Nearly 400 local residents came to visit the 3SG Volunteer Fair, a large scale exhibition-style event at Bath’s Apex Hotel on 17th October, intending to do good for their local community. Run by Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG), this is the third year that the charity has organised the event to support its 250+ charity network members, with the aim of finding new volunteers to strengthen the work that they deliver across the area. With 44 charities exhibiting and a variety of talks and workshops held throughout the day, the event also showcased the amazing work of the charities and celebrated the sector as a whole. This year, there were additional taster sessions for the recently relaunched Wellbeing Courses for B&NES, a variety of free and low cost sessions that can be accessed locally to support people’s wellbeing. 3SG were also joined by a special guest, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, who officially opened the Fair and met stallholders. The day ended with a special ‘After Party’, an informal networking session with charities and local businesses to encourage greater connection. Becky Somerset, Director of 3SG, said: “The 3SG Volunteer Fair continues to attract more visitors and benefit local charities - it is an enormous effort for our small team and, as a charity ourselves, we rely on sponsorship to help us deliver this event. Huge thanks go to our headline sponsor, Riviam Digital Care, and to Bath College, Windsor Hill Mortgages, Bath Unlimited and Stone King LLP, who all supported us this year. Thank you also to our brilliant speakers, who took time out of their days to join the conversation around volunteering. “3SG exists as charity infrastructure - delivering 1:1 support, events, networking, training and advocacy work for the Sector across B&NES. One of our key reasons for existing is to deliver on strategic pieces of work that will mean local charities across our network benefit. Finding new volunteers and identifying sustainable funding are probably two of the most important issues facing charities right now and we are pleased to be able to offer this large scale event to further this aim. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the charities who came along and created such wonderful stalls - the whole room had a brilliant energy and we hope that you found some fantastic new volunteers.” Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things a person can do with their spare time. It makes a positive impact in so many ways and can help improve self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing, whilst developing new skills or offering existing ones. The local Third Sector in B&NES relies on people to help support its work, which often adds so much more to statutory services or fills a gap or a need that wasn’t being met.  For more information on 3SG, visit: 3sg.org.uk . If you are a sponsor who might be able to support next year’s Fair, please contact: becky@3sg.org.uk Huge thanks to the 3SG Volunteer Fair sponsors: Riviam Digital Care, Bath College, Windsor Hill Mortgages, Bath Unlimited and Stone King LLP , and to all of our speakers who took time out of their busy schedules to be involved in the day.

Jonathan Higman and Rob Whiteman have been appointed as the new Chief Executive and Chair of the Integrated Care Board, following recent changes that have formed a new cluster. This cluster brings together NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB, NHS Dorset ICB, and NHS Somerset ICB, marking a significant step in strengthening integrated care across the region. Jonathan Higman, the Chief Executive, previously led NHS Somerset and brings over 25 years’ experience across provider and commissioning organisations. Since becoming Chief Executive of NHS Somerset at its establishment, he has focused on developing neighbourhood models of support, shifting care closer to people’s own homes, while maintaining financial balance and delivering key national targets. Rob Whiteman, the Chair, has extensive experience across the NHS and local government. His roles have included Chair of the North East London Sustainability and Transformation Programme; Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit at both Whittington Health NHS Trust and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust; and Chief Executive of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. He is a recognised specialist in public sector finance, leadership, and governance, having supported governments and organisations in improving performance. As the newly formed Integrated Care Board Cluster embarks on this exciting chapter, the arrival of its Chief Executive and Chair marks a significant step forward in shaping a collaborative, patient-focused future. With strong leadership at the helm, the cluster is well-positioned to drive innovation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every decision prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves. Read their respective appointment press releases here - Chair appointed to new integrated care board cluster - Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB Jonathan Higman appointed as chief executive of new ICB cluster  - Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB

Keep warm and enjoy some welcome company; the Autumn/Winter 2025/2026 Warm Spaces Directory for Bath & North East Somerset is now live on Livewell B&NES (part of B&NES Council). Now in its fourth year of running, the scheme has venues across B&NES, offering a range of facilities for all ages, including refreshments, free WiFi, access to books, magazines and newspapers, toys, baby changing facilities, information and advice, activities etc. (facilities vary, depending on the venue).   There is a handy map of Warm Spaces to help everyone find their nearest warm and welcoming venue.   Want to be part of Warm Spaces?   Joining Warm Spaces is a fantastic way to support your local community , and a wide range of organisations, community groups and local businesses have taken part in the scheme including pubs, village shops, libraries, community spaces and ongoing groups, a laundrette, a building society and even an estate agents! We would love for you to join them.   It’s free , quick and easy for a venue to register as a new warm space in B&NES (private homes are not eligible).   If you have any questions about Warm Spaces, please contact the Live Well B&NES team: Livewell@bathnes.gov.uk .

