Ahead of the upcoming general election on July 4th, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) have compiled in-depth guidance for charities to prepare and ensure our voices are heard. As part of this, NCVO have launched The Voluntary Sector Manifesto, which sets out a "vision for change, created by the sector, for the sector" (NCVO). The manifesto has been created with the collective input of NCVO and ACEVO's 17,000 members. NCVO are encouraging all charities and voluntary organisations to make use of the manifesto as a tool to start conversations with political parties and inform your campaigning. The manifesto aims to harness a collective vision, as well as reiterating what the sector needs from a future government to tackle some of societies biggest issues. It may provide a useful starting point for all Third Sector organisations advocating for change in the lead up to the election and beyond. The full manifesto can be found here. NCVO have also published free, detailed guidance on political campaigning for charities - click here. Further resources: Local law firm, Stone King, have published a recorded Q&A on Charity and Election Law for Campaign Charities - click here to watch. Lloyds Bank Foundation have released an in-depth guide for small and local charities preparing for a general election - click here to read the PDF. The Directory of Social Change's Director of Policy and Research has published a blog with key dates and information for charities to be aware of in the lead up to the election - click here to read. The Charity Commission has published new guidance for charities on campaigning during an election - click here.

Making volunteering programs accessible improves the likelihood of bringing in a diverse group of volunteers, which naturally encourages fresh ideas and perspectives within those organisations. This helps charities better represent the communities they serve. Welcoming everyone to volunteer also benefits the volunteers themselves, providing chances to learn new skills and work with people from different backgrounds. Studies show that organisations with above-average diversity and levels of engagement outperform organisations with below-average diversity and engagement by 46% to 56%*. Being inclusive in volunteering strengthens trust and relevance between charities and communities. When volunteer teams reflect the diversity of the people they support, it sends a powerful and welcoming message of inclusivity and understanding. This, in turn, can strengthen the bonds between charities and the communities they aim to support, fostering deeper connections and more effective outreach efforts. Exploring the benefits that accessible volunteering opportunities offer to volunteers themselves can shed light on the personal growth and development that can occur through such experiences. By providing opportunities for skill-building and collaboration across diverse groups, volunteering becomes not only a means of giving back but also a pathway to personal and professional enrichment. Volunteers may develop new skills, expand their networks, and gain valuable insights into different perspectives, ultimately contributing to their own growth and fulfilment. Current statistics suggest that only 27% of non-profits have a diversity and inclusion plan for volunteers*. To attract a diverse range of volunteers and foster inclusivity, organisations should: Make volunteering accessible to bring new ideas and perspectives, making charities more representative of communities. Ensure recruitment processes are inclusive, using plain language and providing materials in different languages. Remove barriers for people with disabilities by identifying and accommodating their needs. Offer flexible volunteering times to accommodate different schedules. Use respectful language when discussing disabilities. Utilise technology to improve communication and volunteer management. Consider offering virtual volunteering opportunities for those with transportation or mobility challenges. Seek support from organisations working with under-represented groups. Make reasonable adjustments to accommodate volunteers' needs, following Equality Act guidelines. These are just a few examples of how we can create a more inclusive and accessible environment for volunteers to thrive. In summary, by exploring diversity, representation, and personal growth, we can see how accessible volunteering can benefit both organisations and volunteers in many ways. Recommended additional reading: 5. Experiences with diversity and volunteering - Time Well Spent: Diversity and volunteering | News index | NCVO Promoting-Equality-and-Diversity-in-Volunteering.pdf (volunteernow.co.uk) Diversity in volunteering | Spark a Change *www.volunteerhub.com/blog/diversity-and-inclusion-are-important-for-a-volunteer-program

In celebration of Volunteers' Week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers helping communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. In order to champion the contribution of our volunteers, and give recognition for all they do, 3SG has spoken to several local volunteers to hear their stories. Each day over Volunteers' Week (June 3rd - 7th), we will be sharing a unique volunteer story. On behalf of all charities, community groups and Third Sector organisations of Bath & North East Somerset - Thank You to all those who give up their time to volunteer. We hope by sharing these spotlights, we can highlight your efforts and inspire others to get involved. Nigel Today's volunteer spotlight features the extensive volunteering experiences of Nigel, a retired engineering professional, who has been involved with the charitable sector for nearly 50 years, both within the UK and overseas. Nigel has volunteered in a variety of roles and organisations, including multiple trustee and chair roles. He has helped out at organisations including: Oasis Trust, Community Money Advice, Newfrontiers Trust, Beloved, Hope for Tomorrow Global, Share & Repair, a Brighton church, and last but not least, Nigel founded and chaired Blissymbolics Communication! His commitment to the voluntary sector is outstanding - read on to hear more about Nigel's experiences and insights. What motivates you to volunteer? To contribute to the empowerment and reinstatement of dignity to those often seen as being on the margins of society, who are poor or in need. What have you learnt from your experiences? The importance of listening and empathy, learning from those who are the 'experts' in poverty by dint of their circumstances i.e. those who some call 'clients' but I prefer to think of as people in need. Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share? More the joy of seeing people uplifted and living in improved circumstances. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? Always be a learner. Listen to those you are seeking to help. Enjoy it and have lots of laughs! What is your favourite thing about volunteering? That I may have made a small difference to someone's life -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s. Upcoming drop in sessions: Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 4th July Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 26th June and 31st July Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 24th June and 29th July To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis. Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.

