| Welcome to… The latest Empowering Communities Newsletter |
| This newsletter aims to give you a summary of the latest news affecting Norfolk’s voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs). This month’s comment piece comes from NCAN about how the general election result earlier this month will impact the VCSE sector in Norfolk. As usual, we also provide a selection of topical resources along with details of forthcoming Empowering Communities events for VCSE groups of all sizes in Norfolk. We hope this newsletter helps you get the information you need, as well as an understanding of what the Empowering Communities Partnership is doing to support your organisation. |
 |
| Reflecting on the 2024 General Election in Norfolk, the political landscape has experienced notable shifts, which are set to influence the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector significantly. That’s why NCAN are writing to all of Norfolk’s MPs, inviting each one to meet with representatives from local VCSE organisations, and to hear about the issues their constituents are facing. A new government often signals new challenges and a potential shift in priorities. The VCSE sector in Norfolk, characterised by its robust community roots and adaptability, is well-positioned to support the shaping of these priorities moving forward. Effective dialogue and collaboration with local MPs can help to ensure that the needs of the sector are considered in policy discussion and funding. For more information about our work engaging with local MPs, and to get involved, contact Ruth Stokes (NCAN Campaigns Lead) at campaigns@ncan.co.uk |
 |
| We want to hear from all Norfolk VCSEs – from large charities to the smallest community groups – about your organisation’s greatest challenges and priorities for the year ahead. What aspirations do you have for your organisation? What barriers are in your way? What support would help you to thrive? Take our survey and be in with the chance of winning a £30 voucher for a local social enterprise – plus runner-up prizes! By coming together to share your views and experiences, you’ll help us to continue supporting a thriving VCSE sector in Norfolk. |
 |
| As we welcome a new government and MPs settle into their new roles, voluntary and community organisations continue to support their communities across a range of needs, such as housing. Following Rural Housing Week (1st – 5th July), we have highlighted below some of the resources shared, along with other useful tools from the national sector in the last month. |
| This Month’s Top Picks The National Housing Federation (NHF) has published their ‘Rural Life Monitor 2024’ report, exploring how the housing crisis affects rural communities, services and business. It examines the key issues and the ways in which rural housing associations are working to address these. NHF write: “The housing crisis is often discussed in terms of the number of new homes needed […] but less often in terms of how this looks in different parts of the country. In fact, the number of new affordable homes needed to sustain a village is relatively small. Despite this, building new affordable homes in rural areas is extremely challenging.” English Rural Housing Association has launched a Design Guide: Building Tomorrow’s Rural Communities, celebrating the importance of affordable rural housing. The guide features contributions from esteemed rural advocates and experts, providing a valuable and practical toolkit for communities to shape the design of new homes in their areas. It is divided into five main sections: the future of rural communities; the importance of well-designed homes; the village landscape; designing with tradition; and building towards tomorrow. The 2024 Charity Digital Skills Report summarising charities’ digital skills, attitudes and behaviours shows a year in which tech use across the sector has evolved, yet overall digital progress remains static, with clear impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on charities and their organisational development. Overall, a lack of capacity, headspace and financial pressures are all preventing progress with digital. Charity Digital has published a blog exploring the modern challenges charity leaders are facing and how they can navigate them effectively to achieve more impact for their cause. A new Rural Homelessness “Community of Practice” is being launched by Homeless Link and English Rural to create a reflective space for those working to tackle rural homelessness and rough sleeping. It aims to foster the exchange of challenges, best practice and innovative solutions. Monthly sessions will provide an open forum to identify pressing needs. Resources developed from these sessions will support local efforts to end rural homelessness. Find out more here. |
| In case you missed it In case you missed it, the Patient Information Forum has published a new public-facing poster to help everyone find trusted health information online. The poster includes top tips and questions to ask before sharing information online. |
