VCFSE Sector News, Opportunities and Consultations
Community Action Suffolk (CAS) aims to help the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE ) sector in Suffolk. This is to ensure that the VCFSE sector in Suffolk has a voice in areas where we need to influence for the benefit of our communities, and to provide input into the development and growth of Suffolk.
Sector News
Links to Sector News and Reports that may be of interest to the sector will be displayed here on a regular basis.
September 2026
End Digital Poverty Week begins across the UK
End Digital Poverty Week begins today, marking the first time the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA)’s annual campaign has expanded from a single day into a full week.
Running from 7 to 13 September, End Digital Poverty Week brings together industry, government and the third sector across the UK to focus attention on the different ways digital exclusion affects people’s lives, from education and employment to accessing essential services, managing money and staying connected. As part of it, the Digital Poverty Alliance have produced a Communications and Fundraising Toolkit which includes messaging, social media content, fundraising guidance and practical ideas that organisation can use to share their own work, support the campaign and take part throughout the week. Click here for more information. The Communications and Fundraising Toolkit can be found here.
Local government reorganisation: programme review and decisions withdrawal letter to council leaders
A letter has bee written to council leaders to advise them that the undertaking a review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme and following updated legal advice (for the avoidance of doubt no privilege is waived) that she has withdrawn the decisions made in March this year for 4 areas:
- Suffolk
- Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock
- Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton
- Norfolk
The letter can be read in full here. The documents relating to the government’s programme of local government reorganisation in Suffolk can be found here.
£10 Million Hospitality Grant Scheme launches in boost for independent pubs, restaurants and cafes
Village pubs, family-run restaurants, and cafés receive a boost as a new £10 million three-year Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched for applications. Click here to read more.
Financial hardship delaying major life milestones for young people
New research finds that financial hardship is forcing many young people to delay major life milestones, while millions of young people are struggling to afford essentials.
A survey of more than 4,700 young people aged 16 to 25 across the UK found that financial pressures are forcing young people to delay major life milestones such as moving out, learning to drive and buying a home, while millions are cutting back on essentials including food and toiletries in order to get by.
The research found that almost half (47%) of young people have had to delay moving out of their parents’ home because of financial pressures, rising to 54% for young people who experienced financial hardship growing up. Click here to read more.
Rising Energy Costs Deepen Rural Cost-of-Living Pressures
The Rural Services Network have highlighted that Households are facing renewed pressure on their finances this autumn, as energy bills rise and record levels of debt show that many people are already struggling to keep up.
Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap will increase by 4% from 1 October to 31 December 2026. For a typical household paying by direct debit for both gas and electricity, the annualised figure will rise by £60, from £1,663 to £1,723, which is equivalent to around £5 more a month.
However, this does not tell the full story for many rural households.
Homes without a mains gas connection often depend on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These fuels are not covered by the price cap and must usually be purchased in bulk, leaving households exposed to sudden market movements and large upfront costs.
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) reports that heating oil reached 85p per litre on 26 August, 38% above its pre-war price, after more than doubling during March. ACRE says a typical 1,000-litre order increased in price by £740 in a single week at the height of the surge.
It is calling for further government support for off-grid households, including consideration of temporarily removing the 5% VAT charged on heating oil. ACRE also argues that help must reach low- and middle-income rural households, not only those eligible for the most tightly targeted support. Read the press release here.
The State of UK Volunteer Management 2026: Connected for Impact
A 2026 State of the UK Volunteer Management Report has recently been published by Rosterfy which confirms that volunteers are the heartbeat of communities across the UK. They give their skills, their passion and their time to causes that matter to them, and against a backdrop of stretched budgets and busy lives, they keep showing up. From food banks and community gardens to cultural festivals and national events, the people who give their time – and the people who lead them – remain a quiet, powerful force for good. Some headlines stand out. This year 92% of organisations say volunteers are critical to delivering their mission, up from 88% in 2025. And for the first time in two years of asking, the sector is telling us that recruitment is getting easier: 46% now say it is easy to recruit volunteers, up sharply from 35% last year. Almost half (49%) report that their volunteer numbers have grown. Read the report here.
