Arts Council England has released a report on the value of arts and culture in place-shaping, which has demonstrated that arts and culture can help build communities and increase wellbeing.

Bristol Women’s Voice (BWV) has been chosen to lead a transformative project with UK government funding from the Equalities Office, giving a voice to 400 women currently out of work in Bristol.

The Community Business Bright Ideas Fund is now open for new community groups, registered charities and CICs in England that want to become a business or are already operating as a business. Small grants of up to £15,000 are provided by Power to Change; 150 community businesses have been awarded funding since 2016.

Examples of previously funded businesses include:

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK, is open for nominations. This award acts as an MBE for voluntary groups that provide economic, environmental or social support to communities. 

Loneliness Awareness Week, run by Bristol-based charity (and Voscur member) The Marmalade Trust, has been tied to UK-wide loneliness studies and the government’s launch of a Loneliness Strategy and a new campaign.

To mark Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2019), let’s examine the huge range of volunteers in Bristol. People of all ages give their time and energy to charities, community groups and social enterprises in the city and, without their contributions, Bristol would be a less supportive and inclusive place.

The West Women of the Year Awards 2019 acknowledged the contribution of female leaders and pioneers in the VCSE sector at last week’s ceremony.

Voscur’s CEO and a number of female leaders from member groups made the shortlist of 100 most inspiring women in the West and some were among the award winners on the night.

Nominees came from many different fields, including charity, business, education and sport, and we are pleased that the contribution of the VCSE sector was recognised within several categories.