The 2026 Tech4Good Awards are open! Organised by AbilityNet in partnership with ImpactMatch, these awards celebrate organisations and individuals who use digital technology to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place. From digital accessibility, to using AI for social impact, to grassroots innovations, the awards are a fantastic opportunity to tell your story. FREE to enter. FREE to attend. Open to charities, startups, public sector teams, community groups, schools and businesses of all sizes. Deadline 11 May. Find out more: https://tech4goodawards.com/enter-now/

PBE (Pro Bono Economics) put economics and research into action to help charities, funders and other social sector organisations. For a limited time, PBE is offering free support from their in-house economists for analysis projects. These pro bono services - including data advice, economic analysis, advocacy and insight - can help organisations to better understand and amplify their impact, and attract new supporters. For 2025-26, they’re particularly interested in working with organisations that operate across the following areas: loneliness; housing and homelessness; children and young people’s mental health; and the functioning of civil society. Applications are now open to charities and social enterprises in the UK. Find out more here or email projects@pbe.co.uk Or apply here.

Last week, as part of our role in the Impact Alliance to help make loneliness a stranger, 3SG's David Jenkins joined Karen and Anne from the Impact Alliance for what we dubbed a “Somer Valley Safari”, the first of multiple trips to the area. The purpose of the day was simple: to get out into the community, visit local spaces, speak to people, and better understand where connection is already thriving - and where there may be opportunities to strengthen it further. Starting in Peasedown St John We began at The Meeting Place Café in Peasedown St John. This was David's third or fourth visit, having previously met Paula, Rob and others there. It truly is a heartbeat of the local community, closely associated with the Methodist Church. Just nearby is The Hive, where Swallow run a thriving café. Even in this small area, you can already see how community spaces layer together to create informal networks of connection and belonging. Timsbury: Walkers, Coffee Mornings and Community Makers From there, we drove through Camerton to Timsbury, parking at Conygre Hall. In the car park we struck up a conversation with two walkers who turned out to be community change-makers in their own right - organising walking groups and hosting coffee mornings. They reflected on how some attendees, particularly those who have been widowed, find these groups invaluable. They provide not just activity, but a safe space to talk and be heard. One observation stood out: men often express themselves most openly right at the end, just as the group is about to disperse. We also took a look at the activity schedule displayed in the window - a packed timetable of daily events demonstrating just how much is happening locally. Crossing over to the high street, we noticed The Square café buzzing with activity, alongside a miners’ memorial commemorating those lost in the mines - a poignant reminder of the area’s heritage and identity. Karen also popped into the local pharmacy to outline the Impact Alliance’s work. Pharmacists shared that they often notice signs of loneliness among customers, or are directly told about it. This sparked an idea: could we partner with the pharmacy and a local café to offer vouchers or similar small interventions for those who might benefit? This is something David will be following up. Farrington Gurney and Beyond Our final stop was Farrington Gurney, travelling via Paulton. We parked at Farrington Farm -home to a café, several small businesses, the Wild Plunge, and Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed, which David previously visited. Again, this felt like a genuine community hub. Conversations between David, Anne and Karen turned to potential pilots and small-scale projects that could be tested here to help address loneliness in practical, community-led ways. What We’re Learning All in all, it was a fantastic day exploring different parts of the Somer Valley and delivering on our role as local Enabler for the Impact Alliance. The Impact Alliance is a growing movement of more than 50 purpose-led organisations across the West of England working together to understand and address loneliness. The Somer Valley is one of six pilot communities, alongside areas in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as well as two communities often underrepresented in existing data: global majority elders and disabled young people. This work is about shifting from centralised planning to community-led innovation - listening first, building on what already exists, and co-designing sustainable responses with local people. For us at 3SG, that means spending time on the ground, connecting dots between organisations, spotting opportunities for partnership, and helping surface the everyday work already happening quietly in communities. This “Safari” is just the beginning. The conversations, ideas and connections made during the day will continue to shape our collective work in the Somer Valley as we help to make loneliness a stranger. Future safaris will continue as we explore other areas of the Somer Valley too. Watch this space. If you're interested in finding out more about the Impact Alliance pilot project in the Somer Valley, please reach out to David at david@3sg.org.uk or the IA team at hello@impact-alliance.co.uk

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board is working towards a vision for providing more care closer to our communities through an ambitious plan for Neighbourhood Health.   Neighbourhood Health is how health, care and wider support work together around people and communities, close to where they live. It recognises that health and wellbeing are shaped by everyday life, including housing, work, transport, environment and social connection, as well as health and care services. It brings health, social care, public health, community organisations and many more partners together in neighbourhoods.   Support is organised in connected layers, so people can move easily around different types of help as their needs change. Importantly, we will also work together to create the conditions for healthy, happy lives.   Neighbourhood Health is how we make this real, day to day, in places and communities and focuses on:   working closer to where people tell us would be of greatest help joining up services around neighbourhood populations supporting people earlier, better and more consistently using shared foundations to work as one system, not separate parts   This is about changing how we work together, not adding new layers or complexity.   We need to know what our communities think about our plans and capture ideas, suggestions and  feedback to inform decisions about neighbourhood health. Sharing your views in our short survey will help inform the development and design of our Neighbourhood Health plans.   Share your views today – link to Neighbourhood health - Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB

