hvoss is pleased to announce that we will soon be releasing an exciting new book and hope to organise a launch this summer, when restrictions allow. ‘Baking a difference’ is a historical record of a very different year and way of working for the BBO Herefordshire project, with very honest and moving personal lockdown stories matched with practical fun baking recipes. It is a celebration of all we have overcome.

The Talk Community project at hvoss has recently launched a bi-monthly publication called Volunteer News. In it you will discover the latest volunteering opportunities across the county as well as volunteering news and information.  

So, if you are a voluntary group or organisation and would like to include your current volunteer roles in this month’s publication, please submit them here.

Or, if you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter as a volunteer, please make sure you are signed up to our volunteer matching system.

The next issue will be out at the end of May. April issue here.

Lets talk 'community'! Joe Helme Community Wheels volunteer driver talks about the vital work he and his colleagues do for local residents in this video from Herefordshire Council's Talk Community.

Please email linda.jones@hvoss.org.uk to learn more.

In April the Talk Community project at hvoss held 2 support events for the voluntary and community sector of Herefordshire. Thanks to all speakers and participants for joining us. Future events will be posted here and emailed to all hvoss mailing list subscribers.

Funding Network Event - speaker slides can be found here

Volunteer Manager Chat - interested in joining future get-togethers? Email us and we'll add you to the guest list!

A Month of Community. Eden Communities are helping get communities back up and running with the #MonthOfCommunity. Download your free Big Lunch pack and start planning. Do let hvoss know if you are planning to celebrate - we will gladly promote your event (and share cake with you!)

Free Membership. Did you know that membership of the Small Charities Coalition and NCVO are free to small charities (under £1million) and community groups (under £30k) respectively. Click on the organisation name to learn more and take advantage of the brilliant resources being a member offers.

IT update? Dell Technologies offer up to a 20 percent discount off all laptops, desktops, monitors, and accessories plus free advice from technology advisors for charities and libraries.

Nominate volunteer champions for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Applications are now open for the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.

Volunteering for Charity Leadership. 92% of trustees are white, older and have above average income and education - this needs to change! Join Charity People to talk about how young people from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups can volunteer on charity's boards as trustees. Event sign up here.

Coordination in Place. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards many of the ways of working and attitudes that place-based working had been aiming to address for many years: We've seen in Herefordshire that local action has been vital in the response to the pandemic. Read this report from New Philanthropy Capital which sets out how levels of trust and collaboration increased between organisations and sectors, but also how these positive developments may be under threat.

The Health Creation Alliance has published this report, which considers how NHS stakeholders can learn from the community response to COVID-19.

Community Ownership Fund. The fund is designed specifically for community groups - bids open in June. Read more here and we will bring you more information in the June issue of hvoice. And a handy summary here from Local Trust

Talk Community website and Talk Community Directory (formerly WISH) have a new look! A comprehensive resource for Herefordshire communities, including services and groups, information and advice, care options and hubs.

Safe+Well™ is launching in Herefordshire, to help people live more independently in their own homes for longer. To understand the benefits of Safe+Well, to understand how the occupational therapy team can help in the community, and how it can help people you meet every day - register for a lunchtime briefing session.

Keep Herefordshire Warm offering energy efficiency advice and administers grant funding to help keep Herefordshire residents healthy and comfortable at home.

Horizon Centre Ross on Wye would like to share their May 2021 newsletter with you.

Herefordshire Children’s Centre Services are delighted to be able to share a new communication with you, the summer 2021 newsletter.

EF Bulmer Trust offer Meeting and Counselling Rooms for Hire in Hereford City Centre. Very reasonable rates!

Yarpole Parish Good Neighbour Scheme with Talk Community, exciting plans and partnerships for this North Herefordshire community. Your views welcomed.

Marches Counselling Service reaching out to 18-30's and shaping our services in ways that reflect their views and needs.

Healthy Minds Mental health services are open and accessible to people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire who are struggling or need support with their mental wellbeing.

Carers Week is an annual campaign (7th-13th May) to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

Herefordshire Dementia Action Alliance Join us for our programme of events for Dementia Action Week. There will be Dementia Friends Sessions across the week, information sessions, drop in and join our online meeting point or carers group, hear about the dementia provision in Herefordshire and all sorts of other sessions.

Step Outdoors Campaign Join Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire in promoting the benefits of outdoor physical activity.

Hay Dial-a-Ride NFU staff at the local Hay on Wye agency recently nominated local charity Hay Dial-A-Ride to receive a donation of £6,451 from a national £2million ‘Agency Giving Fund’ launched by NFU Mutual.

Hereford Leisure Pool The builders are coming to the end of the repair works from the flood damage from February 2020… So we are delighted to be back in business soon. The building has been given a clean bill of HEALTH, now it's time for us to help you look after yours.

Knife Angel Exciting news - the Knife Angel is coming to Hereford from 14th June 2021 to 12th July 2021, hosted by Hereford Cathedral. Volunteer and workshop opportunities.

Healthwatch Herefordshire seeking referrals to its digital inclusion project.

Into The Woods promoting woodland wellbeing activities in a beautiful ancient woodland in Herefordshire.

Motor Neurone Disease Association Please join our Offa's Dyke Walk on 26th Sept 2021 to celebrate the end of a dreadful 18 months, to walk in solidarity with people living with and affected by mnd or just for the joy of walking!

Hereford Gilbert and Sullivan Society Calling for new members to join an award winning theatre company. A chance to have fun meet new friends and perform on stage.

The Vine Chamber Music Festival This July: New outdoor chamber music festival in Herefordshire!

The Cart Shed The Big Sleep In 2021 We all know a good night's sleep is good for our mental health so throughout May The Cart Shed is asking you to get some kip and help us raise money to support young people and adults in Herefordshire suffering with their mental health.

Signs4Life Bridging the access gap - FREE BSL course for Herefordshire Residents.

Knife Angel Hereford Virtual Conference Crime in 2021: From Knowledge to Practice.

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s Training Solutions Team are pleased to announce they are holding Covid-secure face-to-face training sessions from our Drybridge House Centre in Hereford.

Herefordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Children Courses for May 2021. Book now to secure a place.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association Training available: Online and Face to Face. 3rd Sector organisations get 20% off!