In celebration of Volunteers' Week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers helping communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. In order to champion the contribution of our volunteers, and give recognition for all they do, 3SG has spoken to several local volunteers to hear their stories. Each day over Volunteers' Week (June 3rd - 7th), we will be sharing a unique volunteer story. On behalf of all charities, community groups and Third Sector organisations of Bath & North East Somerset - Thank You to all those who give up their time to volunteer. We hope by sharing these spotlights, we can highlight your efforts and inspire others to get involved. In Day Three's feature, we'd like to showcase the amazing work and volunteer practices of local volunteer-led organisation, RSVP West. RSVP West RSVP West are part of Volunteering Matters, a national charity which aims to build strong communities. RSVP West recruit retirees who help out at local schools by supporting children to gain confidence and skills in their reading. We spoke to Joan, RSVP West's B&NES Schools Organiser, to find out more about their volunteer practices and aims. Tell us a little bit about your organisation? RSVP West supports volunteers through a number of projects. The one operating in B&NES recruits retirees who see the importance of reading and enjoy the company of children enabling them to develop their skills in reading and enjoy books. How are volunteers involved in your organisation? RSVP West has no salaried staff. It is entirely run by volunteers to staff the office, fund raise , develop communications and organise projects including the Schools Project. Organisers recruit and place volunteers in schools as well as train and support them. How many volunteers does your organisation have? 650 in total, 95 school volunteers, 20 in B&NES. Volunteers are essential to our organisation's work. What kind of tasks, duties and activities do your volunteers typically take on? Our reading volunteers commit to a limited but regular amount of time in a local school to help children gain confidence, skill and enjoyment of reading. What do you think motivates your volunteers to get involved? Our school volunteers typically gain pleasure from being with young people as well as from reading themselves. They recognise reading as a crucial life skill and want to help enrich pupils' futures. Do you offer any volunteer benefits and rewards? Our volunteers have insurance cover, free training including a Handbook. They can opt to receive a twice yearly Newsletter, attend coffee networking meetings and an annual lunch. They also receive a thank you card after 5 and 10 years of service. Do you have any tips for recruiting and retaining volunteers? Anything that works for your organisation? As a charity with limited funds, we are unable to pay for advertising. Word of mouth and advertising in free newspapers tend to work regarding recruitment, and the reward initiatives above help retention. Volunteers enjoy meeting others at the social events too. What advice would you give for fellow organisations/ Volunteer Managers? Retaining volunteers has become crucial particularly since COVID, and hence keeping in touch and showing appreciation are vital. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? It is essential to find an activity that you enjoy and can carry out on a relatively individual basis. Schools are very busy places and one needs to find satisfaction from being with and supporting pupils . What is your favourite thing about volunteering? As a volunteer organiser , I very much enjoy recruiting new volunteers who are keen to help increase literacy especially with those pupils who are struggling to learn. You can find out more about RSVP West here: https://rsvp-west.org.uk/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If your organisation is also seeking volunteers in Bath & North East Somerset, we would recommend firstly advertising on the B&NES Community Volunteer Service. Make sure you're utilising multiple avenues and spreading you r message far and wide. Facebook groups, like-minded organisations, community noticeboards are just a few places to start. For inspiration on rewarding and incentivising your volunteers, check out our blog post here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s. Upcoming drop in sessions: Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 6th June and 4th July Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 26th June and 31st July Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 24th June and 29th July To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis. Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.