A significant public consultation on growth plans, which could reshape Bath & North East Somerset over the next 20 years, focusing on new housing, transport, business space, infrastructure and public spaces, has been launched by the council. This consultation reflects detailed conversations over the last year with many organisations, including the FAB, and is designed to reflect the priorities across our Economic Strategy.   The consultation will give residents a range of opportunities to share their views, for example at pop-up events in Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and rural areas. Targeted outreach to young people, renters and other underrepresented groups and community group briefings and conversations will also take place.   The Local Plan outlines how places might change over the next 20 years to provide more of the right homes in the right places and enable economic growth. The report sets out how growth could be planned for, to create sustainable communities, protect the district’s unique character and address the climate and ecological emergency.   When finally agreed, the statutory Local Plan will guide development and land use across Bath and North East Somerset until 2043, with adoption scheduled for summer 2027.   The Council also approved a separate report seeking approval for the development of a Movement Strategy aimed at improving travel choices and a consultation on the strategy to run from Tuesday 14 October to Friday 28 November. Everyone can respond to the online consultation and find out about consultation events at  https://bathnesplaces.co.uk . You can find the programme and consultation activities here - https://bathnesplaces.co.uk/localplan/index.php?contentid=82

The spirit of community engagement will take centre stage this Friday as 3SG hosts the highly anticipated Volunteer Fair 2025 at the Apex Hotel Conference Centre in Bath . Running from 11:00am to 3:00pm , this free, drop-in event invites residents of Bath & North East Somerset to explore a vibrant world of volunteering opportunities. With over 40 local charities showcasing their work, the fair offers something for everyone—from first-time volunteers to seasoned changemakers. Attendees can discover roles that match their skills, interests, and availability, all while learning how to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Talks, Workshops & Wellbeing The event features a full schedule of talks and workshops , including: Corporate Volunteering (11:15 AM): How businesses and charities can build lasting partnerships. Inclusive & Flexible Volunteering (12:15 PM): Making volunteering accessible to all. Youth Volunteering (1:15 PM): Engaging Gen Z in community service. Skilled Tech Volunteering (2:15 PM): Real-world case studies from Tech4Good South West. In addition, attendees can enjoy free taster sessions from Wellbeing Courses, including Introduction to Mindfulness, Stress Busting Techniques, and Introduction to Pilates. After Party Celebration Following the fair, local businesses and charity leaders are invited to a special After Party from 3:30pm to 5:00pm , celebrating the region’s thriving third sector. Details and registration for the after party are available here . Whether you're looking to give back, gain experience, or simply connect with like-minded people, the Volunteer Fair 2025 is your gateway to getting involved. Just turn up on the day and say hello! For more information, visit the official event page or contact the us at contact@3sg.org.uk .

The SU Bath are delighted to announce that they are partnering with the University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Design to engage with local organisations to make a positive impact in the community, and they’d love for your charity to get involved and apply!   The faculties are encouraging small teams of Postgraduate students to volunteer their time and skills to add value to local charitable organisations by completing a ‘challenge’ set by the charity. Challenge suggestions can range from raising awareness, marketing and promotion, delivering specific events to service users, and more. Students apply in November, and are then formed into groups of 3-4 students.  Groups will then have from January to March 2026 to complete the challenge, followed by a Celebration Event in March, which you are warmly invited to attend. The aim of the challenge is to empower the students by developing their employability skills, such as team work, project management and communication. These valuable skills will enhance their academic studies, CVs and future careers. The challenge should also be mutually beneficial to the organisations involved by raising awareness and support amongst their large student population.   An example of the challenges that were run last year include:   Bath Cats and Dogs Home Organise and implement a kilo sale; preventing clothes from going to landfill.   Oxfam Stock drive campaign. The emphasis was on promoting sustainability through extending the life of unwanted garments, while further embedding Oxfam’s cause in the local community.   NSPCC Students were invited to devise a campaign to encourage their fellow students to undertake the NSPCC’s Listen Up, Speak Up 10-minute online training, helping to keep more children and young people safe.   First Steps To collect ideas that foster children’s connection with nature, promote sustainability, and reduce the nursery’s carbon footprint. To prepare communications that share easy tips with families on engaging children with nature at home. To create communications that help us all reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings.   Next Steps... Please complete the linked form giving details about the challenge and the benefits for your charity or community group. You may submit as many projects as you like but each one must be on a separate form.   The application deadline is 12th of November.   The shortlisted projects will be launched to students in January and the students will have an opportunity to choose which challenge they would prefer to deliver. If more applications are received than are needed then some challenges may not get selected to go through to the final round.   The student group’s will deliver their results as part of a presentation evening during March and all charities will be invited to attend this event. Please note, charities are asked to support the students during this challenge and therefore please consider whether you are able to dedicate some of your time and can remain contactable throughout this period. You can get in touch via volunteers@bath.ac.uk