Rob Wicke, Third Sector Somer Valley Development Manager, has now been with the 3SG team for 3 weeks. Here's a quick update from Rob! "Over the past few weeks, I’ve been out and about across Somer Valley, getting in touch with local organisations to share the good news about my new role and explore how it can support your work. The response has been really positive, with conversations already taking place across Peasedown, Westfield, Radstock and Midsomer Norton. A recent highlight was meeting Katrina Kelly, the new Chair of Somer Valley Rediscovered, whose enthusiasm and fresh ideas for community collaboration were genuinely inspiring. It’s been encouraging to see so much passion, innovation and willingness to work together from everyone I've spoken with. My role has been created to strengthen relationships with third sector organisations in Somer Valley, build a clear understanding of what’s working well locally (and what isn’t), and help ensure the support offered by 3SG is shaped by real needs on the ground. This includes acting as a point of contact, connecting organisations with relevant partners, networks and opportunities, and feeding local insight into wider system‑level conversations. I’m keen for the role to be shaped by what’s most useful to you, so if we haven’t connected yet and you’re open to an informal chat, please do get in touch at rob@3sg.org.uk — I’d love to hear about your work and explore how 3SG might be able to add value." Photo below: Rob's selfie at the Transport and Affordable Food Research Project workshop in Radstock this week.

Hosted by The National Lottery Community Fund – South West Region Thursday 30 April, 2:00pm–3:45pm (online) The National Lottery Community Fund’s South West regional team invites you to an online event exploring our current funding opportunities that support community led environment and nature action. The session will cover: Their Environment Mission – one of the four missions in their Strategy: It Starts with Community. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy Funding opportunities – from small grants (£300–£20,000) to larger grants of £20,001+ lasting up to five years. Examples of funded projects – showcasing the types of initiatives supported. Live Q&A with the funding team.  Optional breakout rooms (subject to numbers) for further discussion with Fund staff. Voluntary and community sector organisations from the South West Region, as well as statutory bodies, are welcome to sign up by 28 April, provided your idea aligns with and meets one of the following:  Helping people connect with and care for nature in their local area  Making a positive difference to the environment  Empowering people to engage with climate issues and adapt to the impact of a changing climate  Supporting communities to take part in activities to make a positive environmental impact, like reducing carbon emissions or creating space for wildlife  Helping communities to have access to nature, by increasing the amount and quality of natural space for wildlife. Meaning that people can experience nature around them, and that more varieties of wildlife can thrive The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £700 million each year to communities across the UK and is the largest single funder of community activity in the country. Please sign up to the event here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-national-lottery-community-fund About The National Lottery Community Fund  The largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of their purpose, vision and name.     They support activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.    The National Lottery is proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to work closely with Government to distribute vital grants and funding from key Government programmes and initiatives.      As well as responding to what communities tell us is important to them, their funding is focused on four key missions, supporting communities to:     1. Come together   2. Be environmentally sustainable   3. Help children and young people thrive   4. Enable people to live healthier lives.   Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, they distribute around £500 million a year through 10,000+ grants and plan to invest over £4bn of funding into communities by 2030. They’re privileged to be able to work with the smallest of local groups right up to UK-wide charities, enabling people and communities to bring their ambitions to life.      National Lottery players raise over £32 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. Since The National Lottery began in 1994, £52 billion has been raised and more than 670,000 individual grants have been made across the UK - the equivalent of around 240 National Lottery grants in every UK postcode district.

