NewsOf Interest..Have Your Say: Current VCSE Engagement OpportunitiesEvents and Training OpportunitiesJob / Volunteer OpportunitiesGrant and Funding News
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Shropshire Together Community and Family Directory
Shropshire Council is launching the Shropshire Together Community and Family Directory, a comprehensive new resource that will combine the existing Family Information Service, Community Directory, and Qube Shropshire Local Directory into one easy-to-use platform. This new directory will go live on 1 April 2025. The Shropshire Together Community and Family Directory is designed to provide residents with a single point of access to a wide range of local services and information. Whether you are looking for family support, community activities, or local organisations, the new directory will make it easier than ever to find the information you need.
Partnership for universal autism support serviceShropshire Council has announced a new partnership with the national charity Kids, following a thorough procurement process for universal autism support. Kids will provide essential services to Shropshire families with autistic children at any stage of diagnosis. This initiative is part of Shropshire Council’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing, resilience, and confidence of parent-carers through accessible, strengths-based assessments, practical support plans, and robust community networks.The support includes early engagement with families on waiting lists, preventative interventions for children and young people, and tailored support for parents and families to meet the diverse needs of children and young people. Kids will extend their services to children and young people up to the age of 19, marking an increase in the age range for accessing support. This expansion aims to facilitate a smoother transition from children’s to adults’ services through the council’s adults’ autism hub.
Crowdfund Shropshire Spotlight: A community pub for NewcastleThe Friends of the Crown Inn, in collaboration with Newcastle Parish Council, are transforming the grounds of their newly-owned community pub into an inclusive, eco-friendly garden. This vibrant space will feature sensory planting for all ages and abilities, wildlife boxes for swifts and hedgehogs, and eco-friendly elements like water butts and solar lighting. Designed with accessibility in mind, the garden will include wheelchair-friendly seating areas, a safe patio, and garden access to the pub’s toilets—vital for walkers on Offa’s Dyke National Footpath. Cyclists will benefit from racks and electric chargers, while a locally crafted gazebo will offer shelter. A produce honesty box will support local farmers, enhancing community ties.The project aims to create a space promoting sustainability, culture, and accessibility for all ages and abilities. The outdoor area will enhance biodiversity with sensory planting, wildlife boxes, solar lighting, and water butts. It will encourage outdoor/indoor leisure, active travel with bike racks and electric chargers, and safe, accessible spaces with wheelchair-friendly seating and parking. Indoors, the function areas will be refreshed through community-led upcycling workshops.The space will host accessible cultural events, workshops, and social gatherings, supporting local artists, musicians, and artisans, driving visitors to the National Landscapes, increasing volunteering and community engagement. This project will create new community assets, reduce isolation, improve mental well-being, and strengthen local businesses by increasing footfall to the new, community-owned pub and surrounding areas. Find out more and donate here.Of Interest..NPC: Understanding the role of community-led early years supportInterested in having your organisation’s stories of success featured in our newsletter, website or social media? We want to hear from you! Contact: [email protected]Top of pageHave Your Say: Current VCSE Engagement OpportunitiesDiabetes Survey: NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin seeks to understand the views and experiences of those living with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, and will be used to inform any future changes to services across the county.
Deadline 30th April.Share views link
Neurodiversity Employment Survey – Focus on Autism: The survey aims to learn more about people’s experience of employment including recruitment practices, workplace support and employer approaches in Shropshire. Deadline 2nd May.Share views link
VCSE Barometer: Quarterly survey evaluating the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, carried out by the independent experts at Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University’s National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory.Share views link
Telecare Consultation: Shropshire Council is inviting residents who access the council’s Telecare service, to take part in a public consultation on proposals to introduce a subsidised charge for Telecare services. Deadline 10th March.Share views link
Understanding your cancer journey: The NHS, working in collaboration with local cancer services and organisations, is inviting people who have had a cancer diagnosis or received treatment in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, in the last three years, or supported someone who has, to share their experience to help shape future services.Share views link
Change NHS: Share your views, experiences and ideas to shape a new 10 Year Health Plan for England. If you are a member of the public or someone who works in health and care in England, go to start here.If you are contributing as a representative of an organisation, complete the organisation questionnaire. Healthwatch Shropshire – Shropshire Pharmacy Services and Consultations Survey: To understand the experience of patients using pharmacies not only for Pharmacy First but all of the other services provided by pharmacies. Healthwatch would also like to hear from community pharmacy staff about their experience of providing Pharmacy First and other advanced services.Share views link
Healthwatch Shropshire – experiences of health and social care services: If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, Healthwatch want to hear about your experiences. Whether good or bad, speak up to help NHS and social care services spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones. It takes 5 minutes to share your experience with and can help services, providers and commissioners understand what people want. Share views linkTop of pageEvents and Training Opportunities
Free Six-Month Communications Programme for Climate CharitiesThe Media Trust’s Communicating Climate is back for its fifth year. This free programme offers UK-based climate charities and grassroots organisations strategic tools, practical skills, and sector relationships through online workshops. Applications close at 9am on 31 March. The programme runs from May to October 2025.Find out more and apply here.Shropshire Charity Network: The impact of video in the third sector and Aico in the CommunityThursday 27th March, 9.30am, Zoom: This session will hear from Amy Hill, founder of Koru Films, a video production service dedicated to helping charities and nonprofits tell powerful stories with heart. Amy will explore the impact of video in the third sector, the types of videos that can amplify your cause, and practical tips for creating compelling content, even on a tight budget.Also hear from Jane Pritchard and Laura Opechowska (Community Liaisons for Aico).As the European market leader in home life safety, Aico strives to deliver safer homes through engaging with their communities to educate and promote best practice. Their Corporate Social Responsibility programme enables them to do just this. ‘Aico in the Community’ was developed to provide support to both local and national educational and charitable organisations in building sustainable futures for communities.Book your free place here: Eventbrite – The impact of video in the third sector and Aico in the Community
Volunteer FayreFriday 4th April & Saturday 5th April, Pant Memorial HallIf you are involved with a local charity or community group looking to recruit more volunteers, then why not consider having a stall to showcase your organisation?Tables are available on a first come first served basis and there is NO charge to be represented.Encouraging local people to come along and find out more about volunteering opportunities.If you are interested, please contact [email protected] to check there’s space.
