillor Karen Walker, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Our community is fortunate to have thousands of volunteers who give their time freely to support others. The Community Awards showcase this amazing work and highlight the strength of the community spirit there is in Bath and North East Somerset. If you know a champion in your community, please nominate them for an award to give them the recognition they deserve.” The awards will be judged in February 2025 by a panel made up of the council and its partners, with the awards ceremony due to take place in the spring. The partners in the community awards include: The Student Community Partnership (University of Bath, Bath Spa University & Bath College) Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizen Association (BEMSCA) CURO Bath and North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG) HCRG Care Group  Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)  Nomination forms can also be obtained by emailing connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 396975.

The charity In Kind Direct works with charities, community organisations and companies to ensure everyone has access to the products they need to live well. They believe everyone deserves access to life’s essentials and no usable product should go to waste. Imagine this: Last week you ran out of toothpaste and you haven’t brushed your teeth since. Today, money is so tight you’re using a sock instead of a period pad. This is the harsh reality for millions of UK households currently living in hygiene poverty and facing the impossible decision to eat, heat or keep clean on a daily basis. Last year alone, In Kind Direct distributed over 342,000 hygiene packs and saved charities and community organisations across their network £26m.  They also use insights, research, and partnerships to tackle the root causes of going without. This National Hygiene Week (7-13th October), Join In Kind Direct’s charitable network to access a range of hygiene products like toothpaste, period products, shampoo, soap and shower wash , to help keep the people you support clean and well.   Register today for free at inkinddirect.org/charities

The St Monica Trust is pleased to launch the Volunteering and Employment for Older People Fund  for projects that support older people to live their best lives.   The St Monica Trust's 10-year Strategy focuses on three guiding principles for older people: enabling connection, contribution , and choice. The fund aims to promote positive perceptions of ageing by supporting initiatives that:  Challenge negative stereotypes and celebrate older individuals' contributions.  Encourage the active participation of older adults in both paid and unpaid work, allowing them to utilise their skills.  Foster community integration, ensuring older adults feel valued and included.  Promote healthy, meaningful ageing, emphasising growth and contribution rather than decline.  The fund covers both core and delivery costs, with grants available from a few thousand pounds up to £30,000. However, as continuation funding will not be available, it is essential that projects are designed with sustainability in mind beyond the funding period. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive society where older people are respected, supported, and empowered.  To make the application process more accessible, St Monica Trust is using a two-stage process. Interested parties are invited to first submit an Expression of Interest using the form on their website . Please ensure you review the Fund Overview before completing your submission. These documents are available on the website .    The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is midday on Friday, 01 November 2024.     If St Monica Trust feels your project aligns with their strategic aims, they will then invite you to submit a full application.

We are celebrating National Inclusion Week  at 3SG. This is the 10th installment of the initiative by Inclusive Employers  who provide consultancy and advocacy for more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Starting from September 23rd to 29th, this year’s theme #ImpactMatters  urges organisations to prioritise  more than just good intentions—it's about achieving tangible, measurable results. Inclusion must go beyond being a trendy term and become a dedicated effort toward real change. At 3SG, we believe that all employees of our organisation have fair access to opportunities as well as the ability to get support from their fellow employees in times of need. Time for a little story (I promise it is not too long) I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and have been in the UK for almost four years. When I first joined 3SG, I was excited not only to be part of this organisation but also the charity sector. However, I carried some doubts about whether I would truly fit in. With my intersectional identity as an Indian Muslim bisexual woman with a neurodivergent diagnosis (yes, quite a mouthful!), I often wondered if I would face uncomfortable situations or if my presence might make others uncomfortable. I’ll never forget my first day at 3SG. I was greeted with a thoughtful "welcome to the team" card, which I still treasure, along with some flowers and chocolates—at that moment, I knew this was the right place for me! The team’s warmth was undeniable. They showed genuine interest in getting to know me as an individual, not just the identities I explicitly represent. Since then, we’ve grown from a team of three full-time employees