Place based events take place online at the end of February and the beginning of March. Read more
One Billion Rising is an awareness campaign focused on 'breaking the chain' of violence against women and girls all over the world. Since its inception in 2013 it has seen incredibly powerful movements rise up, with joy and through physical activity, often in places where it's dangerous to do so, to tell the world it's time to end the violence and aggression we see every day. Read more
Birmingham United for Warm Homes campaign is calling on the Government to do more to tackle the cost of living and climate crises. Sign the Open Letter to the Prime Minister now! Read more
“Our capacity is at breaking point.” “Staff are suffering serious burn-out.” “We can’t get enough volunteers.” “We can’t afford subsistence for volunteers - they didn’t ask for it before.” These are some of the phrases that we heard at our Cost of Living Event, back in November. The challenges faced by staff teams following Covid-19 lockdowns, and subsequent increased demand are taking their toll on the VCFSE sector’s workforce. Read more
The new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Local Offer website is packed with information for children and young people with additional needs. Check out Birmingham’s refreshed SEND Local Offer website. It is the place to go to find information, support and services for children and young people with additional needs aged 0-25 years. Read more
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and to provide an opportunity for any organisation or individual to engage in dialogue. The Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week occurs on the first full week of February. For 2023 that will take place from 6th to 12th February. Read more
Lisa was previously Vice Chair, and she has a strong history of linking to BVSC’s work, having previously acted as Third Sector Champion for Children & Young People through our Third Sector Assembly, an earlier iteration of our engagement networks. Read more
Now is the opportunity to stand as a governor and help connect us with all the diverse communities we serve. The governor role is open to all, with no prior experience needed; only a passion for improving the lives and health of Birmingham’s population. Read more
Race Equality Week will unite thousands of organisations in action to seriously address race inequality in the workplace. Read more
As we all continue to feel the financial pinch, introducing fundraising ideas that are free and easy to maintain are a must. That’s why we encourage our voluntary groups, charities, and CICs to join easyfundraising. Read more
A BVSC and Barrow Cadbury Trust funded report on the Cost of Living crisis, following a summit on 1 November 2022, outlines the harsh realities faced by local citizens, and highlights the significant support being offered by Birmingham City’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, even as it faces its own Cost of Living challenges. Read more
Migration Policy and Practice have just released their latest Sector Assessment report - "Migrant Voices on Barriers to Settlement in Birmingham and the Black Country". Read more
It is with great sadness I am sharing the passing of Paul Bowater. Paul was ill and took a sudden turn for the worse just before Christmas. He was a retired high-flying accountant working with one of the largest accountancy firms, his work took him all over the world. Read more
The New Year brings a new opportunity to address environment and energy issues – but what can we expect from 2023? Join us at the Environment and Energy Network online Tuesday 24 February, 1pm – 2.30pm to find out. Read more
BVSC have launched a new community grants fund to voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector organisations that are supporting those experiencing homelessness and poor housing in specific geographic areas and defined communities in Birmingham. The fund is aimed addressing homelessness in our communities by building capacity and resilience within existing services across Birmingham. Read more
A Birmingham partnership comprising BVSC, Salus Fatigue Foundation and Disability Resource Centre has been announced as one of 16 organisations in England to receive government funding to support women experiencing reproductive health issues in the workplace. Read more
What are your fundraising goals this year? A new project? Improved facilities? Core costs? Volunteer training? Whatever you need funding for, make sure fundraising platform easyfundraising is a part of your strategy. easyfundraising enables voluntary and third sector organisations to benefit from cashback donations when their supporters shop online. Read more
Is there a particular cause or issue you are keen to champion within you community? Are you currently championing a cause or issue dear to your heart? Would you like to develop skills and knowledge that will help you in being a leader/ champion? If yes, this training is for you! Read more
Third Sector Trends has been surveying the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector every three years since 2010. In 2022, 6,071 responses were received across England and Wales (an average of ~600 responses in each region). Read more
The region’s biggest Christmas tree recycling campaign in Birmingham, The Hospice Charity Partnership’s ‘Treecycling’, is back. Book your collection today to save yourself a trip to the tip, ensure your Christmas tree is responsibly disposed of, and support local people in desperate need of palliative and end of life care this festive season. Read more
Radical and long-term change is needed to tackle race inequality across Birmingham City’s Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Whilst the sector has historically led the call for change in race equality, it has fallen short in getting its own house in order. Race equality issues were highlighted through the first BVSC and BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group) VCFSE Mini Race Impact Summit on 5 December. Read more
Almost a half million pounds worth of grants is being made available by the city council to projects which are providing food to Birmingham residents. The Council recognises the vital work that food projects are doing in the city and want to support them as they respond to the cost of living crisis. Read more
Third Sector Trends 2022 first report: structure, purpose, energy and impact of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in England and Wales Read more
BVSC's Vision for Volunteering event was set up to invite individuals from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to share their perspectives on volunteering in Birmingham, informing the creation of a volunteering strategy for the city. Read more