Arts and culture are at the heart of a major new regional programme to reduce loneliness – with an ambition to help over 4,000 people to feel less isolated over the next two and a half years. Launching with events across the region throughout the week of the 23 rd March – including a musical bus in the Mendips – All Together Now is a new initiative bringing arts, culture and creativity to ‘forgotten postcodes’ and communities across the West of England. It aims to help people in these communities to feel a stronger sense of belonging, while also creating more than 100 roles for freelance creatives. The new programme is being led by the St Monica Trust and delivered by a consortium of local partners led by Bristol Beacon. Bristol Beacon will work alongside local organisations to help connect residents with creative activities and remove barriers to participation. The first-of-its-kind programme will run until July 2028 in six communities identified as having a higher risk of loneliness. This includes four geographic communities covering both urban and rural areas – Stockwood, Charfield, Somer Valley and the Mendip Villages – as well as older people from Global Majority backgrounds and disabled young people. Creative activities will take place in locations ranging from local community centres to shopping centres, churches and village halls to pubs and train stations. The activities will include things like music, theatre, storytelling, visual arts, movement, photography and creative writing. Each community will shape its own programme, deciding what activities they want and how they happen locally. Critically, the programme will also support skills development in the region and provide employment to local artists, musicians and creatives. All Together Now is the flagship programme of the West of England Impact Alliance, a collaboration of more than 50 organisations including health, culture, councils, universities, funders and community groups, working together to address loneliness with long-term regional impact. The £1.1 million in funding comes from St Monica Trust, Arts Council England, The West of England Combined Authority, Bristol Beacon, the Grateful Society, and Sirona Care & Health. Between now and 2028, All Together Now intends to: Help over 4,000 people to feel less isolated Support around 1,300 people to take part in regular creative activity Train 90 volunteers Create 18 paid trainee roles Provide paid opportunities for over 100 freelance creative practitioners David Williams, chief executive of the St Monica Trust, said: “The challenge of making meaningful change within our communities is highly complex and cannot be achieved by a single funder, organisation or sector. Through the St Monica Trust’s partnership with local communities, charities and other organisations, initiatives like All Together Now can address the causes of loneliness and maximise our impact, rather than individual grants acting as a sticking plaster for societal issues.” Simon Wales, chief executive, Bristol Beacon, said: “Arts and culture have a powerful role to play in bringing people together. Recognising the creativity and talent we have in our region, this programme will support communities, artists and practitioners to build new connections through music, art and shared experiences, and participate in cultural activities that they have helped to shape so they reflect their own identities and interests.” Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Loneliness and isolation have a devastating effect on people across our region. This fantastic programme aims to show the power that partnership, innovation and creativity have to strengthen social connection, improve wellbeing, and build more connected communities. Regional funding is supporting All Together Now, helping young people into training and providing new opportunities for more than 100 local creatives.” Phil Gibby, area director, Arts Council England South West, said: “We are pleased to award £250,000 in Place Partnership Funds to St Monica Trust as the lead partner of All Together Now, an ambitious crosssector initiative designed to tackle social isolation and strengthen the region’s future creative workforce. From Stockwood to Somer Valley, Charfield to the Mendip Hills, this investment - combined with the expertise of partners across culture, health, and wellbeing - will ensure those most at risk of loneliness are supported across the south west.   “All Together Now demonstrates placebased working at its most effective: cross-sector innovators uniting to confront societal challenges and create lasting change. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that the Arts Council can invest in programmes like this across the country – and we hope this is just the start of a more inclusive future here in the West of England.” Find out more: https://impact-alliance.org.uk/all-together-now

Building healthier communities across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community health services play an essential role in helping people of all ages stay healthy and live well. Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, HCRG Care Group is responsible for community health services on behalf of the NHS. These services are for everyone, from birth through adulthood and into old age. Demand for community health services continues to grow as more people live longer and manage ongoing conditions. Across the region, partners from the health and care sector, local authorities and voluntary and community organisations are working together to make it easier for people to get the support they need to live well for longer. From 1 April 2026, community health services for the NHS across the region will operate under the name Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health. Making community health easier to understand and access Community health services are delivered by medical, care and support professionals within local communities. They help prevent health problems from becoming more serious and support people to manage long-term conditions or other challenges affecting their health, as well as helping people return to independent living after a hospital stay. These services form part of the wider NHS support available to local people and sit alongside care provided by hospitals and GPs. Support may include a nurse or therapist visiting someone at home, an exercise class at a community centre for people with heart issues or specialist care at a local clinic. Community health teams also work with people to support recovery, maintain independence and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Shaping future community health services Over the past year, patients, carers, local communities and partner organisations have helped shape how these local services will develop. Their feedback continues to guide how services are delivered, and some important changes come into effect from 1 April 2026. These changes will make it easier for people across the region to access NHS care that’s local and organised around their needs – supporting the NHS’s regional and national goals to provide more care closer to home, make better use of technology and prevent ill health. Working with our Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise partners We know that our voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners support some of the most vulnerable communities across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. We would be grateful for your help in sharing this information about the upcoming changes to Community Health Services. We have been working closely with many of you to shape these services, so they better meet the needs of our seldom‐heard communities. Thank you for your continued input and support. We recognise that our collaboration must continue to ensure that Community Health Services remain as accessible and inclusive as possible. By continuing to work closely with the voluntary and community sector, local authorities and NHS partners, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health will support healthier communities across the region. One point of contact for easy access to the right care From 1 April, local people will be able to access community health services through a single point of contact – online, by phone or in writing. Whether someone contacts the service directly or another healthcare provider refers them, they’ll get faster, more consistent responses from Community Health Navigators. This dedicated team, now open 15 hours a week longer, will assess all referrals to make sure the individual gets the level of care they need – from self-help resources to more specialised support. And because services are being brought together, they’ll only ever need to tell their story once. The service’s website – www.bswcommunityhealth.co.uk – is also being refreshed. It will provide easy access to health information and self-help resources at any time, including ways to connect with other local support services, helping people take control of their health and wellbeing. New digital referral forms will modernise how people access services, making it faster and easier to get the right help at the right time. Crucially, the forms will allow people to refer themselves directly to Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health – without visiting a GP or waiting for an appointment. This includes children and young people who’ll have a dedicated form they can complete themselves or with the help of a trusted adult. Non-digital options will still be available for anyone who prefers or needs them through our single point of access. Working together around individual needs As well as simplifying access to services, neighbourhood teams will improve the way professionals work together to understand and support people’s individual circumstances across physical health, mental health, wellbeing and everyday life. These Integrated Neighbourhood Teams will bring together professionals from health, therapy and wellbeing to provide coordinated, personalised support for people with a wide range of needs. By sharing information, using the same systems and working closely together, teams can look beyond a single condition and consider what really matters to the person and their carers. This joined-up approach means they can step in earlier, manage ongoing conditions proactively and prevent problems from becoming more serious – helping people live well and independently for longer. Supporting healthier communities across the region Together, these changes will make it easier for local people to access community health services and connect with the support available in the area. Over time, this approach will bring more care closer to home, reduce pressure on the NHS and help everyone get the right care sooner so they can live well for longer. As locally delivered NHS services, community health plays an important role in supporting the wider health and care system and improving health outcomes for local communities. Commenting on the developments, Val Scrase, Regional Director – South West, HCRG Care Group, said: “Bringing community health services together across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire in 2025 was an important step forward for local people. Every day, our teams are already making a real difference – supporting children to get the best start in life, helping people stay well for longer and enabling more care to be delivered safely in the community. “This next phase will build on that strong foundation. It strengthens our ability to help people stay healthy and live well, while making care easier to access and better to experience. It also supports the NHS’s ambition to move more care closer to home and prevent ill health. “We’ve reached this point thanks to the invaluable support of our local communities, the voluntary sector and our NHS and local authority partners. By working together, we’re creating a community health service that’s designed around people’s lives and capable of supporting healthier communities for years to come.” How to contact Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Community Health From 1 April, the team can be contacted on 0300 247 0200. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with routine support available for adults between 8am and 8pm and dedicated support for children and young people available from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. For support and advice at any time, the service’s website – www.bswcommunityhealth.co.uk – offers health information, self-help resources and online referral options for individuals and healthcare professionals.

