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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 and information from the VCFSE sector and partners across Halton, St Helens and the wider area.  If you would like to feature in our next e-bulletin please click our link below and submit your story.. 

Submission for Ebulletin
Infant Feeding Care and Services Survey - Deadline 31st March 2026

Bridgewater Community Healthcare and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals would like to hear about your experiences of infant feeding care and services in both hospital and community settings. 

Feedback from mothers, fathers, partners, expectant parents, family members, carers, foster parents, advocates and anyone involved in feeding and caring for a baby is welcomed.

If you have experiences of infant feeding services and care within the last three years or have other relevant feedback to share, and you live in (or have previously lived in) Warrington or Halton, Bridgewater Community Healthcare would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 31st March 2026

 

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Torus Foundation Energy Voucher Partnership 

Community organisations are being invited to partner with Torus Foundation to help deliver its ongoing Energy Voucher Scheme.

Torus Foundation is seeking trusted local organisations with strong community links to identify eligible households and submit applications via a secure online form. 

The scheme supports financially vulnerable households who use prepayment meters, offering up to six vouchers worth £49 each over a 12-month period. Eligible households must live in the North West of England and may qualify if they are on a low income, living with a long-term health condition or disability, at risk of self-disconnection, experiencing a sudden change in circumstances, unable to maintain adequate heating due to cost pressures, or aged over 50.

 

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Fuel Poverty Scheme Linked To Reduction In GP Appointments

A scheme to reduce the impact of fuel poverty on vulnerable people has been linked to a near 10 per cent reduction in GP appointments, according to a new report.

The project focused on adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in St Helens and Knowsley. It features an innovative package of interventions, including medicines optimisation, pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, referrals for tobacco dependency treatment and help with finances.

The report, compiled by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside who worked in partnership with Health Innovation North West Coast, shows a 9.8 per cent reduction in GP appointments in the 12 months after the project was launched.

By last spring, nearly 700 people had been supported to improve their health as part of the scheme.

 

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Walk in the Footsteps of the Beatles and the Stone Roses on New Halton Music Trail

Halton is turning up the volume on its musical heritage with the launch of Beyond the Tracks, a brand new 4.6-mile walking trail introduced by global pop icon and local legend Melanie C. Stretching between Widnes and Runcorn train stations, the trail reveals the stories, scandals, breakthroughs and unbelievable moments that shaped generations of British music.

Across 17 stops, visitors can unlock the stories by scanning QR codes, each revealing a slice of Halton’s musical magic. From legendary gigs to once-in-a-lifetime encounters, the trail brings to life some of the sounds and stories that put the borough on the musical map.

Visitors can hear how one local nearly lost their job while waiting for one of only four Beatles signings, or what it was like to stand in the crowd at the legendary Stone Roses gig at Spike Island

 

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Halton Borough Council’s Programmes Office Team 2026 Dates And Runcorn Workshops - Amended Dates
 
Halton Borough Council’s Programmes Office Team are looking to support both Halton’s Community Sector and HBC Colleagues with a series of basic introduction training workshops to support them in all aspects of searching & bidding for funds to support their organisation, developing a fundraising strategy, managing the grants received and monitoring the grant to report back on the outcomes for the funding secured.
 
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Hope At Home
 
Hope at Home is a small charity that supports survivors of modern slavery and trafficking through a hosting programme.

They are looking for volunteer hosts who have a spare bedroom and the kindness and generosity to give a survivor of slavery a safe place to live for up to 6 months.

Hosting Coordinators will provide full training and support to all hosts before, during and after placements. Hosts are asked to offer a spare bedroom and shared living facilities (e.g. kitchen, bathroom and laundry).

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Holding Transformative Conversations Training

Across the country, organisations are struggling with the effects of misinformation about marginalised groups, which is disrupting services and creating uncertainty about how to respond. The Ella Baker School of Organising, in partnership with the LCR Race Equality Hub, is offering one‑day workshops to help communities counter these divisive narratives.

The training starts from the belief that people with challenging views aren’t necessarily bad, and communities share a responsibility to engage with them and address the issues behind those views. Sessions provide tools to handle difficult conversations, reduce tension, and build unity.

Participants will learn to understand why people may hold problematic views, engage meaningfully with those influenced by divisive narratives, and shift discussions toward solution‑focused approaches. The workshops aim to build confidence, skills, and long-term community connections, supported by practical resources.

