Climate Change Opportunity Fund / CPCA / Deadline for EOI 3rd January

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£1m fund now open for Local Climate Projects

Local public sector and community organisations are invited to submit their Expression of Interests to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Climate Change Opportunity Fund, aimed at schemes to combat climate change and mitigate its effects. 

What is available?

The Climate Change Opportunity Fund is now accepting Expression of Interests and will support Local Authorities, Parish Councils, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations and charities. This initiative is designed to develop and deliver innovative and impactful projects across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  

Two briefing events will be held in the next two weeks to assist public sector stakeholders and potential grant applicants. These sessions will provide guidance on the application process and answer any questions.  

Typical projects aimed at protecting against or easing the effects of climate change could include:  

  • Collaborative or innovative projects that can be replicated or extended across the area  
  • Projects that significantly cut carbon emissions offering high value for money
  • Biodiversity improving and energy saving and generation projects 
  • Projects that unlock significant additional funding 

Funding is available for capital projects 

  • Funding from £50k to £150k could be available for individual projects 
  • Up to £250k for exceptional collaborative projects
  • A 10% match funding is required  
  • Projects demonstrating collaboration with partners are welcomed. 

How to apply

Application Timeline

  • Applications Opened: Monday 25 November 2024.
  • Expression of Interest Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 3rd January 2025.
  • Application Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 17 January 2025.
  • Announce funding decisions: By Monday 17 March 2025.

Please visit this website to find out more and to apply: Climate Change Opportunity Fund 2024/25 – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Banking Woes for Charities: A Persistent Problem

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Managing finances for small community organisations has always been a hassle. The process has been far from smooth, from cumbersome paperwork to limited online access. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, with many banks closing their doors or restricting services for charities.

NCVO and Chairty Finance Group’s recent report sheds light on the charitable sector’s ongoing challenges. While it confirms what many of us already know, it also signifies a crucial step toward addressing this persistent problem.

To read the full NCVO article : Click Here 

 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough + Voluntary Sector Network – Update Bulletin – December 2024

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The December edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.

Read more

Launch of the 2025 State of the Sector Survey: Share Your Insights! 

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As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time once again for us to hear directly from the voluntary and community sector about the challenges and opportunities you face. From 26 November 2024 to 17 February 2025, we invite charities, not-for-profits, and community groups across Cambridgeshire to participate in this vital survey. 

This year feels calmer compared to the upheavals of recent times. Yet, beneath this relative quiet, our communities continue to grapple with complex issues—and the voluntary sector plays a crucial role in meeting these needs. 

The 2024 State of the Sector report “We get back up again” painted a challenging picture: a drop in volunteer numbers, growing demands for services, and stretched waiting lists. This evidence helped Support Cambridgeshire advocate for the invaluable contribution of charities and community groups in a landscape of tightening budgets and cuts to public services. 

Now, we need your voice again. How has your organisation fared this year? 

  • Are you still finding it difficult to recruit volunteers? 
  • Has funding improved or worsened? 
  • Are you feeling more optimistic about the future of your group? 

This survey is your opportunity to share your experiences and make sure your voice is heard. The survey is circulated with statutory officers, councillors and funders across the county.The insights you provide will help us build a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities across the sector, enabling us to advocate effectively on your behalf. 

By completing the survey, you’ll: 

  1. Contribute to a county-wide understanding of the voluntary and community sector. 
  2. Help shape strategies and policies that support your work. 
  3. Highlight emerging trends or challenges that require attention in 2025. 

It only takes a short time to complete, but the impact of your input will resonate throughout the year. All organisations that fill out the survey will be entered into a prize draw for £100 for that organisation. The closing date for the survey is 17th February 2025, and the prize draw will follow this. 

 

If you would like help completing the survey over the phone, or if you would prefer a paper copy of the survey, please call CCVS: 07935 649805. 

The Voluntary Sector Network meeting – 13th November 2024

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Chair Sandie Smith

Laura Porro

Laura attended the meeting to give an update on the ICS People Strategy. This has been a co-produced piece of work and is to cover the next 5 years.

It has been decided to have 5 mission areas.

  • A more integrated and flexible workforce.
  • An attractive system-wide career offer.
  • A workforce with the skills and leadership for the future.
  • An equal, diverse and inclusive workforce.
  • Strong foundations for working together.

Nine actions have been shortlisted and prioritised from a long list of 69 identified actions. These will be taken forward by task and finish groups which will start in 2025.

The strategy is now being written and will include a traditional written strategy but will also have an interactive webpage to encourage more engagement.

As each chapter is written we will bring it back to the VSN for feedback. We want to ensure that we have the language right for all parties.