| Looking to promote your latest job opportunities? Advertise for your next star candidate on the CBR Jobs Board – a job advertising service dedicated to the VCSE sector in Norfolk. CBR is the trading arm of Voluntary Norfolk and all profits go back into supporting the great work they do. They offer VCSE organisations the opportunity to advertise their vacancies on their jobs board, which receives almost 8,000 views a month from local job seekers. |
 |
| Voluntary Norfolk mark Small Charities Week (24th to 28th June 2024). CAN reflects on how we can help small charities and the crucial role of core funding for small charities FUSE Norwich is hosting a bi-monthly Norwich Social Enterprise Coffee Morning. The next meet up will be in September – keep an eye on FUSE’s website, socials or newsletter for more details. CAN reflects on Co-Production Week (1st to 5th July). Carers Matter Norfolk (a partner of Voluntary Norfolk) share the State of Caring Survey from Carers UK. Are you thinking about starting your own social enterprise? Get in touch with FUSE Norwich to find out more about their upcoming Social Enterprise Start Up workshops and small start up grants! Email: team@fusenorwich.org.uk Voluntary Norfolk’s Get InVOLved platform specialist Laura features on the new ICB Volunteering Discovery podcast – listen here! Norfolk Community Foundation publish their annual review 2023-24. CAN encourages you to share your experiences if you, or someone close to you, is living with a terminal illness to shape a better end of life for all. Momentum (part of Voluntary Norfolk) host an online workshop on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – watch the recording here! FUSE are hosting a fully funded Bid Writing Workshop for Norwich Social Enterprises on Wednesday 14th August. Discover how to identify the right pots of money, learn how to apply and discover some top tips for what funders look for! Book here. Voluntary Norfolk shares a volunteer story from East Coast Community Hospital (ECCH). CAN shares eco-friendly tips for reducing water waste in the garden and information on alternative cleaning methods, as well as insights on the water scarcity crisis. Norfolk Community Foundation seek feedback on Community Research Network vision from local VCSEs. CAN highlights that 250 free online fundraising packs are available through Easyfundraising. |
| Staying up to date… Find regular updates about how the Empowering Communities partnership has been supporting the VCSE sector in Norfolk on our website. |
 |
| Upcoming Events Voluntary Sector Forum (Children, Young People & Families) Meeting 10th September 10:00-12:00 – Venue TBC The Voluntary Sector Forum (Children, Young People and Families) is a forum for voluntary community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations that provide services to children, young people and their families in Norfolk. The Forum provides a means for two-way engagement between our sector and statutory partners. It is also an effective mechanism for members to raise key issues that impact on our sector and those we represent. Please contact forum@momentumnorfolk.org.uk for more details & to book. NCAN Partnership Meeting 11th September 10:00-11:30 via MS Teams This meeting will be a chance to hear from the NCAN network, who will be updating on several ongoing work themes including the launch of our updated referral system, reflecting on our campaign work considering the recent general election and updates from existing and new projects around Norfolk. If you would like to attend, please email the team at info@ncan.co.uk Let’s Talk about Fundraising with Felton Fundraising 12th September 09:30-10:30 in Norwich Join this in-person breakfast workshop at the Norfolk Community Foundation. Richard Felton will host a round table discussion on funding – allowing time to address each organisation’s needs as well. This is always a popular event, with limited spaces, so do book asap here! VCSE Leadership Network 12th September 16:00-18:00 in Norwich The VCSE Leadership Network supports those in leadership roles within Norfolk’s VCSE sector by creating a space for relationships and collaborations to develop and experiences to be shared. By making connections and sharing challenges, we aim to build our collective strength and influence. The Network also aims to support those in leadership roles to work effectively and develop their confidence, providing peer support and sharing of lived experiences. Further details and booking link will be provided soon. Please contact enquiries@ecnorfolk.org.uk for more information. Media Training for VCSEs 19th September 09:30-11:00 in Norwich Kirsteen Thorne, former local radio producer, will cover the following barriers that leaders in the charity and non-profit sector face like what makes a good story as well as interview tips and techniques. Find out more and book your space here. Ask Us About Marketing 24th September 10:00-16:00 (45 minute slots) over Zoom This is your chance to ask any marketing-related questions to experts in the charity sector. You will have a 45-minute, one-to-one slot on Zoom, to be able to talk about fundraising, social media, newsletters, websites – whatever you need. Book your space here. |
| In case you missed it We try to record many of our events so that those who cannot attend can still benefit from the training or advice. |
 |
| Visit our Funding for VCSEs Padlet board here |