August 2026
Community Organisation and Climate Action
Research and practical resources to support community organisations, charities, social enterprises and community businesses to tackle climate change, including an assessment of different approaches, business models and examples to help take climate action. Read more at: https://locality.org.uk/reports/community-organisations-climate-action
Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2026
The Charity Commission has produced a high-level picture of the risks facing the sector now or in the future, in order to help trustees take proportionate steps within their own context to prepare. This report has been produced to provide an overview of potential risks to the charity sector at the present time, drawing upon the Commission’s data as well as horizon scanning and gathering of insights from sector bodies and others with knowledge of the sector.
Every charity’s exposure to these risks will vary. This report is produced to support trustees and charity leaders to understand the risk landscape and to support decision making. It illustrates the complexity of a sector intricately bound up in our society – operating in places where others cannot, and supporting some of the most vulnerable in our communities. Read more at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-sector-risk-assessment-2026
Through the Roof: The case for investing in the energy efficiency of community buildings
Community buildings play a vital role in bringing people together, providing essential services and strengthening local communities. From community centres and village halls to sports clubs, shops and cafés, these spaces are at the heart of local life and provide important places for connection, wellbeing and collaboration.
Yet many community buildings are ageing, poorly maintained and increasingly expensive to run. Rising energy costs are placing additional pressure on charities and community organisations, many of which have limited capacity and rely heavily on volunteers. For organisations already facing financial pressures, poor energy efficiency can threaten their ability to keep buildings open and continue delivering vital services. Read more: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/through-the-roof-vcse-report/
Some charities will always rely on grants, impact economy researchers say
Researchers mapping out the different types of organisations that make up the impact economy have said that some charities are and should remain funded wholly or mainly by grants.
New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) and Social Investment Business’s Designing the right finance for the right organisations splits the impact economy into five segments, with most charities falling into the first two “regulated” sections.
It follows an earlier report by NPC, which valued the UK’s impact economy at £428bn, with £323bn of the total attributed to “self-regulated” impact-led businesses, but drew some concerns over its definitions. Read more: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/some-charities-will-always-rely-on-grants-impact-economy-researchers-say.html
Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, 2026
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations has come into force across Great Britain. The underlying legal duty to make reasonable adjustments hasn’t changed, but the revised Code reinforces an important point that Organisations should consider barriers BEFORE disabled people encounter them, not wait until somebody struggles or complains. Read the guidance.
Banking admin takes up 12 million hours of charity time each year
Charities across the UK are collectively spending an estimated 12 million hours every year on banking administration, according to Charity Banking Report 2026, published by the Charity Finance Group (CFG). That’s the equivalent of around 6,000 people working full-time, all year, on nothing but banking tasks. Read the full article and download the report: https://cfg.org.uk/news/banking_administration_takes_up_12_million_hours_of_charity_time_each_year
Charities advised to comply with updated Code of Practice
The updated Code of Practice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has now taken effect. Charities are therefore advised to take steps towards ensuring they can comply with the Code and the law, notably the changes regarding the definition of sex under the Equality Act 2010 as relating to biological sex.
Such steps might, depending on the nature of a charity’s work, include seeking legal advice. Meanwhile the Charity Commission is working at pace to update its Equality Act guidance for charities. It aims to publish this guidance during the Autumn. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charities-urged-to-prepare-for-compliance-with-ehrc-code-of-practice
Reuse in charity digital: free tech support for charities
CAST and The Tech for Good Alliance have been talking to charities about their tech problems – and have discovered that many are facing the same ones, including writing case notes efficiently, running events, managing fundraising applications and creating impact reports. The Tech for Good Alliance has started building tools to address these shared challenges – and is also identifying other challenges across the sector. With support from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales’ Financial Resilience Fund, The Tech for Good Alliance can now offer free support to build new tools, or access the existing shared tools. They are particularly interested to hear from small to medium-sized charities – typically with a turnover of between £100,000 and £3m – which provide some support around financial resilience.
If your charity is interested, please contact [email protected] for an informal chat. Or to see the tools in action and ask questions live, book a place on the next ‘Ask Me Anything Digital’ webinar (taking place on Wednesday 19th August at 2pm).
Civil society groups respond to government’s social value procurement changes
Sector bodies have responded to the government’s plans to change how social value weighting is applied to public procurement.
Until now, public contracts assigned a 10% weighting to social value, meaning bidders’ social, economic and environmental commitments were given at least this much consideration.
The Cabinet Office this week revealed plans to remove the social value weighting from all contracts under £1m while increasing the score to 20% for tenders £5m or more.- See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/civil-society-groups-respond-to-governments-social-value-procurement-changes.html
VCSEs: A guide to working with government
A guide for VCSE organisations on how to bid and win contracts with government.
