Our comms will be going quiet from today The office remains open until 5pm next Tuesday 23 December if you need to get in touch with others in the team Wishing everyone a happy holiday

More exciting & opportunities in the VCS in the new year, if you're looking for a new paid role You could be part of the inspiring team at Daniel Spargo Mabbs Foundation: - Head of Business & Organisational Development (0.6FTE) - Drug Educator (sessional) richmondcvs.org.uk/category/jobs/

مرحباً لندن! 👋 Today is World Arabic Language Day, and we're spotlighting our Arabic-language resources to help Arabic-speaking communities access key information on civic & democratic rights For site-wide translation and more community language resources registertovote.london 👉 #NoVoteNoVoice

A rare (almost all) team festive social As the year draws to a close, thank you to all of our network who deliver such vital support to the community, as well as our trustees, funders, trainers, associates & all those we work with We wish everyone safe & happy holidays 🌲🌟 🌲

From today to Mon 22 Dec, some services will be affected due to strike action Please attend your GP & dental appointments unless you are contacted & told otherwise For medical help use 111.nhs.uk or for life-threatening emergencies only call 999 www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/in...

If you have the right experience, there's a rewarding full time Caseworker job opportunity available with Glass Door Homeless Charity Be quick - applications close 24 December bit.ly/3MFrnjV

📢 JOB OPPORTUNITY - apply by 30 Dec 📢 Local refugee charity Refugees Welcome in Richmond is seeking a part-time researcher to help volunteers identify suitable accommodation for clients seeking sanctuary. Find out more & apply asap bit.ly/4oYFu13

What's the collective noun for a group of VCS comms professionals? No idea...but we are so lucky to have amazing local colleagues who share their knowledge & experience Thank you Hallie @ruils.bsky.social & Aydee @ageukrichmond.bsky.social - peer support from exceptional people 🙏 🙏 🙏

We know the festive season isn't smiles & laughter for everyone A little reminder that support is available, during the holidays & all year round, if you need to talk

If you need to get in touch with us in the coming weeks, please note our planned holiday closure

Keep the FUN in FUNdraising If you forgot today is Christmas Jumper Day, it is literally never too late! Started by @savethechildrenuk.bsky.social in 2012 & raising £40M+ to help improve the lives of children everywhere, any day that suits you will do www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-ju...

Ensuring your organisation's funds are properly managed and accounted for is the responsibility of everyone on the board, not just the treasurer. Equip your board with essential information that trustees need and join our Finance for Trustees event hosted by @Crowe UK. https://loom.ly/t71PtQM

Compassionate Cuppa — Tues 16th Dec ☕ A free, friendly grief café for anyone bereaved, recently or long ago. 🕙 10–11.30am | 📍ETNA Community Centre, TW1 2AR No need to book — just drop in for warmth, understanding & connection. 💛 www.space2grieve.org.uk

How lovely to be gifted gorgeous home-baked treats for the team - from someone who just appreciates us! Perks of the VCS & a great way to start practising excess for the festive season ☺️

Do you know someone who might need advice or support this winter? @richmondcouncil.bsky.social has collated local resources - inc those most at risk, how to keep warm, practical & financial support, road gritting & more New infographics & posters for VCS groups too richmond.gov.uk/winter_weather

It's not too late to get festive with your creative flair (& support a great local cause)! Limited spaces still available with SEEN - THIS THURSDAY Join a masterclass to create your own eco-friendly wreath - all materials & tools provided for just £40 register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Chr...

FREE Practical workshop THIS THURSDAY For Richmond residents who are unemployed or & not in education Have a go & find out how you can get a 'funded' qualification for a new career path in repairing small electrical items with Action West London buff.ly/zMKQKor

There's still time to search & DOUBLE the value of your donation to a good cause with @BigGive Including Cocoon Care After Care, @ruils.bsky.social, The Mulberry Centre, MTV Youth Hampton, @thamesboatproject.bsky.social & Small Steps Ends 12 midday on Tue 9 Dec donate.biggive.org/christmas-ch...

With unprecedented numbers of flu hospitalisations, every vaccination matters - especially for older people, people with long-term conditions and children aged 2-3 years old If you're eligible, book a free vaccine with your GP or pharmacy & get protected

@richmondcouncil.bsky.social wants to know how aware residents are of dementia to ensure local support & services meet the community’s needs Complete the Dementia Awareness Measure 2025 Survey Every voice counts – have your say Closes 15 Dec 2025 haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/public-healt...

Have you seen it? Our final newsletter for the year is out! It's full of opportunities, deadlines and dates for your diary for the new year mailchi.mp/richmondcvs/...

Our Yaffles Family Nature Club continues throughout the winter months, so if you’re not feeling confident to explore outdoors independently, join us for a guided journey across the Common! It’s been great to see familiar faces over the past 2 months, and we’d love some new families to come along too

Our most-used words this year aren't a big surprise: 'community', 'building', and 'conversations'. Find out your own most-used words using Bluesky Harvest: bsky.app/profile/anis...

Do Good December - Day 3: Offer to help someone who is facing difficulties at the moment actionforhappiness.org/do-good-dece... #DoGoodDecember

There is still time to book a ticket for tomorrow evenings (04/11/25) online talk, the last in the present series. Ed Harris will be talking about the Twining Tea Dynasty and social housing in and around Twickenham. Book here- londonluminaries.com/talk/tea-and...