We are thrilled to be welcoming Rob Wicke into the 3SG team this week. Members may know Rob as the project worker for Radstock & Westfield Big Local over the past 12 years, overseeing £1m Lottery funding for the area.  To ensure this good work is not lost to the community as the project comes to a close, the Radstock & Westfield Big Local CIC Directors and Partnership Board agreed to support two years' funding for Rob to come over to 3SG as part of our wider team.  Both Rob and Becky (3SG's Director) will be reporting into a Big Local Steering Group to ensure the work continues in a similar vein, including delivering the popular Dragons' Den annual event. There will also be an additional, wider focus on other areas of the Somer Valley as part of this offer. For 3SG, we look forward to supporting Rob using our wider team, connecting some of our current projects to his existing work and strengthening our offer in Radstock, Westfield, Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas.  We would like to thank the Big Local for their dedication to Radstock & Westfield over the past decade and for trusting our organisation to give Rob a base for the next two years. Welcome, Rob! Rob's official first day was last Wednesday, so our Operations and Comms Manager, Emma, took the opportunity to ask a few questions to find out more about Rob and his motivations behind joining 3SG. You can read the full Q&A below: What are you most looking forward to as part of your role with 3SG? "Having team meetings with colleagues! I’ve been working solo for six years so I’m really excited about being part of the lovely 3SG team. They have such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a passion for all things third sector; I can’t wait to learn from them and also contribute my perspective and skill-set. 3SG are at a pivotal moment in their development, expanding their team and their projects, as well as moving into a brilliant new space that will connect with the 3rd sector community in productive and innovative ways, so I don’t think I could have joined at a better time!" Tell us a little bit about yourself "I’m a village boy at heart, having grown up in one in Hampshire, and moved to another in the Somer Valley about ten years ago, after a detour through the energetic city of Bristol to study Sociology. It’s the countryside, the slower pace of life and the fresh air that does it for me! I’ve got so many hobbies and interests it’s hard for me to keep track of them, or get good at the ones that require skill… the list includes painting, gardening, music, footy, growing mushrooms, beekeeping, travel, meditation, qigong, walks, and cat parenting!  I’m also a fully qualified health-pain-stress coach, and I love creating spaces (online or in person) for people to step back from their busy or difficult lives and experience something different for a moment." What interested you about working for 3SG? "I’ve worked in the third sector for the past twenty years, with the majority of that time spent within Bath and North East Somerset. My most recent role was for the Radstock & Westfield Big Local, where I supported their residents to invest over £1m in the local community projects they wanted to see grow. Naturally my path crossed with 3SG on many occasions and they often supported our Community Dragons’ Den events by supplying a friendly Dragon - both Becky and Toni have undertaken the role to perfection. In my new job I get to expand my patch to include the rest of the Somer Valley, and continue the best parts of my previous role - connecting with local people, supporting local groups and charities, and finding ways to make a positive impact in the community for the good of all." Tell Us a Fun Fact About Yourself? "I get withdrawal symptoms if I haven’t had my chilli fix… breakfast, lunch, dinner - it doesn’t matter when or what, it will get drenched in chilli sauce!" ------------------------------------- To get in touch with Rob Wicke, Third Sector Somer Valley Development Manager, contact rob@3sg.org.uk