In celebration of Volunteers' Week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers helping communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. In order to champion the contribution of our volunteers, and give recognition for all they do, 3SG has spoken to several local volunteers to hear their stories. Each day over Volunteers' Week (June 3rd - 7th), we will be sharing a unique volunteer story. On behalf of all charities, community groups and Third Sector organisations of Bath & North East Somerset - Thank You to all those who give up their time to volunteer. We hope by sharing these spotlights, we can highlight your efforts and inspire others to get involved. Sarah To mark Day 2 of Volunteers' Week, we're thrilled to share some volunteering insights from Sarah. Sarah started volunteering as a teenager for her Duke of Edinburgh award, helping to sort through clothing donations each Saturday at Oxfam. She has also volunteered as a steward for Oxfam at Glastonbury Festival, and has helped out at a hostel in Greece. Since graduating from  a design course in London, she has been working part time for a local charity in Bath, managing their social media, and enjoys creative projects in her spare time. What motivates you to volunteer? It’s a fun way to do something unusual or interesting that you wouldn’t normally have the possibility to do! You meet many new people and get the added benefit of feeling good that you’re helping a cause. What have you learnt from your experiences? A lot because each time I’ve volunteered has been doing something that was outside of my comfort zone. Everyone is friendly and most volunteering opportunities will say yes. Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share? They were all really good experiences so it’s hard to pick one. I really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes of the charity shop when I was a teenager. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? Go for it! If you don’t like it you can always leave and find a different volunteering role, there is nothing holding you to do it. What is your favourite thing about volunteering? Meeting new people, and trying new things! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s. Upcoming drop in sessions: Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 6th June and 4th July Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 26th June and 31st July Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 24th June and 29th July To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis. Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.

In celebration of Volunteers' Week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers helping communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. In order to champion the contribution of our volunteers, and give recognition for all they do, 3SG has spoken to several local volunteers to hear their stories. Each day over Volunteers' Week (June 3rd - 7th), we will be sharing a unique volunteer story. On behalf of all charities, community groups and Third Sector organisations of Bath & North East Somerset - Thank You to all those who give up their time to volunteer. We hope by sharing these spotlights, we can highlight your efforts and inspire others to get involved. Karen Our first volunteer, Karen, is a retired nurse who has experience of volunteering in a range of different roles and organisations, including H.U.G.S charity shop (for RUH), National Trust at Lacock Abbey, Share and Repair, and as Secretary at Box WI. Read on to hear more about Karen's experiences, motivations and advice. What motivates you to volunteer? I enjoy helping people, sometimes passing on knowledge for them to be able to fix things in the future (share & repair). Talking to people, mixing with all sorts of people including other volunteers. Getting out and about. Different experiences in different places. What have you learnt from your experiences? It is worth giving things a go and you virtually always get something nice out of the experience, either finding really nice people to share the experience with. Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share? When I went to help at Bath University Students Union with my sewing machine, there were so many broken jeans zips, we couldn’t possibly have fixed them all in the time there, so I had my quick unpick and I showed everyone how to unpick the zips where to buy a quick unpick and to bring them back to be fixed at any share and repair cafe. Some of the students took photographs and hopefully will remember how to fix things in the future. There are so many lovely moments the cosy spaces I helped at too, where we literally made about 15 draught excluders in a very short space of time, I couldn’t believe it. I also help with children’s events and that is very rewarding- seeing their enthusiasm and motivating them is priceless. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? Give things a go, and if the first experience isn’t right for you then try something else, the opportunities are endless. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s. Upcoming drop in sessions: Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 6th June and 4th July Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 26th June and 31st July Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 24th June and 29th July To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis. Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.

On average there are four volunteers for every paid member of staff in a small charity.* Undoubtedly, the impact of volunteers cannot be underestimated; they are the backbone of the voluntary sector. With this in mind, it's important to regularly review and improve how we reward and incentivise our volunteers for their dedication and commitment. Ultimately, an appreciated volunteer workforce is not only excellent for morale, but makes recruiting new volunteers and retaining existing ones much easier. There are a number of initiatives on offer that help you to thank your volunteers at no/low-cost. These schemes are also a great way to strengthen your volunteer offering and attract new volunteers. We've collated a few below. - Room to Reward: A unique and tangible volunteer recognition offer, whereby unsold hotel rooms are matched with charity volunteers who have gone above and beyond, allowing them a well-deserved break - free of charge. Register your charity to receive a limited number of nominations annually, which you can use to reward and thank your most inspirational volunteers. Find out more here. - Charity Worker Discounts: Your volunteers can access exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers for a wide range of outlets, enabling them to save money on everything from their food shops, to summer holidays, and car breakdown cover. Find out more here. - Free Comedy Tickets at Komedia: 3SG member organisations benefit from free tickets to Komedia's Krater Comedy Club every Saturday. Why not treat your volunteers to a fun evening of free entertainment, by offering them the option to request tickets for a date of their choosing? Click here to request tickets. Big thanks to Komedia for this! - Offer Training and Development Opportunities: All residents within Bath and North East Somerset who currently volunteer, or would like to, are eligible for free volunteer training. You can check out the courses here. You could also offer to sign them up to low-cost Charity Job courses or one of the Open University's free courses. - Foster Virtual Engagement: Allow your volunteers a space to get to know each other, share stories and encourage connections. This could take the form of creating a Facebook group for them, sending out regular volunteer newsletters via Mailerlite, and spotlighting your volunteers achievements via social media spotlights to say Thank You. The little things can have a big impact; sometimes volunteers don't realise the difference they've made until someone else points it out and says 'Hey, look what you've done!'. - Celebrate Volunteer Anniversaries and Milestones: This could take the form of award ceremonies, such as the one held by the Bath Racecourse Vaccination Centre in February 2022. This celebratory event recognised the contribution of many volunteers, with special thanks paid to star volunteer Susanne Haselgrove, who was presented with flowers and interviewed on BBC Radio Somerset to share her experience of completing over 100 volunteer shifts. Incentivising through physical or online volunteer leader boards, milestone celebrations and certificates, or simply taking the time to send special, personal thanks on volunteer anniversaries, can really help to motivate and recognise your volunteers for their amazing contributions. There are many ways to reward and incentivise your volunteers, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a particular way that you like to say Thank You to your volunteers, we'd love to hear it! Get in touch at contact@3sg.org.uk and we'll give you a shout out 😊 * Small Charities Data

