Oli Barrett

‘Give children the chance to play’ – national UK play organisations join forces to demand action - Child in the City ‘Playday’ in the UK – held on 7 August – was an opportunity for the four national play organisations to urge policymakers to deliver on a child’s right to play. As thousands of children and young people came together to celebrate play at local and regional events, the four leading play organisations said that the formation a new UK government provides is a ‘timely opportunity to highlight the need for a renewed commitment to play at all levels across society’. In a joint call Play England, PLAY WALES / CHWARAE CYMRU, Play Scotland and PlayBoard NI said that despite there being robust evidence highlighting the multiple benefits of play, it is an issue that governments have ‘consistently overlooked’. ‘Urgent action’, they added, was now required in order to ensure that children and young people able to fully realise their right to play. Eugene Minogue, Executive Director at Play England said: “Playday provides us with an important and timely reminder of the cultural value of play! Ask adults what they loved most about being a kid, and their mind is likely to drift back to the games they played with other children. Some of the best childhood memories are rooted in long summer days playing games outside, many culturally unique to the UK – such as kerby, headers and volleys, hopscotch, bulldog, skipping and many more! “However, children today are experiencing many barriers to play. As their freedom and opportunities to play have declined, so has their physical and mental health as a result. It is therefore vitally important that the new government urgently address the decline in children’s play over recent decades. We need to give children their childhood back! That’s why we are calling for the introduction of play sufficiency legislation and development of a new national play strategy in England.” ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gWCHVGSR Together, with Government we can deliver transformational change and secure a legacy for our future generations by giving children their childhood back! Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Legacy Department for Culture, Media and Sport Department for Education Department of Health and Social Care Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom 10 Downing Street 🏫🚸🌿🍁🍂🪵 🚲 🛴 🛹🛼 🛝 🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏾👩‍🦽🚴🏿🚏🚶🏻🤸🏾‍♂️🤸🏼‍♂️🌳🏘️ #PlaySufficiency #NationalPlayStrategy #RaisingTheNation #PlayCommission #PhysicalLiteracy #PhysicalActivity #PlayStreet #SchoolStreets #StreetPlay #HomeZones #Playgrounds #Parks #FreerangeUrbanNeighbourhoods #FUN #Playces #Splace #KnowBallGames #FreePlay #UNCRC #Article31

41

3 Comments

Allen Lane Foundation The Foundation has sharpened the focus of beneficiaries, particularly in the first three categories and the last (children/young people). The Foundation funds small registered charities, voluntary groups, and charitable organisations. They focus on smaller charities across the UK – NOT in London. The following focus on adults only: Asylum seekers and refugees – support work to benefit refugees, asylum seekers, and refused asylum seekers, including those held in detention. The focus has been changed to women only. The focus is on those women who are seeking asylum in the UK, and female refugees who have been through the asylum system; rather than people who arrive in the UK through community sponsorship or via resettlement schemes. Offenders and ex-offenders – support for penal reform and fund groups working with offenders in prison and out in the community. The focus now is solely on organisations supporting female offenders, and those in prison for violence against women. Older People – funding is focused on projects that benefit isolated elderly people (generally aged 70+) including those with dementia. There will now be a greater focus on specific areas of work for the elderly especially for those in rural and more deprived areas. People affected by violence or abuse – work that supports both men and women who are, or have in the past been, affected by violence or abuse. This includes projects supporting people affected by rape and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, trafficking, prostitution and modern slavery, honour-based abuse, female genital mutilation, and forced marriage. The funding can also support work with perpetrators aiming to lessen isolation and prevent the risk of further abuse. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities – support groups within these communities and organisations that work to benefit them. Funding can support work that raises awareness of the issues Gypsy and Traveller communities face, and work to combat hate crime, stigma, discrimination and inequalities, including the lack of appropriate accommodation or other service provision. People with mental health issues – support for mental health charities and projects that benefit people with moderate or severe mental health issues. In addition, there is funding for work with: Young people – aged 12-21 who are vulnerable, socially excluded or marginalised with a focus on those who are persistently absent from school; school leavers with no qualifications; and young people in/leaving care https://allenlane.org.uk Thanks to Sarah-Jane Pickering for the detail of the changes ✨