Picture credit is to The Hive, Community Fridge. Local projects cutting carbon or tackling fuel poverty can now apply to the Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) Fund grant programme. This popular grant programme is back for its eleventh year, thanks to funding from BWCE as part of the work it does in supporting local communities. Applications for grants of up to £5,000 are invited before the 30 October 2025 deadline. Award-winning BWCE was set up in 2010 to own and develop renewable energy projects and has since become one of the largest community-owned energy companies in the UK. As a Community Benefit Society it gives surplus income to the BWCE Fund, which is administered by Quartet Community Foundation, giving grants to community groups and local environmental organisations. Earlier this year 10 projects in or near B&NES received £40,500 in funding to address fuel poverty or lower carbon emissions. These grants supported: Energy efficiency in community buildings and transport through more efficient insulation in buildings (The Hive, Peasedown St John); creation of sheltered & secure cycle parking (Bath City Farm); and the replacement of single glazed windows with double glazing (High Littleton Scout Group) Environmental Education through community engagement events to involve more people in reducing carbon, waste and landfill ( Bath Share & Repair); updating and expanding the library of things for local people on low incomes (Time Bank Plus) Addressing food & fuel poverty and reducing food waste supporting community meals at the Lighthouse Centre in Twerton, which are made using surplus food that would otherwise go to waste (Bath Community Kitchen); helping fund a solar generator for use by the orchard and Grow Timsbury (Corston Community Orchard); provision of household audits for the group’s pantry members experiencing economic hardship, to identify energy saving measures and provide energy saving equipment (Oasis Hub Bath); create an accessible vegetable growing area to reduce food miles and enable greater access to gardening and fresh food for the group’s members with learning disabilities (SWALLOW) Jane Wildblood, Chair of Trustees for BWCE Fund, said: “Taking action at the local level to tackle the climate emergency has never been more important. We are very proud of all the local organisations we have funded so far to reduce carbon emissions and/or tackle fuel poverty. And we are very grateful to BWCE for the money it awards to the Fund. Since 2014, the Fund has made 111 grants worth over £350,000”. Quartet Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Manager, Angela Emms said: “We’re delighted to continue working with the BWCE Fund. As charities are facing both increasing costs and increasing demands, this grant programme has the double benefit of supporting projects which reduce carbon emissions or tackle fuel poverty. Carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects; it might include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction or indeed any activity that reduces carbon emissions. This year we would particularly welcome applications relating to fuel poverty/affordable warmth, ensuring that everyone can access and afford energy this winter”. Case study – Cavity Wall Insulation for The Hive, Peasedown St John The Hive Community Centre in Peasedown StJohn received a grant of £5,000 towards Cavity Wall Insulation. The aim is to ensure that the Hive is a warm and welcoming place for people especially in the winter months. The team also want the Hive to be an energy efficient building both to reduce our carbon footprint and to reduce the energy bills. This will help to keep the doors open at the Hive for the benefit of the community. Joy from The Hive Community Centre, Peasedown St John said: “We run a Community Fridge and a Food Pantry at the Hive, helping to feed struggling families and keeping good food from going to landfill. At our weekly Food Pantry we offer other support with the attendance of Citizen's Advice Bureaux every week and Clean Slate once a month. There are a wide range of activities running from The Hive including Youth Work three times a week, exercise groups wellbeing, sports, bereavement groups and our pre-school play area is well used by parents and carers. Keeping our energy costs down and reducing our carbon footprint is so important to keeping the Hive going and to being able to support people in our community who are struggling. We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Bath and West Community Energy Fund”. Find out more and apply before 30 October Groups are invited to apply to the BWCE Fund grant programme before 1pm on Thursday 30 October 2025. Interested projects need to apply through the Quartet Community Foundation website: https://quartetcf.org.uk/grants/bath-west-community-energy-grant/ Full details of the grants awarded in previous years can be found on BWCE’s website https://www.bwce.coop/community-fund/

Following the resounding success of the inaugural TBE Awards 2024, The Business Exchange South West is excited to announce that the awards are back for 2025. The Charity/Not-for-Profit category is free to enter and celebrates organisations making a real difference in our community. Whether you want to highlight a standout fundraising campaign or your overall impact over the past year, TBE want to hear from you. Your entry should: Show measurable impact and success in meeting your goals or supporting your beneficiaries Highlight innovation or creative strategies used to overcome challenges Demonstrate how you engage with supporters, the wider community, and other organisations to drive results Don’t forget to include your organisation’s mission statement. Use discount code: TBEFOC to enter for free. Deadline: Tuesday 30th September Find out more and apply here: https://tbeawards.co.uk/award-categories/charity-not-for-profit-of-the-year/