Christmas Challenge 2024 At Big Give, Christmas always comes early. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign. For seven days, supporters of participating charities can double their donations and, in doing so, make an extraordinary difference to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Why should you apply? Expand Your Donor Base: 95% of charities report receiving donations from new supporters during the campaign. Boost Donations: 76% of charities have a significant increase in donations compared to similar fundraising efforts. Strengthen Relationships: 91% of charities develop relationships with new supporters and 96% report the campaign helps strengthen bonds with existing supporters. Access Funding: In 2023, 93% of eligible charities received funding offers from Big Give’s partners. View our 2024 Champions with more to be announced soon. Key Dates Applications for Christmas Challenge 2024 are now open and close 5pm Friday 5th July. Big Give encourages early submissions to allow ample time for pledge collection. Detailed campaign and application information can be found on the Christmas Challenge page. Join the Webinar Big Give are hosting a webinar on Wednesday June 5th, from 12pm -1pm with tips and advice on completing your Christmas Challenge application and an opportunity to ask questions. Sign up for the webinar to find out more.

Social Economy West Project is a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority initiative, led by Business West. It is designed to support Third Sector organisations, social enterprises, and co-operatives to grow and be resilient amid the cost-of-living crisis. 3SG, alongside CVS South Gloucestershire and VOSCUR in Bristol, have been delivering the project in the South West region. The project aims to provide organisations with the resources, expertise, and guidance so you can: Explore opportunities for growth Effectively manage increasing demand on services Build economic resilience and enhance environmental sustainability Manage risk more effectively Diversify income streams The project started in January 2024, and since then we have been working with organisations who come from various spaces within the Third Sector. They all represent their own unique and exciting growth prospects. We have had a busy start, with 3SG providing initial 1-2-1 support to organisations, as well as designing the future of the project. As of this quarter, we have launched a survey to help us plan for hosting demand-led workshops on specific subjects. The survey addresses identified gaps regarding social economy support in the region and reflects our approach to this programme of providing tailored support. We have our first event coming up on June 27th at Newark Works from 5:30-7:00 pm. It is in partnership with the Bath Social Impact network. The June In-person Networking event: From Start-up to Survival; Everything you need to know about Social Economy, will explore national and local context and hear more from the experts about it. You can register for the event with the link attached here. At 3SG we believe that the programme will help us to strengthen connections between entrepreneurs and communities. As the project goes on, we are keen to assist organisations through offering: 1-2-1 coaching and support Demand-led themed workshops Expert mentoring from social entrepreneurs We will continue to update our members about our progress and soon you can access the programme details from a landing page on our website. This programme builds upon the work 3SG has already done with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and the Bath Social Impact Network. Local organisations are looking at ways to be more sustainable, and Social Economy West is an exciting opportunity to showcase what we can do here in B&NES. We are really looking forward to assisting more local organisations and celebrating their achievements through this project. To apply for the programme please submit your application here. Our Project Manager, Alfiya Khan, is working on this project under the leadership of our Director, Becky Brooks.  For more information and any queries, please do not hesitate to email: alfiya@3sg.org.uk. More from us about the programme coming soon…. Note: The programme is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, via the UK Government through UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Growth Hub is led by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to support organisations across the region​.

