Rochdale
**Closed for applications**
Aims/priorities:
Respond
We recognise that community action continues to take place across the Borough in response to the pandemic. We value voluntary, community, faith-based and social enterprise sector organisations, mutual aid groups and individuals supporting communities through their action. We want to encourage and support this action.
Repair
Aims/priorities: The ESF Community Grant Programme is already helping many people in Greater Manchester who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment.
They are now launching our ADAPT Round.
At Action Together we recognise community action is taking place across the boroughs of Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside & Glossop, and we want to encourage and support this action.
We are delighted to let you know that we are launching a Community Response Fund that is available for Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside & Glossop groups from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector working on a COVID-19 Community Response and meet either of these priorities:
Aims/priorities: The objective of this funding is to support organisations in Greater Manchester that provide essential services to victims of crime whether reported the crime or not. The funds can be used to cover expenses related to the priority funding themes detailed below. This financial support aims to enhance the capacity of victims' services organisations to deliver their services effectively and of a high quality.
Jon was referred to Action Together's Voluntering team by Lizzie at Middleton Job Centre. He was very keen to do something and was eager to get a full-time position, but Jon wanted to take on a role that involved cleaning. However, with all the regulations around chemicals, a role like this is sometimes harder to source than it seems.
Our Volunteer Support Officer, Phil, tried all the usual charity shops and locations in Middleton, but no-one wanted a cleaner at that time - especially without relevant qualifications.
During this time, Phil visited Hopwood Hall Estate, the historic Grade II-listed hall in Middleton. They didn't want a cleaner, but as Phil was walking around he noticed a kitchen area, toilets, a general front entrance and thought they might need a cleaner as they begin to open new rooms.
Many emails passed between Phil and Geraldine at Hopwood Hall, asking if Phil could support Jon with a visit to see them, explaining the value to Hopwood Hall, and the value to Jon. Eventually Geraldine agreed, and Phil arranged a visit with Jon to see them.
Following the meeting, Hopwood Hall were thrilled to offer Jon a volunteering role, which he started in February 2024. Jon has gone from strength to strength since being there, as his comments below show.
Jon shared with us his positive experience volunteering at Hopwood Hall Estate, where he now works for two days a week, contributing to various tasks around the estate, including cleaning, gardening, sweeping, clearing drains, and removing weeds both inside and outside the grounds. Jon expressed how much he enjoys the role, saying, “It’s a wonderful place to work. I’ve built good relationships with my colleagues.”
At first, Jon felt a bit daunted by the new environment, but Phil, helped put his mind at ease. Jon noted, “Phil explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable.” He was thrilled to have been given the opportunity, saying, “It’s brilliant, Phil found me the perfect placement!”
Beyond enjoying the work itself, Jon said the role has helped him gain new skills and knowledge. He also shared how valuable Phil’s support has been: “Phil has been very helpful, letting me get on with the tasks while always being available if I need anything. He’s been excellent.” Jon added that the experience has “helped him get his confidence back,” demonstrating the personal growth and positive impact the volunteering role has had on him.
Asma and Phil make up our Volunteering Team in Rochdale. They can help you find an opportunity that fits in alongside your other commitments, and is appropriately matched with your relevant skills and experiences, as well as your reasons for volunteering.
To find out more, call us on: 0161 339 2345
email us at: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk
You can register your interest to volunteer at: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer, and use our online directory to search hundreds of volunteer opportunities currently advertised by local groups and organisations: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering
Aims/priorities: The programme is designed to create a partnership of support to community groups, operating within two miles of a One Stop store, who are working to:
Who can apply? The following organisations may apply:
Aims/priorities: Grants are available to support capital works on church buildings or towards the capital costs of church community projects in the UK.
Who can apply? Applications are accepted from all churches of the Protestant tradition in the UK, but particularly those of the United Reformed and Congregational denominations.
Applicants will need to provide their latest church annual report and full accounts including balance sheet, notes to the accounts and any overview/directors' report.
Aims/priorities: Arts Council England has launched the Incentivising Touring scheme to support mid- and large-scale theatre and dance productions in touring across England. Designed to mitigate the financial risks associated with such tours, the scheme aims to demonstrate the potential for productions to generate a financial return with investment. Currently in its pilot phase, the scheme is running across two funding rounds.
Scheme objectives: