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Your Fortnightly New & Information Bulletin from Halton & St Helens VCA
Welcome to the latest VCA E-Bulletin

Every fortnight, we bring you the latest news, events, opportunities and updates from across the VCFSE sector, connecting organisations and communities across Halton, St Helens and the wider region.

Submission for Ebulletin

A warm welcome from Sally Yeoman MBE, CEO

Welcome to the latest Halton & St Helens VCA Newsletter – your fortnightly round-up of the people, organisations and community activity making a difference across Halton, St Helens and the wider area.

There is so much happening across our communities at the moment, from opportunities to meet funders and turn community ideas into action, to coming together to Reclaim the Night, celebrate the incredible contribution of our volunteers, and connect with others through our Halton and St Helens VCFSE Forums.

In this edition, you’ll also find funding opportunities, community events, learning and development opportunities, consultations, support groups and job vacancies, alongside updates and opportunities to help organisations strengthen their work and make a difference locally.

We hope you’ll find plenty here to inspire, inform and connect you with the people, opportunities and support that can help your organisation and community thrive.

Have something to share? We’d love to hear from you! If your organisation has a news story, event, funding opportunity, service update or community initiative that you’d like us to share with our network, please email us at news@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk.

Together, we can make sure the great work happening across Halton and St Helens gets the attention it deserves.

With best wishes,
Sally Yeoman MBE
Chief Executive, Halton & St Helens VCA

Share your news with us
NEXT WEEK Funders Festival 2026 (Halton and St Helens)

Got a great idea for your community but need the right support, connections or funding to make it happen? Our upcoming Halton & St Helens VCA Funders Festival is bringing together funders, support organisations and community partners, giving you the chance to meet people face-to-face, ask questions and explore what support could be available for your project. From funding advice and practical support to making new connections, it’s a great opportunity to take your idea to the next stage

Find out who you can meet and book your place
Widnes to “Reclaim the Night”

A powerful call for safer streets is coming to Widnes as local people and organisations come together to Reclaim the Night. The event will provide an opportunity for the community to stand together, raise awareness and send a clear message that everyone should feel safe walking our streets, day or night.

Find out more about the event, how you can get involved and join this important community campaign.

Read the full story
Free Cuppa ’n’ Create clubs coming to St Helens

Looking for a friendly way to meet people, get creative and try something new? Cuppa ’n’ Create is bringing a series of free social and creative clubs for adults to St Helens, with sessions taking place at Moss Bank Community Library and Thatto Heath Library. From crafting and 3D pens to digital art, photography and animation, there’s something for everyone — and no previous experience is needed. Come along, enjoy a cuppa and connect with others in your community.

Find out more and how to book
Volunteer Awards 2026 – BE QUICK WITH YOUR NOMINATIONS! (Halton and St Helens)

Do you know an outstanding volunteer who deserves to be recognised for the difference they make in our communities? Nominations are now open for the Volunteer Awards 2026, providing an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers across Halton and St Helens. Whether they give their time every week, support a local organisation, help others in their community or have gone above and beyond, now is the time to shine a light on their contribution.

Make your nomination here
Women’s Health & Wellbeing Morning coming to St Helens

An opportunity to connect, learn and focus on women’s health and wellbeing is coming to St Helens. The Women’s Health & Wellbeing Morning will bring people together for a friendly and informative event, with the chance to find out more about health, wellbeing and the support available locally. Whether you’re looking for useful information, support or simply an opportunity to connect with others, this event is well worth a look.

Find out more
Funding opportunity for Halton community projects

Have an idea that could make a positive difference in your local community? A new funding opportunity for community projects in Halton could help local organisations turn their ideas into action. If your organisation is looking to develop a project that benefits local people and strengthens communities, find out more about the funding available, eligibility and how to apply.

Find out more
Halton Community urged to donate pre-loved winter coats

As the colder months approach, the Winter Coat Project is returning to help make sure people across our communities can stay warm this winter. Local residents, organisations and businesses are being encouraged to donate good-quality, pre-loved winter coats that can be passed on to people who need them. Every coat donated can make a real difference, so please consider clearing out your wardrobes and giving a much-loved coat a new home this winter.

Find out more
St Helens VCFSE Forum – October 2026

The next St Helens VCFSE Forum is coming up this October, bringing together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations from across St Helens to connect, share information and work together on issues that matter to local communities.

It’s a great opportunity to hear the latest updates, make new connections, share your experiences and find out about support and opportunities available to the sector.

Find out more
Halton VCFSE Forum – 8th October 2026

Join us for the next Halton VCFSE Forum on Thursday 8th October, bringing together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations from across Halton. The forum is a great opportunity to connect with others, share ideas and experiences, hear the latest updates, and find out about opportunities and support for local organisations. Come along, get involved and help shape the conversations affecting the local VCFSE sector.

Find out more

New process for submitting website and e-bulletin content

We’ve introduced a new, simpler process for submitting news, events, opportunities and other content to the Halton & St Helens VCA website and fortnightly e-bulletin. All submissions should now be sent to news@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk, with e-bulletin content due by 5pm on Monday for publication on Wednesday. Find out what information, images, links and other materials you should include when submitting your content, and help us share the fantastic work happening across our VCFSE communities.