28

4 Comments

More people spending time in nature ➡️ more climate action, right? 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. We’ve been working with coalition of partners in Manchester, to help make nature more accessible for everyone in the city and capture the stories and characteristics of community nature projects that make them thrive. Thanks to the support of the Wates Family Enterprise Trust we’ve: 🤝 Been working with communities to connect people & nature 🪴 Supported community-led initiatives to bring nature back to shared spaces 🔎 Conducted research to better understand the links between nature and climate action On that last point: it seems it's not just nature that makes a difference, but there is a mechanism for change there. It works something like this: • Enable 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: that’s what makes people turn up • Create a 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: that’s what makes people come back • Make people feel 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿: it’s what makes change feel positive and worthwhile Curious? We're doing much more on this over the coming months and years. Sign up to our business bulletin to be in the loop with the latest: hubbub.org.uk/newsletter 📩 And if you'd like to work with us to explore questions like this, you know where to find me. ☎️   ++ P.S. I'm Alex Robinson, CEO of environmental charity Hubbub. We bring business, government and civil society together to create campaigns that make it easier and more possible for all of us to make choices that are good for the environment. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲 to find out how, or get in touch for more. #nature #environment #sustainability #greenspaces  

27

2 Comments

New episode of the podcast out today, featuring a great chat with one of my favourite people in the philanthropy world - Fozia Irfan OBE - all about foundations and social change:

11

1 Comment

Ready to harness that "new term" energy? Now is the perfect time to ramp up your efforts in securing funding for your charity. We’re delighted to announce that “Invisible Grantmakers” is back to help you get ahead by applying to trusts that other organisations simply don’t know about. Our “Invisible Grantmakers" report showcases 100 unpublished trusts, offering an edge to charities seeking vital funding. These trusts aren't featured in other directories or past editions. They also have a collective annual income of £55 million and gave grants of over £16 million last year. Act fast! The 2024 edition is strictly limited to 500 copies and if you purchase before 6th September you'll receive 10% off! Use code IGX24 at checkout on our website - follow the link in the comments for more information and to buy. BONUS: if you have bought “Invisible Grantmakers” in the past and are on our mailing list, you will have received an email with a code for 15% off - please check your inbox and get in touch if you have any questions! There are only a couple of days left to take advantage of these offers - remember this early bird discount ends this Friday! #charityfundraising #charityCEO #fundraisingdirector #notforprofit

3

1 Comment

So thrilled to see coverage in The Guardian of our report into the low level of social mobility across many charities. The findings should be a wakeup call for everyone working in the sector.   This a moment when we must take decisive action to achieve a step change in socioeconomic diversity. Only by making it an urgent priority can leaders ensure there are clear pathways into charity roles for young people from across the communities we work within.   By expanding the talent pool from which we recruit, we will reflect the experiences, skills, knowledge, and passion to make a difference amongst young people whose background better reflects the diversity of society.    This is a challenging ambition, especially for small organisations that often lack the resource to change the way we recruit. But huge progress is possible if we come together as a sector to learn from – and support – each other.   At the EY Foundation I know we have much to do, but I know too that progress will be much slower if we act alone. An immediate action we’d really appreciate support with is to take this survey, which will help identify the early talent pathways currently available in the sector: https://lnkd.in/eui3g7nE.   And if you share my passion to change the situation we face today, please get in touch. This is a problem – with a shared commitment to create change – we will overcome.

88

7 Comments

*** 2024 GRANT FUNDING NOW OPEN *** Cornwall Women's Fund is now accepting applications for our 2024 grant funding! We aim to support community projects in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly supporting women’s mental health. For this round of funding projects with a focus on perinatal mental health will be given preferential consideration. In 2021, we worked with a team from Oxford University that undertook in-depth research into the needs of women and girls across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They considered existing research where it was available and interviewed charity and community leaders, and women from across the county to get a true picture of what really mattered to them and which areas it was difficult to find funding for. One of the 4 key areas in their report “Understanding what matters to women and girls in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly” was women and girls mental health, identifying a particular lack of support for those accessing perinatal mental health services. Our Members have voted the area of Women and Girls Mental Health for our 2024 grant funding and we are now accepting applications. Grants range from £500 to a maximum of £1,000 Our grants are administered by Cornwall Community Foundation and you can find more information and details of how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/e_ECFKh4 #funding #grant #cornwall #womenandgirls #mentalhealth #givingcircle