The expertise of charities, public service mutuals and social enterprises (‘VCSEs’) means they are often ideally placed to help create compassionate, responsive and efficient public services. Claire Dove CBE – VCSE Crown Representative is working alongside the Cabinet Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), other government departments and the sectors to unlock the barriers that have prevented VCSEs entering the public sector market in the past.
They have created this guide because they are committed to bringing more charities and social enterprises into public sector supply chains. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vcses-a-guide-to-working-with-government
Major funder plans to reduce burden of application processes after feedback
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) has said it aims to reduce the burden of its application processes following comprehensive feedback from both grantees and declined applicants.
PHF has published findings from its latest feedback survey, in which its more than 700 respondents praised the funder’s switch to providing more multi-year unrestricted grants in recent years.
– See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/major-funder-plans-to-reduce-burden-of-application-processes-after-feedback.html
Record numbers cannot afford the essentials: JRF (Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s) cost of living tracker, summer 2026
More people than ever are going without essentials, and an increasing range of families are being affected by the cost of living crisis, but it doesn’t have to be this way — as our latest survey also shows, government policy can have an impact.
Following his re-election to Parliament, the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham talked of the need to “… do something to make life more affordable, to put more money in people’s pockets, to give people more breathing space again so that they can have a better life”. Our latest survey shows that a record number of families across the UK desperately need him to act upon those words.
The cost-of-living crisis is becoming more widespread, with 7.4 million low-income families unable to afford essential items in the last 6 months — the highest number since we began running our cost of living tracker survey in 2021. Read more: https://www.jrf.org.uk/cost-of-living/jrfs-cost-of-living-tracker-summer-2026
Health as an economic asset: Unlocking the economic potential of the UK’s working-age population
This report aims to shift the dial on how we think about health – moving from treating ill health as a cost to seeing good health as a national economic asset. Improving health would strengthen growth, expand the tax base, reduce fiscal pressures and raise living standards. Read more here – https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/reports/health-as-an-economic-asset
July 2026
Local NHS unveils ambitious Mental Health Strategic Plan with £20 million investment to increase support in every school
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) has unveiled its new Mental Health Strategic Plan 2026-2031, marking a significant commitment to investing in and transforming mental health services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
The plan sets out a comprehensive programme to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen mental health outcomes, and increase access to high-quality support for people of all ages.
At the heart of the plan is a £20 million investment to expand Mental Health Support Teams into every school and college across Norfolk and Suffolk by 2030, ensuring children and young people can access help earlier, closer to home and in the settings they know and trust. Read more here.
Build the power of your club as a space for action and change in your local community
We’re now accepting Expressions of Interest for social clubs across England that want to have a more influential role in community action and local change, particularly addressing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination.
We aim to have a geographically diverse group, so we are particularly interested in applications from clubs in neighbourhoods facing multiple deprivation, former coalfield communities, coastal towns, rural and post-industrial communities, and metropolitan/urban areas.
If selected, your club will receive:
- A paid community organiser to work with your club for 3.5 days a week
- £15,000 annual budget to support the role and associated activities
- A package of specialist business support from expert advisors each year
- Expenses covered to attend regional and national events
We’re looking for up to nine clubs across England to join our first cohort, starting later this year. To put your club forward and apply for the programme, visit the website to find out more.
Applications close 31 July 2026.
https://www.21stcenturysocialclubs.com/programmes/national/clubs
Keys to the future: How we build a new era of community ownership
Community ownership is a proven, scalable driver of local economic renewal and resilient, connected communities. While political support has never been higher, demand for investment far outstrips supply, with the recent Community Right to Buy Fund touching just the tip of the iceberg.
This landmark research from Locality and Power to Change sets out a detailed roadmap for a new era of community ownership. With the right strategy, investment and support, community ownership can do far more than save at-risk buildings and spaces: it can create inclusive jobs, tackle isolation and strengthen cohesion. Supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
‘Keys to the future: How we build a new era of community ownership’ lays the foundations for local renewal on a national scale.