to five. As a team, we are committed to providing equal access to support and opportunities, making sure no one feels excluded. It might seem easier to foster inclusivity within a small team like ours, but larger organisations face a greater challenge. This is where understanding and embracing inclusivity, as it applies to your own context, becomes crucial. Working in a sector that interacts closely with underrepresented groups, it’s especially important to embody the core pillars of inclusivity: trust, respect, and curiosity . Representation also matters. When service users see their supporters advocating for diversity, they gain confidence in their own identities. This strengthens your connection with the community and enhances your overall ‘Impact’. To truly thrive, workplaces must create access and foster safe, supportive ecosystems. Sometimes, it’s the small changes that can make the biggest difference. For example, someone with a neurodivergent diagnosis might find the bright lights in an office overwhelming, or an individual from a different cultural background might feel uncomfortable with certain artwork. When we create safe spaces for these discussions, we empower employees to express their needs and make adjustments that foster inclusivity. Flexible working environments, which have become more common since the pandemic, are another great example. These arrangements have allowed many employees to be more productive, particularly those who struggled with more traditional setups. Creating a supportive ecosystem also involves building allyship  among colleagues. One effective way to do this is by offering team-wide cultural sensitivity, equity, and equality training  sessions, followed by actionable steps based on what’s learned. These trainings allow team members to better understand the diverse perspectives and backgrounds their colleagues come from, creating opportunities for deeper connection and empathy. By reducing biases within teams, these initiatives not only build stronger relationships but also empower individuals to stand up against bias and promote an inclusive, respectful workplace. Ultimately, inclusivity is about offering choice. It’s about giving employees the agency to decide what works best for them. When individuals truly feel they belong, they bring their best selves to work—and that’s when an organisation thrives. We’re excited to use this incredible initiative as an opportunity to support our member organisations by sharing our insights on this important topic. To celebrate National Inclusion Week, we’ll be featuring a Member Spotlight  series, highlighting organisations that have actively worked to make their workplaces more inclusive. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels to learn about the amazing efforts of local charities and the positive changes they’ve implemented. Not sure where to start on your inclusion journey? We’ve got you covered! We’re hosting an insightful panel discussion on "Impact through Inclusion,"  which will explore what it truly means to be inclusive. The panel will also provide practical tips and best practices to help you create an inclusive workplace that drives real, measurable impact. Register for our panel here . Additionally, we have listed some of the resources that you can use to learn more on this -  Neurodiversity Understanding and Awareness Training at 3SG by Toni Green  Join Diversity Trust’s Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion course:   https://www.diversitytrust.org.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/ Discover different toolkits by SARI -   https://saricharity.org.uk/resources/downloads-guides-toolkits/ Or look at the Employers’ Resources by SARI here -   https://saricharity.org.uk/get-help/employers/ Get connected with Unjumble to get EDI training for your organisation:   https://www.unjumble.co.uk/course-information Register for an EDI course to build your capability and understand fundamental EDI concepts and terminology:   https://shop.cipd.org/product?catalog=Equality-Diversity-and-inclusion-Essentials-Insights&_gl=1*df7cp2*_ga*MTM1OTM0MjA4Mi4xNzI0ODQyMTM5*_ga_D9HN5GYHYY*MTcyNDg0MjEzOS4xLjAuMTcyNDg0MjEzOS42MC4wLjA . Check out this guide for Employers to drive Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the organisation:   https://www.fitzgeraldhr.co.uk/equity-diversity-inclusion-work/ Explore AMRC’s EDI Resource hub:   https://www.amrc.org.uk/Pages/Category/edi-resource-hub?Take=40 Watch this Video on "Linguistic Expectations": Putting the right words into practice:   https://youtu.be/8ZeziXOn3BE

Bath & North East Somerset's Third Sector Group (3SG) is extremely excited to be able to host its second Volunteer Fair after the success of last year's event. This year, we will be returning to the Apex Hotel, Bath, on Friday, 18th October , where over 40 charities will be exhibiting alongside a full schedule of talks and workshops which will be held during the day, between 11 am - 4 pm. The event is aimed at strengthening the Volunteering offer across B&NES - and for people to find out about opportunities to support the amazing work being delivered by local charities and the positive benefits that brings to our communities. We saw over 200 local residents attend last year's Fair, and this year we hope to build on this impact - by moving the date to mid-October, and inviting the student communities in the area to come along. Another area we have been keen to build on is linking charities and businesses more effectively across B&NES and increasing awareness. As