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Community Partner News
Wellbeing News
St Richard's Hospice: EMDR Therapy in End of Life Care – a one-day workshop led by Dr Karsten Böhm
Audience: Mental Health Professionals Qualified in EMDR Therapy
Date: 17th March 2026 - 9am - Full day
Cost: £150 per person includes lunch and refreshments
Children's Mental Health Week
Children's Mental Health Week 2026 will take place between 9-15 February in 2026.
Our theme is 'This is My Place' where we're encouraging peers, families, schools and communities to create an environment that gives children and young people a sense of belonging
Local Events
Hanbury Hall - Ghost Tree Trail
Ghost trees are trees that have been harmed or killed (due to drought, flooding, pollution, pests, and diseases), but their trunks and branches remain upright. The parkland here at Hanbury Hall is home to many ghost trees, which are mostly Sweet Chestnut trees around 200 years old. They died when exposed to a waterborne disease called Phytophthora.
Take a trail on your walk around the parkland and see if you can find all the ghost trees, and learn more about these eerie but beautiful silhouettes in the landscape. A child friendly version of the trail with activities is also available.
From 5th January until 13th February 2026
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Click here to read more
Community Get-Togethers - have a few drinks, and tuck into a delicious complimentary meal@Holme Lacy Village Hall
We’re delighted to invite you to our community get-togethers taking place every Wednesday throughout January 2026. These friendly and relaxed sessions will be held on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, running from 5:30pm to 7pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy a drink, and sit down to a complimentary hot meal. These gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, catch up with neighbours, and unwind in a warm and supportive environment.
This initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from the Household Support Fund by the UK Government, supporting local communities during the winter period.
Click here to read more
Village Hall News
Health and Safety Risk Assessments.
These matters are quite simple in a village hall setting. Halls are generally low risk environments, not much more than a simple box, in which activities take place. The MC is responsible for providing a safe box and the activity provider for running their activity safely and appropriately. The model hire agreement I can supply sets these responsibilities out clearly and is very important.
The most important duty for the MC is to risk assess its hall and to take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks. It does not have to eliminate all risks. Risks include physical injury, fire and other matters like safeguarding, a further risk assessment would help in relation to financial risks and data protection.
Advice notes and templates are available to members of our network for free. Email richardt@comfirst.org.uk for more information
Rural News
Village Halls Week 2026 – Connecting communities to health and wellbeing
The popular campaign, Village Halls Week, is set to take place from 16-22 March 2026. The intention is always to raise awareness of England’s 10,000+ rural community buildings.
In 2026 village halls across Scotland and Wales are invited to join the celebrations and activities.
Looking To 2026: Our Focus For Rural Communities
As we look to 2026, the context for rural services and local governance continues to evolve.
Local government structures may shift. Strategic authorities may develop. Boundaries may change. But regardless of how governance is reshaped, one principle must remain firm: rural communities need a strong and effective voice on the national stage
Funding News
Macmillan CARE Grants
The CARE Grants Programme supports community organisations across the UK to tackle unfairness in cancer care. We want to fund projects that challenge the current system and create lasting change for people facing the greatest barriers to care.
The Macmillan CARE Grants Programme supports community organisations across the UK to tackle unfairness in cancer care. We want to fund projects that challenge the current system and create lasting change for people facing the greatest barriers to care
Community Clean up Grant
Do you want to make a difference in your community? Do you have a plan ready to do this? Do you need funding to help complete this plan?
This grants scheme is administered on behalf of both Redditch Borough Council and Bromsgrove District Council by BARN to help any charity, organisation or community group that operates within one of these two areas.
Round 4 is now open!
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Wooden Spoon Launches ‘Pass the Plate Appeal’
Wooden Spoon has launched its Pass the Plate Appeal, backed by ambassadors Jason Robinson OBE and Tamara Taylor, to tackle rising child food poverty.
In partnership with their supporter Young’s Pubs, the charity aims to raise £100,000 to fund eligible initiatives providing meals for children and invites donations and grant applications.
Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, has launched its ‘Pass the Plate Appeal’, supported by Wooden Spoon Ambassadors and rugby legends Jason Robinson OBE and Tamara Taylor
Funding for charities working with older people
We support organisations which provide care and services for older people, particularly if they have a neurodegenerative condition or are isolated. We award grants towards new buildings, refurbishment work and equipment.
Your organisation should:
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be a registered charity or a local authority
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if applicable, have at least a ‘Good’ rating from a regulator such as CQC.
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Information and Advice Officer Job Opportunity
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Job title: Information and Advice Officer
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Place of work: Location will be determined by business need but will include working in Age UK North Worcestershire premises across the organisation, outreach venues and in clients’ homes. The role may also involve working from home.
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Responsible to: Information and Advice Manager & Chief Executive Officer
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Hours of work: 37 hours per week (Job Share will be considered)
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Salary: Up to £13.89 per hour (dependent on experience)
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Annual leave: 5 weeks plus bank holiday (pro-rata for Job Share)
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Post: Permanent
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Start date: As soon as possible