Laura has consulted the VSN strategy and has an advanced awareness of the voluntary sector so is making sure that this new strategy matches ours where appropriate.

The ICB are aware that changes sometimes take too long to happen/ implement, so we are looking at a different style of delivery method. We plan to have some smaller task and finish groups so work can be done in the background and thus speed up delivery. We may at this point come to the voluntary sector for involvement.

It was raised that some of the contracts from Health and other statutory bodies are now asking employers to pay the Real Living Wage which most organisations want to aspire to. However the cost implications for this are just not with raising the lower wages but having to up all wages. This was an issue before the government then asked for more

contributions. It was asked that there could be a commitment to the understanding of this.

Laura asked how this could be captured in the strategy.

ACTION Sandie to liaise with KS, SA, and JL and send out a paragraph to include in the strategy to reflect this.

It was acknowledged that there have been increased opportunities for training which has been taken up my some of the VSN members.

There is a willingness for some secondments into and from the ICS but the process for this needs consideration.

Director Update- Sandie

STRATEGY- the consultation on the strategy and action plan is now complete. It has been taken to the steering group and Andrea and Sandie have presented it to several ICS committees and a few tweaks have been made. Andrea will be taking it to the ICB executive meeting to get approval and then it will go to the Investment, Commissioning, improvement and Reform Committee in December. The Steering group will then sign this off ready for the launch at the January VSN meeting. A work plan will then be put in place to address actions.

NEW MODEL OF CARE- we have had some briefings on this and the aim is for there to be a digital improvement with an aim to make systems compatible and thus easy for all.

A workshop has been held around the potential providers of digital platforms. Invites went out to the Voluntary sector as well as others and included people with lived experience. When we have more information we will share it with the group.

NORTH PLACE DEVELOPMENT MEETING- Sandie had asked for people who may be interested in this after being offered some places for the voluntary sector. We had a lot of interest in this and Sandie has spoken to the chair to look at priorities for the areas and see which organisation was best placed. Sandie thanked people for their enthusiasm for this and those who have not been offered a place this time may find other opportunities are just around the corner. There are no notes for these meetings but Sandie said she may be able to include something from North and South in her news bulletins.

ACTION Sandie to source items for newsletter/ bulletin for future.

A mention of the Poverty Strategy Commission for Cambridgeshire- If groups want to submit evidence for the commissioners then they can do. Several organisations are involved including DISH, Reimagine, CAB and Sunnetwork.

Peterborough also has had the Poverty Truth Commission. This is due to end soon and they are holding a big event in February.

ACTION Sandie to include both links in the next newsletter.

MEETINGS- the next meeting is an in-person meeting being held in Hartford Village Hall. We have 3 of the Assura/ICB-funded projects coming to share their success and if any other Assura/ICB projects or collaborations would like to present please contact Debbie or Sandie.

We have had interest nationally in these funded projects as we worked with the Integrated neighbourhoods and NAVCA will be attending the December meeting and doing some filming.

Karen Nolan from Assura (Head of Social Impact) has also asked to attend.

We have invited Matthew Smith to present the ICS Outcomes Framework.

PLACE ON ICB BOARD- The steering group had been invited to submit a letter of request for a VSN place on the ICB board. The letter has been submitted and we are awaiting a response. Across the country, some VSNs have a place others do not.

VCSE Reps

We are pleased to say we have been offered 2 more places for VCSE reps. One for the Quality Performance and Finance Board and one for the People Board. These places will be funded until the end of the financial year.

ACTION – to send an email for Expressions of Interest to VSN members.

FEEDBACK– Miriam, Lynda and Keith were all present and fed back about the meetings they attended.

Miriam said that her committee had been looking at the wider impacts of the system ie planning permissions being given to fast food outlets near the school when childhood obesity is on the increase.

She was also pleased to hear that the impact on people who use a service, when late decisions on future funding happen was considered.

Action log

This was complete except for the sharing of slides from North Place from the last meeting. Debbie said she had been in contact with Abby and they would be with us soon for sharing.

AOB

Hunts Forum have AGM on 27th Nov CCVS has theirs on 28th Nov and PVCS on 14th.

Debbie reminded the group about the showcase event on 20th November

East West Railway Consultation – Closes 24th Jan

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The East West Railway (EWR) would connect communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, supporting sustainable economic growth in the area. The new railway would make it easier to reach jobs, education, public services and days out with family and friends. In our consultation, we are looking to get feedback on the early designs, including on areas where we’re considering options. We’ll take this feedback into account as we develop the designs in more detail and select preferred options. Your feedback will also be used to review potential opportunities and inform plans to mitigate the impacts of the project.
The consultation will run for 10 weeks, from 14 November 2024 to 24 January 2025, and EWR are committed to making sure that everyone can take part. They recognise that key stakeholders and community leaders like yourself have a deep knowledge of your communities and are best positioned to help them reach them, especially those who might not have heard about the project or have not taken part in a consultation before.
People can respond to the consultation by:
EWR would welcome your support in sharing information about thier consultation to help us ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on EWR. Lots of information about thier proposals and details about upcoming consultation events is also available at– eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation2024. They encourage you to sign up for thier our newsletter for regular updates and share this with your community. In addition, if you or anyone else would prefer consultation material in a different format or language, please let us know by emailing contact@eastwestrail.co.uk or calling us on 0330 134 0067.