10

100 funders were asked about their attitudes to funding campaigners + activists in this new Social Change Lab research report. It found that while funders believe in campaigning as a tool for change (good!), there are practical + psychological blocks to their giving (so stuff to address...) Some suggestions for helping funders support campaigning are cited. Whilst they aren't rocket science, it's an important reminder of what we might not be doing effectively at the moment. - Make it easier to fund campaigners. Get to know intermediary organisations who can help you make relevant connections. - Improve comms. Have a clear plan of what you can win. Consider using fairness and justice as framing. - See evidence as your friend (am a particular fan of this one). Look at past or similar campaigns that were successful and consider their impact. Sheila McKechnie Foundation Campaigner Awards are a useful source. You can view the full report here:

14

It's that time of year... many people are planning festive events. If you want to ensure your events are equitable and make the kind of splash you're hoping for, don't miss this week's issue of The Equitable Innovator for 4 Tips for Equitable Event Planning. (Subscribe here, and get your copy Thursday evening: www.tidalequality.com/blog ) #equitableevents #inclusiveevents #equitableinnovation #eventplanning

1

Spotlight on Purposeful Ventures’ Social Entrepreneur in Residence: Sophie Humphreys OBE    We aim to provide the highest level of expertise to our ventures. That is why we are delighted to have Sophie on the Purposeful Ventures team 👏 🎉    Sophie is the co-founder of two national organisations aimed at breaking destructive cycles. Pause - Creating Space for Change enables vulnerable women to take control of their lives. It has also saved local authorities millions of pounds collectively by preventing more children being taken into care. SHiFT exists to break the destructive cycle of children caught up in, or at risk of, crime.     The #BreakingCycles 'core ingredients' that Sophie devised have been evidenced as effective in breaking destructive cycles and creating wider system change. These ingredients are at the centre of Pause and SHiFT's work and are beginning to be applied to sector-wide issues. Sophie also undertakes serious case reviews into child deaths and offers child protection expertise to national and international governments.       With a wealth of knowledge and first-hand entrepreneurial experience, Sophie has been bringing her expertise to bear in our Children & Families portfolio. She is supporting Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust and other PV partner ventures, using her Breaking Cycles lens to help the teams stress-test their ideas, distil their messaging and define their approach to scaling.      Through working closely with founders and embodying Purposeful Ventures’ high-challenge, high-support ethos, Sophie equips these early-stage organisations to set themselves up for a successful entry to the sector and long-term impact 💪 🏆      The methods Sophie employs enable us to identify the most determined and impact-driven organisations for our portfolios; she is working closely with Michael Clark to further develop Purposeful Ventures’ framework for evaluating pipeline ventures. In this exciting growth stage, Sophie is helping us expand in a focused, systemic and, above all, purposeful way.     'Sophie’s depth of understanding and experience with vulnerable young people makes her an invaluable adviser to Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust. She pairs this experience with great communication skills, helping us to refine our core messaging and values. Her background in founding charities means that, along with the Purposeful Ventures team, she challenges us on what it takes to scale whilst keeping a strict focus on maintaining the quality of what we deliver for our young people.' Emmanuel Akpan-Inwang, Founder and Director, Lighthouse Pedagogy Trust 

22

FareShare UK has launched our pre election Manifesto shaped by business, third sector and academics. The outcome is for a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable UK but also promises tangible benefits. If implemented, it would significantly reduce food waste, support communities in need, and foster a more sustainable food system.  The manifesto has been shaped by business, third sector and academics. https://lnkd.in/euTJ_eWC