Unpaid Carers Action Plan
The Department for Health and Social Care have launched the Unpaid Carers Action Plan to help millions of people across England. Unpaid carers form a core part of our communities. They provide vital support to family, friends and neighbours. This can be both rewarding and challenging. We must do more to recognise this contribution and ensure unpaid carers receive the right support at the right time. This is why the government is acting now, and this plan sets out how. They hope the plan will mean unpaid carers are better recognised, referred to support and helped to reach their full potential. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unpaid-carers-action-plan-recognise-refer-reach/unpaid-carers-action-plan-recognise-refer-reach
Putting the Neighbourhood Back into Neighbourhood Health
Think tank New Local have hosted a short paper from Cormac Russell and Lisa McNally on Putting the Neighbourhood back into Neighbourhood Health, which they hope will spark much-needed debate on a potential future for neighbourhood health approaches.
Read it at https://www.newlocal.org.uk/publications/putting-the-neighbourhood-back-into-neighbourhood-health/
Skills plans to train local people for local jobs
The Government has released new plans that will make sure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers.
A total of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have been unveiled across England, covering the next three years. They provide detailed insight and analysis into what priority economic sectors and jobs are for each given area.
The plans also explain how designated Employer Representative Bodies and Strategic Authorities, which developed the plans with support from Skills England, will work with education providers and other partners, including Job Centres, to ensure training meets local businesses’ needs and help tackle key issues including youth unemployment.
The Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan
The Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan
Digital Nation 2026
The latest update of our Digital Nation infographic was launched in July 2026. It brings together recent data on digital exclusion and the impact of digital inclusion support from a range of sources, including Lloyds’ UK Consumer Digital Index and Essential Digital Skills reports (2025), Ofcom’s Communications Affordability Tracker (April 2026), and Good Things Foundation’s internal monitoring and evaluation impact reporting.
For the first time, this year’s infographic also features data gathered using Good Things Foundation’s Indicators of Digital Inclusion (IDIs). Developed collaboratively with cross-sector experts, the IDIs act as a unified measurement tool designed to show the depth and breadth of digital inclusion and the barriers that impact whether someone can participate fully in a digital society. Several key statistics in this edition are drawn from our analysis of the Money and Pension Service using these indicators in their 2026 MoneyView survey.
Please use and share this free resource, crediting Good Things Foundation and linking to their webpage so others can also access the full list of sources.
Future of Rural England Report
Rural communities are the backbone of the UK – integral to our cultural identity, our economy, and our future prosperity. Rural England is skilled, innovative, ambitious and resilient – with more than half a million small and medium-sized businesses driving agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy, and contributing £259 billion to England’s economy.
The potential for further growth is huge. Yet, for too long, rural communities have been held back from seizing the opportunities ahead by a unique set of challenges: from transport and digital connectivity barriers, to hidden health inequalities and a lack of affordable housing. And, for too long, government’s approach to ‘rural proofing’ has been to look backwards to review how well policies delivered against rural communities’ needs, rather than taking those needs into account when designing policy.
This report seeks to change that: taking a proactive approach and placing rural communities at the centre of decision-making. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-of-rural-england-report/future-of-rural-england-report
Gift aid income for charities rises 10% to £1.88bn
Gift aid income for charities in the UK has risen by 10% year-on-year to £1.88bn, according to new government statistics.
HMRC’s UK charity tax relief statistics show that gift aid was paid to 67,650 charities in the tax year ending April 2026. This is about the same number as the previous year but a decrease on 2019’s 73,220.
The total £1.88bn received in 2025-26 is up from the £1.71bn paid to charities in 2024-25 and a 57% increase on the amount received a decade before that.
The statistics show that just under half the value of gift aid payments went to charities that received less than £1m each. See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/gift-aid-income-for-charities-rises-10-to-1-88bn.html
Access to face-to-face banking remains a vital issue for many rural communities
Following a recent House of Lords debate, the Rural Services Network have published an article which looks at the Government’s review of banking services, concerns over branch closures, and why rural proofing must be central to future decisions. Read the Rural Services Network article.
Charitable purposes soft opt-in and fundraising marketing
A guide to help you meet the Code of Fundraising Practice when you are carrying out fundraising marketing has been published by the Fundraising Regulator. You can read it here – https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/about-fundraising/resources/charitable-purposes-soft-opt-and-fundraising-marketing
Newcastle University: Survey of Volunteer Managers
Newcastle University has published new research into volunteer managers’ experiences of supporting older people as they approach the end of their volunteering. Read the report here
Digital Poverty Alliance report reveals barriers to digital government services
Digital government services are now part of how people apply for support, manage identity documents, access benefits and complete essential public-service tasks. A new report from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) shows that, for a significant number of people, access can still depend on whether they can find someone to help them through the process.