Shropshire Council’s Young Carer Support TeamSupporting young carers across the county
A young carer is aged 5 to 17 years of age and helps to look after (or ‘care’ for) a family member who needs care and support due to a health condition, illness, disability, mental illness, or alcohol/drug addiction.In recognition of the challenges young carers face Shropshire’s Young Carer Support team offer:Monthly Young Carer Groups: Held across the county, to provide a safe space for young carers to have fun, engage in crafts and games, and connect with others who understand their situation.Holiday Activities: During school holidays, various activities to offer respite and enjoyment for young carers.School Project Officer: A dedicated officer works with schools in Shropshire to identify and support young carers, ensuring they receive the help they need.To find out more contact the Shropshire Young Carer Support team:Phone: Call 0345 678 9021 during office hoursEmail: [email protected]For more information, please visit here.
Papyrus Emergency Fundraiser
For the first time in their 28-year history, Papyrus have launched an emergency appeal to address unprecedented financial pressures. Papyrus run a 24 hour helpline for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Every three minutes, young people—including children as young as seven—reach out to HOPELINE247 in distress, struggling with thoughts of suicide.Rising costs, a sharp decline in donations across the charity sector, and an unprecedented increase in demand for services have brought them to a critical moment. Without urgent support, they may have to make the devastating decision to cut back our services. Since extending the HOPELINE247 service to operate 24/7 in 2023, they have seen the number of contacts skyrocket. Now, this vital service is at risk, and young people may no longer have access to support through the night.Donate here.
Community hubs webpages promote wellbeing support for Shropshire
Shropshire Council and its partners have launched new webpages to highlight the community and family support on offer in hubs all over the county. The community and family hubs are located in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton, Highley and Ludlow, with activities and guidance available to help families and residents stay healthy and connected. There is a wide range of support on offer based on feedback from communities, from early help for families, domestic abuse support, help to stop smoking, information and housing and more, for all ages, as part of NHS integrated neighbourhood teams. Whilst much of the support is already ongoing, the new webpages bring the services together to one online space, so people can easily search and find what they need. Find the pages and share with your communities.
Webinar: Do With: making the movement happen
10am-12pm, 26th March 2025, Online
The Kings Fund has launched a new campaign called ‘Do With’. Do With is a network of people and organisations calling for a radical shift in the public sector from ‘doing to’ to ‘doing with’.
Sign up here.
Shropshire Mental Health Support Charity Fundraiser
10th May, 7pm-11pm, St. Vincent, Shrewsbury
Shropshire Mental Health Support are excited to announce a charity fundraiser in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month. They are partnering with the fantastic new tapas and wine bar, St. Vincent, to host an evening filled with delicious food and dancing.For those who attended their ball last year, you may remember the amazing Sarah Bright from I Can Dance. She will be joining again to get everyone moving on the dance floor. Come raise awareness and funds, and most importantly, have some fun!Feel free to tell your friends or gather your colleagues to support your local mental health charity.Tables from 2-16 people .For tickets please email Ruth:- [email protected]
Hospital Transformation Programme drop-in sessions for communities announced for 2025The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital (SaTH) NHS Trust has announced six months of dates for community drop-in sessions, as part of the Hospitals Transformation Programme (HTP).
The HTP plans will see Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) specialise in planned care, and RSH specialise in emergency care. In addition to this, 24/7 urgent care services will be available at PRH.The Trust is committed to informing and involving its patients and communities as plans progress, and is visiting the following locations across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and mid Wales. Dates for the sessions are as follows:Church Stretton Co-op, Friday 2 May, 10am-1pmMayor of Shrewsbury’s Bank Holiday Charity Fete, the Quarry, Shrewsbury, Monday 5 May, 10am-4pmWellington Market, Friday 9 May, 10am-2pmIronbridge Co-op, Monday 12 May, 12noon-4pmEdstaston village hall, Wem, Wednesday 21 May, 10am-12noonOswestry outdoor market, Friday 6 June, 10am-1pmWelshpool Market, Monday 16 June, 10am-2pmBridgnorth Market, Friday 11 July, 10am-2pmLudlow market, Monday 23 June, 10am-2pmMarket Drayton indoor market, Wednesday 17 September, 10am-1pmLydham Friday market (Lydham village hall), Friday 3 October, 10am-1pmThe sessions offer members of the public a chance to find out more about the programme and ask any questions they may have.More information about these events are available here.
