Spark events and training programme 2024
An affordable programme of online and classroom-based training sessions for Somerset charities and community groups.
Lunch & Learn: Evidencing need
Discover how to effectively evidence need in your funding applications and boost your chances of success!
Takes place on Thursday 5 September, 12:30-1:30pm, online.
Skills Bootcamp – Leadership & Management
A subsidised training course for individuals not seeking an accredited qualification, who are new or existing managers wishing to develop or refresh their skills.
Training begins on Thursday 5 September
Find out more and register your interest
Lunch & Learn: Outcomes, outputs and impact
This bites-sized session will take a closer look at outcomes, output and impact, provide practical guidance for measurement, and explore the importance of monitoring and evaluation within your funding search.
Takes place on Tuesday 10 September September, 12:30 -1:30pm, online
Food Conversations Event
Join Somerset Community Food for their Food Conversations Event to meet and network with local food projects, join in with cooking and growing activities, and enjoy a seasonal shared lunch.
Takes place on Saturday 14 September, 10am-2:30pm, in Bridgwater
Introduction to Youth Work
A training course delivered by Turtle CYP (formerly South Gloucestershire Playscheme), aimed at new youth workers and youth volunteers, or those who volunteer with children and young people and want to find out if youth work is for them.
Wednesday 18 & 25 September at Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater
Saturday 16 & 23 November at Ridgeway Hall, Langport
Free Funding & Networking Forum for VCFSE Organisations in Somerset
Meet the National Lottery Community Fund's new Funding Officer for Somerset, join Somerset Community Foundation and Clark Foundation for a 1:1 chat, and more.
Takes place on Thursday 19 September, 9am-1pm, in Yeovil.
Volunteer Coordinators' Forum
Our free, face-to-face meeting for anybody who manages or coordinates volunteers in Somerset to network, learn, share best practice, and gain help and support.
Takes place on Tuesday 24 September, 1:15-3:30pm in Yeovil.
Somerset Trustees' Forums
Join us for our online forums where trustees or directors of VCFSE organisations can network, share best practice, exchange peer support and discuss opportunities for collaborative working and learning.
Upcoming meetings and themes are:
Diversifying Income for Trustees - Tuesday 8 October, 6:30-8pm
Charity Finance for Trustees - Tuesday 12 November, 6:30-8pm
Board Effectiveness - Tuesday 10 December, 6:30-8pm
For more information, or to book your place on your preferred date, please click here.
Debt and Money Management Workshop
Join Kim Watts from Citizens Advice Somerset and Janet Gillett from Taunton Area Debt Advice at this workshop for VCFSE organisations. You will learn key budgeting principals, how to have conversations about money, and where to signpost those in crisis. Facilitated by the Somerset Mental Health Network.
Takes place on Wednesday 9 October, 9:30-11:30am, via Teams
Wilder Community Forum 2024
A day of celebration and sharing for individuals, groups and organisations in Somerset who might be passionate about nature-based solutions to climate change, keen on wildlife recording or creating more space for nature in their garden or local park. Hosted by Somerset Wildlife Trust.
Takes place on Saturday 12 October, 11am-3:30pm, in Somerton