part of this mission, we will be getting up extra early to put on a charity and business breakfast, which will take place before the main event from 8 am - 10 am, also at the Apex Hotel. We will be hearing from exciting speakers about purposeful business, Off The Record will be showcasing what successful corporate connections look like and then the main event - where we will be matchmaking local businesses and charities, compered by Radio Bath. Business tickets are £15 and include tea, coffee and a light breakfast - we ask all businesses to get in touch via: contact@3sg.org.uk to register and to let us know what their current volunteering offer is, so that we can try to match the organisation with those attending. Spaces are limited, so we kindly ask for a maximum of two tickets per company. Stallholder spaces are now sold out, with a waiting list. Entry for residents to visit the Fair between 11 am - 4 pm is free of charge with refreshments available to purchase. Huge thanks go to our confirmed sponsors and supporters, Radio Bath, Bath Spa University, Riviam Digital Care, and Bath Unlimited. We hope that the day will celebrate all things volunteering and that the breakfast event will help broker some long lasting, meaningful local relationships. If the breakfast event is a success, we plan to run a larger scale event in 2025. Becky Brooks, Director at 3SG said: "Volunteering can help people in so many ways. From becoming more active, to meeting new people, learning new skills and offering valuable insight - all the while supporting a local charity that is going above and beyond to help residents. "We are really looking forward to hosting this large scale event once again and welcoming anyone with an interest in volunteering to join us at the Apex Hotel on the 18th October. Last year's event had such a great feel to it, and we can't wait to do it again, making new connections and ultimately strengthening volunteering in B&NES. Entry for residents is free and you will receive a very warm welcome." 3SG is a Third Sector infrastructure support charity, serving over 250 charities within its membership network. We offer 1:1 support, training, events, networking and advocacy with local authorities and the NHS, with special projects also running around social prescribing and social enterprise. For more information, visit: 3sg.org.uk or follow our socials  @banes3sg Photo caption: Join the 3SG team at the Volunteer Fair, which takes place on Friday, 18th October from 11 am - 4 pm. A special breakfast event for charities and businesses will take place from 8 am - 10 am. The 3SG team are pictured here: Becky Brooks (Director), Emma Huggill (Operations & Content Coordinator), Toni Green & Alfiya Khan (Project Managers) and David Jenkins (Social Prescribing Project Manager).

Bath Spa University is pleased to announce that the Bath Spa Works: Internships are back again for their sixth year! Bath Spa University has been amazed with the continuing success of the internship scheme in supporting both students and employers, and they are excited to have the opportunity to run it once again and to keep growing the Bath Spa Works: Internships network. From working with micro businesses and SMEs, to supporting the growth of charities, social enterprise, or a CIC, these internships not only support local businesses, these opportunities provide invaluable experiences to the students allowing them to enhance their key employability skills, which will set them apart in the ever-competitive Graduate labour market. Funding This year Bath Spa University are offering part - funded internships where you will have an opportunity to select one of their students for:    120 hours - funding contribution of £1,000   You will then be required to make up the remaining amount to ensure the student is paid the national minimum wage. The student will need to be added to your payroll and paid directly.  Employability Award (limited) This year, Bath Spa University is also able to offer a number of Employability Awards for 120 hours internships where the organisation meets the eligibility criteria. This eligibility criteria has been developed to support local small business and charities to access Bath Spa University's student talent where ordinarily, they may be unable to resource or fund this.     Although these internships are not required to be paid at national minimum wage, Bath Spa University is able to offer the successful student an Employability Award of £1,250  to go towards their work with you. This Award will be paid directly to the student by the university.    Eligibility will be captured and reviewed upon the submission of your proposal form. The outcome will be communicated to you via email by the Scheme Coordinator or an Employer Relations Advisor.   Interested? Here’s how to get involved:  Step 1: Complete this  Employer Proposal form (click here for link)  with an outline of your internship details. You must submit a proposal form  otherwise you will not be eligible to receive the funding as part of Bath Spa Works: Internships.  IMPORTANT: You must submit an Employer Proposal form  to be eligible to receive the funding as part of Bath Spa Works: Internships.   Step 2: Your form will be submitted to the Placements Team to review and approve if deemed appropriate (so please be as clear as possible in your description of the role). It can take up to 5-10 working days for forms to be reviewed.    Step 3: Once your Proposal Form has been reviewed by the Placements Team, they will be in touch with the outcome and next steps.  