London Plus February 2023 Newsletter
Happy LGBT+ History Month!
Hello, welcome to the London Plus newsletter for February, and happy LGBT+ History Month! Be sure to have a look at the LGBT+ History Month Calendar for events going on in February. There are some other events and resources on this topic throughout the newsletter, so please do take a look if you’re interested.
If you have any suggestions for the next newsletter, feel free to contact Henry at info@londonplus.org.
London Plus News
Cost of Living Document
As always, here is our cost of living support and resources document. It’s filled with useful resources for those struggling with the cost of living crisis. We’re constantly updating it, so it’s always worth checking to see if there’s anything new there. We also have an organisational good practice document, which has examples of good practice relating to cost of living. If you have anything useful that could be added to these documents, please contact Henry at info@londonplus.org.
Collaboration is Key
London Plus Chief Executive Martin Brookes has written a blog about the importance of collaboration and information sharing between Local Authorities and charities in London.
News
London’s Challenges
London is currently facing a range of challenges, and trying to make sense of it all can be quite overwhelming. Trust for London gives a breakdown of some of the most pressing issues facing London, and how to tackle them.
AmazonSmile
Amazon is stopping its donation tool AmazonSmile in a few days, which is used by thousands of charities. If you are one of them, see here for some alternative tools.
Make a Difference
The BBC’s Make a Difference Awards celebrates local people that go above and beyond to make change. Award categories include Volunteer Award, Community Group Award, Fundraiser Award, and more. Nominations close on Sunday 5th March.
Turkey & Syria Earthquake
Given the situation in Syria and Turkey, it’s important to be mindful of how we go about donating. It is always best to consider cash before the donation of goods. The Disasters Emergency Committee has set up a donation appeal, and up to £5 million donated by the public will be matched. Please see below for further guidance around emergency donations.
Human-Focussed Emergency Response
This blog from the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership is worth reading for anyone who is currently taking donations. The message of being mindful about the emergency donation of surplus goods is very important.
Donation Response Guide
This downloadable guide from Havering Volunteer Centre [PDF] outlines what to do when setting up a donation response in a crisis.
Support Resources
Many Londoners have been directly and indirectly affected by these earthquakes, with a sizable number being of Muslim faith. Good Thinking has a guide which can tell you more about the Islamic perspective on death and bereavement. They also have a general resource on bereavement.
Similarly, Thrive LDN has a webpage dedicated to supporting Turkish, Kurdish, and Syrian Londoners’ mental health needs. It contains a range of resources and information relating to the current situation.
Events & Training
Creating a Story
Tuesday 21st February, 12pm
It’s important to create a story for your organisation, to tell people what you do in a fun and exciting way. Learn how to do this with Link Up London’s event.
Crowdfunder
Wednesday 22nd February, 12pm
Considering Crowdfunder for your charity? Find out how it works in this webinar.
Queer Britain
Sunday 26th February, 2pm
Consider checking out this event at Queer Britain, an exhibition that explores Britain’s LGBTQ+ history.
Environment and Sustainability Projects
Thursday 2nd March, 11am
CNT Associates are hosting this online event in order to inform organisations of the current funding opportunities relating to environment and sustainability issues.
Cyber Security
Tuesday 28th March, 10am
If you are a small charity concerned about cyber security, this event will tell you everything you need to know about keeping your organisation safe online.
Wellbeing at Work
Wednesday 29th March, 10am
As part of their mental health series, Partnership for Young London is hosting this event about how to support staff and volunteers with their mental health.
Improving Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities
Tuesday 21st February, 9:15am
Westminster Insight is hosting a conference on how to improve services for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, looking into topics such as the cost-of-living crisis and the new draft Mental Health Bill.
Digital Inclusion
Wednesday 22nd February, 10am
The cost-of-living crisis has made it difficult for some people to afford essential services like mobile phones and broadband. DigiShift are hosting an online event that will explore how charities can ensure these services are accessible to all.
Martyn’s Law
Wednesday March 8th, 2:30pm
Martyn’s Law seeks to ensure protection against terrorism in public places. There is a webinar designed specifically for charities that will provide the opportunity to learn about the new laws.
Defining what to Measure
Friday 10th March, 11am
Want to create a measurement strategy? Don’t quite understand why measuring your impact is so important? Third Sector Lab can teach you.
Charity Governance Awards
These awards are an opportunity to celebrate good governance and trusteeship in the sector. The deadline to enter has been extended to 8th March, and a live event will announce the winners in April. The winner will receive a £5,000 unrestricted grant.
Resources
Community Space Guide
Check out this cultural/community space guide from London Business Hub. It covers all the legal, financial and practical questions you might have about creating your own space.
Conducting Webinars
We’re all very familiar with webinars at this point, they have become a vital aspect of working in the sector. This is why it is vital to make your webinars as good as possible. Check out this detailed guide on the topic.
LGBTQ+ Charities
There are so many amazing LGBTQ+ charities. If you’d like to learn more about the charities working on LGBTQ+ issues, take a look at these resources from The London Community Foundation and Charity Digital.
Funding
The Lady Neville Charity
Apply for this grant if you are involved in Arts and Heritage projects. You can also get a grant for any charitable activity if operating in specific London boroughs.
Deadline: Friday 24th February
Community Weekend Fund
The Mayors Community Weekend is coming to London in June 2023. It’s an opportunity for communities to come together and strengthen connections, and the Mayor is working with the National Lottery Community Fund to offer grants for groups wanting to run activities during the event.
Deadline: Wednesday 1st March, 12pm
Energy Bills Discount
The Government’s Energy Bill Discount scheme is now running past its initial deadline of March 31st 2023. This scheme helps business, public sector organisations, and charities with their energy bills in order to combat soaring energy costs.
Deadline: Friday 31st March (2024)
Hodge Foundation
This foundation gives grants to charities that focus on welfare, education, medical support, and religious initiatives.
Deadline: None
Community Action
The Community Action Fund supports grassroots campaigning and community organisations in the UK. Grants of between £2,500-£20,000 are available.
Deadline: Sunday 26th February
Migrant Advice and Support
If you are focused on supporting migrant Londoners, this fund is for you. Funding of up to £300,000 is available for those providing advice or holistic support to migrants.
Deadline: Monday 27th February
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank Foundation wants to support small charities that make a genuine difference to peoples lives.
Deadline: Friday 3rd March, 5pm
UK Youth
The cost-of-living crisis has been tough on young people. The UK Youth Fund will provide funding to youth organisations to make sure they can continue their important work. Applications will remain open until funding has been used.
Deadline: None
Climate Action
The Climate Action Fund is looking for projects that focus on the link between nature and climate, and use nature to encourage community-led climate action.
Deadline: None
Reports
Health Inequalities and the Rising Cost of Living
The Institute of Health Equity has written a report on how to reduce the impacts that the cost-of-living crisis is having on health inequalities in London.
Charity Digital Skills Report
This annual report gives an overview of digital skills in charities, as well as attitudes and behaviours towards digital technologies. One interesting figure shows that 82% of charities see digital as more important post-pandemic. Here is an accompanying blog that gives ten takeaways from the report.
Research
Voluntary Sector Survey
This survey on the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector from Nottingham Trent University and Pro Bono Economics aims to understand the impacts that inflation and energy costs are having on charities. Findings will be fed back into government, so be sure to have your say.