Bath Spa University is delighted to announce that the Bath Spa Works: Internships scheme is returning for 2025/26 , now entering its seventh successful year !  This initiative continues to be a huge success, providing a valuable bridge between Bath Spa University students and local employers, while fostering innovation and growth within the community. By taking part, you’ll not only be supporting the professional development of the next generation, but you’ll also gain access to talented, motivated students who can bring fresh ideas and skills into your organisation.  Why Get Involved?     The Bath Spa Works internship scheme is designed to support a wide range of organisations — from micro businesses and SMEs to charities, social enterprises, and CICs. By hosting a Bath Spa student, you can:     Access motivated and skilled students  to support projects and business growth  Bring in fresh perspectives and creativity    Help develop student employability skills , preparing them for the graduate labour market    Strengthen ties  with Bath Spa University and our talent pipeline    Internship Funding Options     1. Part-Funded Internships     120 hours Internship   Bath Spa Works provides a £1,000 funding contribution   You top up the remaining cost to ensure the student is paid at least National Minimum Wage  The student will be added to your payroll and paid directly by you    2. Employability Awards (Limited Availability)     In some cases, where small businesses or charities might not otherwise be able to host a student, Bath Spa Works can offer a limited number of Employability Awards . These awards provide eligible students with £1,250 (paid directly by the University)  to support their internship. Unlike the part-funded option, these internships are not required to be paid at National Minimum Wage, as the Award covers the student’s contribution.  Eligibility will be assessed when you submit your proposal form, and the outcome will be confirmed via email by the Scheme Coordinator or an Employer Relations Advisor within Step 2  of the process.    How to jump start your internship!     Step 1: Submit Your Proposal     Complete the Employer Proposal Form    Provide details of the internship role, sign our T&Cs, data sharing, and disclose the required Health & Safety documentation  Proposals are essential to be eligible for funding    Step 2: Review & Confirmation by the Scheme Coordinator     The Placements Team will review your proposal (within 5–10 working days)  You will be notified of the outcome and type of funding available  If part-funded, you’ll be asked to sign the Bath Spa Works Internship Funding Agreement    Step 3: Your opportunity is LIVE & Intern Selection Begins!     Once confirmed, your internship opportunity will be promoted on MyCareer , the student careers platform.  Students will be able to apply within an agreed timeframe (usually around three weeks, set with the organisation and Scheme Coordinator). If requested, the Scheme Coordinator can keep you updated on application progress throughout this period.  When applications close, you will receive an e-book of applications  so you can begin your intern selection.    For a full description of the entire Internship process, please read the Bath Spa Works Internship: Employer Handbook   If your internship includes remote working, Bath Spa University also encourages you to read ACAS’s Guide to Working from Home for Students.   Important Information     The employer proposal window is NOW open until   17th November 2025   Funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis , and may close earlier if all funds have been distributed.   Decisions will be based on both the quality of the internship opportunity and the organisation’s needs.  Graduates are not eligible  for these internships.  If you request multiple interns within a proposal form, funding may be limited to one internship to ensure opportunities are shared across a wider range of organisations. This will be confirmed during Step 2  if your proposal is successful.  If you’re not quite ready to have an intern but want to get involved in after the new year, Bath Spa University's second Employer Proposal Intake is the 19th January – 15th March!   If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team. : placements@bathspa.ac.uk

Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Adult Social Care service is responsible for commissioning a range of community support services.   This is an update on the final stages of the Community Support Services procurement exercise to appoint six community partners to deliver a range of health and wellbeing community support services.   Starting 17 September, contract award notices are being issued in phases. This initial tranche encompasses three of the six contracts in total.   For the two contracts exceeding the applicable thresholds, namely: ASC Independent Living Support (ILS), ASC Step Up and Step Down (SUSD), intention-to-award notices have been published on the Find a Tender (FTS) platform, in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). These are subject to the mandatory eight-working-day standstill period.   The remaining contract, ASC Older People and Information Advice (OPIAS) falls below the threshold and has been awarded outright, with the corresponding notice to be issued as an award confirmation. Details pertaining to this contract will be disseminated shortly.   During this period, they are unable to discuss or share details about individual providers or services, even though the notices are now in the public domain. This is a standard procurement regulation to allow unsuccessful bidders the opportunity to review and challenge the decision if needed (where a standstill applies), promoting fairness and compliance across the process.   Notices will be published on the government find a tender website .    Further updates will be provided as soon as the relevant standstill periods conclude without issues and contracts are formally awarded. For the first batch, this could occur as early as 29 September, with all phases expected to be completed no later than 6 October, assuming no challenges arise.   B&NES Council appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.   For any queries not relating to individual providers or services, please contact the Community Partners inbox CommunityServices_EarlyHelp@bathnes.gov.uk .