See more
Have your say on how children’s social care is inspected

Ofsted is seeking views on proposed changes to the way it inspects children’s social care services, and is particularly keen to hear from children and young people with experience of having a social worker. Parents and carers, family members, social care professionals and anyone with an interest in children’s social care are also invited to take part. There are two ways to respond, including a shorter single-question option, with the consultation closing at 11.59pm on 28 September 2026.

Find out more
Runcorn Autistic & Neurodivergent Adults – Peer Support Group

A friendly and informal peer support group for autistic and neurodivergent adults aged 18+ is welcoming new members in Runcorn and surrounding areas. The group offers a relaxed, low-pressure space to meet others, chat, enjoy optional activities such as board games, and simply spend time together – with no expectation to talk or take part. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-diagnosed or are exploring a diagnosis, everyone is welcome.

Find out more
Consultation on the future of National Lottery funding

The National Lottery is seeking views on the future of its funding and how it can continue to support communities and good causes. This consultation is an important opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to share their views and help shape how National Lottery funding could work in the future. If your organisation has received Lottery funding, applied for funding, or may do so in the future, take a look at the consultation and consider having your say.

Find out more
Help shape the State of Cybersecurity in the Third Sector 2026

Cybility Consulting and CITL are inviting third-sector organisations to complete a short survey about cybersecurity, digital resilience and governance.

Whether you have a dedicated IT team or manage cyber risk alongside everything else, your perspective matters
.

Take the survey
Time to complete: 10-15 minutes
Closes: 23:59 Friday 18th September

Take the survey
Macmillan Coffee Morning (St Helens)

Join Chain Lane Community Centre for a friendly Macmillan Coffee Morning and help raise vital funds to support people living with cancer. Come along for a cuppa, a chat and some delicious treats while supporting a fantastic cause. It’s a great opportunity to come together with colleagues, friends and the wider community, enjoy some time together and make a difference. Tuesday 29th September 10.00am - 12.00noon.

Find out more
National Eye Health Week comes to Halton

Vision Support Halton is marking National Eye Health Week 2026 with a special Open Day and awareness event, giving local residents, professionals, partners and community organisations the opportunity to find out more about eye health and support available for people living with sight loss. The event will also see the Mersey Gateway Bridge lit up to help raise awareness of the importance of looking after our eyes, having regular sight tests and supporting people affected by sight loss.

Find Out More
Introduction to Safeguarding Children in St Helens

Are you involved in working with children, young people, families or communities? The Introduction to Safeguarding Children in St Helens session provides an opportunity to develop your understanding of safeguarding, recognise potential concerns and learn more about your responsibilities when working with children and young people. It’s a useful opportunity for anyone involved in supporting children and families to strengthen their safeguarding knowledge and confidence.

Find Out More
Give your old football boots a new lease of life

Got football boots you no longer need? Town in the Town CIC is appealing for donations of pre-loved football boots to help more local people take part in their free football sessions. Adult sizes are particularly needed, but all sizes are welcome. Your unwanted boots could help remove barriers to participation, giving someone the chance to get active, build confidence and connect with their community.

Find out more
Have Your Say on Talking Therapies in St Helens

People across St Helens are being invited to share their views on Talking Therapies services and help shape the support available locally. If you have used Talking Therapies, considered using the service, or have views about how mental health and wellbeing support could be improved, this is an opportunity to have your voice heard. Find out more about the consultation and how you can take part.

Take part in the survey
Free Adult Learning and Personal Development Courses (Halton)

Looking to develop your skills, gain a qualification or try something new? A wide range of free personal development and adult learning courses are available for eligible residents aged 19+ living within the Liverpool City Region or Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. Opportunities include Business Administration and Team Leading, Health and Safety, Food Safety, Teaching Assistant training, Education & Training, Functional Skills and a range of creative and leisure courses.

Find Out More
Vacancy: Domestic Abuse Complex Support Worker

Warrington Women’s Aid is recruiting for a Domestic Abuse Complex Support Worker to join its team supporting people affected by domestic abuse. This is an opportunity for someone with the skills, experience and commitment to help provide specialist support to individuals facing complex circumstances and make a positive difference to their lives. If you’re interested in working in this important area of support, find out more about the role, requirements and how to apply.

Find Out More
Have you heard about The Community Lottery – for local good causes?

Charities, community organisations, social business and community groups of all shapes and sizes can sign up, free of charge and get a slice of the ticket proceeds.

A generous 60% of the ticket proceeds from the the Community Lottery will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit groups with the remainder being put towards prizes, operating costs and VAT.

If you are involved with a local good cause that would like to find out more about fundraising with the Community Lottery, simply scan the QR code on the picture or access the "find out more" button below.


Find Out More
VCA Activities Directory

Do you know about our Activities Directory? There is always something going on in Halton and St Helens and this is the best place to find out what’s what.


If you have any community events that you would like to add to the directory, the link below, will take you to our community events webform:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/add-edit-activity


Find Out More

Registered Office: St Maries, Lugsdale Road, Widnes, WA8 6DB

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