The research, funded by Cognizant, examines people’s experiences of using online public services, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, ID and driving licences, eVisas and school admissions. Accessibility of Government Services draws on a nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 people, a Tech4Families cohort survey, and two in-person focus groups held with people experiencing digital poverty in Sunderland and Medway.
The findings show how easily digital access can break down. Nearly one in five respondents said they are unable to access or use digital government services without support. Fifty-eight per cent have experienced login issues, while 26% report running into problems frequently when using digital government services. Read more on https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/news-updates/dpa-report-reveals-barriers-to-digital-government-services/
Vacant Property Toolkit
A Vacant Property Toolkit has been developed by Artspace Lifespace with funding from Power to Change as a free how-to guide for creatives and communities looking to take on empty properties. https://artspace.uk/vacant-property-toolkit/
UKGrantmaking 2026
UKGrantmaking is the definitive annual publication on grant funding in the UK.
It points out that though grantmaking increased overall in 2024-25, this isn’t a straightforward story. The funders identified represent a highly diverse sector, varying in size, structure, context, and strategy. They have seen large increases, significant drops, and many grantmakers maintaining their levels of giving. This variation reflects the breadth of the sector and aligns with what their research has shown in previous years.
While total grantmaking continues to increase and outpace inflation, it comes amid ongoing economic pressures on communities and civil society organisations. The Charity Commission for England & Wales reported that expenditure grew by 5.4%. Charities are facing increased costs, rising demand for services, and pressures on other income streams. While grantmaking has grown, demand for funding continues to increase, creating challenges in meeting funding needs. Read more – https://www.ukgrantmaking.org/
Right Support, Right Time: Insights from across the sector
Human-led and relational support crucial for small charities
New research from Cranfield Trust, delivered with pro bono support from nfpResearch, highlights the pressures facing small charities and the types of specialist and targeted support that will have the biggest impact for charities and the sector in the years ahead.
Drawing on the perspectives of funders, charity leaders, volunteers and staff, the findings released in the new report, Right support, right time: Insights from the sector, present a picture of a sector working under sustained strain, but clear on the value of practical, relational support that strengthens leadership and organisational resilience.
During March 2026, Cranfield Trust undertook research to better understand how the needs of charities and not‑for‑profit organisations are evolving. From the 368 stakeholder responses, a consistent message emerged: charity leaders are balancing rising demand with increasingly challenging fundraising conditions and need support that is both specialist, accessible and human-centred to navigate this environment confidently. https://www.cranfieldtrust.org/articles/human-led-and-relational-support-crucial-for-small-charities
Volunteering: what our strategy means for NCVO’s work
Volunteering has been central to NCVO’s work for many years, and we know how vital a good volunteering landscape is to charities achieving their mission. Read what NCVO’s new strategy means for NCVO’s work.
Devolve more power to civil society, NLCF boss urges government
The chief executive of the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has called on the government to give more power to local communities and civil society ahead of the next prime minister beginning their term in office. Read more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/devolve-more-power-to-civil-society-nlcf-boss-urges-government.html
Britain’s Leading Edge Launches 2026 Manifesto
A new manifesto setting out the case for greater investment in rural and coastal regions was launched by Britain’s Leading Edge at last week’s Local Government Association (LGA) Conference.
According to the Rural Services Network, the Britain’s Leading Edge Manifesto 2026 argues that predominantly rural areas have a vital role to play in delivering the UK’s future prosperity. It highlights how these regions can help power the UK through clean energy, feed the nation by strengthening food security, support national defence through key infrastructure and industries, and act as the lungs of the UK by protecting landscapes, storing carbon and supporting nature recovery.
Alongside showcasing these strengths, the manifesto calls for fairer investment, improved infrastructure, better connectivity and greater recognition of the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural and coastal communities. It also sets out a series of commitments aimed at unlocking growth, improving resilience and ensuring rural areas can make an even greater contribution to the national economy. Read the full Britain’s Leading Edge Manifesto here.
A Rural Touring Story
The Rural Services Network reports that the last time the infrastructure of rural touring was researched
was before the pandemic and a lot has changed since then. The University of Warwick’s Vishalakshi Roy and Melanie Stavrou share the preliminary findings of their new research.