The Challenge of Volunteer management Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of managing volunteers on your own? Maybe you’re juggling multiple roles, working hard behind the scenes, and wondering how to grow your skills or take your career to the next level. Rachel Stewart is a Career and Leadership Coach with nearly 20 years of experience in the charity sector. An ILM -qualified Executive Coach and member of the Association for Coaching, she knows how isolating volunteer management can feel and what it means to navigate career transitions and find your place. Rachel's one-to-one coaching programme is specifically designed to help Volunteer Managers reposition your professional identity, gain strategic influence, and confidently plan your next career move - without remaining stuck in roles where your impact goes unseen or underappreciated. What others say “Rachel has been a fantastic coach, always flexible and responsive to my needs…I have found Rachel’s ability to use different coaching tools and techniques really helpful…(she) comes across as non-judgemental and supportive, calm and considerate in her coaching style… Coaching has provided me with the space and the support to work through a challenging time for me career wise, building my confidence and self-assurance” Rachel is offering a free 45-minute introductory coaching call to explore where you are now, where you’d like to be, and what’s getting in the way. To book, email Rachel at rachel@frs-consultancy.com If it's a good fit, Rachel will also share how her 6-session Strategic Career Navigator programme works. It’s designed to give you the confidence, clarity, and strategy you need to take your next career step. Currently, this is on a limited time offer for £450 when booked before October 10th. Spaces are limited. Rachel also has a free guide available to download: 5 Steps to Career Clarity for Volunteer Managers at www.frs-consultancy.com

Bringing lived experience to the heart of digital health research Have you ever thought: “There must be a better way to do this”? Is there a health challenge that you have experienced or that you see in your community that you think could be solved using digital technology? LEAP Digital Health Hub are looking for people who are: Involved in community groups or charities Working in social care or assisted living Patients with lived experience Informal carers They want to work with you to co-develop your ideas and turn your experience into impactful digital health research and innovation. You don’t need a research background or technical skills, just a problem you care about solving, and a passion for making things better. What is the Community Innovator Scheme? LEAP Digital Health Hub is launching this new scheme designed especially for people with real-world experience of health and care in the community, who want to make a difference and explore digital ways to improve lives. It is a collaborative programme where we help you turn your ideas and insights into an early- stage digital health solution. Whether it’s a challenge you’ve faced as a carer, a gap you’ve spotted in your community service, or a better way to support people with long-term conditions, they want to work with you to explore what’s possible. What will being a Community Innovator involve? If your application is successful: You will be partnered with a LEAP researcher to develop your challenge during a short meeting in October You will then attend the Community Sandpit Event in Bristol in early November. During the Sandpit: You (or your LEAP researcher) will present your challenge to other attendees, including researchers, NHS partners, and industry experts You will have the chance to talk to others about your challenge and find people who can work with you to investigate it further. If you find a team to work with at the Sandpit, there will be a second application (to be completed by an academic) for a small amount of funding (£10,000) to be used to develop your idea further. You’ll also have access to: Mentoring and guidance to navigate the digital health space Free access to LEAP’s Skills and Knowledge Programme Opportunities to make use of University co-working spaces and resources You’ll be part of a growing network of people using their experience to shape better health and care services. How to apply Complete the short online application form by midnight (BST) on Monday 6 October 5-10 successful applicants will be progressed Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 13 October Full details and how to apply: https://leap-hub.ac.uk/leap-digital-health-community- innovators/

Many of the organisations we work with are doing incredible work but struggling to share their stories effectively. They know they should be creating video content but feel completely overwhelmed about where to start. This means brilliant projects stay invisible, limiting their ability to attract funding, volunteers, and community support. Introducing The Saltways... The Saltways specialise in training nonprofit teams to create authentic video content using just their phones. They focus heavily on ethical storytelling - particularly important when working with vulnerable communities - and provide practical skills that work within tight budgets and busy schedules. Their upcoming opportunities: Free Workshop - September 11th: "How to Create Engaging Fundraising Films" - perfect timing for Christmas appeals. Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 The Community Studio (launching September 16th): Complete phone filmmaking training plus 12 months of ongoing support for nonprofits ready to build sustainable storytelling practices. Free Workshop - October 23rd: "How to Create Effective Video Content Using your Phone for Charities" Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 Free Workshop - November 27th: "How to Attract Corporate Supporters with Video Content" Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-saltways-creates-effective-films-and-animations-for-charities-59531784713 Custom team training: They also provide tailored workshops for organisations wanting to build internal capacity across their teams. Find out more here: https://thesaltways.com/