Do you want to reach a new audience at the ‘most wonderful time of the year? C harity applications are now open for Bath Christmas Market 2026! Bath Christmas Market is proud to work with a number of local charities and community groups throughout the event, and one of the ways that you can get involved is by renting one of their Community Chalets. Situated on Orange Grove and Milsom Street, community groups and charities are able to use these free of charge for a day of trading at the market. You can either use this to raise funds by selling products or simply raise awareness for the cause that's close to your heart. Preference is given to charities that operate with strong community links to the B&NES area so please state this in your application if it is applicable. Apply now: https://www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/charity-applications If this isn’t an option for you, but you would like to find out how you can be a part of the event, you can contact the team on Christmas_market@bathnes.gov.uk Bath Christmas Market will return to the streets of Bath between Thursday 26th November and Sunday 13th December.

3SG has launched its annual Third Sector survey, Members’ Voice , inviting local charities, social enterprises and community groups to share their experiences, challenges and priorities for the year ahead. Members’ Voice is the primary way 3SG gathers evidence on how the Third Sector in Bath and North East Somerset is currently doing, providing a key opportunity for organisations across the Sector to have their voices heard.  The survey is designed to take a “temperature check” of the local Third Sector, identify emerging patterns and themes, and understand what support organisations most need. The findings directly inform 3SG’s advocacy and influencing work, ensuring the needs of the Third Sector are effectively championed when representing members in discussions with the local authority, NHS boards and other strategic partners. With over 260 member organisations, 3SG is aiming for at least 100 responses to ensure the results provide a meaningful and representative picture of the sector. We also welcome responses from local Third Sector organisations that are not 3SG members. “This year’s survey, entitled Members’ Voice, remains a critical part of 3SG’s annual calendar,”  said Kate Morton , Chair of Trustees at 3SG. “It ensures we hear from all of you – our members – to highlight the current and emerging issues and challenges you are facing.” “We know how busy everyone is, but taking a few minutes to complete the survey enables us, as an influencing organisation and a voice for the Third Sector, to support and advocate on your behalf. We also encourage members to share their stories of working within BaNES, showcasing the difference you make and the impact you have on residents’ lives.” This year’s survey will explore a wide range of topics, including: Organisational capacity, concerns and reach Funding and finance Commissioning Cross-sector collaboration and partnerships Social prescribing (Impact Alliance Project) Social impact and social value evaluation Volunteering Workspace and venue requirements Use of wellbeing courses Future support needs In a change from previous years, the survey is launching in February rather than November , in response to feedback and with the aim of increasing engagement and participation across the sector. The survey will remain open until Thursday 2nd April , with results shared in the new financial year. 3SG is encouraging one representative from each organisation to take part and to share experiences openly – including challenges, opportunities and examples of impact – to help build a strong, evidence-based picture of the Third Sector locally. The Members’ Voice survey is now open to complete online and closes on Thursday 2nd April. 🔗 Survey link: https://bit.ly/3SGMV26 About 3SG: Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG)  is a charity supporting over 260 charities, social enterprises and community organisations across B&NES by providing 1:1 support, events, training, networking and advocacy. For more information, visit : 3sg.org.uk

