When you donate, remember to #TickTheBox! It takes seconds, but it can make a lifetime of difference to others. Gift Aid helps charities do so much more with every donation. #GiftAidAwarenessDay @cfgsocial.bsky.social

Grants of £250–£2,000 are available for not-for-profit groups improving local communities. Focus areas include education, wellbeing, environment and sport. Miller Homes operates in Scotland, the North and the Midlands. Apply by 15 Oct: https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund

Autumn is a great time to reflect and set new goals for your organisation. 🍂 Rebecca, VODA’s Governance Advisor, shares advice on reviewing areas for development and addressing governance queries. If you’d like to chat, you can reach her at [email protected] .

New workshop for voluntary & community organisations on boosting visibility. Learn low-cost tools for brand strategy, content, multimedia, and ethical considerations. Delivered by We Are Intertwined CIC at VODA, Wallsend on 23 Oct, 10–12. Refreshments provided. Book: voda.org.uk/training

15 members of the North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance completed a 2-day Mental Health First Aider course with Emm Charlton from Tyneside & Northumberland Mind. Attendees said it was “brilliant” and “really useful”. Find out more: [email protected]

Wallsend RFC is inviting local women and girls to take part in a free RugbyFest open training session on Saturday 4 October, 12–1.30pm at St Peter’s Fields. No experience is needed – just come along, get active and give rugby a try. Open to all girls over 12 and women over 18.

From April to September, 11 gardens in North Tyneside received the Good Neighbours treatment. Volunteers kept gardens tidy and welcoming, with a special thanks to the Explorer Scouts who gave over 32 hours of their time. Your efforts have made a real difference — thank you! 🌼💚

Join VODA’s AGM 2025 on 11 Nov at Wallsend Community Hub & Library. Hear about our achievements, help appoint new trustees, hear from Jackie Laughton, and network with VCSE colleagues. Celebrate the VCSE Awards 2025 too! 👉 Book: voda.org.uk/events

Join the North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance Networking Event on Wed 19 Nov, 9.30–2.45 at The Exchange, North Shields. 57 VCSE member orgs, collaboration with health & statutory partners, and a focus on improving mental health support across the borough. Lunch provided. 👉 voda.org.uk/events

Nominations are open for the North Tyneside VCSE Awards 2025! Celebrate the organisations, volunteers, young people and trustees making a real difference. Deadline 23 Oct. Winners announced 11 Nov at VODA’s AGM. Nominate now: https://voda.org.uk/awards

It may feel early, but now’s the time for charities to plan Christmas campaigns. Set goals, create content and involve your team to make the biggest impact. Read our guide for tips and inspiration: https://voda.org.uk/why-september-is-the-sweet-spot-for-charity-christmas-campaigns/

The latest VODA ebulletin is out now, featuring all the essential news, funding, events and training for the North Tyneside VCSE. Read it online at voda.org.uk/enews

Join Launchpad for a World Mental Health Day celebration 📅 Wednesday 8 October 🕚 11am – 3pm 📍 Cullercoats Crescent Club The event is open to all and is a great opportunity to come together, share experiences, and put mental health at the heart of our community.

Nominations are open for the North Tyneside VCSE Awards 2025! Celebrate local organisations, volunteers, young people and trustees making a real difference. Deadline: 23 Oct. Winners announced 11 Nov at VODA’s AGM. Nominate today: voda.org.uk/awards

Do you know someone who struggles with phones, tablets, or computers? Help Me Be Digital offers free one-to-one support at weekly drop-ins: Tues (Oxford Centre), Wed (Wallsend Library), Thurs (North Shields Library), all 10–12. Share this with someone who might benefit. Info: voda.org.uk/digital

eBay’s Big Give with @easyuk offers TEN £500 unrestricted funding pots to community organisations in September. Find out how to get your organisation in the draw here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/community/

North Tyneside Volunteer Network Meeting – Tue 9 Sept, 10–11.30am at VODA, Wallsend & on Zoom. Includes an update on volunteer recruitment and DBS checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service.  📅 Book your place here: voda.org.uk/events

We’ve got a great line-up of free Sector Connector training sessions for charities, community groups and volunteers in North Tyneside, Newcastle/Gateshead & Northumberland. Topics include DBS checks, podcasting, Microsoft 365 tips, digital skills & more. Book at voda.org.uk/training

Charities and community groups will be at the Volunteer Fair sharing opportunities to get involved. Pop along on 13 Sept, 11–4, Beacon Centre, North Shields. Fun for all as part of North Tyneside Together.

The North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grant Programme is open. Grants of £40k–£70k are available to support communities in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Sunderland & Durham. Deadline 10 Sept. Apply: https://ow.ly/FzTP50WISTR

Breaking Barriers – The Next Steps PROPS is hosting its next event on 2 September, 5–7.30pm at Christ Church, North Shields. The evening will share updates on new projects, recovery support and ways to challenge stigma around addiction. 📞 0191 226 3440 for details.

