Norton Hall Children & Family Centre is creating a greener future in East Birmingham through a new funding award that will create green jobs, encourage green stewardship, and stimulate local residents to connect with nature to improve wellbeing and tackle climate-change. Thanks to National Lottery players, Birmingham-based Norton Hall Children and Family Centre has received almost £600,000 over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. Read more
What connects a Doctor Who companion, a harassed dad at the school gates and a survivor of a zombie apocalypse? They are all screen characters brought to life by former members of an inspiring Birmingham youth theatre. Read more
Sport 4 Life has always cared about its team. And the West Midlands charity is passionate about the young people it supports. But now it's official - Sport 4 Life is really making a difference! The Birmingham-based organisation has been given a shiny silver rating for empowering colleagues to change the lives of those in need. The award comes from Investors in People, the top international body that celebrates good employers. Read more
BVSC Director of Research Sophie Wilson gives an overview of the 2021 State of the Sector Report findings and what they reveal about Birmingham's Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector. Read more
Learn about exciting jobs in the West Midlands and explore resources for job seekers - with a story from a recent BVSC recruit! Read more
In the vibrant world of the Voluntary, Community, Faith & Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, dedication and passion are always abundant! However, to create lasting change, secure ongoing funding and improve their delivery, organisations must be led by evidence and be able to demonstrate their impact. So how do these organisations effectively prove the value of their work to stakeholders, partners, and funders? This is where expert evaluation comes in. Read more
Action learning is one of the most powerful ways in which managers develop. It is a form of facilitated questioning that encourages critical thinking and problem solving in a group environment. Read more
Last week was a super busy, but amazingly fun, time for the team at Norton Hall Children & Family Centre. THURSDAY we litter picked as part of the Keep Britain Tidy spring clean. FRIDAY we had two parties for Eid2025! One for our youngest children who come to our Sunflower Nursery, followed by an afternoon community garden party for, well, everyone! SATURDAY we had the absolute pleasure of opening the garden gate on our new WASH project based at Ward End Park House. Read more
Birmingham is facing challenging times. Following Birmingham City Council’s Section 114 notice in 2023 and budget cuts from March 2024, public services, voluntary organisations, and community support have changed dramatically. As the city grapples with financial constraints, BVSC Research—funded by Fusion 21 and supported by the Council—has investigated what these cuts mean for the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector and the vulnerable communities that rely on it. Read more
As we approach 8th March, International Women’s Day, Birgit Kehrer of Change Kitchen CIC reflects on the role of women across both society and entrepreneurship. Read more
80,000 students study in Birmingham across 8 universities. Many of them look to volunteer during their time here to get to know the city, meet people and gain skills and experience. This Student Volunteers Week, Sam from Birmingham City University (BCU) gives some advice on how you can engage students in volunteering. Read more
Radio Lollipop is an independent charity offering a radio and play service just for kids in hospital. The charity is UK wide and has been operating in Birmingham Children’s Hospital since 1981, working from its radio studio and with children at the bedside. Read more
Effective strategy days and workshops can align everyone on your charity's future, boost morale, celebrate achievements, foster open dialogue, and set clear goals and actions. However, they risk feeling unproductive if they resemble extended Board meetings, lack actionable outcomes, or are led by facilitators without deep charity expertise. Read more
Our 12 Days of Energy Advice Christmas Countdown is a fun, engaging way to learn simple tips for keeping your home cozy, reducing energy use, and saving money—all while embracing the festive spirit! From quick wins like switching to LED lights to longer-term strategies like draught-proofing your home, these daily tips are designed to help you tackle energy challenges head-on. Read more