Last week was Neurodiversity Celebration Week - a time filled with posts, events, and colourful graphics encouraging people to talk about different brains and celebrate different ways of thinking. And while I’m always glad to see these conversations happening, I also find this week deeply conflicting. On one hand, visibility matters. Awareness matters. Representation matters. But on the other hand…   Neurodiversity isn’t something to acknowledge once a year.   It isn’t a theme week.   It isn’t a tick‑box exercise. For many of us, neurodiversity isn’t a celebration - it’s our lived reality, every single day. And for far too many neurodivergent people, that reality includes misunderstanding, exclusion, burnout, and harm. A week of celebration means very little if the other 51 weeks of the year remain unchanged. And that’s why I’m writing this - as a reflection, a challenge, and perhaps an invitation to do better. Why This Work Is Personal I don’t speak about neurodiversity from a distance. I speak from lived experience. As an ADHD and autistic adult, I’ve spent years navigating workplaces that weren’t built for brains like mine. I’ve been underestimated, overlooked, bullied, and pushed aside - not because I lacked ability, but because I didn’t operate in the “neuronormative” way. And I’m not just speaking as a professional or as a neurodivergent person.   I’m speaking as a parent. I have neurodivergent children, and I see the impact of systems that don’t understand them - the self‑esteem cracks, the exhaustion of trying to “fit,” the sadness of feeling different in all the wrong ways. I see the seeds of the same struggles I faced, and I refuse to accept that this is the future waiting for them in the workplace. We can do better.   We must do better. The Reality Behind the Statistics The stories we tell matter, but the numbers tell a story too, and it’s not a comfortable one. - Neurodivergent employees are twice as likely to experience bullying or harassment at work (CIPD).   - 52% feel they must mask or hide their traits at work, and one in three have left a job because they didn’t feel understood or supported (Institute of Leadership & Management).   - Autistic adults face an unemployment rate of 78-85%, despite many wanting to work.   - ADHD employees are significantly more likely to experience chronic burnout due to masking and overcompensating.   These aren’t abstract figures.   They’re people.   They’re colleagues.   They’re parents.   They’re children growing up in systems that tell them they’re “too much” or “not enough.” They’re people like me.   People like my children. And neurodivergence is far broader than autism and ADHD. Dyslexia affects around 10% of people. Dyspraxia impacts 5-6%, Dyscalculia affects up to 6%, Tourette's around 1%. Dysgraphia is estimated to affect between 5-20% of children, many of whom grow into adults still unsupported. When you add it all together, around 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent - at least 1 in 6 colleagues. These aren't rare conditions. They're part of the everyday fabric of our workplaces. Awareness Isn’t Enough - We Need Understanding Awareness says, “We know neurodivergent people exist.”   Understanding says, “We know what you need, and we’re committed to providing it.” Awareness is a poster.   Understanding is a practice. Understanding looks like: - Clear communication without judgement   - Flexible working styles without stigma   - Sensory‑considerate environments   - Managers trained in neuroinclusive leadership   - Strength‑based role design   - Psychological safety that is lived, not laminated   This isn’t about special treatment.   It’s about equitable treatment. The Power of Lived Experience I deliver neurodiversity training not just as a professional, but as someone who has lived the consequences of misunderstanding - and who has watched my children navigate the same systems. Lived experience brings humanity into the conversation.   It turns theory into truth.   It helps people understand not just what needs to change, but why. When people hear real stories, they connect.   When they connect, they care.   When they care, they change. What Truly Inclusive Workplaces Do Here are the shifts that make the biggest difference: 1. They normalise different communication styles Not everyone processes information the same way. And that’s okay. 2. They offer flexibility without making people feel guilty for using it Flexibility is not a perk - it’s an enabler of success. 3. They design environments with sensory needs in mind Lighting, noise, layout - these things matter more than most people realise. 4. They train managers, not just teams Inclusion lives or dies at the line‑manager level. 5. They build cultures where people feel safe to say, “I need support” Psychological safety is the foundation of everything. 6. They focus on strengths, not deficits Neurodivergent people bring creativity, innovation, empathy, hyperfocus, pattern recognition, and fresh perspectives. Let them shine. A Final Thought Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a great starting point - but real change has to continue long after the week is over. If we want workplaces where neurodivergent people can truly thrive, we need year‑round commitment, not annual campaigns. We need understanding, not just awareness. We need action, not just hashtags. Neurodiversity is not a problem to solve.   It is a richness to embrace. When workplaces understand and support neurodivergent people, everyone benefits. Teams become more creative. Cultures become more compassionate. Organisations become more resilient. But more importantly - people feel seen.   They feel valued.   They feel like they belong. And that is the foundation of any truly inclusive workplace. We can do better.   We must do better.   And together, we will. My inbox is always open: toni@3sg.org.uk

Last year, we welcomed eight organisations to our Leadership Development Programme, funded through the Social Economy West  initiative. Leaders came together in a supportive environment and were guided by Sarah Williment, Founder of  The Questioning Iris Co . Participants developed the skills, insight, and adaptability needed to navigate today’s challenges while strengthening environmental and financial sustainability. We are delighted to offer this opportunity again. This support is fully funded for organisations that are part of the Social Economy West Project. Here is what previous participants said: " Overall the programme was excellent. Knowledge of different strategies to use in complex situations, thinking about my role in all different situations, and what I need and what other people need of me in each. " – Oasis Hub Bath " I have gained further skills of enquiry to ensure that I fully understand a situation and a selection of questions to ask to support thinking in my colleagues and move away from any temptation to race to a solution. The programme allowed me time to step back and think and not be affected by emotions and see the real picture, stop worrying and start to focus on the areas of influence that I do have. " – First Steps Bath Programme overview: The programme is led by Sarah Williment, an experienced organisational development consultant who has supported 3SG BaNES and worked extensively with charities and social enterprises. You will benefit from: Four interactive, in-person modules, each lasting three hours, designed to build depth and momentum over time A highly participatory experience centred on real-world leadership challenges, practical application, and structured reflection Guest Speakers focusing on specific challenges and leadership trends Dedicated opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, shared insight, and meaningful networking with fellow leaders Who is this for? This programme is designed for leaders who want to: • Strengthen their ability to navigate uncertainty and build economic resilience and environmental sustainability • Enhance their leadership agility to better support their teams • Gain practical leadership frameworks and tools that can be applied immediately • Create environments where individuals and teams thrive and perform at their best • Build inclusive organisational cultures that value diversity and high performance This is an engaging and interactive journey that encourages rich discussion, shared learning, and practical strategies you can put into action straight away. Eligibility – To take part, your organisation must: • Be part of the Social Economy West Project. You can apply here: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/social-economy-west#form • Be an established organisation based in the West of England, including Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, or South Gloucestershire, with at least one year of full accounts filed How to apply? Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/CL7JBgqWjxDJ4vmF8 If you have any questions, please contact our Project Manager, Alfiya Khan, at alfiya@3sg.org.uk . We look forward to supporting the next cohort of leaders to grow their impact and strengthen their organisations.

