Are you looking to take the next step in your career or develop new skills? Through Destination Kingsway, Halton Housing is working with Halton Leisure Centre to offer an exciting opportunity for local residents living within the Destination Kingsway area. Three fully funded places are available to achieve a Level 2 Swim Instructor qualification, providing a pathway into a rewarding role in the leisure sector. With applications being sought within a short timeframe, anyone interested is encouraged to find out more and apply as soon as possible. Read the full story for details on eligibility and how to get involved.

Halton & St Helens VCA is encouraging voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to explore its latest knowledge briefing on Embedding Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Practice. The briefing offers valuable insights, practical guidance and resources to help organisations create more inclusive environments, challenge inequality and embed equity into their policies, services and workplace culture. Join the briefing on 22nd October to learn more and access the available resources.

Dead Positive is hosting two thought-provoking events designed to encourage reflection, open conversation and personal growth. Am I Normal? offers a safe and supportive space to explore some of life’s big questions, challenge assumptions and connect with others through shared experiences. Meanwhile, Bucket List Vision Boarding provides a creative opportunity to identify future aspirations and turn goals into a visual plan for the years ahead. Whether you're looking for inspiration, self-discovery or meaningful discussion, these engaging sessions offer something for everyone. Find out more and book your place via the event links.

As part of Carers Rights Day 2026, professionals across St Helens are invited to take part in an All-Age Carer Awareness Training session on Friday 20 November 2026. Delivered online via Microsoft Teams, the training will help attendees identify hidden carers, understand the impact of caring responsibilities, learn about the support available through St Helens Carers Centre, and explore referral pathways and partnership working. This valuable session is ideal for anyone working with children, young people, adults or families and aims to improve awareness and support for carers across the borough. Find out more and book your place by reading the full story.

C&M VCFSE Alliance is working with NHS Cheshire & Merseyside to coordinate the recruitment of the next VCFSE Partner Member on the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The current Partner Member’s term ends in October 2026, which means an open and transparent reappointment process is now required. We’re inviting expressions of interest for this important role, which brings the insight, experience and perspective of our sector into ICB decision making.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 16 October 2026.

As part of the Faith in the City 40th Anniversary Programme, local community leaders, faith groups and organisations are invited to take part in a special Community Conversation in Halton on 15 October 2026. The interactive session will explore the themes of the Manifesto for Hope, encouraging participants to share experiences, discuss local challenges and opportunities, and consider how communities and churches can work together to build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. Taking place at Bethesda Church, this welcoming event offers a valuable opportunity to contribute your voice, make new connections and help shape a hopeful future for Halton and the wider Liverpool City Region. Find out more and book your place by reading the full story.

Neuro Natters provides welcoming and supportive spaces for people to connect, share experiences and build friendships with others who understand the challenges of living with neurological conditions. The charity runs both a Monday and a Thursday group, offering opportunities for conversation, peer support and social connection in a friendly environment. New members are always welcome, so whether you're looking for support, companionship or simply a chance to meet new people, why not get involved and find out more about the groups?

Women looking for support with their mental health and wellbeing can access help through Connect Sisters, a funded programme designed to provide a safe, supportive and empowering environment. The service offers opportunities for women to improve their wellbeing, build confidence, develop resilience and connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. Whether you are seeking emotional support, personal development opportunities or a sense of community, Connect Sisters aims to help women take positive steps towards better mental health and overall wellbeing. Read the full story to learn more about the support available and how to get involved.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Funders Festival 2026 in Halton such a success. From funders and stallholders to attendees and volunteers, your involvement contributed to a fantastic day of networking, learning and collaboration. We would be grateful if anyone who attended would share their feedback to help shape future events and ensure the festival continues to meet the needs of the local voluntary and community sector. Feedback can be submitted via the online form until 14 October, and attendees are also encouraged to save the date for the next Halton Funders Festival, taking place on Wednesday 6 October 2027. Alongside funding opportunities, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, with further networking, forum and training opportunities available through the VCA's events programme.

Supporting local good causes could not be easier with the Halton Community Lottery. Every ticket purchased helps raise vital funds for charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across the borough, while also giving players the chance to win exciting cash prizes. Whether you choose to support a specific organisation or contribute to the wider community fund, every ticket makes a difference to local projects and services. Find out how the lottery benefits both players and good causes, and discover how you can get involved by reading the full story.

Looking for a simple and effective way to boost your organisation’s fundraising? The St Helens Community Lottery offers local charities, voluntary groups and community organisations the opportunity to generate unrestricted income while giving supporters the chance to win fantastic cash prizes. With no upfront costs and minimal administration, the lottery provides a sustainable fundraising solution that helps organisations continue delivering valuable services and activities across the borough. Discover how your organisation can benefit and start raising funds today by reading the full story.

Love singing or looking for a new way to connect with others in your community? Halton Community Voices is a new community choir welcoming people of all ages and abilities to come together and enjoy the benefits of making music. There are no auditions, no pressure and no need to read music, making it the perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys singing, wants to make new friends, boost their wellbeing and become part of a supportive local group. The choir meets every Monday evening in Widnes and participation is completely free. Whether you're an experienced singer or simply enjoy singing for fun, find out more and discover how you can get involved by reading the full story.

Looking for a simple way to get active, improve your wellbeing and meet new people? Active Halton is offering a wide range of free Health & Wellbeing Walks across Widnes and Runcorn throughout October, November and December 2026. With routes designed for different abilities and interests, the programme includes gentle strolls, social walks, mindful walks and longer countryside routes, all led by friendly and supportive volunteers. Whether you're hoping to improve your fitness, enjoy local green spaces or simply connect with others in your community, there's a walk to suit you. Read the full story to discover the schedule and find a walk near you.

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