32

3 Comments

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲! No - sorry - not like that. ❌⚽️ I mean: support for households to cut their environmental impact 🙌 What support do households need to help the UK meet its net zero targets – and how can businesses and government help to provide it? Most people are concerned about climate change and want to do something about it. They're taking action in hundreds of different ways, from marching on Westminster to changing what they put in their shopping baskets. But when it comes to our home lives, it can be hard to know what makes the most difference and, in some areas, how to get started. Read more about how we aim to tackle this here: https://lnkd.in/e5greSsp We're really pleased to be partnering with the likes of B&Q, Barratt Developments, Starbucks, TSB and Unilever for this work. ↳ If your company wants to join the group (and benefit from the insights we uncover) please get in touch 📩 ++ P.S. I'm CEO of environmental charity Hubbub. We bring business, government and civil society together to create campaigns that inspire & support people to make choices that are good for the environment. Follow me - Alex Robinson - for insights on environmental change, leadership and more. #environment #sustainability #netzero #behaviourchange

24

1 Comment

Fundraisers: This is your chance to uncover hidden funding opportunities. We’re offering 15% off “Invisible Grantmakers 2024” until MIDNIGHT, 6th DECEMBER. Here’s why this resource is essential... Andrew Page Founder and CEO of Positive View Foundation shares his experience: “Since recently purchasing a copy of this vitally useful publication, Positive View has been successful in identifying trusts and foundations spread across the UK that support youth charities based in Kent. During the past three months, we have submitted applications to six of these Trusts, each that we had not identified previously. The result being that within three months, Positive View has been awarded 4 new project grants ranging from £8,000 to £20,000.” Our report focuses on grantmaking trusts overlooked by popular directories, meaning less competition and higher success rates for your applications. Here’s how to get your copy and start discovering new funding prospects: 1️⃣ Visit our website (link in the comments) 2️⃣ Use code GXV24 at checkout for your 15% discount. 3️⃣ Watch your fundraising reach new heights. ⏳ Offer ends at midnight on 6th December. You’ve got the cheat code—don’t waste it. #charityfundraising #notforprofit #philanthropy

2

2 Comments

𝐆𝐁 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲...𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 It was great to spend time with Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier CBE FRS FREng this morning, hearing first hand his perspectives on GBE’s scope, ambition and challenges. I was able to share details about the Chamber, our work on behalf of members and role in the regional economic partnership. And to reinforce that the globally unique energy eco-system in the North-east of Scotland is already progressing the transition agenda and stands ready to support GBE in turbocharging our future energy ambitions. Of course, I caveated this by discussing the potential ‘gap’ that was being caused by current oil & gas fiscal policy and rhetoric that risks seeing the capital, people, supply chain businesses and equipment needed to accelerate clean energy projects in the North Sea being lost overseas or perhaps altogether. We discussed our submission to the Great British Energy Bill Call for Written Evidence and the work being led by British Chambers of Commerce on securing the long-term future for North Sea energy production. I reiterated that the AGCC team is here to support GBE in any way we can. From convening the supply chain to communicating key messages through our media channels. From sector research to providing collateral to attract staff to relocate here. And from playing a role in inward investment activity to advising on future office accommodation. On the latter point, I was delighted to hear Juergen confirm his commitment to support our efforts to reenergise and repopulate Aberdeen city centre by locating the GBE HQ there. All done over a cup of coffee and butteries. Energy transition, on a roll, powered by Aberdeen. Europe’s clean energy capital. Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce #Aberdeen #AGCC #Energytransition

540

21 Comments

🌟 Support the Arts – Nurture Emerging Talent! 🎭 The arts are more than just entertainment; they're a powerful force for transformation, connection, and understanding. Investing in the arts means fostering vibrant, diverse communities where creativity flourishes and new voices emerge. Yet, many gifted individuals from underserved communities face barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunities to nurture and showcase their talents. Without these voices, the cultural landscape becomes less inclusive, and we miss out on powerful stories that could reshape perspectives, challenge the status quo, and enrich us all. That's why talent development and inclusive support are at the heart of my CPT birthday fundraiser. Camden People's Theatre (CPT) is dedicated to championing talent from all backgrounds, creating a space where creativity is not limited by socioeconomic barriers, race, or background. 💥 Your support will help fund: Starting Blocks: A unique artist development scheme offering a 10-week residency for artists to develop new work, providing rehearsal space, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their creations. Seed Commissions: Financial support and resources for artists from underrepresented backgrounds to develop innovative theatre projects, including rehearsal space and performance opportunities. Home Run: A commissioning scheme that offers artists a three-week London run, providing a platform to present their work to new audiences and gain critical exposure. These initiatives are vital to ensuring the arts remain a place where everyone can belong and create. Join me in helping CPT continue their mission of fostering a diverse and vibrant creative community. Every contribution brings us closer to an inclusive arts future where no voice goes unheard. https://lnkd.in/e2TkwTm4