As of Wednesday 15th May 2024 I have been in post for 8 weeks. Time has flown by, but at the same time it feels like I have been with 3SG for a great deal longer. The team have welcomed me with open arms, and it is a privilege to be a part of such a great group of people. I knew within my first week that I had landed a great opportunity. The role has certainly been a steep learning curve, but a curve I have enjoyed climbing. I have lost count of the number of individuals/organisations I have met (reconciliation TBC). A couple of weeks ago it was 60+ so this gives you an idea of the number of engagements I’ve had in my short time here. Everyone I have met has been excited about the project, and this has given me an energy and a purpose to make a difference in this space. A big thank you to all of you. The Social Prescribing (SP) project aims to: • To create a vision for SP within B&NES. • Develop a framework and/or strategy including communications • Demonstrate impact / outcomes on the effectiveness of SP • To be flexible to the need as the project progresses. In early May the project’s steering group met for the first time at Keynsham Civic Centre. I presented to the group on progress to date, strengths of the existing offer and what challenges and areas of improvements stakeholders have suggested. The conversation certainly did flow, and people provided some great insight into their experiences within this space. We all acknowledged that this area of work is challenging and the landscape Is highly complex. There is an abundance of activities, yet public infrastructure and individuals confidence/anxieties can hinder attendance and throughput. A buddy system was discussed as a potential solution, and this will form part of the next meeting’s discussions. As a group we were also fortunate to hear from a researcher at The University of Bath, who outlined their current research and plans moving forward. This is a great opportunity for collaboration between research and the great work happening on the ground. I will keep people updated with any progress. On reflection, I have grappled with the term ‘Prescribing’, as I feel it doesn’t provide people with a ‘choice’. If we are promoting person centred support, I do feel people need support to make decisions for themselves. On this subject, I have a draft definition that I would love to hear your feedback on: I’m not suggesting we change the term ‘Social Prescribing’. I’m just suggesting an alternative that resonates with people better, and certainly doesn’t confuse people. What word/s do you associate with ‘prescribing’? I have also been fortunate enough to be invited to other projects/events. Recently I attended the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) workshop as part of the Twerton & Whiteway Community Network. It was an amazing chance to meet so many great people, and Cormac Russell, the workshop lead, was inspiring. You can watch his TedX Exeter talk here. I’m excited to see how this progresses within the community. In addition, I attended St Monica’s Impact Alliance meeting in late April. The vision is ‘To make loneliness a stranger’. There were some great presentations, and discussions throughout the evening. I have a further meeting next week, so again I will update you all next time. Hopefully this will include some time frames for when funding applications will be open; fingers crossed. Thanks again for all your engagement. Let’s help give people the best chance of living their best lives. If you would like to get in touch with David about anything Social Prescribing related, please email david@3sg.org.uk

I can't believe it has been two years at 3SG already. Moving into this Sector has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding for me - and I feel very grateful to be surrounded by some incredible organisations and people who are achieving so much for the good of others, often with limited resources. The Third Sector in B&NES is strong, and whilst the landscape is difficult to navigate at times, we are better for working together and supporting one another. To that end, I'd like to say thanks to the amazing team here at 3SG for their hard work and dedication - and to the 3SG board of Trustees for their support and guidance. They make it truly wonderful to come to work every day. Here's to the year ahead. Becky Brooks, 3SG Director

