| Newsletter30 October 2025 |
Calling all VCSE Organisations – the Herefordshire Volunteering Academy is here! Talk Community, in partnership with Goal 17, has launched the Herefordshire Volunteering Academy – a free online platform designed to support VCSE organisations across the county in promoting their volunteering opportunities.The platform offers a simple and accessible way for organisations to reach potential volunteers, increase visibility, and grow their impact. Organisations can register, post opportunities, and access tools and training to help manage and promote their volunteer programmes more effectively. Find out more on the Talk Community Directory. Understanding Private Fostering – What Professionals Need to Know On Monday 3rd November, 10am to 11am, Herefordshire Council’s Kinship Team will host an online multi-agency briefing via MS Teams to help professionals better understand private fostering. This session is aimed at anyone working with children and families in Herefordshire, including schools, health, social care, voluntary and community organisations. Private fostering refers to arrangements where a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) lives for 28 days or more with someone who is not their parent or a close relative. These informal arrangements often go unrecognised, yet local authorities must be notified by law. The session will explore how to identify private fostering situations, the legal responsibilities of professionals, and how to make a notification. It will also highlight the risks and vulnerabilities associated with private fostering and the importance of early identification and partnership working.To register, please visit Eventbrite.  Apply Now: Common Ground Award for VCSE OrganisationsVCSE organisations across England can now apply for the UK government’s Common Ground Award, which offers capital funding to support projects that bring people together from different backgrounds and strengthen social cohesion. The award provides grants of up to £10,000, with the possibility of up to £50,000 in exceptional cases. Funding can be used for building works, renovations, or purchasing equipment that helps deliver inclusive services. Successful applicants will also be invited to join a national community of practice to share learning and collaborate with other organisations and government stakeholders. Applications are open until 21 November 2025, and funding will be awarded in January 2026. Projects must be ready to spend the grant by 31 March 2026. For full details and to apply, visit the GOV.UK website.  Ledbury Walk & Wellbeing Lunch – Everyone WelcomeJoin us on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at Ledbury Rugby Club from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for the Ledbury Walk & Wellbeing Lunch – a free community event open to all.The day includes an optional walk around the club grounds, followed by a free lunch and access to a range of local support and wellbeing groups in our community marketplace. The regular walking group will meet at 10:30 am for those who’d like to join early.There will be advice and support available around the cost of living, and the event is family-friendly with an outdoor play centre and buggy access.For more information, email: ledburywandt@outlook.com  What’s new on the directory? We’re excited to welcome a fresh batch of brilliant groups and events to the Talk Community Directory! From creative clubs and wellbeing sessions to energy-saving inspiration and festive fun, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at what’s new and see what might spark your interest or support your community work. The Adhd Support Group Herefordshire (TAS CIC) Early Prevention of Homelessness Drop Ins Inspire Growth – Mindfulness Workshop Green Open Homes – Energy efficient open homes opportunities Green Open Homes Online: Retrofitting a 1950’s cavity walled home Sunday Afternoon Centering – Wellbeing group Friendly Folk – Community music group Green Open Homes Online – Eco House in Ross Games Night ft. D&D Open Mic – Homend Poets Book Club Dinners Spanish Club Santa’s Grotto – Ledbury Community Hub |