Sessions will be from 9.30am to 4.30pm and there will be sessions in Halton and St Helens

St Helens
When 16th April, 2026 
 
Where: St Helens Town Hall
 
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Halton
When 28th April, 2026 
 
Where: St Maries

 

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VCA Activities
Halton March VCFSE Forum

The forum is the perfect stage to showcase your organisation and hear about what else is happening in the borough. We will hear from sector representative, VCA staff team, HBC staff members, and more.

Join us and take time to engage and update one another on projects and activities, as well as touching base with the local Council and NHS organisations.

The meeting will run till 11am, and the space will remain open giving you the chance to network over a hot drink.

When: 10th March, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

 

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St Helens April VCFSE Forum

We’ll ease into the day with a warm welcome and time to catch up with colleagues old and new.  We’ll ease into the day with a warm welcome and time to catch up with colleagues old and new.

From 10:00am, we’ll gather to begin the session at the ever‑welcoming Willowbrook Living Well, setting the tone for a morning of shared learning, sector insights, and collective ambition. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new volunteer, or somewhere in between, this forum offers a friendly, open space to connect, contribute, and feel part of something bigger.

When: 13th April, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

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Telling Your Story With Impact

Delivered by the Thirty Three Percent team, a business support and marketing agency, this will provide guidance in:

Understanding what makes a story impactful

Telling your story in a way that encourages participation from different audiences Using a range of tools to practice how you communicate about your work

When: 26th March, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM

Where: Beacon Building, St Helens
 
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Developing Your Story To Secure Fnding

Delivered by Miranda Clarke from Coalfields Regeneration Trust, a funder and support charity, this will build on the morning workshop session to:

Consider what stories and information funders and commissioners are looking for when they allocate resources Reflect on examples of good practice and build your own story to share with funders Look at the specifics of applications and work through some of the requirements together.

When: 26th March, 2026 from  1:00 PM to  3:00 PM

Where: Beacon Building, St Helens
 
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An Introduction To Flourish Social Investment For The VCFSE Sector
Delivered by Livv Investment wo will facilitate a 90‑minute introduction to Flourish Social Investment and discover how values‑led funding can unlock community potential.
 
This session demystifies social investment, shows what it looks like in real life, and gives you the confidence to explore it for your own projects.
 
When:
22nd April, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
 
Where: Beacon Building, St Helens

 

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Setting Up Your Community Organisation, Charity or CIC
This session gives you a clear, friendly introduction to the different operating and legal structures available to individuals looking to set something up that can make a real impact for people and communities.
 
We’ll demystify the roles of the Charity Commission and Companies House, and explore how their requirements shape good governance in your organisation.
 
When:
30th April, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
 
Where:  Beacon Building, St Helens

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An Introduction to Employment Law and Best Practice

Facilitated by ELCONS This course takes us back to the basics of Employment Law, covering recruitment, management of employees and the need to follow ‘best practice’ through to termination of employment.

This is a great opportunitiy for organsiations in the voluntary sector who are currently employing staff or thinking of employing staff then why not take advantage of attending this session and hear from the experts.

When 7th May, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Where: Beacon Building, St Helens

 

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An Introduction To Flourish Social Investment
 
Delivered by Livv Investment wo will facilitate a 90‑minute introduction to Flourish Social Investment and discover how values‑led funding can unlock community potential.
 
This session demystifies social investment, shows what it looks like in real life, and gives you the confidence to explore it for your own projects.
 
When: 11th June, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
 
Where: St Maries, Widnes

 

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External Activities
Hazlehurst Studios Small Sustainability Festival 7th March

Hazlehurst Studios Small Sustainability Festival takes place on Saturday 7 March, 10am–3pm at All Saints Church, Runcorn.

This free, drop-in event invites the community to explore upcycling, repair skills and sustainable creativity, contribute to a community textile banner, and meet local artists.

Featured workshops include a Solitary Bee Hotel Workshop (16+) and a Tinkerbot Workshop for young people (separate booking required).

Funded by the Zero Waste Community Fund, Delivered in Partnership by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia.

When: Saturday 7th March (10am to 3pm)

Where: All Saints Church, Runcorn

 

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Halton Cancer Support - 5K The Centre Way

Halton Cancer Support is inviting local community groups, charities, CICs and grassroots organisations to join their biggest annual event — the 5K The Centre Way!

With over 300 attendees in previous years, it’s a great chance to promote your services, meet local families, and be part of a lively community day.

They’re looking for groups who can offer fun, interactive activities for young people and families — anything from crafts and challenges to small giveaways.

If your group would like to get involved, Halton Cancer Support would love to hear from you.

When: Saturday 11th July 2026 (from 11am)

Where: Victoria Park, Widnes

 

 

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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.


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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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