| 9 July 2026 |
| Free Cyber Safeguarding Training Available Ahead of the Summer Holidays With the summer holidays approaching and children likely to be spending more time online, the West Midlands Regional Organised Cyber Crime Unit is offering free cyber safeguarding training for parents and professionals who work with children. The training aims to increase awareness of online risks and help adults recognise and respond to concerning online behaviours. Sessions cover the warning signs that a child may be vulnerable to online harm, key language and terminology often used by at-risk children, reporting routes and support available, and the work of the Cyber Choices programme in helping young people make safe and informed decisions online. Training can be delivered either online or in person, making it suitable for schools, youth organisations, community groups, family support services and other organisations working with children and young people. Organisations interested in arranging a session are encouraged to contact the team as soon as possible. Further information is available on the West Midlands Regional Organised Cyber Crime Unit website  National Lottery Community Fund Launches New Opportunities for Community Organisations The National Lottery Community Fund has announced two significant funding programmes designed to strengthen community leadership and support organisations working with under-represented communities. The newly launched Step Forward Fund aims to help grassroots organisations led by and supporting Global Majority and racially minoritised communities move from smaller grants to larger, longer-term funding opportunities. The programme is targeted at groups that have previously received £20,000 or less from The National Lottery Community Fund between April 2023 and March 2026, have made an unsuccessful application to the Reaching Communities programme during the same period, and are looking to grow their work and impact.To apply, organisations must either attend the webinar on Monday 13th July or speak with the programme team before submitting an application. More information can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.Looking ahead, the Fund will also launch the Change Makers Fund, a major investment programme offering grants of between £1 million and £5 million over periods of up to five years. The programme will support organisations that help community leaders create positive change in their communities, particularly by involving people with lived experience and those from under-represented groups. The fund will focus on strengthening community leadership, influencing wider systems change, and sharing learning across the voluntary and community sector.More information can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.  Community Development Lead Opportunity with Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire is recruiting a Community Development Lead to help strengthen relationships, support local communities and tackle inequalities that prevent people from being active. The role will focus initially on communities in Leominster and Redditch, working alongside residents, community groups, partner organisations and local networks to identify needs and develop community-led solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in bringing people together, building trusted relationships and supporting a more community-focused approach across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Applicants do not need a background in sport or physical activity; the organisation is looking for someone with a genuine interest in communities, partnership working and improving people’s lives.Applications close at 11:59pm on 12 July 2026, with interviews scheduled for 21 July. To find out more and apply, visit the Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire website.  Add your services and events to the Talk Community Directory Are you running a local service, community group, support programme or regular event? The Talk Community Directory is a free way to promote your activities and help residents find the support, advice and opportunities available in their local area. The directory is used by residents, professionals and community organisations to find services that support health and wellbeing, social connection, volunteering, learning, financial wellbeing, physical activity and much more. By adding your organisation, you can increase your visibility and make it easier for people to access the help and opportunities you provide. Whether you are a charity, voluntary group, community organisation or public sector service, the directory is a valuable tool for connecting with local people and strengthening community support networks. If your organisation is not yet listed, now is a great time to join the directory and help more people discover what you have to offer. For more information and to add your service or event, visit the Talk Community Directory .  Funding Available Through Veolia Environmental Trust Community groups and local organisations could access grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 through the Veolia Environmental Trust for projects that improve community facilities and outdoor spaces, or enhance biodiversity and natural habitats. Funding can support improvements to community centres, parks, play areas, sports grounds, community gardens, woodlands and other publicly accessible spaces. Eligible organisations must be based near a qualifying Veolia site in England and secure a 10% third-party contribution towards the project.The next application window opens on 20 August 2026 and closes at noon on 1 October 2026. Organisations can check their eligibility and find further details on the Veolia Environmental Trust website.  What’s new on the directory? The Talk Community Directory is home to hundreds of Herefordshire-based services and events. Some of this month’s newest additions include: Counselling – Forest of the Mind LTD Positive Energy Recovery The Lemner Free home energy advice Skyward Recovery Energy Advice Drop-in at South Wye Foodshare Rowan Tree Mediation Little Play World Comes to Holme Lacy Village Hall This Summer (Free entry) HANDS (Herefordshire Autism and Neuro Diverse Support) Hub Early Prevention of Homelessness Drop ins Women’s Only BJJ classes Seedstep Growth & Mentoring Key Worker Training – Fathers Inclusion & Perinatal Mental Health – FiRST 1001 days Hereford Healthy Lifestyle Drop-in Sessions at The Living Room Ryefield Centre Healthy Lifestyle Drop in Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking Drop in at Kington Burton Hotel Barons Cross Energy Advice Drop-in Neurodivergent Women’s Circle Course The Cracked Slipper Company – The Masked Actor Summer Workshops FREE Afternoon Tea @ Holme Lacy Village Hall Coffee Morning @ Holme Lacy Village Hall |