Neighbourhoods and communities

Mixed fortunes for VCSE sector – what are your experiences?

8 September, 2021

Already this summer we have reported how mixed the VCSE landscape is – be it volunteer numbers, staff shortages, increased expectations or finances – something our colleagues around the sector will be well aware of. Unfortunately, this topsy turvy outlook seems set to continue as we move into ‘business as usual’ after the summer break.

Voscur supports grassroots groups to share in Bristol’s flagship community development programme

9 August, 2021

Bristol City Council’s Impact Fund invests £5.8m into community-led initiatives for a more equitable city

40 local charities and social enterprises will receive £5.8m over the next four years targeted towards making Bristol a more inclusive and equitable city. The funding will help many of the communities hardest hit by COVID-19 continue to address the inequalities it highlighted, with equalities-led groups and resilient partnerships a key focus.

Houria social enterprise grows with support from Voscur

Houria, which means ‘freedom’, is a pan-African catering social enterprise that specifically supports, trains and employs migrant women and survivors of slavery. It was founded in 2019, by Kim Prado, with values of empowerment, sisterhood, enterprise and cooperation.

Volunteers' Week sign on white and orange metal background

Volunteers Week 2021 in Bristol: A time to say thanks

1 June, 2021

This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Voscur has joined forces with Bristol City Council and Can Do Bristol to thank the city’s COVID-19 pandemic volunteers, from those who’ve done odd jobs or tasks for neighbours, to those who formally volunteer with a local organisation.

We want you to get involved both online and offline, thanking the people and organisations that have made a difference in your community during these testing times. Here’s how…

Colourful doors in apartment block to suggest community and diversity

What is the Month of Community? How to get involved

19 May, 2021

The Month of Community is a new way of combining the many causes and awareness weeks in June, to make one month-long campaign that celebrates many people in our society who might otherwise be overlooked – for example, carers, refugees, and people facing loneliness.

You’ll recognise many of the awareness weeks and events taking place during the month, including Volunteers’ Week, Carers Week, Small Charity Week and Refugee Week, and this is a chance to amplify them all.

Elections: Voscur looking forward to working with newly elected officials

11 May, 2021

In a night of mixed fortunes for Labour, Marvin Rees was elected Bristol Mayor while Dan Norris became the new Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (previously held by Conservative Tim Bowles). The Conservatives’ Mark Shelford was elected as the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner role (previously held by independent Sue Mount-Stevens). With all 34 wards across the city up for election, Bristol City Council will now see considerable changes in the makeup of the council chamber.

Religious texts in Islam laid on blue table

Religious people give to charity more often, and prioritise CYP organisations

10 May, 2021

People who have a religion give to charity more often than those with no faith, and their most prioritised cause is also different, according to YouGov Profiles analysis.

Rail of clothing on bamboo hangers in clothes shop

Sustainable Fashion Week is coming: How to get your organisation involved

28 April, 2021

Sustainable Fashion Week is coming in September, and your organisation could be a part of this Bristol-based, national initiative that celebrates recycling, reusing and sharing clothes. Whether your organisation has a charity shop, an eBay store, a craft club, or appeals for clothing donations to help service users, you can get involved in the week-long celebrations from 11-19 September 2021.

Man looking at laptop screen with £5 and £10 notes

Funding to stop loan sharks in your community

28 April, 2021

Could you organise activities to help your community understand the dangers of loan sharks? If so, the Stop Loan Sharks Community Fund can help you. The funding is held by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), taken from convicted loan sharks, and this fund is a chance to educate communities and prevent loan sharks taking hold in the future.

Bikes on Sheffield-style black bicycle stand at Letterpress Collective in Bristol, by Life Cycle UK charity

Life Cycle UK offers free cycle parking for Bristol VCSE organisations

7 April, 2021

Advertorial content created by Life Cycle UK, for Voscur

Local charity and Voscur member Life Cycle UK is offering free cycle stands to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Bristol, thanks to funding from the Megawatt Community Energy Fund and Travelwest.