As autumn progresses and winter draws closer, this week's newsletter is packed with opportunities for local organisations, community groups, volunteers and residents to connect, learn and make a difference across Halton and St Helens.

This edition highlights a wide range of funding, employment and development opportunities, including the AI for Good Programme for aspiring social entrepreneurs, the Youth Jobs Grant offering employers £3,000 to recruit young people, and an opportunity to lead the Asthma Friendly Schools Programme across Cheshire and Merseyside.

We're also sharing several opportunities to build skills and confidence, including free Early Years workshops, the upcoming Sexual Health – The Not So Scary Talk! training session, and a new Self-Harm Professional Resource Hub for those supporting children and young people.

As communities begin preparing for the festive season, we're pleased to feature a number of events and initiatives designed to bring people together and support those who may be feeling isolated. These include the Community Hub Winter Fair in Runcorn, Rootstock's Irish Céilidh Evening, and the inspiring Christmas Cards to Care Homes Campaign, which aims to ensure every care home resident in St Helens receives a festive message of kindness this Christmas.

You'll also find details of the upcoming St Helens Cost of Living and Winter Preparedness Event, bringing together local services and support available to help residents stay warm, well and financially resilient during the colder months.

We're delighted to welcome a new cohort of organisations to the Halton & St Helens VCA membership network. Our newest members represent the diversity, creativity and commitment of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and we look forward to supporting their work in the months ahead.

This week's newsletter also celebrates the power of community action, from Liverpool supporters continuing their efforts to tackle food poverty through matchday collections, to the latest impact report from CARE UK, demonstrating how local organisations continue to change lives through practical support, volunteering and community engagement.

As always, thank you for everything you do to support local people and strengthen our communities. Your dedication, partnership and commitment continue to make a real difference across Halton and St Helens.

If your organisation has a news story, event, funding opportunity, training course, consultation, volunteering opportunity or community initiative that you'd like us to share with our network, please send the details to news@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk.

Together, we can continue to celebrate, champion and strengthen the fantastic work taking place across our communities.

Young people can enjoy a range of free arts, creative and cultural activities this half term, offering opportunities to develop new skills, express creativity and make new friends in a fun and supportive environment. From arts and crafts workshops to performance and creative projects, these activities are designed to inspire young people and keep them engaged during the school break.

Have an idea that could help solve a local problem? AI for Good is a free programme supporting ten entrepreneurs from across the Liverpool City Region to develop businesses that tackle issues such as health and social care, education, transport and social mobility. Participants will receive expert AI support, coaching, training and guidance from a dedicated business advisor, with no previous AI experience required. Applications are open until 1 November 2026.

Adults interested in childcare, child development or supporting children’s learning are invited to take part in a range of free Early Years workshops delivered by St Helens Adult and Community Learning (ACL). Topics include an introduction to working in Early Years, supporting children’s wellbeing, safeguarding, and understanding phonics to help children develop early reading and writing skills. The workshops are ideal for parents, carers, volunteers and anyone considering a career in childcare or education. Sessions take place throughout November at the Park Road Centre in St Helens and are free for eligible adults aged 19+ across St Helens and the Liverpool City Region.

Vision Support is recruiting a qualified Counsellor to join its team supporting people affected by sight loss across Cheshire, Halton and North East Wales. This hybrid role offers 30 hours per week with a salary of £31,000 pro rata and provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to individuals adjusting to sight loss and related life changes. Applications are welcomed from qualified counselling professionals registered with a recognised professional body. The closing date for applications is 9 November 2026

 

Get ready for some festive fun as the Community Hub Winter Fair returns to St Bert's Church and Community Hub on Saturday 21 November. The popular community event will take place from 11.00am to 3.00pm and promises a welcoming afternoon filled with stalls, local crafts, festive food and refreshments. Suitable for all ages, the Winter Fair is a great opportunity to support local traders, pick up unique Christmas gifts and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere with family and friends.

The event will be held at St Bert's Church with Community Hub, Norton Hill, Windmill Hill, Runcorn WA7 6QE. Local crafters and traders are also invited to get involved, with a limited number of tables still available for £10. Anyone interested in booking a stall can contact the organisers at friendsofstberts@gmail.com.

Whether you're looking for festive bargains, community spirit or simply a fun day out, the Community Hub Winter Fair is set to be a highlight of the local festive calendar.

Supporters of Liverpool FC Women are continuing to make a difference off the pitch through their ongoing efforts to tackle food poverty. Through matchday food collection initiatives, fans have once again shown the power of community action by donating food and essential items to help individuals and families experiencing hardship. The initiative highlights how football can bring people together not only in support of their team but also to support those most in need.

CARE UK has released its latest impact report, showcasing the difference the charity continues to make across Halton and Warrington through practical support, community initiatives and volunteer-led services. From tackling food poverty and reducing social isolation to supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening community connections, the charity's work has positively impacted thousands of local people over the past year. The report highlights the value of partnership working and community involvement in creating lasting change and improving wellbeing across the region.

Looking to feel more confident talking about sexual health? Sexual Health – The Not So Scary Talk! is a free training session taking place on Thursday 26 November at 1.30pm at Sutton Family Hub. The session is designed to help participants develop their knowledge and confidence around sexual health and wellbeing in a supportive and engaging environment. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Do you know an outstanding volunteer-led group making a real difference in your community? Nominations are now open for the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2027, the highest award given to local volunteer groups and often described as the "MBE for volunteer groups". Organisations across St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral are being encouraged to put forward exceptional volunteer-led groups for national recognition. As groups cannot nominate themselves, independent nominators are needed to champion the incredible work taking place in communities across Merseyside. Nominations close on 1 December 2026, so now is the perfect time to celebrate the volunteers and organisations making a lasting impact.