If/when your proposal has been approved, you will receive confirmation  from the Placements Team. This confirmation will be sent via email.    Step 4: Your opportunity will go live! This step is completed by the Placements Team, but if approved, you will receive further details on what the next steps are.     NB: Interested? Here’s how to get involved:    Step 1: Complete this  Employer Proposal form (click here for link)  with an outline of your internship details. You must submit a proposal form  otherwise you will not be eligible to receive the funding as part of Bath Spa Works: Internships.  IMPORTANT: You must submit an Employer Proposal form  to be eligible to receive the funding as part of Bath Spa Works: Internships.   Step 2: Your form will be submitted to the Placements Team to review and approve if deemed appropriate (so please be as clear as possible in your description of the role). It can take up to 5-10 working days for forms to be reviewed.    Step 3: Once your Proposal Form has been reviewed by the Placements Team, we will be in touch with the outcome and next steps.  If/when your proposal has been approved, you will receive confirmation  from the Placements Team. This confirmation will be sent via email.    Step 4: Your opportunity will go live! This step is completed by the Placements Team, but if approved, you will receive further details on what the next steps are.     NB: BSU have limited funding so won't be able to accept all proposals. Decisions will be based on the quality of the opportunity for students and the organisation's need.   IMPORTANT: You must submit an Employer Proposal form  to be eligible to receive the funding as part of Bath Spa Works: Internships.     This first intake  of proposals will be open from 9th September 2024 – 17th November 2024 . However, proposal closure will be subject to change (early or extended closure) as determined by funding available. Funding is offered on a first come first serve basis and will be available until exhausted.   Please take the time to read over the linked Bath Spa Works Internships: Employer Handbook here , and for any internships that involve remote working, we also encourage you to take the time to read over this  "Guide to working from home for students"  from ACAS. If you have any questions, please get in touch via placements@bathspa.ac.uk

We Hear You are delighted announce a new service offering to the local community, ‘WHYinwork’. We Hear You celebrates its 30th year supporting those impacted by cancer and life-threatening conditions in the communities they serve and feel the time has come to offer their specialism out to a new audience. WHYinwork has been created to help support employers to manage the impact of cancer and life-threatening conditions within their workforce. Every year in the UK more than 120,000 people of working-age (1) receive a cancer diagnosis. With this figure rising every organisation should be prepared, for the good of their employees and their business. WHY can help by offering seminars to support businesses to be prepared to support their employees. These seminars are particularly for managers and HR professionals. We Hear You can also provide bespoke in-house training for managers, along with offering specialist counselling and therapeutic support for employees. WHY have seminars coming up in Frome, Bath and online. To find out more please email the Business Development & Service Development Manager: info@whyinwork.co.uk or visit https://www.wehearyou.org.uk/whyinwork/ Upcoming Dates: 25th September 2024, 1:30pm-4:30pm at Rook Lane Chapel, Frome 27th November 2024, 1:30pm-4:30pm Online 22nd January 2025, 1:30pm-4:30pm Bath venue TBC 26th March 2025, 1:30pm-4:30 Online You can book your place on the Eventbrite page. WHYinwork Seminars are facilitated by Counsellor, Barbara Gonzalez, WHY’s CEO, Lucy Kitchener and Business and Services Development Manager and past service user, Claire Walker. We Hear You provide counselling and emotional support for patients, families, friends and carers who have been affected or bereaved by cancer or any other life-threatening condition, across Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire. All profits made from WHYinwork will be reinvested back into the charity. 1 - Cancer and Employment Survey Report, The Institute of Employment Studies and Working with Cancer, 2022

Local projects cutting carbon or tackling fuel poverty can now apply to the Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) Fund grant programme. This popular grant programme is back for its eleventh year, thanks to funding from BWCE as part of the work it does in supporting local communities. Applications for grants of up to £5,000 are invited before the 31 October 2024 deadline. Award-winning BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy projects and has since become one of the largest community-owned energy companies in the UK. As a Community Benefit Society it gives surplus income to the BWCE Fund, which is administered by Quartet Community Foundation giving grants to community groups and local environmental organisations. Earlier this year 10 projects in or near B&NES received £40,505 in funding to lower carbon emissions or address fuel poverty. These grants supported: Energy efficiency in community buildings and transport through installation of wifi heating controls, more efficient heating and insulation in buildings (Bishop Sutton Village Hall, Marksbury School, More Trees BANES); a topgraphical survey for a proposed new cycle route (Cycle Chippenham); and