Rural touring responds to the unequal distribution of cultural provision between rural and urban areas by providing access to high-quality professional arts in rural places. It also helps address wider challenges including limited mobility, ageing populations, rural deprivation and isolation.
Its unique collaborative model, comprising regional touring schemes, local rural arts promoters and rural resident volunteers, brings professional arts performances to non-traditional spaces such as village halls, churches, pubs and village greens.
Recommendations from the last research study into rural touring in 2019 highlighted the need to investigate the wider impact of the sector on rural residents, communities and rural life.
Guidance for Green Social Prescribing Practitioners
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has published new Green social prescribing practitioner guidance, created in partnership with Thrive and the cross-government green social prescribing programme.
The guidance is aimed at groups and organisations who provide nature-based interventions that support people’s mental health – for example, community gardening programmes, local walking schemes, conservation volunteering, outdoor arts and culture, wild swimming and green gyms, among others. Read the guidance.
Charity Digital Skills Report 2026
The Charity Digital Skills Report 2026 is out now. This report is the annual barometer of digital and AI trends, funding, and support needs across the sector, including those of marginalised groups. Key statistics from the results include:
- Digital progress – 81% of charities have moved forward this year.
- AI use – 79% of charities are now using AI.
- Strategy – 28% of charities have a digital strategy in place.
- AI skills – 56% say a lack of skills is their biggest AI barrier.
- Trust – 35% don’t trust AI tools, more than double last year.
- Grantmaking – 55% of funders don’t know if applicants use AI.
- Applications – 58% of funders say AI is changing the bids they get.
- Funding squeeze – 63% say squeezed finances are their biggest barrier.
- Boards – 33% of charities say their board has poor AI skills.
- Funding – 44% say training staff is their top funding need.
Read or download the full report.
June 2026
May 2026
April 2026
Consultations
Links to Surveys and Consultations that may be of interest to the sector will be displayed here on a regular basis.
August 2026
| To better better understand the experiences and needs of the carers of sufferers from cancer, a national survey is taking place in which they are invited to contributed their views. East of England Cancer Alliance is a partner in the project that is being run throughout the UK in conjunction with other organisations. The survey is open to anyone who provides unpaid care or support to a family member, friend, neighbour or another person affected by cancer and cannot manage without support. The results of the survey will be used to produce a report and recommendations that will inform work programmes from 2027. The survey closes at the end of October. Participation is enabled by clicking here. |
Help shape the next Suffolk All Age Carers Strategy (2027–2030)
Help Suffolk County Council to in reaching unpaid carers across Suffolk, including adult carers, parent carers and young carers.
Suffolk County Council know that many organisations across the county support people who care, often unseen, for someone. This includes adults caring for a partner, relative or friend, parents caring for a child with additional needs, a disability or health condition, and children and young people who take on caring responsibilities for a family member. We are keen to make sure the views and experiences of all these carers are properly heard, and would be grateful if you could help spread the word.
There is a survey being run at the moment aimed at unpaid carers of all ages to help them better understand the experiences and needs of unpaid carers in Suffolk.
Below are three posters with a QR code to the survey; one for adult carers, one for parent carers, and one for young carers. If you could choose the one more suited to your situation that would be great.
Alternatively, here is the link to the survey – Help shape the next Suffolk All Age Carers Strategy (2027–2030) – Fill in form
Please feel free to share the posters, or link to colleagues, service users, parents, young people, volunteers, or anyone in your network who may be a carer, or know someone who is, whatever their age.
The survey shouldn’t take any longer than 5-10 minutes to complete (responses dependent of course). All responses are anonymous with an option at the end to add an email address if they’d like to be involved in follow up feedback.
This work is part of Suffolk’s All Age Carers Strategy refresh as Suffolk County Council are trying to make sure that carers voices are captured as part of reshaping priorities for Suffolk as a partnership to focus on for unpaid carers. A copy of the current strategy can be found on the Suffolk County Council website.
Please find the link to the survey here: https://essex.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wpAPKRiVysbLTg
Promoting Independence, Recovery and Wellbeing in Suffolk – new survey from NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB – please complete by 24th August
Have you or someone you care for used independence and recovery care services in Suffolk? These services provide short-term support to help people regain independence, recover after illness, injury or a stay in hospital, and build confidence in managing daily life at home.
