On 10th November, the National Academy of Social Prescribing (NASP) launched Thriving Communities, a new national support programme for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups, supporting communities impacted by COVID19 in England, working alongside social prescribing link workers. VSNW is part of the North West Regional Lead partnership, alongside Sefton CVS ( representing Cheshire and Merseyside). Salford CVS (representing Greater Manchester) and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS (representing Lancashire and South Cumbria).

The Thriving Communities programme consists of four main areas:

• The Thriving Communities Network which brings together local voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise groups and organisations, to champion and amplify the impact of their work, and inspire innovation.

• An Ideas Hub where organisations can share ideas, and read others’ stories i to champion successes, share challenges and support each other together.

• Learning Together, a regional support initiative for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups and organisations supporting communities through COVID19. It is free to join and runs for 6 months. from 11 January 2021 – 16 July 2021. There are up to 100 free places in the North West and applications must be received by 11th December. Apply here.

• The Thriving Communities Fund which will support local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCSFSE) projects that bring together place-based partnerships to improve and increase the range and reach of available social prescribing community activities – especially for those people most impacted by COVID19 and health inequalities. Applications will open on 23rd November and close on 8th January 2021.
   

Thriving Communities Fund Webinar

Following the launch of the Thriving Communities Programme, on Monday 23 November, NASP are hosting a webinar outlining the funding opportunities which are available to local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups across the country who are supporting communities most impacted by COVID19.

As well as the above Thriving Communities Fund, the webinar will also include information on NHS Charities Together Community Partnership Grants. These aim to help local NHS Charities develop community partnerships to reduce health inequalities, support people impacted by COVID19 and improve prevention.

The webinar will help you understand the funds’ aims and eligibility, as well as how to apply for these funding opportunities.

To register for the webinar visit here.
 

North West Region Session

To build on the national event, the Regional Leads for the North West will be hosting a follow-up session for organisations in the region to discuss how we can work together to form partnerships which might apply for Thriving Communities Funding.

This session will be held online on Thursday 26th November at 3pm. To register for the Zoom please click here.

We recommend that you either attend the webinar on the 23rd November or watch this back prior to the North West Region event.