the development of a physical Climate Hub in Bath (Climate Hub Bath & North East Somerset) Environmental Education through investment in a thermal imaging camera to help people to learn how to save energy and reduce fuel costs (Freshford and Limpley Stoke Home Energy Group); HOW TO Reduce Waste Project in rural schools (Bath Share & Repair); work tackling food waste and poverty, providing free meal events using surplus food from suppliers (Bath Community Kitchen) and a paid freelance worker to develop projects and volunteer recruitment and retention (Transition Bath). Domestic energy efficiency through provision of energy saving winter warmth items for people affected by poverty and disadvantage (Genesis Trust) Jane Wildblood, Chair of Trustees for BWCE Fund, said: “This is a critical decade for taking action on the climate emergency and we are delighted to be able to support local organisations that are reducing carbon emissions and/or tackling fuel poverty. Our funds are provided by BWCE, a member owned community business that generates clean, renewable, community energy. Thanks to BWCE, since 2014, the fund has awarded 101 grants worth over £315,000 through this grant programme”. Quartet Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Manager, Angela Emms said: “We’re delighted to continue working with the BWCE Fund. As charities are facing both increasing costs and increasing demands, this grant programme has the double benefit of supporting projects which reduce carbon emissions or tackle fuel poverty. Carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects; it might include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction or indeed any activity that reduces carbon emissions. This year we would particularly welcome applications relating to fuel poverty/affordable warmth, ensuring that everyone can access and afford energy this winter.” Case study – Warm Kits to help people affected by Fuel Poverty for Genesis Trust A grant of £4,500 from Bath & West Community Energy Fund grant programme, has provided items including slow cookers, hats, gloves, flasks, power banks, duvets, blankets, double glazing sheets, coal, kindling and waterproof items such as gloves and socks. Kelly Hall, Genesis Trust: “We supplied items to help people keep warm and reduce their energy bills across the colder months via both Life Projects and Bath Foodbank. During this time we supported a range of individuals and families affected by poverty, homelessness and other disadvantage. This year we trialed a new way of proving warm kits, focusing on what people actually needed instead of distributing a set of pre-defined items. The needs varied between those who were homeless, those living on boats and those in accommodation. It was wonderful to be able to tailor our support to meet the needs of individuals. We were delighted to be able to work closely with local suppliers like Francis DIY to order and receive items on a rolling basis to meet the need. The project has reduced energy costs at the same time as reducing their carbon footprints. We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Bath and West Community Energy Fund.” Find out more and apply before 31 October Groups are invited to apply to the BWCE Fund grant programme before 1pm on Thursday 31 October 2024. Interested projects need to apply through the Quartet Community Foundation website: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grants/bath-west- community-energy-grant/ Full details of the grants awarded in previous years can be found on BWCE’s website https://www.bwce.coop/community-fund/

Below is a selection of current funding opportunities available to charitable organisations across B&NES. The 22 opportunities below are listed in order of closing date, and separated into two sections; Local and National. Local Opportunities Severn Trent Community Fund 🪙 Between £2,000 and £200,000 Local charities, volunteer and community groups, schools, colleges and local authority or parish councils in the Severn Trent Water region can apply for grants to support new local community projects. Projects must help people lead healthier lifestyles, gain new skills, create better places to live in and use, and protect the natural environment. Match funding is required for applications over £10,000. Deadline: Apply by Sunday 13th October for applications up to £10,000, or by Sunday 10th November for applications between £10,001 and £200,000 - Find Out More The Sperring Charity 🪙 Unspecified The Sperring Charity offers financial support to the people and organisations of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas. Any local club, organisation, school, community group or individual can make an application for a grant. Deadline: Thursday 24th October - Find Out More Radstock and Westfield Big Local Dragon's Den 🪙  Up to £1,000 Residents, groups and organisations are invited to apply to take part to win up to £1,000 each – and make good things happen in these communities within Radstock and Westfield. Deadline: 17:00 on Monday 28th October - Find Out More Quartet Community Foundation - Bath & West Community Energy Fund Grant 🪙 £5,000 The Bath & West Low Carbon Fund (‘the BWCE Fund’) funds community projects in Bath and the surrounding area, to help reduce carbon emissions and/or tackles fuel poverty. Carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects; it might also include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction or indeed any activity that reduces carbon emissions.  