Introducing the Wirral CVS Board Building Fund, and what you need to know to apply Trustees are fundamental to the strength of a charity. They hold responsibility for its purpose, governance, finances and long-term direction, while giving their time voluntarily to help an organisation serve its community well. It's an important role, but not always an easy one. Trustees may join a board with deep professional or lived experience while being less familiar with a particular asp

What we learnt from the day, with our Kickstart Report included Reflections from Emma The Kickstart event was a brilliant example of bringing people together, sharing ideas and agreeing the main priorities for Wirral’s volunteering strategy. I really enjoyed the conversations I had with many in attendance about making volunteering easier, more flexible and open to everyone. A key reflection from some attendees was that many people already do amazing things in their communitie

Our condolences following the unexpected death of a popular local charity leader We are saddened to hear of the unexpected death of Ben Duggan, Charity Manager at Dementia Together Wirral. Our thoughts are with Ben’s family and friends, and with everyone at the charity who knew and worked alongside him. Ben joined Dementia Together Wirral in February 2025, bringing experience from his work at Wirral Mencap and Autism Together. The charity provides social activities and events

Exploring a part of Wirral's vital heritage during Heritage Open Days 2026 I had the absolute pleasure of joining a heritage tour at the beautiful Byrne Avenue Baths last week for Heritage Open Days 2026, and what an experience it was! I’ve visited the Baths many times over the past year, but the tour made me realise just how much I had missed. Sometimes we walk into a building without really stopping to look around. This time, I got the chance to slow down, take it all in an

Crisis, Challenge and Normality Interfaith Unity Religion by nature separates us. The difference between belief systems, moral and ethical codes, practices and rituals and even our fundamental worldviews create divides that are clear to see. So when religious leaders come together over issues, people take note. Following the events of the Southport tragedy in 2024, faith leaders and politicians through their interfaith group started a unity walk through town to show their sol

Updates from the latest meeting of the Sector Leaders Group.

Worship spaces and their legacy as places of gathering My role as the Faith Development officer at Wirral CVS is not a common one, and although there are many faith based infrastructure organisations, few are looking specifically at the nuances of how the faith sector fit within the wider civil sector. Those organisations are often concerned specifically with building capacity and supporting faith groups independently of the wider sector which is not bad by any means, but not

A look into recent funder events, as well as a ones on the horizon!

Small Charity Week is worth celebrating, but is also an opportunity to reflect on unique challenges We are really proud to celebrate Small Charity Week this week, a time dedicated to recognising the incredible impact that small charities have on our communities and to highlight the multitude of challenges that they have to navigate each and every day. NCVO defines small charities as those with an annual income of less than £1 million. While they may be defined as small with

Take part in a collaborative opportunity for VCFSE organisations The development of Wirral's new Crisis and Resilience Fund is reaching an important milestone, and local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations now have an opportunity to help shape how part of this significant investment will be delivered. Following co-production between Wirral Council, Wirral CVS and partners across the borough, proposals for the Crisis and Resilience Fund are

Exploring some of the unsung heroes of volunteer organisations Volunteering is often celebrated through the visible contributions of frontline volunteers who give their time delivering services, raising funds or supporting communities directly. Yet, behind every successful VCFSE organisation sits a group of individuals whose influence is less visible but equally vital. These are trustees and committee members who are the backbone of volunteering, and they provide the governan

Here's what charities need to know. From 6 April 2026, major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) come into force which is one of the most significant updates to employee sickness rights in years. Whether you’re an employer, trustee, or employee, these changes are set to reshape how sick pay works across the UK. So, what’s actually changing? One of the biggest shifts is the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit. This means SSP will now be available to all employees, regardless o

A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week. The National Lottery Community Fund Voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies, charities and partnerships can apply for grants of £500,000 to £5 million, spread over 2 to 10 years, to support projects that bring diverse communities together. The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund is open to applications from organisations seeking to scale up proven work that tackles inequa

On 15th April, volunteer managers from across Wirral’s VCFSE sector came together at New Hope CIC in Egremont for the latest Volunteer Managers Forum. The session brought together a diverse group of organisations, including some new faces, and created a space for shared learning, reflection and collaboration. Reflections on 2025 & 2026 Jen delivered a presentation to the group on the impact of the Volunteering team since they started in June 2025. The priorities set for the y

A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week. Wirral CVS’ Shout About Volunteering Micro Grants Wirral CVS is offering a limited number of “Shout About Volunteering” micro grants to help organisations across Wirral celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026 and recognise the contribution of volunteers within their communities. Successful applicants will receive a £150 contribution towards a Volunteers’ Week event or volunteer gift, alongside a party

Shout about Volunteering! Wirral CVS will help you do it! To mark Volunteers' Week, we’re offering a limited number of Volunteers’ Week Shout Out packs for organisations across Wirral. Successful applicants will receive: £150 contribution towards a Volunteers’ Week event or gift for your volunteers. A party pack with printed Volunteers’ Week materials - including thank you cards, cake toppers and banners. A chance to showcase and celebrate your volunteers across Wirral. Wheth

A look into the Charity Commission's guidance on the Online Safety Act Charities and Social Media guidance from the Charity Commission has been thoroughly updated in response to the recent introduction of the Online Safety Act 2023. This new legislation aims to enhance the safety and security of online interactions, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of organizations and individuals in maintaining a safe digital environment. As a result, it is crucial for charities

A reflection on Wirral's biggest volunteer celebration event Back in September 2025, when we started conversations with Volunteer Managers about how we could celebrate volunteers, we made a group decision that whatever we did it needed to be fun, inclusive and show every volunteer that they were valued and appreciated. Reflecting back on FestiVol, which was held on 28th February 2026, we’d like to think we achieved all three, and based the feedback we’ve received – volunteers

On Thursday, representatives from the VCFSE sector met with Wirral Council officers who will be delivering the next round of the Crises and Resilience Fund . The session provided an opportunity to outline key elements of the new fund and to gather sector feedback to help shape an informed funding plan for the next three years. The Crises and Resilience Fund is designed to support households experiencing financial hardship, while also helping residents build longer‑term financ

Does your charity need a property? - free webinar for charities The Ethical Property Foundation (EPF) is pleased to continue their 2026 webinar series. Do charities need property? As the UK’s leading property advice charity for the voluntary sector, they offer this free webinar to help charities and voluntary organisations make informed decisions about property. This practical and reflective session will support you to think carefully about the role property plays in your w