Radio Bath, with support from 3SG, is proud to announce the launch of the very first Radio Bath Charity Awards - a brand new initiative celebrating the outstanding work of charities, organisations, and volunteers across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire. Supported by The Pavilion  and Tu Mangetout , the Awards aim to shine a light on the individuals and groups making a real difference in our communities. There are 16 award categories  open for nominations, including: Best Collaborative or Partnership Initiative Charity Event of the Year Compassion in Action Award Young Volunteer of the Year Adult Volunteer of the Year Charity of the Year Lifetime Achievement Charity Supporter of the Year (2 available)* Diversity and Inclusion Champion Community Group or Organisation of the Year Small Charity of the Year (income >£100k) Environmental and Sustainability Award Youth Charity of the Year Creative Community Initiative Sports Community Engagement Community Wellness Impact Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year *NB: We are not asking for nominations for Lifetime Achievement, Radio Bath will choose this. Nominations are now open and will close on Monday 8th September, at 11:45pm . Whether you’d like to nominate your own organisation, highlight an inspiring individual, or celebrate a local group that’s gone above and beyond, we want to hear from you! There is no cost to nominate , and the process is open to all. These awards are about recognising the heart and soul of our community - the people and projects driving positive change, often behind the scenes. We warmly encourage charities, volunteers, and supporters across the region to get involved and help us celebrate the amazing work happening every day. Submit your nomination today and help us spotlight the heroes of our community! 🏆 The Awards will culminate in a Celebratory Reception and Dinner  on 7th October , hosted at The Pavilion, Bath , from 12:30 – 16:30 . Tickets are priced at £40 per person , including a delicious lunch. 👉 Submit your nomination via the Microsoft form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/fSX5J5eBmM ✉️ Feel free to contact events@radiobath.com to book your event ticket, or get more information. We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible contributions across our community!

Volunteers' Week is a national celebration takes place every year during the first week of June, honouring the incredible impact volunteers have on their communities. It's a perfect moment to recognise, celebrate, and thank those who give their time so generously. To mark the occasion, we’re highlighting the amazing volunteers supporting communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. To champion their contributions and show our appreciation, 3SG has spoken with several local volunteers to share their inspiring stories. Each day from June 2nd to 6th, we’ll be featuring a different volunteer and the difference they make. On behalf of all charities, community groups, and third sector organisations across Bath & North East Somerset, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer. By sharing these stories, we hope to not only celebrate your efforts but also inspire others to get involved. SHIRLEY Up today we have retired nurse and animal lover, Shirley, who has been volunteering with Bath Cats and Dog's Home for an impressive 12 years. Over that time, Shirley has tried several different roles including dog walking, socialising kittens in the cattery, and supporting the fundraising efforts. She has also volunteered for Bath Toad and Frog Patrol Group. Shirley enjoys spending one-on-one time with the animals, whilst keeping active and getting to know fellow volunteers and staff. Read on to hear more about Shirley's experiences, motivations and advice. What inspired you to start volunteering? After caring for humans for forty years in my varying roles as a nurse, I decided after retirement I would like to spend more of my time with animals. What have you learnt from your experiences? Always listen to those you work with who are more knowledgeable, whatever age, you never stop learning. Also the pleasure to be had from knowing you can make a difference to an animal’s life. Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share? In my role as a dog walker at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, I walked a Staffy called, Buttons, twice a week for two years with no interest shown in him by potential adopters. One day I arrived to take Buttons out and the magic had happened, someone had fallen in love with him and adopted him and they gave him a very happy life. What have you learnt from your experiences? Always listen to those you work with who are more knowledgeable, whatever age, you never stop learning. Also the pleasure to be had from knowing you can make a difference to an animal’s life. What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering? If you’re thinking of volunteering, just do it. There is so much to be gained by the knowledge that you are helping a very good cause while at the same time supporting your mental health. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in becoming a volunteer? Check out our Volunteer page  for more information, and where else to find opportunities. You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter , and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group , to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis.