Some great ideas here - including volunteering. If that takes your fancy, we are holding our December volunteer Sunday on Sunday 14th. Do join us! www.force.org.uk/calendar/ite...

This Giving Tuesday, if you search & donate through The Big Give Christmas Challenge by midday on 9 December , you can double the value of your donation 🎉 Local good causes you could support include Home-Start RKH , INS, @ageukrichmond.bsky.social & Skylarks donate.biggive.org/christmas-ch...

Today is Giving Tuesday It's a day that encourages everyone, everywhere to do a little good, in whatever we can Need some suggestions? Take a look at our quick list of 10 Ways to Give - today and at any time bit.ly/4pcKX5x

Small acts make a big impact. 🫶 Whether you give time, talent, treasure, testimony, or ties—know you're a part of "a big ocean created by many, many generous individuals."

Do Good December - Day 2: Contact someone you can’t be with to see how they are actionforhappiness.org/do-good-dece... #DoGoodDecember

National Grief Awareness Week begins today. This year’s theme, Growing With Grief, reflects how loss reshapes us and how quiet new growth can follow. www.thegoodgrieftrust.org www.space2grieve.org.uk #NGW2025 #GrowingWithGrief #NationalGriefAwarenessWeek #Space2Grieve

Today is #GivingTuesday so let's do whatever we can to spread a bit more kindness in the world 💕 You can start by sharing our Kindness Calendar actionforhappiness.org/do-good-dece... #DoGoodDecember

Whether you're fundraising, volunteering or donating, your generosity means we can continue our vital work making sure older people in financial hardship receive the support they need. This #GivingTuesday, help us be there for more older people: https://www.independentage.org/donate

In London, flu cases are three times higher than this time last year. Protect yourself by getting your flu vaccine so you can make the most of Christmas and the festive season. Check if you’re eligible and book your appointment: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services...

🚨 JOB OPPORTUNITY CLOSING THIS SUNDAY 🚨 Head of Capacity Building & Projects, Richmond CVS If you have the skills and would like to join our team in this refreshed and strategically important role, make sure you apply by 12 midnight this Sunday (30 Nov) bit.ly/3WxGZrx

⏰ PLACE YOUR BIDS - by 10pm this Sunday ⏰ You could win an amazing prize while bringing joy to local care home residents with the silent auction from Embracing Age bit.ly/EA-auction

Join the White Ribbon Torch Walk - Sat 6 Dec 2025, 5pm As part of this year's local activity for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence everyone's invited to help change the culture that leads to abuse #WhiteRibbonDay richmond.gov.uk/services/com...

Today is your last chance to order free posters to have them delivered in time for the winter weekend of action on 5–7 December. Don't delay, order now: actionnetwork.org/forms/order-... The more places we put up these posters, the further our solidarity spreads.

Something which was touched on by our guest speakers at last week's AGM event was partnerships and collaboration So good to see networking and conversations in flow as local groups came together

By rocking one, you’ll send a message of solidarity and join us in giving HIV stigma the BOOT! 👢 All year round, we provide life-changing support services to people living with and affected by HIV. Help our vital work continue by supporting us with a donation ⬇️❤️ metrocharity.org.uk/40for40

⏰ Just one week to go - last spaces ⏰ Recognising & Responding to Challenging Behaviour If your local VCS organisation helps people with complex lives, this session is for you Useful for any team members but especially those in public-facing roles www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1818215544...

🚨 FUNDING - 2 DAYS TO GO - CLOSES WED 26 NOV 2025 🚨 Could your SW London VCS organisation help to increase cancer awareness in the community? One-off grants of £500 are available for already-planned or new activity in Feb/Mar 2026 bit.ly/3LHeSE6

We have to say a special thank you to some truly inspiring guest speakers at yesterday's event Absolute shining examples of how personal passion, energy and enthusiasm can develop to make such a difference to communities and create invaluable connections ✨ADHDEmbrace ✨ ✨Richmond Soup Kitchen ✨

Last Spaces: Volunteering & the Law Thu 27 Nov, 10am - 12.30pm online "Very informative and clear" Whether you're already using volunteers to support your work, or just considering the possibilities, this is essential information to be clear about bit.ly/3LZpnCJ

Thank you to everyone who joined this us for morning's AGM for a short review of our 2024/25 activities and accounts and to vote on required formal matters The red cards were out, no one was sent off!

Strike action continues to 19 Nov but NHS urgent care continues Patients should attend appointments unless contacted Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for non-urgent advice & info For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 GP surgeries & pharmacies remain open

📢 NEW JOB ALERT 📢 Business Manager, TAG Youth Club – apply by 12 Dec An exciting new part-time flexible role to provide administrative support across a wide range of areas has been created for this amazing award-winning children's charity bit.ly/3LHVTJw

RM Partners Prevention & Screening Community Grant – apply by 26 Nov Could your VCS organisation help to increase cancer awareness in the community? One-off grants of £500 are available for already-planned or new activity in Feb/Mar 2026 bit.ly/3LHeSE6

What does the new Charity Governance Code mean for charities? Mark Abbott from Bates Wells takes a look at the changes. https://loom.ly/DmPDvMY