Funding Available

Apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme - You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Updated 11 September with examples of what information applicants can provide to show the Kickstart Scheme job placements are new jobs.
Charity Bank COVID-19 Funding List - As a result of the Coronavirus, many organisations are now in an extremely precarious position, often having to deliver additional services with fewer volunteers and staff members, while having to cancel fundraising activities. Here you will find a list of emergency funds for charities and social enterprises that are experiencing difficulties. It will be updated as new opportunities are identified.
Community & Third Sector Recovery Programme - The Community & Third Sector Recovery Programme aims to support charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations that are supporting people and communities through the shift from lockdown to recovery. As well as providing ongoing crisis support, they will be planning and implementing changes to adapt and thrive in a very different social and economic climate.
Connecting Scotland - Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme set up in response to coronavirus. It provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes. The closing date for applications is 11am on 5 October 2020.
Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund - Applications for this fund opened on Thursday 17 September. Information about the fund and who can apply is available now on the Creative Scotland website.
Macmillan Community Grants - Macmillan are launching a community grants programme today. Organisations are asked to apply for small grants of up to £500 to work in their local community to support people with cancer. Please see the poster below for more details.
National Lottery update regarding their Funding Programmes - Like many funders our plans for 2020 have changed significantly as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year at the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland we were due to pause and redevelop our funding offer as it reached the end of its five-year cycle. The current funding programmes will remain open for an extra 18-24 months – however, we will adapt them as needed. We hope remaining open for applications means we can better support the sector through COVID-19. Some of our grants and funding will remain unchanged, and others will be adapted to be more focused on COVID-19 recovery, with shorter grants and quicker turnaround.
Robertson Trust launches new strategy - The Robertson Trust have launched their new strategy for the next ten years. It focuses on tackling poverty and trauma in Scotland and the impact this has on the physical, mental and material wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund - The Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund is open for not-for-profit community groups to apply for an emergency £500 grant to support their work with vulnerable groups in the local community. It will support groups who are doing things differently or doing new things to support those needing help at this time.  
The Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund - In partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, Foundation Scotland is delivering the Community Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund. The RRR Fund will support local charities and grassroots organisations across Scotland to help them respond to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and recover from its impact.
The Route to Green Recovery - Volunteering Matters Action Earth 2020 Grants now available - Volunteering Matters Action Earth is now accepting applications for 2020. They will support local volunteers and environmental groups in carrying out work in local green spaces to rebuild slowly, steadily and safely while carrying out essential environmental work that benefits communities across Scotland.
Third Sector Resilence Fund - The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF) is a £20m emergency fund for charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations working in Scotland. The fund supports organisations that already deliver services and products but find themselves in financial difficulties directly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The primary intention of the fund is to help third sector organisations to stabilise and manage cash flows over this difficult period.
 
General News

Access 2 Employment Support - Access2employment has continued to work with clients throughout, all be it remotely.  They have introduced a number of new services that may be of benefit to those seeking new employment opportunities.
Challenge Poverty Week 2020 - Invitation To Webinar - This year, as part of Challenge Poverty Week, we will be hosting a webinar designed to raise awareness of the services available to help and support people experiencing poverty in West Lothian.
Charities across Scotland recognised at national awards - Charities and individuals from across Scotland have been recognised for the life-changing difference they make at the 2020 Scottish Charity Awards on 25 September.
Coronavirus (Covid-19): Supporting People and Communities - Call for ideas - This is an invitation for you to tell the board what needs to change to bring about a Fairer Scotland in the future, based on your learning from the COVID pandemic. Your ideas could focus on one of the themes discussed by the board: housing and place, work, income, public services, and attitudes and discrimination. Or on something else you think is important.
Diabetes Scotland Online Events - Diabetes Scotland are hosting a range of online events.
EVOLVE Employability Programme - EVOLVE is a new employability programme currently being delivered by West Lothian Council, Supported Employment Service and we are looking for Covid safe work experience opportunities within the Voluntary sector. Both provider and participant will have the support of an experienced employment advisor during the placement.  Interested then email: supportedemployment@westlothian.gov.uk or call 07917 814 440 for more information.
FABB Club are Looking For A Vice Chairperson - Bathgate Fabb Club are currently looking for a Vice Chairperson to join their board of trustees. The Vice Chairperson is an integral role within the community. The committee currently meets every 6 weeks online through zoom.
Gambleaware Project - The aim of the project is to minimise gambling harms and further understand the prevalence of gambling harms throughout the population.
Health and Social Care reflections on Covid-19 - The Health and Social Care Strategic planning Group recently held a session reflecting on Covid-19. This document captures the key themes.
Impact Arts - Autumn Flyer - Impact Arts is a Scottish charity that works to help people and communities transform their lives through art and creativity. They currently have 3 programmes to offer young people in Scotland between the ages of 14 and 26. The flyer below contains details for each programme.
Lockdown Edition 2020 Digital Handbook - This is ideal for residents who are capable of working through instructions without too much support. It might also be handy for residents/volunteers/ family supports  who are trying to support family members upskill. If you feel anyone needs extra support please refer anyone on to Adult Learning who would benefit from speaking to a digital tutor (adultlearning@westlothian.gov.uk)
Mental health information for employers - Information and guidance on looking after your employees’ mental health is available from Healthy Working Lives.
Org in the Spotlight - This months Org in the Spotlight is Safe Families.
Raising the Issue of Malnutrition Training - As part of Malnutrition Awareness Week, Eat Well Age Well are showcasing some of the great community work which has taken place because of our Small Ideas Big Impact Fund.
Real Life Options are Recruiting Volunteers in West Lothian - Real Life Options are looking to recruit volunteers in the West Lothian Area with an interest in working with the people we support and carrying out activities involving very creative skills such as baking/cooking, Arts and Crafts and also music.
The Larder - Volunteer Drivers Required - Would you like to help in the fight against food insecurity during Covid-19? Since lockdown began The Larder Catalyst Kitchen aimed to deliver 2,000 meals per week to those in need throughout West Lothian. Fast forward a few weeks The Larder has exceeded that target and is now delivering 2,500 meals per week to the local community in need.
Westspace Newsletter -  September Newsletter from Westspace.
West Lothian United to Prevent Suicide - West Lothian Council are seeking views to support the development of the West Lothian Suicide Prevention Action Plan. Please complete the survey and share within your networks. This consultation will be live from today until the 25th of October 2020.