Below is a selection of current funding opportunities available to charitable organisations across B&NES. The 12 opportunities below are listed in order of closing date, and separated into two sections; Local and National. Local Opportunities Retrofit Community Group Grants 🪙 Up to £20,000 Retrofit West via the West of England Combined Authority, is offering grants of up to £20,000 to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who want to champion home energy efficiency and upgrades. Deadline: Friday 5th September 2025 - Find Out More Postcode Local Trust for West of England 🪙 Between £500 and £2,500, and £500 to £25,000 Grants are available to charitable organisations in the West of England working in the areas of: Enabling participation in physical activity Enabling participation in the arts Improving biodiversity and responding to the climate emergency Improving green spaces and increasing access to the outdoors Preventing or reducing the impact of poverty Providing support to improve mental health Supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality Deadline: Monday 8th September 2025 - Find Out More Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund 🪙 Up to £4,000 This funding is open to most non-profits in the West of England, including B&NES, that meet a local need and seek to improve the lives of local people who are most in need of support. Priority will be given to those with income under £500,000 and for areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation where people lack access to local services, that help build stronger communities. Deadline: Will reopen on 22nd September. No closing date specified. Find Out More National Opportunities Kelly Family Charitable Trust 🪙 Up to £5,000 The three areas of activity that the charity wishes to support are: Interventions that support families and help them in ways that prevent the fracture of the family unit, eg practical family support, relationship counselling, mediation Families where sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and drug abuse threaten the integrity of the family unit Prisoners and in particular their families, during and after the period of imprisonment The trust prefers to support charities whose income is below £500,000. However, larger charities with pioneering pilot projects will be considered. Core funding requests as well as project-based grants are welcomed. Deadline: Monday 1st September - Find Out More Consortium: Collective Nature Fund 🪙 £500 - £3,000 This new fund is for UK LGBTQI+ global majority community groups and organisations. Deadline: 12 midday, Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - Find Out More Lloyds Bank Foundation Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation Fund 🪙 £75,000 over 3 years This programme is for small and local charities and CICs with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 that are led by and working with Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Deadline: 5pm, Sunday 7th September 2025 - Find Out More Ofgem: Energy Redress Scheme 🪙 £20,000 - £50,000 This funding is for charities supporting people in vulnerable situations struggling with their energy bills, and for projects targeting private rented sector properties. It can fund projects lasting up to two years. Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 9th September 2025 - Find Out More Music for All - Funding round 4 🪙 Unknown Financial support available for community projects that support physical mobility or accessibility needs, mental health and loneliness/isolation, choral groups, working with early years aged children, or descant recorder pack and music pack. Organisations must be registered with the Charity Commission or Companies House. You can expect to hear back 3 months after your application. Deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 24th September 2025 - Find Out More Zurich Municipal: Diversity and Inclusion Awards 🪙 £3,000 - £10,000 This funding is for charities with annual incomes of up to £100,000 running diversity and inclusion programmes. Deadline: 12 midnight, Tuesday 30th September 2025 - Find Out More Another Way Women's Foundation 🪙 £1,000 - £5,000 This funding round will focus preferentially on supporting projects/initiatives/services for women and girls in business and STEM. Two grants for UK non-profits are available, which fall into the areas of Project Support, and Services support. Deadline: Funding round opens on Monday 1st September and closes Tuesday 30th September. Find Out More Million Hours Fund (DCMS & The National Lottery Community Fund) Phase 3 🪙£30,000 - £100,000 This £19 million fund provides youth organisations with funding to deliver positive activities for young people in areas with higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Eligible wards in B&NES include Bathwick and Kingsmead. Work must either be based in, or benefit young people living in, an eligible ward. Deadline: 12 noon on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 - Find Out More Corra Foundation - You're Only Young Once Fund 🪙 Up to £10,000 This is a £50,000 fund for incorporated, not-for-profit organisations, with a track record of delivering services specifically for children, young people and families affected by drugs and alcohol. Deadline: 2pm on Friday 31st October 2025 - Find Out More -------------------------------------------------------- More funding opportunities can be found via the BaNES Funding Finder - Click Here 3SG member organisations also benefit from free access to our Funds Online  account, allowing you to search a library of over 8,000 funders giving a combined total of £8 billion. If you're a member,  head to the Resources page here to find out more.  You can find out more about 3SG membership here , or get in touch via contact@3sg.org.uk   If you work in a fundraising capacity you may also be interested in joining our Fundraising & Communications Network , with Bath Fundraisers' Group. The Network meets quarterly, with different themes and speakers, to offer support and enable inclusive networking and learning amongst those involved in fundraising in B&NES. You can sign up to the monthly Bath Fundraisers' Group Newsletter  here   and join the LinkedIn group here.

Ever thought about volunteering in your spare time, but not sure where to start? Join 3SG at this year’s Volunteer Fair , which will be held at the Apex Hotel, Bath on Friday, 17th October, from 11 am - 3 pm. The event, now in its third year, celebrates over 40 local charities and the amazing work that is carried out to support people across the area, doing so alongside people like you. Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn new skills, connect with others and to make a difference in your community, giving as much or as little of your time that you can spare.  The main exhibition space will see displays by some of the 250+ charity members that 3SG supports, with each stall providing a warm welcome, fun activities and probably some freebies! We’ll also be welcoming a very special guest to officially open the Fair at 11 am, HM the King’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. As well as the exhibition space, visitors can take part in workshops and talks throughout the day, and new to the Fair this year, free taster sessions for the soon to be launched Wellbeing Courses in B&NES , which will be available to book on arrival. As part of 3SG’s work to support the local Third Sector, the organisation is inviting local businesses to join the event for a special ‘After Party’, which will be taking place from 3.30pm, an informal networking session with local charities where we will raise a glass to those working tirelessly for the community. Entry to the Volunteer Fair is free, but you must register for the After Party event, which is open to local businesses and our charity stallholders only. For more information and tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3SGAFTERPARTY Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG)   is a charity supporting over 250 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