The countdown is on to Volunteers' Week 2024! The national celebration takes places annually in the first week of June, to commend the amazing contributions volunteers make to their communities. Volunteers' Week is the perfect opportunity to recognise, celebrate, and pay thanks to our incredible volunteers! Volunteering continues to be an important part of society, not only for charitable organisations working hard to meet demand and provide vital support to communities and individuals, but for the wellbeing of the volunteers themselves, who benefit from increased confidence and new skills. In 2021/22, an estimated 14.2 million people volunteered through an organisation or group in the UK, and more than half of the population is involved in informal volunteering*, meaning their contributions can often go unseen and unrecognised by many. Taking the time to celebrate their efforts, during Volunteers' Week and beyond, is therefore vital. It goes without saying that volunteers are the backbone of the sector, and we are thankful for them every week of the year. At 3SG, we are encouraging our members to take this chance to showcase our collective gratitude for the wonderful volunteers of Bath and North East Somerset. We know how busy you are doing incredible work in our local communities, so we’ve put together this guide with ideas and resources for celebrating Volunteers’ Week. So, what can your voluntary organisation do to get involved? Celebrate your volunteers and raise awareness of their contributions: Sending Thank You cards or small Thank You gifts; this could involve reaching out to local commercial connections to see if they have free products of gift cards they'd be happy to donate as volunteer gifts, exploring what volunteer incentive or reward programmes currently exist, utilising 3SG's free Komedia Tickets offer (3SG members only), or simply downloading Volunteers' Week templates for Thank You cards to share a simple token of gratitude. Organising a volunteers' social; arranging a get-together to socialise provides your volunteers with the opportunity to relax, make connections and meet friends in a fun and informal setting. This could be a celebratory event such as The Big Lunch (1-2 June), a picnic, or an activity outing. Spotlight volunteer efforts and stories; share more about your volunteers on social media, in your newsletters, and maybe even reach out to a local radio or newspaper to shine a light and celebrate your volunteers hard work. Celebrating milestones; presenting certificates for length of service or other milestones reached can help your volunteers to feel appreciated and inspire others. Utilise official Volunteers' Week communications; make the most of the national conversation around volunteering to promote what your volunteers are doing, and what prospective volunteers can get involved in. Amplify your message by re-sharing official Volunteers' Week social media posts alongside your content. Utilise hashtags to reach wider audiences, and ask supporters and stakeholders to re-share. Downloadable Volunteer Certificates and Thank You cards: https://volunteersweek.org/get-involved/resources/saying-thank-you/ Downloadable resources for styling your Volunteers’ Week events: https://volunteersweek.org/get-involved/resources/decorating/ Volunteers' Week Social Media guide: https://volunteersweek.org/get-involved/for-organisations/using-social-media/ Volunteers' Week Social media graphics: https://volunteersweek.org/get-involved/resources/using-social-media/ Develop your volunteer programme: Revamp your volunteer adverts to attract wider audiences; ensure you're using inclusive language, clearly describing the roles and requirements, whilst also showcasing what you have to offer and why your organisation is a great place to volunteer Organise 'taster' sessions or inductions days for prospective volunteers to dip their toe in the water and hear more at an informal setting Update your volunteer policies Ensure you're advertising far and wide; B&NES Community Volunteer Service is the main volunteer advertisement platform for the local area, so be sure to upload your opportunities here. 3SG includes volunteer adverts listed on B&NES CVS, in our monthly community communications. You can also utilise other platforms detailed here. Don't forget the power of Facebook groups and Facebook advertising too. Supporting and managing volunteers all year round It's great to celebrate your volunteers during Volunteers' Week, but make sure your volunteer programme is delivering for your volunteers all year. Well supported and engaged volunteers are more likely to continue volunteering with your organisation. Flexible volunteering opportunities Regular communications and check-ins Understand the reasons your volunteers wish to volunteer and their motivations Offer further training and opportunities to develop skills of interest, for example, allowing a volunteer exposure to marketing tasks if they're interested in a marketing career Take advantage of training events, useful guides and webinars for volunteer coordinators. During Volunteers' Week, 3SG is hosting two special events to mark the celebration and help your organisation to elevate your volunteer offer. Both events are free for anyone working or volunteering for a local Third Sector organisation. Volunteers' Week Q&A: Best Practice in Volunteer Management Wednesday 5th June, 11:30am - 12:15 (Online) - Register Here Innovation in Volunteering: An evening with SWAN Advice Network Wednesday 5th June, 17:00 - 18:30 (In-person, location in Bath TBC) - Register Here Elsewhere, NCVO are also hosting events in aid of Volunteers' Week, as well as comprehensive guidance for volunteer involving organisations: Event: How to say thank you: The importance of volunteer appreciation Thursday 6th June Event: Volunteers and the law (half day course) Monday 3rd June Resource: NCVO guidance on effectively involving volunteers If your organisation is hosting an event or launching a volunteering initiative during Volunteers' Week, please let us know so that we can help to promote. Email us via contact@3sg.org.uk It really is all kicking off in June, as this year sees the 40th anniversary of Volunteers' Week wrap up with the return of The Big Help Out, a national volunteering initiative which was piloted last Summer. You can find out more about The Big Help Out and how to get your organisation involved here. June is also the Month of Community, so it's a really great time to come together to celebrate all that makes our communities great. Whether that's a cheers to volunteers, connecting with neighbours, lending a hand in the community, supporting a good cause or sharing thanks with those that make an impact everyday. The Month of Community believes we are better together. Find out more about what's going on in the Month of Community here. Interested in becoming a volunteer? The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s. Upcoming drop in sessions: Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 6th June and 4th July Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 29th May, 26th June and 31st July Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 20th May, 24th June and 29th July To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com *Volunteering statistics from NCVO’s UK Civil Society Almanac 2023 report: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/uk-civil-society-almanac-2023/volunteering/

