In our 2021 State of the Sector survey partners from across the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector told us that when looking to the future, one of their biggest concerns was the rising cost of living (COL). We know that since this report was published the COL crisis has significantly deepened, with rising inflation, energy and food costs impacting communities across the UK. Read more
We are looking to develop new long-lasting partnerships with Birmingham based community organisations or charities working with families. We’d love to speak to you and explore how our services can complement one another. 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
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
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.
Home-Start Birmingham, Closing date: 7 March Read more
Advocacy Matters is twenty years in the Midlands helping vulnerable individuals to be heard. We need Volunteers in Birmingham and Walsall to keep this work going -who can speak up for and help individuals with needs. Supporting people to resolve issues and perhaps change their lives, by sharing your skills and learning new ones. Training takes place on line on Wed 15 and 22nd of March 2023 10am- 2pm Read more
Sport 4 Life UK, Closing date: 26 February Read more
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Our tea party hosts are a vital part of the Re-engage team. Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. Re-engage needs enthusiastic volunteers to work as tea party hosts. This is a flexible, voluntary role that can easily be fitted in around your own lifestyle and availability. Read more
Tea parties provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated. Drivers take older people to the parties and stay with them to enjoy the get-together. Over time, drivers and older guests get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter, and stories. Read more
20 hours of support being offered to organisations, networks or partnerships use the Commitment to Collaborate (C2C) Toolkit to think about what actions they can take to help prevent homelessness at the earliest opportunity. Read more
Birmingham Crisis Centre, Closing date: On Request Read more
InUnity, Closing date: 27 February Read more
SIFA Fireside, Closing date: 13 February Read more
If you are a warm and friendly person who enjoys speaking to people and creating friendships and social connections, then we need you. We are looking for Befriending Volunteers to help deliver our Support at Home service, supporting those patients who are susceptible to social isolation and loneliness. You will need good listening and communication skills, providing supportive relationships of trust with our patients and their families at a time when they need support the most. Read more
Put your heart into it at the South & City College Soup Kitchen Event. Read more
BVSC, Closing date: 20 February Read more
Shelter, Closing date: 12 February Read more
Nominations for the 11th Community Inspiration Awards 2023 are now open. The annual Community Inspiration Awards is organised by the Community Foundation, to recognise outstanding contributions made by members of the community, staff from public sector organisations, charities, and businesses whose efforts have made a positive difference in the community and has inspired others. Read more
Re-engage are launching a new project for older people in Birmingham! You are invited to attend our Birmingham launch/networking event on 23rd February 2023 at 100 Chatham Place, Northfield (B31 2JW) from 10.30am – 2.30pm. Come along for a chance to host a stall, network with a variety of organisations and find out our new activity groups launching across Birmingham this year. Read more
We are looking for people who have a passion to help others. To enable young people to experience and contribute to the youth programme activities which are fun, safe, social and educational. You will gain experience of centre based and detach/outreach youth work, along with an opportunity to shadow/experience other departments within Birmingham Settlement. Read more
Ongoing opportunities to assist the gym instructor in the smooth running of the gym and ensure proper procedures are observed. Read more
Ongoing Opportunities to assist with maintaining and update our village gardens. Read more
We are holding events in 20 venues across Birmingham in February Half Term. They will feature a huge range of activities, including sports and games, arts and crafts, cookery, dance and music, as well as information and advice for the whole family. Read more
Sandwell Consortium CIC, Closing date: 8th February Read more
As a volunteer driver you will be picking up one to two activity guests from their homes so they can attend our activity-based groups. Our groups run on a monthly or fortnightly basis. As you can imagine, these outings are the highlight for many of our activity guests and, for some, it is the only time they leave their house for a social occasion. Read more
We are looking for activity leads in Birmingham to run a local Re-engage group who meet on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Activities can vary from Boccia, skittles and dancing to gardening, curling or coming up with you own activity to get people moving. Read more