Visit Volunteer Brum to find all the latest volunteering opportunities. Volunteer Brum connects Birmingham's residents with opportunities to volunteer and create positive change in their community. Whether you're passionate about giving back or looking to lend a hand, Volunteer Brum makes it easy to get involved. Plus, it empowers local charities, voluntary, and community groups to tap into a network of dedicated volunteers keen to make a difference. Let's come together and make a differen Read more
Following the BVSC 2021 State of the Sector Survey, BVSC Research facilitated five deep dive events to work with the sector to progress the key themes that were highlighted within the survey. This fifth and final deep dive discusses organisational concerns regarding the current funding landscape within the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Read more
In mid-December 2020, BVSC two online leadership development sessions for voluntary organisations were held online focusing on navigating change in the third sector. These sessions built on a series of activities we have been running together to provide spaces for third sector leaders to reflect on change within voluntary action, in connection with our ESRC-funded Change in the Making research. Read more
Ageing Better in Birmingham was a programme that aimed to reduce loneliness and social isolation among people over 50 across the city. It was built upon the strengths and skills of individuals and groups to create sustainable change within communities.
The programme was delivered by a partnership of voluntary and community sector organisations led by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and it was part of Ageing Better, a programme set up by The National Lottery Community Fund. Ageing Better aimed to develop creative ways for people aged over 50 to be actively involved in their local communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness. It was one of five major programmes set up by The National Lottery Community Fund to test and learn from new approaches to designing services that aimed to make people’s lives healthier and happier.
The programme engaged with 9,000 people reflective of the 'super diversity' of Birmingham. Participants supported each other out of loneliness and isolation in a way that was verified by independent evaluation and the programme left a transformed landscape for the city. Read more about Age-friendly Birmingham and Neighbourhood Network Schemes.
In new research which RNIB are conducting around the rising cost of living, we are running a survey to gain the feedback of blind and partially sighted people to inform this work and allow us to speak to decision makers. The survey covers important topics such as heating and energy, food and essentials and the additional costs of having sight loss. The survey should take around 20 minutes to complete, though you can take as long as you need, and answers are optional. Read more
Designed for frontline workers and energy advisers who support vulnerable households, particularly in the private rented sector. The webinar is especially relevant for those providing practical advice and support to tenants experiencing issues such as cold homes, high energy bills, damp, mould, and housing insecurity. Read more
Looking for affordable ways to keep the kids active during the school holidays? Our funded holiday clubs across Birmingham offer safe, fun and enriching experiences for children and young people aged 4–16 — at no cost to you! Read more
If you're looking for practical support to lose weight and improve your health, the Healum app offers a structured and supportive 12-week programme. Birmingham also offers, a free healthy lifestyle programme for people living with disabilities. Read more
At Fircroft College, we continue to offer a wide variety of courses designed to help adults build confidence, develop new skills, progress into employment, or take the next step in their education. Many of our courses are fully funded for eligible adult learners aged 19+ who earn under £36,126 per year. We also provide free meals on our non-residential courses, while many of our residential programmes include accommodation and meals. Read more
We are listening to charities, social enterprises, community groups, mutual aid groups, lived-experience-led organisations and the people they support. Your answers will shape a sector report and the continuing development of Dilloo, a calm operating platform for charities and social enterprises built around safe, strategic AI use. Read more
Providing affordable legal, welfare and community support to individuals and families across Birmingham. Read more
The VCSE Barometer is a regular national survey of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations. It provides up-to-date evidence on the pressures organisations are facing, how the sector is responding, and what support may be needed. Wave 15 asks what is happening now. With a new Prime Minister coming in and national priorities being reshaped, this is a useful moment to build a clearer picture of what organisations are experiencing on the ground. Read more
The Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trusts are looking for participants on their Environmental Leadership Programme! Are you aged 18-25, West Midlands based and passionate about environmental change? Join us on our FREE programme! Across 9 months, you’ll take part in both online and in-person events, equipping you with the skills and knowledge you need to spark positive change in your local area and beyond. Read more
ecobirmingham’s Sparkhill Community Directory allows you to discover community organisations, gardens and networks in the Sparkhill area that support social and environmental wellbeing. Read more
ecobirmingham’s Allens Cross Community Directory allows you to discover community organisations, gardens and networks in the Allens Cross area that support social and environmental wellbeing. Read more
YMCA Sutton Coldfield marked a significant milestone on 23rd June with a special celebration event at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, bringing together supporters, partners, volunteers, staff and members of the local community to commemorate 125 years of service. Read more
The BEOND study is a large-scale survey being run by the Cerebra Network. Join the study to explore behaviour, emotion, and health outcomes in neurodevelopmental disorders, and help support affected families. Read more
Join our Wednesday drop-in sessions - everyone welcome! Kings Heath Community Kitchen exists to reduce hunger, homelessness, and social isolation in Kings Heath and the wider Birmingham area by providing free, nutritious meals, practical support, and a safe, welcoming space for those most at risk. Read more
Are you, or someone you know, aged 12–22 and affected by cancer? The Time4 Groups weekly drop-in sessions offer a safe, welcoming space where young people can connect, feel supported, and take time out from everyday pressures. Read more
Survivors are turning to our charity in record numbers, at the very moment we’re facing one of the most challenging and destabilising periods in our history. To continue to be there for every person who needs us, we urgently need your support. Our Recovery Appeal is about rebuilding together. With your support, we’re aiming to raise £5,000 by August, so survivors in our community can continue to find safety, hope and healing, with our support. Read more
The Engage for Funding Forum webinars take place every Monday from 1-2pm. You can catch up on any sessions that you've missed by clicking on the links below. Read more
YES, Energy Solutions is carrying out a short two-minute survey to better understand the challenges, opportunities and support needs of community groups, including how energy is used, managed and could be improved locally. 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
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TellwithSabrina CIC is dedicated to empowering girls and women aged 14 and over in Birmingham through our mission-driven initiatives, the "Girl Glow" and #Women1st initiative. We provide FREE emotional and mental well-being support, fostering a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth, resilience, and connection. Read more
Find out more about DRC, a pan disability charity providing a wide range of services across the West Midlands. Our services include IAG, personal skills development, help with employment or training and health and social groups. Read more