Does your organisation work with anyone who could benefit from support with phobias and/or OCD? Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK) have successfully secured funding to provide their support to 30 eligible individuals in Bath and North East Somerset, free for 6 months as part of their Hardship Fund, thanks to funding from Quartet Community Foundation. The focus of the Hardship Fund is on providing financial assistance to individuals in B&NES facing economic constraints, ensuring that the transformative benefits of TOP UK's self-help groups are accessible to all. The grant will directly fund the bursary scheme, allowing TOP UK to offer self-help group participation free of charge to those who cannot afford it. This includes covering the standard registration fee and weekly session fees, enabling individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in B&NES to engage in evidence-based behaviour and exposure therapy. Recent testimonials from service users highlight how TOP UK has helped them: "When I first saw the advert for TOP I was at rock bottom, tormented by my OCD and planning my suicide, convinced it was only a matter of putting things in place before I went ahead,. Seeing as the group was local, I guessed I had nothing to lose by going.. However, in all honesty, I thought I was a lost cause and joined thinking it would probably just give me a bit of comfort in the last of my days. It completely turned my life around the things the group leader said about how OCD and phobias work gave me the feeling that that I was understood, quickly giving me hope. At the darkest time in my life, it also gave me an outlet. I drew such comfort knowing there I could go and talk in a safe and nurturing environment. I’m now really happy with my life. ‘I have been to A LOT of different types of therapy and TOPUK have been the absolute best! It’s the only therapy which has worked, it hasn’t cost a fortune and is a complete lifeline for me. To know I’m not suffering by myself and I’m not the only person in the world with OCD is one of the biggest factors - I’m not just told these people exist, I actually meet them, work with them and form friendships with them. If it wasn’t for TOPUK I really don’t know how I would be living my life’ Individuals are able to self-refer too, starting with an initial call to hear more about the service and decide if they'd like to continue, before progressing to an assessment check. This takes about 45 minutes. Get in touch to find out more: 01225 571740 / 07907 344669 or email info@topuk.org Find out more about TOP UK here.

Applications are open for the Big Give's Women and Girls Match Fund 2024! The Fund utilises their '1:1' model for match funding, with successful charities awarded a sum of match funding which is ring-fenced for their organisation, and subsequently unlocked by public donations through Big Give's fundraising platform. Last year, 133 women and girls charities were supported and a total of £1.2 million raised. Charities that meet the following eligibility criteria can apply for the campaign: UK-registered charity with a Charity Commission, OSCR or NI Charity Commission number, or tax-exempt status. Have an annual income of at least £25,000 (as per last filed accounts on the Charity Commission). Charities working to to improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged or underrepresented women and girls within the UK and internationally. Charities that are led by, for and with women and girls. To assess this, Big Give will look at whether your governing documents specifically mentions women/and or girls, whether you have a majority female board, who your beneficiaries are and your web presence (if your organisation has one). Applications are now open and close at 5pm 22nd June. To apply for the Women and Girls Match Fund: Log in or sign up. Once you have access to our charity portal, Click on Big Give Campaigns. Click on Apply now for the Women and Girls Match Fund 2024 After applications close on June 22nd, there will be an offer deadline on August 7th, before the campaign begins on October 10th for one week. If you have any questions, please get in touch with via the website or hello@biggive.org

Tesco and easyfundraising have come together for the second time to give a helping hand to voluntary groups, charities, and CICs working tirelessly to keep up with spiraling costs and rising demand. They will donate £1000 funding pots to 5 community organisations this May. For a chance to receive £1000 for your community organisation, follow these simple steps: 1. Firstly, register your organisation with fundraising platform easyfundraising. easyfundraising enables your community organisation to receive unrestricted funding from 8,000 leading online retailers including Tesco. 2. Then ask everyone connected to your organisation to use the easyfundraising platform to shop with Tesco. Each time one of them shops online at Tesco, your organisation will be entered into the draw to receive a £1,000 funding boost. The more people who shop online with Tesco on your behalf, the more chances your organisation has of winning. Plus, when your supporters shop with Tesco in May, they’ll raise £10 for you if it’s their first-time shop, and £1 for each subsequent shop they do.* easyfundraising will help you get your supporters involved, with free downloadable ready-made images and messaging to share across your social media channels and newsletters. Be part of the Tesco Community Pledge What do last year’s Community Pledge winners say? “It was such a wonderful surprise to win this money! It’s a fantastic way for Tesco and easyfundraising to support community causes and shows a commitment to helping the community.” - Creative Communities Ilfracombe “As a small community group, we hardly ever get money 'on a plate' and we have so much that we want to do so this is just amazing.” - Havering Green Streets “The members were delighted to have received this funding. We greatly appreciate the focus that both Tesco and easyfundraising have given to community issues particularly after such a long period of social isolation.” - Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed Signing up to easyfundraising is your first step; it only takes 2 minutes so get started today: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/3sg/ *New customers can raise £10 on their first shop over £50, existing customers raise £1 per shop over £70

Charity applications are now open for Bath Christmas Market 2024! Once again, there will be two chalets available for charities to use for free, for the day, to raise rounds and awareness of their causes. These chalets will be located at the Guildhall, and Milsom Street. The charity chalet is a barn door style chalet free of charge for an organisation to use for a nominated day, and you can do a variety of activities to fundraise. Bath Christmas Market will return to the streets of Bath between Thursday 28th November and Sunday 15th December. To find out more, and apply for a charity chalet, click here.