The easyfundraising Impact Fund closes soon on 5 April so if you haven’t applied yet, there’s still time. The new easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work. When to apply: 23 February – 5 April Who can apply: The fund is open to UK based: Registered charities Other not-for-profit organisations Sports clubs and teams Schools and education settings Social enterprises and CICs After-school and youth groups Churches and religious organisations How it’s awarded: The application form is straightforward. Grants will be awarded to organisations that best explain how they would use the £500. The grants will be awarded across a mix of categories and locations, and the fund is open to organisations of all sizes and structures. Apply here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/impact-fund Need more info? Come along to a short session to find out more: Thursday 26th February on Zoom 12.30pm - 1pm Register here About easyfundraising: easyfundraising is a simple way for your organisation to raise extra funds from everyday online shopping. When your community shops with over 8,000 retailers through easyfundraising, the retailer makes a donation to your organisation - at no extra cost to anyone. From a weekly grocery shop to booking a holiday, it all helps generate free donations. Donations are paid to you every three months, and because they’re unrestricted, you can spend the money on whatever your organisation needs most. Register for free funding with easyfundraising here https://bit.ly/3o8dm23

The Bath Boules Trust seeks to distribute funds raised to as many worthy causes as possible and over the years has granted donations to over 70 local charities including: Julian House, Dorothy House, Carer's’ Centre, Freewheelers, Mind Bath, Jessie May, The RUH Forever Friends Appeal, Off the Record, National Osteoporosis Society, Genesis Trust, Designability, Age UK, Bath Rugby Foundation, Mentoring Plus, BRLSI, Southside, Three Ways School, First Steps Bath, Action on Hearing Loss, Goldies, Developing Health & Independence, RICE and many more. Without sponsors and players this level of giving simply wouldn’t be possible. Charities are encouraged to request a grant from the Trust at any time for their consideration. The Trustees then grant funds for specific projects or equipment that is really going to make a difference and can be anything from a few pounds to thousands, depending on what’s required. The Bath Boules Trust owns the Bath Boules and is a registered charity (number 1071273) which administers all funds raised from the event. The charity’s trustees are: Celia Mead (Chair), Philip Addis, Stephanie Dodd, Lizzie Heffer, Nicole Howse and George Samios. If you’re a local charity and would like to apply for funding, please complete the application here.

The Bath Half is fast approaching on March 15th, and we know many of our member organisations will have runners fundraising for them in the race. Our Social Prescribing Project Manager, David Jenkins, is a keen runner himself, having completed the London Marathon, Bristol Half and Bath Half previously, as well as many others. Please hear from David, an experienced runner, on some top tips for individuals running the Bath Half on Sunday 15th March. Please note this is informal advice, and is only my own personal experience. All runners are advised to refer to the participant guide provided by London Marathon events.  Pre Race: You are unlikely to gain more fitness at this stage, and getting to the start line fit and healthy should be number one priority. Trying to chase fitness is unlikely to help and may leave you feeling tired. With one weekend to go, this is the perfect opportunity to test out your chosen running clothing & shoes.  This upcoming weekend put your race day outfit on and go for a spin.  Test out your fuelling strategy. Trying new gels or food on race day is not a good idea. This weekend test your pre race fuelling options (porridge, bagels, rice) before heading out for your run. On the run test out any chosen gels or food items. For all those who have already doing this in training runs you are a step ahead of the game.  Try to prioritise sleep and eat a healthy diet leading up to the race. The evening before there will likely be race nerves, so banking a few good night's sleep prior to this helps.  As your training volume is likely to be less, continue to consume the same amount of food and this is a smart way to carb load.  Please read the Bath Half Participant guide for all event specific queries. It is advised to get to the race village early to skip the queues and ensure there is no additional stress. Keep warm and any throw over clothes can be left at the start to be donated to charity. During Race:  Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the occasion. For me it is one of the best events in the calendar year. The buzz around the city is electric. Look out for  water stations and be sure to take advantage of water at every station. For those who won't stop at the stations, cups make it difficult to consume water. One tip is to pinch the cup to create a 'funnel'. This is certainly not an easy task but the key is not to panic. Use gels or other food items as per your training. It is tempting to consume sweets and go off plan but your stomach won't thank you. Remember there it is a two lap course, don't go out too quick and run within your limits. Please refer to course map and information within the participant guide. Finishing the race: Be proud of your achievement. Finishing a half marathon is an incredible feat.  Try to get some warm clothes on to ensure your body temperature doesn't drop. Celebrate with friends, family and the wider running community.  Take a week of rest (unless this is warm up race for upcoming events ). Take on some post race nutrition and have a relaxing afternoon. Any questions between now and race day David is open to a conversation: david@3sg.org.uk

