With the coronavirus pandemic increasing the level of digital inequality across Bristol and beyond, Voscur recently organised and ran a series of digital inclusion meetings for community organisations, city partners and stakeholders working to address the key issue of people being excluded from digital technology.

YouGov has revealed detailed data about people who donate to food banks, based on its profiling research.

This helps build a picture of the average donor – their age, work status, location, and level of involvement with charitable organisations. As you might expect, food bank donors tend to be involved in charities or community groups.

Almost two-thirds of England’s youth organisations are at risk of closure, according to new research from the charity UK Youth.

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has left 1.5 million vulnerable young people in need of vital help, many of the groups that support them are at risk themselves. What’s more, 31% of youth organisations surveyed with an income of less than £250,000 said they might have to shut in the next six months.

In the rush before the Christmas holidays and the end of the year, it can be hard for your organisation to keep up with voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector news.

That’s why we’ve summarised the key stories you need to know, whether you’re a charity, a voluntary group, or another organisation that works to improve society and community.

Small Charities Data launches as a digital hub

The next census will take place on 21 March 2021, and community engagement is vital to make sure we get accurate results – that’s why local engagement managers want to get in touch with community organisations in Bristol ahead of the day itself.

Bristol City Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed second round of the Bristol Impact Fund, for 2021-2025, which will continue to tackle inequalities in the city. The council is seeking responses from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, equalities-led groups, and members of the public, and it will hold four online engagement events where you can discuss proposals and ask questions. 

Following an initial update from the Office for Civil Society in early November, the government has issued new and detailed guidance on safe and effective volunteering in England during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Office for Civil Society (part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) has issued new guidance on volunteering during the second lockdown in England, which is set to last from Thursday 5 November until at least Wednesday 2 December 2020.

Voscur has launched two online peer networks for local people in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE sector), helping them share ideas and insight, look for solutions to problems, and connect with others in an informal setting.