Support Fenland, Development Officer update

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Since joining the Support Fenland team just over three months ago it’s been a very busy time, with the project continuing to gather momentum. As a resident of Fenland and also having worked locally in the charity sector, I feel privileged to play my part in helping local groups and organisations flourish in their communities.

One of the first tasks was to plan our official launch at the Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech on 24th September. It was a great success, with over 40 group representatives and stakeholders attending. After a presentation about the project, we gathered valuable feedback hearing first-hand about some of the challenges and positive aspects experienced by the voluntary sector in Fenland. From this we identified key priorities that the project would focus on going forward.

The project launch on the 24th of September 2024.

Whilst recruiting for our communications role – I was given an extra day a week to fill the gap on an interim basis and that included compiling information for social media and writing and distributing press releases to local newspapers and magazines to heighten awareness of the project. We had some excellent coverage following our launch, and it was good to build rapport with local editors and journalists who are keen to continue to promote Support Fenland.

Here are some of the articles:

Support Cambridgeshire website Support Fenland – Support Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire Times Support Fenland project launched to assist communities | Cambs Times

Wisbech Standard  Support Fenland project launched to assist communities | Wisbech Standard

Fenland Citizen – Search – find stories and content on the Fenland Citizen site

Discovering Whittlesea /March magazine

 

The Fens magazine

The publicity has been an excellent springboard to generating more leads and conversations and has resulted in me now working with several voluntary organisations offering support with sourcing grants and funding opportunities. Another of my tasks was to write a communications mapping document highlighting and planning the communication opportunities and challenges which will influence the ongoing and future promotion of the project.

The first few months have also been about meeting, listening, and networking with different groups and looking at ways in which Support Fenland can work collaboratively. These include, I Love Wisbech, Fenland Youth Network, Integrated Neighbourhood Partnership, Collaborative Fenland (Wisbech Community Farm) and Living Sport who recently had a two-day Fenland Place Leadership Programme event in Wisbech which I found extremely beneficial in building rapport with other attendees. (see photo below)

It’s also been a time of working with our colleagues at CCVS (Volunteer Cambs) where we’ve attended events already happening in the district. This has helped to discover how Fenland communities are engaged in current work. It was great to support the team at the Volunteer Fair in Wisbech a couple of months ago and more recently in Whittlesey (see photo below).

The Support Fenland Team supports Volunteer Cambs, staff and community groups. (Whittlesey Volunteer Fair)

Having finalised the action plan for the coming year, there are lots of things in the pipeline centred around networking events and training. Including a networking event on the 3rd of December, Let’s Shape Fenland, where we welcome people to find out more about the project and talk through what’s going on around them and issues they are facing across the district. Click here if your interested to join : Click here

Then, March 2025 is Support Cambridgeshire’s Funding Month, and I’ll be delivering a Fundraising training session with lots of ideas on how to generate extra income for charities and voluntary sector groups. More details on this, plus other training opportunities, will follow soon.

My passion is to see Fenland communities go from strength to strength, and I’m committed to offering groups and organisations the support that they need, including advice and guidance on their group structure, sourcing funding, grant applications, and much more. For further information, please email me at marija@huntsforum.org.uk

National Lottery Community Fund release new vision for funding

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Everything begins with the community at The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF). Today, the organisation shares its plans to place community agency, power, and control at the core of its funding in England. It is committed to investing at least £3 billion in transformative projects by 2030.

NLCF is dedicated to working alongside communities to help build a fairer, stronger society.

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) is introducing a bold new vision for supporting communities across England. Its funding strategy places community agency, power, and control at the core. The organisation plans to distribute at least £3 billion in life-changing funds by 2030.

Beginning in spring 2025, NLCF will implement changes across all its funding in England. These plans reflect the feedback from communities and third-sector organizations in England and reflect what is important to them.

Currently, NLCF is seeking partners for the development phases of three new initiatives:

  • Community Power Fund
  • You Decide funding
  • Grant Holder Support

These initiatives will focus on amplifying community voices and strengthening resilience for both communities and the organizations that support them. The aim is to empower communities to influence critical decisions affecting them and to actively participate in directing funds and support where they are most needed.