Deadline: Opens on Thursday 19th September, and closes on Thursday 31st October - Find Out More National Opportunities The Legal and General Health Equity Fund 🪙 £75,000 In partnership with the UCL Institute of Health Equity, Legal & General has announced the launch of a £3m ‘Health Equity’ Fund, designed to support projects run by organisations (e.g., charities, social enterprises, community groups) across the UK that address health inequalities. £3 million fund to place-based projects that address the social determinants of health: non-medical social and economic factors, such as housing, education, infrastructure, or quality of work. Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Friday 6th September - Find Out More The Prudence Trust - Early Support Hubs 🪙 £250,000 to £500,000 Funding is available to support drop-in hubs that offer mental health interventions to young people aged 11-25. The funding aims to support young people's early support hubs in maintaining existing services, strengthening relationships with clinical partners, or adding new services. The opportunity is open to UK-registered charities or CICs with an annual income of over £1 million and at least three years of experience delivering a drop-in hub. Deadline: 14:00 on Monday 9th September - Find Out More The W G Edwards Charitable Foundation 🪙 £1,000 to £3,000 This grant-making charity assists large and small organisations with the provision of care and aims to improve the wellbeing of older people (65+). Funding can be used for Capital projects, refurbishment and for equipment, in addition to innovative schemes for ongoing care and projects, such as IT for the elderly, fitness classes, lunch clubs, and gardening projects. Deadline: Tuesday 10th September - Find Out More Change X - World Mental Health Day Community Fund 🪙 Up to £1,600 per project Funding is available for projects that positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of your community. This could be a future project, or one you have already started. Successful applicants will be informed by October 31st. Deadline: Sunday 22nd September - Find Out More The Fat Beehive Foundation 🪙 Up to £2,500 Charities with an average annual income under £400k are eligible for funding to help them improve their online digital presence. Funding will help organisations to build websites and apps, digitise services, and purchase digital products. This funding round will be given priority to applications from organisations working in Environmental Protection or climate change mitigation. Deadline: 17:00 on Friday 27th September - Find Out More The Leathersellers’ Small Grants Programme 2024-25 🪙 Up to £5,000 Funding is available for charities with an income up to £200k who support vulnerable and disadvantaged people. Applications will open on Monday 30th September and will close when 40 submissions are received - Find Out More The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust 🪙 £1,000 - £50,000 Funding is available for charities supporting rural development, particularly the education of young people and the relief of poverty within rural areas. Larger grants are used to support organisations that significantly impact rural communities at a national level. Projects supported in the past have ranged from City farms, Federations of Young Farmers Clubs and farming Community Networks. Deadline: Friday 4th October - Find Out More McCarthy Stone Foundation - Christmas Connections Fund 🪙 Up to £750 Grants available for small charities (income under £250k) and community groups bringing together people over 65 at Christmas. Christmas Connections grants are for organisations connecting older people between 9th December – 2nd Jan, priority will be given to those organisations working in deprived areas and where activities are taking place over the Christmas holiday period. At least 40 grants will be awarded. Deadline: 17:00 on Friday 11th October - Find Out More The Linder Foundation 🪙 No funding amount is given UK charities are invited to apply for funding to deliver projects that bring about genuine social change in their communities. Projects should aim to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people, protect and enhance the natural world, and support and champion the arts. Deadline: Thursday 31st October - Find Out More The Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation 🪙 Up to £6,000 Funding is available for charities that either benefit children through education or welfare, support young adults in socially deprived areas, reduce isolation and the effects of dementia by supporting the elderly. Deadline: 17:00 on Thursday 31st October, ahead of the next quarterly meeting in December - Find Out More Screwfix Foundation 🪙 Up to £5,000 Grants of up to £5,000 are available to local charities and not-for-profit organisations for projects that will fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities for those in need. Applications are reviewed every quarter.  