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership is seeking a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) based in Bristol or the wider West of England to deliver a Climate & Disability commission as part of the Community Climate & Nature Action Project. The commission will take place between Ma y 2026 – July 2028 for a budget of £50,000. They are looking for a Disabled People’s Organisation based and operating in the West of England region (Bristol, BANES, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset) who can: - Be a custodian of the existing community climate and nature action plan for Bristol’s community of Disabled people - Be an activator and advocate for the priorities within the community climate and nature action plan - Convene engagement events/conversations with members of the Disabled community across the West of England region (Bristol, BANES, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset) - Evolve the existing community climate and nature action plan for Bristol’s community of Disabled people for the wider West of England region - Contribute to the holistic Community Climate & Nature Action Project Find more information and the link to the short expression of interest form on their website at: https://bristolclimatenature.org/news/opportunity-for-disabled-peoples-organisation/ The deadline for expressions of interest is now 6pm on Friday 27 March 2026

WECA (The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority) have announced an exciting new initiative for VCSE organisations to further support young people across our region. A new West of England VCSE Fund will offer around £700,000 a year for up to three years - the VCSE Flexible Support Fund - helping join-up support for young people aged 18-21 who are not in education, employment or training.   Since the launch of WECA's regional Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, around 400 young people have already been supported through the pilot project. 70 of those young people have already been supported into paid employment including apprenticeships or into education and training, thanks to the partnerships with local employers, and another 200 more are being supported to help make that next step.   Now, they’re excited to announce plans to work more closely with the local VCSE sector as the Youth Guarantee evolves over the coming years – bolstered by trusted relationships with local communities, helping provide tailored support to another 1,100 young people.   VCSE organisations be able to apply as a single organisation or as a consortium, and the funding grants will be flexible.  To find out more, please join Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, at an event at Engine Shed in Bristol on Monday 2 March from 10am to 12 noon. Click here to reserve your space .

Bath-based change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall has published a new paper designed to support charities with technology selection. The free-to-download paper entitled ‘Big Impact: How charities can get maximum value through technology selection’  draws on Nine Feet Tall’s extensive experience of delivering successful technology selection projects. With insights from leading charities including St John Ambulance and Dimensions, the paper sets out five key steps organisations can take to achieve greater clarity and consistency across their systems. Tiggy McCool, Partner at Nine Feet Tall, said:  “Choosing the right technology solution helps organisations to scale and grow, as well as helping teams to function more effectively. For charities, this can mean a significant investment both in terms of financial outlay and internal resource, making it vital that digital programmes are set up correctly from the outset. “We created this guide to help teams make better-informed decisions, which could ultimately lead to greater confidence that the selected system meets organisational needs.” Nine Feet Tall has supported a wide range of clients to select and implement technology solutions that enable them to operate more effectively, including charities such as St John’s Foundation, St Peter’s Hospice, and UK Youth, as well as global companies such as sustainable development firm Chemonics and multinational law firm Osborne Clarke. “As a chair of a charity myself, knowing the executive team has a structured and robust approach to conducting technology selection helps to assure the Board that there is appropriate governance in place and that risks are being managed to get to a good outcome,” Tiggy added. Alongside her role as Partner and Nine Feet Tall’s not-for-profit sector lead, Tiggy is deeply committed to community impact. She joined the Jessie May Trust, a children’s hospice-at-home charity based in Bristol, as a Trustee in 2020 and was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2021. Headquartered in Bath with offices in London and Manchester, Nine Feet Tall specialises in delivering complex change projects, bringing together the power of people and technology. The consultancy works across sectors including retail and consumer goods, housing, construction, manufacturing, legal and financial services, and the third sector, helping organisations achieve results that make them more profitable, agile and competitive. Nine Feet Tall was acquired by international consulting group Talan in 2024, and continues to operate as an independent and autonomous business under the Talan UK umbrella. To download the guide, visit https://resources.ninefeettall.com/en/big-impact-technology-selection-guide

The finalists for Bath Life Awards 2026 have now been announced, and we are so proud to congratulate some of our wonderful members who have made it to the prestigious final on March 12th. We're delighted that 15 of our member organisations are in with a chance of winning across 7 categories. Local businesses and charities were able to nominate themselves for free in any of the 22 categories to be in with a chance of receiving well-deserved publicity and recognition. For 3SG members, the Charity and Civic categories offered specific opportunities, but charities and Third Sector organisations were also able to nominate themselves in categories that relate to their work (such as Education), until nominations closed on January 15th. The finalists in the Charity category are... Bath Cats and Dogs Home* Bath and District Samaritans The Carers’ Centre* Children’s Hospice South West* Dorothy House* Evie’s Gift I Can & I Am* Julian House* The Lily Foundation Charity Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity* The finalists in the Civic & Community category are... Bath Carnival* Bath Spa University* Bath Women’s Fund* CaliUnity Fairfield House Bath* Hands to Hold Lets Go Girls Phoenix Allstars Cheerleaders Radio Bath* 3SG Member organisations have also made it to the Bath Life Awards final in alternative categories: Arts & Creative The Egg at Theatre Royal Bath Education Bath Rugby Foundation Bath Spa University Event Bath Carnival RUHX Leisure & Tourism Fairfield House Bath Sustainability Climate Hub *3SG Member Organisations Congratulations to all finalists and thank you for all of the amazing work you do! The Bath Life Awards Final will take place at The Forum, Bath, on March 12th. Find out more here.