We want to hear about your experiences. Whether your feedback is positive, negative, or somewhere in between, your views can help shape future services and ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
Share your story and have your say: Promoting Independence, Recovery and Wellbeing in Suffolk
✅ Share the ‘little things’ that would have made a big difference for you.
✅ Tell us your whole experience or story from before you needed support to after your care had finished.
✅ Let us know if there was anything missing from your care or support.
Every response will help us better understand people’s experiences and inform future service development.
Get in touch before 24 August.
Complete the survey here: https://www.letstalkhealthandcare.co.uk/irw-suffolk
Watch this space: a new strategic direction for UK media – green paper and public consultation
The government is consulting on measures to ensure our media, and television in particular, can continue to play its vitally important role in our society and our democracy.
This consultation closes at
July 2026
Help shape the future priorities for the Norfolk & Waveney and Suffolk VCFSE Assemblies
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk ICB are running two surveys to gather insight from the VCFSE sector to help shape the future structure and priorities for the VCFSE Assemblies.
The surveys are slightly different to reflect the delivery models in the two areas so please select your area.
We’re keen to hear from existing Assembly members as well as those who may not have attended a meeting but are interested in helping shape the future model so please feel free to circulate as widely as possible across the sector.
NORFOLK & WAVENEY VCFSE ASSEMBLY SURVEY: Norfolk VCFSE Assembly Future Priorities | Lets Talk Health and Care
SUFFOLK VCFSE ASSEMBLY SURVEY: https://www.letstalkhealthandcare.co.uk/the-voluntary-sector-assembly/surveys/suffolk-future-priorities
The surveys will close on the 28th July.
Do you work with children in Suffolk?
When you spot a child who’s struggling, working out where to send them is harder than it should be. The right support usually exists, but it’s scattered across services, websites, and people’s memories.
We’re building a single, easy-to-use visual guide to the children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing support across Suffolk- it will include the everyday support that sits before specialist NHS services. It’s for the people who spot these struggles first, whatever your role.
The survey asks how you handle this now: where you look, how you decide, where you get stuck, and what would help. You know where the system helps and where it fails, so your answers shape what goes in.
It takes about 20 minutes- a real ask, but your input is what makes this resource useful, and it can’t be built without people like you. The deadline for completion is the 1st of August 2026.
Take the survey: Suffolk CYP Mental Health Service Experience Survey – Fill in form
Or scan the QR code below:
Charities urged to help reform VAT rules on social media advertising
Charities are being invited to help build the case for reform of VAT rules on social media advertising.
Charity Tax Group (CTG) has launched a sector-wide survey on the topic after the issue was raised twice in parliament and Treasury ministers called for further evidence. See more at: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charities-urged-to-help-reform-vat-rules-on-social-media-advertising.html
Dear Volunteer,
My name is Vicky Whay, and I am a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Trainee in the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Essex. I am conducting a research study exploring the relationship between volunteering and mental health, with a particular focus on how social connectedness, self-efficacy, and sense of purpose may play a role.
I am inviting individuals who are currently volunteering to consider taking part. Please find the link to the survey here: https://essex.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wpAPKRiVysbLTg
We are looking for other people to take part, whether or not they are volunteering. You are welcome to share this invitation with them.
What would taking part involve?
If you choose to participate, you would be asked to:
- Complete an online questionnaire at baseline (approximately 20 minutes)
- Complete a brief check-in survey at 2 months to confirm your volunteering role and hours (approximately 5-10 minutes)
- Complete a follow-up questionnaire at 4 months (approximately 20 minutes)
The questionnaires will ask about mood, wellbeing, and your volunteering role. All surveys will be completed online in your own time.
Who can take part?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Are currently volunteering in a formal volunteering role
- Are willing to continue volunteering over the next four months
- Are able to complete online questionnaires in English
Who is not eligible?
You would not be able to take part if you:
- Currently have, or have previously been diagnosed with, a severe mental health condition such as bipolar disorder or psychosis
As a thank you for your time, participants will be entered into a prize draw for 2 x £50 gift vouchers at the start and at the end of the study. Entry into the prize draw is optional and participation is entirely voluntary.
Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason. All data will be kept confidential, and no identifying information will be shared with volunteering organisations. Choosing not to take part will not affect your role or relationship with your organisation in any way. This study is being conducted independently of your volunteering organisation. This study has received ethical approval from the University of Essex (Reference: ETH2425-1339).
If you would like to take part or would like more information, please follow the link above to read the full participant information sheet and provide consent.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this invitation.
