A period of extreme hot weather is expected, and a Red Heat-Health Alert has been issued. This means temperatures are high enough to pose a risk to everyone’s health – not just those who are usually more vulnerable. Homes in the UK are designed to keep heat in during winter, which means they can quickly become too hot in summer. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay cool, safe and well at home. Read more
A Red Met Office Heat-health Alert has been issued for the West Midlands and will be in effect between 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June. STAY SAFE DURING THE HOT WEATHER Read more
BVSC Research are excited to share that our podcast series: CHERP Conversations is now... live! Hosted by our research team, we put the spotlight on our community researchers and explore their journeys into research. We hope it gives an insight into who can deliver research, who *should* deliver research, and how you and your community can get involved. Episode 1 is out now! We talk about what community research is, and what the benefits can be. Read more
Following the launch of the Inclusion Health Living Library initiative, we are looking to identify individuals who may be interested in joining Birmingham’s first Inclusion Health Living Library. The Living Library model is designed to bring together system leaders, practitioners and voluntary sector partners with people who have direct lived experience of exclusion and inequality. We are seeking individuals who may be interested in contributing as Lived Experience Subject Matter Experts. Read more
The BVSC website now has a Google Translate function at the top left which drops down to offer a range of different languages for translation across all written content on the website. Read more
Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership has launched a refreshed version of Right Help, Right Time; key safeguarding guidance for any organisation working with children and families in Birmingham. Read more
According to NCVO research, nearly 80% of charities in England and Wales have at least one vacant trustee position — with more than half reporting two or more vacancies, and over a third having struggled to fill those seats for more than a year – a figure that should set alarm bells ringing. Read more
This Small Charity Week (22–29 June), BVSC is proud to be part of a national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK. This year’s campaign, Small charities. Big impact., shines a light on the difference small charities make every day, supporting people, strengthening communities and creating change where it matters most. Read more
PET-Xi Training, in partnership with Applebough Education, is running a fully funded 3 week Teaching Support Roles programme in Coventry and Birmingham. The programme is designed to get motivated, work-ready clients and participants into employment as Teaching Assistants in local schools. It is for those who are unemployed, economically inactive or on Universal Credit. Read more
The Democratic Engagement Fund will provide grants to civil society organisations (CSOs) to deliver politically neutral, place‑based activities that help people understand, engage with, and participate in democracy. Deadline 31st August. Read more
Stallholders are invited to the MAC's Big Green Weekender, a two-day eco festival on 19-20th September! The Saturday explores climate change, sustainable ways of living (especially sustainable fashion and upcycling), and nature. Sunday will be a creative family fun day with theatre and workshops. Get involved with a stall and provide free information and interactive activities for all to enjoy. Read more
Looking to attract investment and grow your creative business? West Midlands Create Growth is back for 2026, helping creative businesses secure investment, accelerate growth, and build valuable investor connections. Delivered by Creative UK in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, the programme provides expert mentoring, practical workshops, and opportunities to build valuable investor connections. Plus various webinars to support the application process. Read more
One million essential items have been distributed to families in need across the region through the West Midlands Multibank since the project was launched just over a year ago. The milestone was celebrated by BVSC, who oversee the West Midlands Multibank alongside funders Comic Relief and Sport Relief. The West Midlands Multibank receives donations from businesses such as Amazon to distribute to a network of over 200 community partners who then distribute them to families most in need. Read more
Join BVSC's Birmingham Community Lottery, a no fees, online fundraising solution. Since we launched the lottery in 2024, 174 good causes have raised over £30,000 in funds! Register by 27th June and your supporters will gain access to this month's Super Draw national bolt-on prize – a £1,000 Airbnb Getaway! It's quick and easy - register today! Read more
This quarterly community round-up highlights and celebrates how organisations, businesses and communities are working together to build a fairer, greener and more connected Birmingham. This edition focuses on digital inclusion and highlights partnerships and projects that are looking to ensure everyone has the access, skills, confidence, and devices needed to use digital technologies effectively. Read more
Over £2.2 million has just been given to community and voluntary led organisations using easyfundraising. All courtesy of retailers giving donations when people shop online. You can be part of the next funding pay out in August by setting up a free easyfundraising page for your organisation. Read more
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales officially opened James’ Place Birmingham at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week in May. James’ Place are a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Birmingham. His Royal Highness was able to meet our new team, men that have been helped at our other centres, as well as local supporters and donors that have helped bring James’ Place to Birmingham. Read more
Every day, volunteers give their time, energy, skills and compassion to support communities, strengthen organisations and help people feel less alone. Whether it’s supporting local groups, helping at events, mentoring, fundraising, befriending or simply being there when needed, volunteers play a vital role in the life of our city. Read more
Severn Trent Community Fund: Core Funding will be open for applications from Monday 1st June to Tuesday 30th June 2026 (11:59pm). Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for a restricted grant of £5,000–£20,000 to support their core costs for one year. We expect to fund around 25 organisations from across the Severn Trent region in this round. Read more
Discover how football drills, poetry performances and wildflower planting are helping to save one of Britain's most threatened birds — and what this pioneering community approach could mean for urban nature recovery. Read on for the full West Midlands Swift Academy: Evaluation Report, carried out by BVSC Research. Read more
StreetGames, a proud Social Impact partner of UK Sport — is inviting community organisations like yours to be part of something special. As excitement builds for the European Athletics Championships coming to Birmingham, StreetGames is offering a fantastic, funded package to bring dynamic, social running sessions to young people aged 12–18 across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Read more
Partners across health, local government, criminal justice and the voluntary sector, including BVSC Research, came together on 20th May to launch Birmingham’s first comprehensive Justice Health Needs Assessment (JHNA). The JHNA highlights the significant health inequalities experienced by people in contact with the criminal justice system and calls for a more coordinated, preventative and trauma-informed response across the city. Read more
The West Midlands Multibank is set to benefit from the latest You Buy. We Donate campaign, which has now expanded into sports and activewear for the first time. The initiative aims to help families across the region access the sports clothing and equipment they need ahead of a busy summer of sport. As one of the Multibank network locations, the West Midlands Multibank will receive donated sports and activewear items that will be distributed to local families experiencing financial hardship. Read more
Although the full picture following last week's local election - in the sense of what the results will mean for Birmingham's residents more broadly, and for the city's Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector more specifically - has yet to fully emerge, of one thing we can be certain: Birmingham's political environment has changed significantly. Read on for the full BVSC Statement on Birmingham City Council Election Results. Read more