Free Sector Connector Training – All Things DBS. Join this free workshop with the Disclosure and Barring Service on 16 Sept, 10–11.30. Attend online via Teams or in person at VODA, Wallsend. Open to VCSE in North Tyneside, Northumberland, Newcastle & Gateshead. Booking: voda.org.uk/training

Funding alert: Grants of £25K–£500K for new digital inclusion projects in England. Support for testing innovative approaches or replicating proven models in new areas. Deadline: 10 Sept 2025. Details: https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund-2

Food justice isn’t just about food on the table – it’s about fairness, dignity and community. Our latest blog shares practical ways to take action, from supporting local food banks and community cafés to joining national campaigns. Read more: https://voda.org.uk/get-active-for-food-justice/

Has your organisation reviewed its policies recently? Our latest blog explains why safeguarding, finance and data protection policies need regular updates – plus where to find free example templates.  📄 Read the full blog here: https://voda.org.uk/why-reviewing-your-charitys-policies-matters/

Urgent call for volunteers! Can you help someone in North Tyneside with shopping, a hospital return visit, gardening or a small DIY task? Just an hour or two can make a big difference. Full support provided. 📧 [email protected] 📞 0191 643 2626

Could you save £100s a year on your broadband bills? If you’re a low-income family in receipt of certain benefits, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband service.  Watch this video https://youtu.be/xZ8PtCUe3Fo?si=3-UnQULSG3Ey7OQp Then visit the link in the first comment for more info

The latest VODA Ebulletin is out now. Get your essential news, events, funding and training for the North Tyneside VCSE. Read it only at voda.org.uk/enews

Northumberland Park comes alive this Saturday (9 Aug, 11am–4pm) for the Big Summer Celebration. Part of #NorthShields800, the free event includes BMX stunts, Viking battles, crafts, music & more. All ages welcome – no need to book.

Every child deserves the chance to thrive and achieve their full potential. The North East Child Poverty Action Plan sets out to reduce poverty and build a better future. Find out more: https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/child-poverty-reduction-unit

The 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report is out now. It shows strong progress in digital use across the sector, but also highlights challenges in leadership and inclusion. Read it here:

Apply by 5pm, Wed 6 Aug for North Shields 800 small grants. • £500–£1,000 for community groups (The National Lottery Heritage Fund) • £500–£1,000 for self-employed creatives (Corporate Community Grants) Details: www.voda.org.uk/ns800-grants

Top Tips to Create an Effective Fundraising Strategy Webinar This webinar from NCVO offers practical tips to help diversify funding, engage your team and create a strategy that guides decision-making. 

North Tyneside Council is consulting on a draft policy to support vulnerable tenants and residents. Have your say by 3 August via Our North Tyneside Voice, or pick up a copy at main libraries. 🔗

Love North Tyneside? Show it off in 20 seconds! Tell us about your favourite spot in a short video this summer. Send it to [email protected] or WhatsApp 07895 383993. Questions? Just get in touch!

North Shields 800 Grants – Portal Now Back Online! The NS800 Grants page is now back up and running after a short technical issue. Thanks for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience. You can now apply at: voda.org.uk/ns800-grants

Apply now for North Shields 800 small grants! Grants of £500–£1,000 are available for heritage projects from local groups (with thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund) and for creative individuals (via Corporate Community Grants). Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 6 August 2025 www.voda.org.uk/ns800-grants

Changes are proposed to the Council Tax Support Scheme in North Tyneside – affecting working-age residents only. The aim? A fairer, simpler system. Have your say and share the consultation:

VCSE groups can apply for funding from the Arnold Clark Community Fund to support people affected by the cost of living crisis. Funding is at Arnold Clark’s discretion, with a possible maximum grant of £2,500. Apply now: arnoldclark.com/community-fund/cost-of-living

Planning a fundraising event? This guide from Charity Digital shares practical tips to boost your reach on social media – from picking the right platform to using storytelling. 📲 Read more:

Apply now for North Shields 800 small grants! Grants of £500–£1,000 are available for heritage projects from local groups (with thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund) and for creative individuals (via Corporate Community Grants). Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 6 August 2025 www.voda.org.uk/ns800-grants

Northern Stage is looking for 3 new trustees to help guide one of the North East’s top theatre companies. If you have skills in business, theatre, safeguarding or fundraising—or just a fresh perspective—this could be for you! 👉 https://voda.getvolunteering.co.uk/opportunity/trustee-1542

Work placement student Sophie Newman shares how volunteering can help women and girls thrive. From mentoring to hands-on help, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. 👉 https://voda.org.uk/supporting-women-volunteering-that-makes-a-difference/

Boost your VCSE skills for free with the Elements Training Portal. Access high-quality online courses on volunteering, governance, safeguarding, and more—at your own pace. Each course takes under an hour, with a certificate on completion. Start learning today: voda.org.uk/elements.

The latest VODA ebulletin is out now, featuring our new CEO vlog, NS800 Small Community Grants, plus 22 new funding opportunities for the North Tyneside VCSE. Read it online at voda.org.uk/enews.

Children experience more severe health issues due to poverty 📢 New report found: - 79% of paediatricians say impact poverty's having on health of children is becoming more severe - Children missing appts due to transport costs - Life-threatening conditions worsened by damp homes

Our new CEO Update launched in yesterday’s ebulletin! Hear from Vicky Smith and the VODA team in a new blog and vlog series sharing insights, updates and sector news. First up: our new VODA Values. Read more on our website.

Apply now for North Shields 800 small grants! Grants of £500–£1,000 are available for heritage projects from local groups (with thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund) and for creative individuals (via Corporate Community Grants). Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 6 August 2025 www.voda.org.uk/ns800-grants

🧵1/3 📢 Are you a frontline professional/volunteer in the domestic abuse sector? Or do you encounter domestic abuse cases as part of your role? 📋 The Home Office has commissioned a national survey to inform future guidance on how agencies respond to domestic abuse at all levels of risk.

Try micro volunteering! Join us on Wed 23 July, 11.30am–12.30pm at the White Swan Centre. Share your local tips to help create a welcome leaflet for newcomers. No pressure—just a friendly chat over a cuppa.