B&NES Council have been busy transferring information from the Funding Journal into a new, searchable Funding Finder. It contains details of hundreds of local and national sources of funding. You can search for opportunities using different categories and the level of funding on offer.  You can also search using keywords and by deadlines coming up soon.  Using a keyword may give you the most comprehensive results. If you have any feedback about the new online tool, please share it by email to connecting_communities@bathnes.gov.uk An update on funding opportunities is also included in the Interagency e-Bulletin along with news and information aimed largely at voluntary and community organisations.  The bulletins come out once a month - sign up to receive it.

Bath Building Society’s annual Charity Awards programme is a big part of its commitment to the local community. Over the past 18 years they have donated over £115,000 to small local charities and community groups including Bath City Farm, Voices, 3SG, Bath Gateway Out & About, and Bath Hospital Radio. Their Charity Awards 2024 open for applications on 1st May 2024 with a closing date of 29th May. You can download an application form and background information on their website: https://www.bathbuildingsociety.co.uk/your-society/our-community/charity-awards/ If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany at tiffany@bibs.co.uk

The Big Help Out returns in June 2024 to champion volunteering across the UK, inspire people to make a difference in their communities, and demonstrate the sheer variety of opportunities available to all. The BHO 2024 is calling for everyone to pledge to #LendAHand over the weekend of June 7th - 9th and beyond, and charities and community groups are encouraged to upload their volunteering opportunities and spread the word ahead of this date. At 3SG, we are encouraging members to use the national conversation around volunteering to promote your own work, whether this includes engaging with the Big Help Out or not. There might be more people looking for volunteering opportunities around this time, and it is important to make sure your organisation is visible. This could be from simply using the Big Help Out hashtags, to uploading your volunteering opportunities to the Do It app. This year, The Big Help Out will take place over the weekend 7th – 9th June, coinciding with the end of Volunteers' Week*. This is different to last year, when the Big Help Out took place on 8th May, the bank holiday of the King’s Coronation. Last years' inaugural campaign saw 6 million people get involved, with over 7 million indicating a higher likelihood of volunteering as a result of seeing the BHO in action. The Big Help Out is hoping to return bigger and better in 2024, aiming for scale and sustainability, to reach new and diverse audiences. 2024's campaign hopes to encourage millions to volunteer and build a legacy from 2023; empower organisations to convert one-off volunteering into sustained engagement; and reach under-represented and diverse communities who need extra help to volunteer. Charities and community groups in Bath & North East Somerset can gear up for The Big Help Out by: Setting up a BHO account (written guide available here) Uploading your activity - this can include events, pledges to complete an action, and ongoing opportunities to volunteer Download the NCVO Resource Pack here (under The Big Help Out section heading), which features tools and guidance to help get your organisation behind the BHO Sharing the call to action far and wide! Inspire the public to volunteer and get involved by promoting The Big Help Out in your communications, including sharing the media campaign to drive people towards your volunteer roles (Download the #LendAHand Campaign creatives and personalise them, using the hashtags #BigHelpOut, #LendAHand and #Volunteers on social media) Tell the media campaign team at /Together about your planned BHO events, for the possibility of extra publicity, via this form. NCVO - one of the organisers of The Big Help Out - recently held several open webinars to introduce The Big Help Out and provide more information for VCSE organisations. You can watch one of the recorded webinars here. For technical support on the BHO platform please contact hello@dotit.life The Big Help Out 2024 is coordinated by a team at the /together Initiative, working in partnership with experts, consultants and partners to make the campaign a success. You can get in touch with the team working on the Big Help Out by emailing info@together.org.uk *Sign up for Volunteers' Week email updates from NCVO here.

The third and final round of Bath Spa Works: Third Sector Internships is now open! Bath Spa University are delighted to announce the launch of 2023/24's final round of their internship scheme, specifically designed for Third Sector organisations. These opportunities provide invaluable experiences to students allowing them to enhance their key employability skills, whilst helping to support the growth of charities, social enterprise or a CIC. Bath Spa University are offering the opportunity to advertise an internship, between 80-120 hours to help support your organisation. This internship could be supporting your organisations growth, or you may have a specific project in mind. Although these internships are not required to be paid at national minimum wage, Bath Spa University are able to offer the successful student an Employability Award of £1,000 to go towards their work with you. This Award will be paid directly to the student by the university. This third intake of proposals will be open from 15th April 2024 - 16th June 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. 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. 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 working days for forms to be reviewed. Step 3: Once your Proposal Form has been reviewed by the Placements Team, Bath Spa University 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: Upload your opportunity! If approved, you will receive further details on what the next steps are. NB: There is 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. Please take the time to read over the attached Bath Spa Works Internships - Third Sector: Employer Handbook, and for any internships that involve remote working, Bath Spa University also encourage you to take the time to read over this "Guide to working from home for students" from ACAS. Any questions in the meantime, please get in touch via placements@bathspa.ac.uk Bath Spa University look forward to hearing from you and to reading your proposals!