Kind regards,
Vicky Whay
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Trainee
School of Health and Social Care
University of Essex
Supervised by Dr Rick O’Gorman, School of Psychology, and Dr Tugce Dolen, School of Health and Social Care.
Healthy Child Services consultation
There is an important public consultation on the proposed changes to Suffolk’s Healthy Child Services and to ask for your support to take part in the consultation yourself and also in encouraging participation from the children, young people and families you work with.
The consultation will run from 8th July to 18th September 2026 and seeks views on proposals relating to:
- Health Visiting (0–5)
- Young Parents Pathway
- Family Nurse Partnership
- School Nursing
The Healthy Child Service continues to play a vital role in supporting children, young people and families. However, increasing demand and reduced funding mean that services need to be redesigned to ensure resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact.
What is being proposed?
Health Visiting (0–5)
The proposals aim to create a more efficient model while strengthening Health Visitor capacity in line with national guidance.
Under the proposals:
- All five mandated health and development reviews would continue.
- The number of Health Visitors would increase, providing stronger clinical leadership, oversight and continuity of care.
- Families would, wherever possible, see a named Health Visitor for antenatal, new birth and 6–8 week reviews.
- Community Staff Nurse roles would be ended, with services delivered through a revised Health Visitor and Healthy Child Practitioner workforce model.
- Children and families would benefit from clearer accountability and enhanced support throughout the first 1,001 days of a child’s life.
Young Parents Pathway and Family Nurse Partnership
Support for young parents would no longer be delivered through a standalone Family Nurse Partnership and Young Parents Pathway model. Instead, support would be integrated into Health Visiting and Early Help services, helping ensure families receive support through a single, coordinated pathway.
School Nursing
The School Nursing service would move from an open-access model to a more targeted approach, focusing support on children and young people with the greatest need while continuing to work closely with schools and other partners.
Supporting Children and Families
These proposed changes sit alongside wider improvements across children’s services in Suffolk, including:
- Strengthened Early Help services
- Enhanced SEND support
- Increased mental health support in schools
The aim is to ensure children, young people and families continue to receive the right support at the right time, while making the best use of available resources.
How You Can Help
As a trusted partner, your views are important and we would be grateful if you could:
- Take part in the consultation yourself
- Share information about the consultation with your staff, networks and service
- Encourage children, young people, parents and carers to have their say
Feedback from our partners and communities will play an important role in shaping future service delivery across Suffolk.
Find out more and take part:
https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations-petitions-and-elections/consultations/healthy-child-services-consultations
The National Conversation provides an opportunity to share your views on what it’s really like living in your area right now. It’s a major UK-wide project by researchers at Oxford University, and it only takes a few minutes. You can have your say by going to https://www.national-conversation.ox.ac.uk
National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you
Since the first draw in November 1994, the National Lottery has generated over £53 billion for good causes, supporting communities and transforming lives across every postcode in the UK. While the impact of this funding has been life-changing, the way it is distributed is “showing its age”. The current funding model is rooted in a different era, too often reliant on centralisation, with decisions about where this money goes being made in distant rooms, far from the communities who know their needs best.
That is why the Government is launching a call for evidence on National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you, seeking a wide range of views from both organisations and individuals. This isn’t just a review; it’s about fundamentally re-evaluating how good cause funding is distributed and ensuring that the voice of the whole country is heard.
The call for evidence will run for 12 weeks, closing at midday on 23rd September 2026, with the survey taking approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Find out more and share your views.
Government seeks expressions of interest to join new Impact Economy Advisory Council
The Government is seeking expressions of interest for members of a new external advisory group on the impact economy, named the Impact Economy Advisory Council, which will meet quarterly in the Cabinet Office from Autumn.
In a notice published by the Cabinet Office, the impact economy ecosystem is described as “a substantial and growing contributor to the UK economy that is already delivering significant social and environmental benefits against the government’s top domestic priorities. It is imperative that this government works more strategically and effectively with the impact economy, so that every pound of public funding works harder to greater private and public impact capital and resources in support of national renewal.”
Representatives are sought with experience from across the full breadth of the impact economy. This could range from grassroots organisations to financial institutions, across the voluntary and charity sector, trusts and foundations, or purpose driven businesses of any size.
Find out more and how to apply
Was this page helpful? Please click here to rate how useful you found it and share any additional feedback about how we might improve it.