UWE Bristol’s  School of Computing and Creative Technologies  is offering  community, voluntary, and social enterprise organisations  the opportunity to receive  free consultancy  on: Information management Business planning & strategy Training IT solutions Systems analysis Website & social media support Other ICT-related matters The consultancy will be delivered by   final-year undergraduate student project team(s) . Over the past years, their  150+ successful projects  have provided clients with  practical advice, strategies, and deliverables . This year will be able to support around ~15 projects . Projects will begin in  October  and run until  March/April  the following year. To learn more about the consultancy and see  examples of past student work , visit their website:  https://go.uwe.ac.uk/cake   Applications are now open and the deadline for this year's applications is Friday 5 September 2025.  To apply, please complete the online application form available on this direct link  https://infohub.uwe.ac.uk/Form.aspx?id=42615576  which can also be accessed from the main scheme page  https://go.uwe.ac.uk/cake  (*If you had previously benefited from this scheme then you are most "welcome" to apply again).

The Rotork Community Challenge with the University of Bath’s School of Management is back for 2025! For the past 10 years the University of Bath’s School of Management faculty have partnered with the University of Bath’s Student Union Volunteering Department with the aim of encouraging small teams of students to volunteer their time and skills in October and November to add value to local charitable organisations. They are now looking for a new set of ‘challenges’ that will allow up to 12 teams, each consisting of 6 to 7 students, to get involved with. What are they looking for? Projects that a team of up to 7 students can deliver sometime between the end of October and the end of November. Please see linked document below for some examples of past projects. Many of the students involved in this scheme are international and will be put into teams working with other students that they have probably not met before. Therefore, a part of their challenge may well include language and cultural barriers, as well as the short time given to deliver the project. Usually, the students really embrace this opportunity and will go above and beyond the brief to deliver a successful event or project. However, your time will be needed to support them throughout, as this is a learning experience for these students and things can of course, go wrong along the way. The important learning for the groups is around how they then deal with any problems and work together to come up with solutions and a positive outcome for the charities involved. Your project will be helping them to develop their teamwork, problem solving, communication and leadership skills, to name but a few. N.B Fundraising projects will not be accepted. Next Steps Please complete the linked form below giving as much detail as possible about the challenge and the benefits for your charity or community group. You may submit as many projects as you like but each one must be on a separate form. The application deadline is 12th of September. The projects will be launched to students in early October and the students will have an opportunity to choose which challenge they would prefer to deliver. If they receive more than 12 challenge applications, they will be shortlisting to achieve this number. Therefore, some challenges may not get selected to go through to the final round. However, they do have other groups of students who might then want to take up some of these projects and other ways they may be able to work with you in future. The student group’s will deliver their results as part of a presentation evening during late November (27 th of November) and all charities will be invited to attend this event, where an overall winner will be announced! Please note, they do ask charities to support the students during this challenge and therefore please consider whether you are able to dedicate some of your time and can remain contactable throughout this period. Furthermore, once the final projects have been set you will not be able to change your challenge or request additional tasks from the students, therefore please ensure that you are satisfied with your challenge application before you submit it to avoid any last-minute changes. The University of Bath look forward to receiving your challenge projects application by close of play on September 12 th and thank you in advance for your support. Please find the downloadable application form and the PDF of examples at the following links:   Application Form (Word document): https://www.thesubath.com/pageassets/volunteer/Rotork-Community-Challenge-Application.docx     Examples document: https://www.thesubath.com/pageassets/volunteer/Examples.pdf

Ara Recovery 4 All offer free, fully funded Gambling Harms Prevention workshops  for young people (ages 11–25), professionals, and parents/carers. These sessions are flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of your team. They can be delivered online or in person . Right now, they're inviting inviting youth-facing professionals  to book a session as part of their Ahead of the Game  programme. This training is designed to build your confidence in supporting young people who may be at risk of gambling or gaming-related harms, or who are affected by someone else’s gambling. With GamCare closing its youth programme, it’s more important than ever that youth services are equipped to respond to these issues. Their sessions aim to help bridge that gap. The training includes: Spotting the signs of gambling and gaming-related harms Understanding the impact on young people, including those affected by someone else’s gambling Exploring the risks of loot boxes, in-game purchases, and gambling-like mechanics Practical tools and strategies to help young people make safer choices online Signposting and referral pathways for additional support Book a session or find out more by emailing EmilyCox@recovery4all.co.uk or visiting the website at www.AraEducate.co.uk .