Deadline: Sunday 10th November - Find Out More The Tree Council - The Branching Out Fund 🪙 Between £250 and £2,500 Branching Out provides grants ranging from £250 to £2,500 in value to community groups, schools, small registered charities, and Tree Warden Networks – with a quicker decision for those seeking funding below £500. Grants are to help get communities and young people up to the age of 21 involved in planting and caring for trees, hedges and orchards. Deadline: Midnight on Sunday 1st December - Find Out More The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund 🪙 Up to or over £9,000 Funding is available to help children and adults suffering from severe learning difficulties and autism. Grants can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works as well and cover project and core costs. Deadline: The next deadline for applications seeking funding over £9,000 is the 1st December 2024. Applications for £9,000 and below can be submitted at any time - Find Out More National Churches Trust – Medium grants 🪙 £3,000 up to £10,000 This programme offers medium sized grants towards urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. Also project development and investigative work up to RIBA planning stage 1, to support churches preparing for a major project, and in developing their project to the point at which they can approach a major grant funder. Deadline: Tuesday 17th December - Find Out More Arts Council England - National Portfolio Creative People and Places funding 2026-29 🪙 B etween £750,000 and £1 million The aim of the Fund is to support arts projects in places where involvement in the arts is significantly below the national average. The Arts Council is keen to encourage long-term collaborations between local communities and arts organisations, museums, libraries and local authorities. Match funding of 15% is required. Deadline: Thursday 16th January 2025 - Find Out More Foyle Foundation – Small Grants Scheme 🪙 £2,000 up to £10,000 Funding is available for smaller charities with an annual income of less than £150,000, particularly those working at grass roots or local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Deadline: Friday 31st January 2025 - Find Out More Trusthouse Charitable Foundation 🪙 Between £10,000 - £100,000 Voluntary sector organisations working on the frontlines of family support can apply for core costs, salaries, running expenses, and project costs. Priority is given to organisations with an annual income up to £500,000 located in, or serving areas of high deprivation. Focus areas include family support in deprived communities, with particular interest in early intervention programmes, families coping with addiction, and assistance for prisoners' families. No deadline - Find Out More Paul Hamlyn Foundation – Youth Fund 🪙 Up to £150,000 over three years Funding is available for organisations working in an asset-based way, with young people (14-25) to drive change so that future generations of young people can thrive. Eligible organisations must have an annual income over £30,000 but under £3.5m. Rolling application deadline - Find Out More --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More funding opportunities can be found via the BaNES Funding Finder - Click Here 3SG member organisations also benefit from free access to our Funds Online  account, allowing you to search a library of over 8,000 funders giving a combined total of £8 billion. If you're a member,  head to the Resources page here to find out more.  You can find out more about 3SG membership here , or get in touch via contact@3sg.org.uk

Alcohol Identification and Brief Advice   Alcohol IBA is a free short course which is available to all those working in a professional or volunteer capacity in B&NES. Do you sometimes come across people who might benefit from brief alcohol advice? Do you know where people can access information, advice, and support with their drinking? This course aims to provide professionals and volunteers in Bath & North East Somerset with the tools and confidence to identify if individuals are drinking above lower risk levels, give simple, brief advice, and make referrals to appropriate services where necessary.   Learning outcomes: Understand the alcohol unit system and apply it to individual consumption. Use and interpret an alcohol screening tool. Communicate brief advice effectively and confidently with individuals about their alcohol use. Improve the knowledge of individuals on the physical, social, and psychological effects of alcohol in a way that supports change. Make appropriate referrals to local services for those experiencing problems with alcohol.   Duration: Online, 1.5 hours Sign up: To register to attend the training please follow the below links.     Wednesday 25th September 2024 https://bit.ly/4cwy2oP Thursday 24th October 2024 https://bit.ly/3zMQ7jC Thursday 28th November 2024 https://bit.ly/4eY4rpD Wednesday 18th December 2024 https://bit.ly/4cxSlBX   For more information about the training, or if you have any queries, please email leanne_sheppard@bathnes.gov.uk

Clearly PR, Bath’s largest PR agency and Winner of the South West PR Consultancy of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2023, is pleased to offer  free 30-minute consultations  to members of the 3SG network. Small charities dramatically outnumber large in the UK, but you have important stories to tell that the public want and need to hear. Public exposure will also help to push your cause and fundraising drive. However, your resources and funds are extremely limited, forcing PR down the agenda and onto the ‘nice to have’ list. Our free consultations are designed to help you identify  how PR could support you to achieve your organisation’s key goals  and provide helpful pointers on potential angles and strategies to get you started. The 30-minute session will help you: Identify 2-3 stories from within your charity that the media will be interested in. Learn how to use these stories and turn them into media opportunities. Gain a greater understanding of how to build your brand and bottom line with PR. Sessions are on a first-come basis. Read more and book here .