Elevate Fundraising Conference
9-5pm, 12th March 2025, Royal College of Physicians, LondonBook your place before 20 December to secure your place from as little as £99 or £450 for a team of 4.The programme has been devised by the expert team at Fundraising Magazine to support charities in navigating the complex challenges they face and taking their fundraising to the next level.Find out more and purchase tickets here.
Winter Homes Grant FundCommunity Resource have re-opened referrals for Winter Homes Grant Fund for households who are at risk of or are in Fuel Poverty.Grants are up to a maximum of £500 (with discretion) and can be used to help with energy bills (gas, electricity, heating oil, coal/logs/LPG), cold exclusion measures (i.e. draught proofing, thermal curtains) and boiler repairs. They can also help with water bills.Applications must be made by a referral organisation and referrers send the appropriate supporting documents when applying on behalf of a household. If the supporting documents are not included, there may be a delay in processing the application and in some cases, the grant will not be approved. It is the referrers responsibility to check all supporting documents are correct and true.The funding is part of the DWP Household Support Fund, please note that the fund will only be available until 31st March 2025. For more information contact the team directly on [email protected]
Get Grants – EventsGet Grants hosts regular free events such as workshops, meet the funder, alongside their paid training. The events are online. Some of the events for the next few months:Introduction to legacy fundraising workshop: 7th April, 1-2pmMeet the Funder – Severn Trent: 22nd April, 11-12pmMeet the Expert – easyfundraising: 12th May, 2-3pmFind out more and book your place here. Get Grants also runs free training on all things fundraising, find out more here.Carers are invited to the carers peer support group meetings held across ShropshireTo see when and where groups are being held please click on this link:Carer peer support groups | Shropshire Council or get in touch by calling the below phone number or send an email. Carer Peer Support Groups are held monthly across the county.Just come along or if you prefer call the Carers Support line 01743 341995 or email: [email protected] Mon – Fri 9-00 am until 5-00 pm. Tues extended hours to 7.30 pm and Sat 9.30 am – 12.00 noon, for more information. You can also leave a message anytime, about anything in respect of your caring role and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.Some of the groups are directly supported by the Shropshire Carer Support Team, others are supported by other organisations and community members and groups.Also if you know of a group supporting carers and would like the team to promote it then please also contact using the details above.Some quotes from carers who have attended a meeting: – ‘I wish I had come along sooner. I was made so welcome.’- ‘I was worried about coming. I thought it would be miserable. But it is so enjoyable, I will definitely come again, when I can.’- ‘The best support I have had, is from the other carers here. They really do understand. I thought it was just me, and it isn’t!’Shropshire Carer Support Team supports unpaid/family carers caring for someone aged 18 + to live their best lives possible, in their situation.
Marches Energy Agency Community Climate Connectors Marches Energy Agency, a charity for energy advice, focuses on reducing fuel poverty and enhancing domestic energy efficiency in Shropshire and beyond.Their ‘Community Climate Connectors’ project are seeking local groups to help residents save energy, keep warm and reduce carbon footprints. They offer free volunteer training on low-cost energy-saving measures, thermal imaging, energy audits, advice, and grant funding guidance. Additionally, they provide marketing and event support to promote low-carbon living.If you would like more information on how to get involved, please view the webpage here or contact the Project Manager via telephone; 0800 677 1307 (option 5) or email; [email protected]
Places of Welcome in North Shropshire
Places of Welcome started in Birmingham. It aims to create a network of safe places where people can connect, belong and contribute. There are now well over 750 venues, rapidly spreading to other villages, towns and cities across England and Wales from its West Midlands base.One of the goals of the movement is to help build a network of places in each area, where you can make friends and meet people, and can be in any location accessible to the public, including churches, mosques, temples, community centres, housing associations, libraries and pharmacies, even community gardens!More information can be found at www.placesofwelcome.org.uk and for local information Places of Welcome – Diocese of Lichfield (anglican.org) Places of Welcome Coordinators have the support of a Place of Welcome Facilitator, networking opportunities with other coordinators, promotion, branding and shared resources from the wider Strengthening Communities team, including training sessions and events. As a welcome gift we also offer a Places of Welcome A Frame Board, a dozen mugs, posters, leaflet templates and social media graphics.
To register, please click here Place of Welcome Registration Form (tfaforms.net)
Wellbeing and Recovery College Fully Funded Courses
View the current prospectus which is packed full of free mental and physical health and wellbeing that are available to anyone aged 18+ who lives in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin or Staffordshire.Courses include:
Practical MindfulnessUnderstanding DepressionYoga for Stress ReliefBuilding Your Self Assertiveness+ many more!
Last modified: 18th March 2025