For more information check out their website: Our vision for funding in England | The National Lottery Community Fund

Talking Together in Cambridgeshire Update and Opportunities for groups

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Here’s the latest update from the Talking Together in Cambridgeshire team, which is part of the Early Year Childcare and School Readiness Service in Cambridgeshire County Council. 

 

Festival of Stories 2025

Talking Together in Cambridgeshire’s Festival of Stories 2025, for families of children from birth to five, will run from Wednesday, 19th February to Wednesday, 26th February.  The focus of this festival is stories that reflect children’s everyday experiences – so that they can see that the things that are important to them, are taken seriously, showing that we value their experiences. The festival will also highlight how the 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five app can be used to create new stories based on everyday activities to help build memories and bring families together.

If you would like to get involved with our festival in some way, please do contact helen.wootton@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Festival of Stories 2025 – Storytellers for community groups

As part of the festival, we are offering six open-access community groups across Cambridgeshire (not including Peterborough) the opportunity to host a funded professional storytelling session for children under five with their parents/carers. These sessions will run over the period 19th to 21st February 2025. As hosts receiving the funded storyteller, we will expect community groups to ensure that the venue is suitable, advertise the event, and support with other areas of the event, as required. Feedback forms will need to be collected from parents and staff, and shared with Talking Together in Cambridgeshire, upon completion of the event. If you would like to host a funded storyteller as part of the Festival of Stories, the closing date for applications to be received is Monday, 2nd December 2024. Applicants will be advised whether their application has been successful by Monday 16th December 2024. More information about this exciting offer can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/Festivalofstories

Introduction to Making It REAL training – funded places!

We are also excited to let you know that we have started delivering the new one-day Introduction to Making It REAL course. The Making It REAL approach is based on the Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction and Modelling framework, which highlights four approaches parents can take to create a home learning environment that supports children’s early literacy development. Participants will learn how to support parents to:

·       Create opportunities for children’s literacy development in the home environment

·       Recognise and encourage children’s literacy milestones

·       Interact with children positively and support real-life literacy tasks and

·       Act as models of literacy users, so children see parents use literacy in everyday life

We are working closely with Cambridgeshire Skills who are offering funding to cover course costs for those who meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria that learners need to meet for course cost funding for this academic year are as follows:

·     Any learner enrolling on the course will need to be 19 years or older on Saturday, 31st August 2024.

·     Learners will also need to have been a resident in the UK, EU or EEA for the last three years. There are some exemptions if a learner answers ‘No’ to this question.

To meet the eligibility criteria for the staff costs bursary of £70 delegates must be eligible for course costs funding and live in Cambridgeshire (up to 2 people per organisation for bursary).

More details about the course including the dates and how to book a place can be found on our new website. Places are limited, so please book soonest!

Other Communication, Language and Literacy-focused courses

We have attached flyers for our other courses that we have coming up in the next few months including:

·       How to Support Families of Young Children Who Are Learning to Speak More Than One Language

·       Speech and Language UK’s Supporting Communication and Language

·       Hanen’s Teacher Talk Module 1: Encouraging Language Development in Early Childhood Settings

You can find more information about these courses in the Communication and Language section of our Professional Development Programme. Again, places are limited, so please book soonest!

If you’d like to know more about the work of the Talking  Together Cambridgeshire team, please contact helen.wootton@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.

Illumina and Cambridgeshire Community Foundation launch new fund to support cancer patients and their loved ones

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Illumina, a global genomics and human health leader, has partnered with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to set up the Illumina Community Fund.

It will offer grants of up to £10,000 to local charities and community groups whose work benefits individuals diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.

Michael O’Toole, CEO at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, commented:

“Local charities and community groups play a crucial role in providing tailored, on-the-ground support that complements NHS services for cancer patients and their families.

The funding will help these organisations to expand their reach, develop new programmes, and continue to provide essential services that help to face the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.”

Mark Robinson, Vice President & General Manager, UK & Ireland, Illumina, said:

“At Illumina, we’re committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Through these grants, we’re proud to enable the local charities and community groups that are making a real difference to those diagnosed with cancer and their families during the most difficult of times.”

Grants are available for projects across Cambridgeshire.

National charities are eligible to apply, but applications are particularly encouraged from smaller, Cambridgeshire-based charities and community groups. If the fund becomes oversubscribed, priority will be given to the latter.

The fund has a total of £30,000 available to apply for from 2024 to 2025.

The first application deadline is 1 February 2025, with outcomes expected to be shared in spring 2025.

The fund is now open for applications, which can be submitted to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. To find out more and apply for a grant, visit: cambscf.org.uk/funds/illumina/

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