Grants of up to £6,000 are available to registered charities working to improve the wellbeing, welfare and education of children and adults in communities throughout the UK. The funding, made available by the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation, will support initiatives that benefit communities by reducing poverty and homelessness, improving access to education, and enhancing the well-being of the elderly. This includes combating isolation, managing Dementia and Alzheimer's, and providing later life/palliative care.

This grant programme aims to support projects and activities that improve the lives of the residents living in the Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston Ward, including the area of Shirehampton. See a map in the guidelines for the area covered by this programme.

Priorities for funding will be projects and activities that aim to achieve any of the following:

Sport England have now changed their Small Grant and Active Together programmes consolidating them into one application process. This launch is accompanied by the Movement Hub which should make it easier to find existing tools and resources to support applications to the fund.

 Key info about the Movement Fund:

With changes happening at Local Authority level, as well as the upcoming general election, and continuation of the One City approach, there is a lot to take in locally. We have prepared some information and resources in this article to help you get to grips with everything.

New administration at your Local Authority!

Our spotlight series focusses on the Welcome Spaces established in response to the Cost of Living Crisis. Recently, Rachel Varley, VCSE Development Advisor - Outreach, visited JTE Hub at Shirehampton Methodist Church to guage the feeling on the ground of this vital space. 

What does your welcome space offer the community? 

"We hold a drop-in twice a week with free drinks, snacks, access to Wi-Fi and charging points. Sometimes there are specific activities, like craft and creating displays for the Shirehampton Window Wanderland.  

Since the Cost of Living Crisis began, Voscur has been working tirelessly alongside key partners to help shape Bristol's response. From advocating for VCSE input at strategic meetings, to shining a spotlight on Welcoming Spaces, we've remained committed to our cause throughout this challenging time. 

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees yesterday delivered his annual State of the City Address at the Wills Memorial Building. Facing myriad difficulties, a vibrant and coordinated VCSE sector is vital to Bristol's sustainable and equitable future. 

Black History Month is a time to celebrate black history, exalt black icons and interrogate institutional racism. Needless to say, these are year-round activities, but it's useful to have one month in particular to shine a light on black excellence and champion black voices. 

Throughout October, we'll be reflecting, listening, sharing and learning as we continue to strive for an equitable society. We will be especially focussed on how we can make the VCSE sector more accessible and effective for black people.