2

Celebrating the Small Wins That Make a Big Difference 🎉 Leading a Charity, it’s easy to get caught up in the big-picture goals—strategic planning, funding cycles, and long-term impact. But over the years, I've learned that it’s the small wins that really keep us moving forward and remind us why we do what we do. These seemingly small moments are the building blocks of lasting change. At TRAFFORD DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICES, it’s those everyday victories that matter just as much as the bigger milestones. They’re the moments that happen quietly, but with incredible impact. Like when a family moves into a safe home, and you see the relief on their faces as they realise they’ve found a place to heal and rebuild. Or when a service user says, “I feel safe for the first time in years,” and you know that everything we’re doing is working. Small wins look like: 1. A service user attending their first support group and finding the courage to share their story. That moment of vulnerability takes immense strength. 2. A team member going above and beyond to help someone access a service or resource they never knew existed. It’s that personal touch that makes all the difference. 3. A survivor getting through the week without feeling the weight of their past defining them—maybe it’s the first time they’ve felt hope in a long while. 4. A teacher completing our Healthy Relationships training, now equipped to educate young people on what respect and care in relationships should look like. That’s prevention in action, one classroom at a time. 5. Seeing a child smile and play freely in one of our refuges, safe from harm, their laughter filling the room. These moments remind us why safe spaces are so crucial. For us, each of these moments is a win. They might not always make it into our annual report or become part of a grand strategy discussion, but they represent real progress, real lives touched, and real futures changed. The reality of our work is that change happens in small steps. It’s not always immediate or obvious, but it’s there—building momentum, piece by piece. That’s why celebrating these small wins is so important. They remind us that even when the bigger challenges feel overwhelming, progress is being made every single day. So today, I’m pausing to reflect on the power of these small wins and to thank everyone who makes them possible—our incredible team, our partners, our donors, supporters and most importantly, the survivors themselves. You are the reason we continue to push forward. Let’s keep celebrating the small victories, because they are what lead to the big changes. #CelebrateSmallWins #CommunitySupport #Leadership #DomesticAbuseAwareness #EveryWinCounts #BreakFree

18

3 Comments

Based on David Attenborough’s four actions to change the way we live to reduce global warming and preserve the natural world - Eliminate Waste, Go Net Zero, Revive the Oceans, and Rewild the World - One Planet will be delivered by ITZA with content partners including the BBC, GettyImages , HarperCollins, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and NatureScot.    ITZA is also announcing that Scottish Building Society is its first commercial partner for the One Planet learning programme, supporting the production of key digital learning modules on purposeful investment and financial literacy to help teenagers learn about opportunities in a sustainable economy.     One Planet will be delivered into every Scottish state school on GLOW - the national intranet of Education Scotland - before a global roll-out commencing in 2025 when One Planet will be integrated with Microsoft and Google’s education platforms which are collectively used by over 300 million young people worldwide.    ITZA CEO and founder Anthony Bouchier said: “As we grow our base in Scotland, we’re proud to be launching One Planet in Scottish schools across the country.  We have already tested elements of the resources in around one hundred different countries, and next year will see us scale One Planet to English-speaking schools around the world.  We are thankful for the incredible support from the Scottish Building Society, and in the Villars Institute we have an International partner who is at the cutting edge of young people driving debate and systematic change.” Paul Denton, chief executive of Scottish Building Society, said: “Scottish Building Society is passionate about teaching children the important role financial understanding and financial planning will have throughout their lives.  More than 70 per cent of teenagers see the move to net zero as the defining issue of the time.  We want to help give a clear view on the challenges we face and build the skills our young people need to thrive in a net zero economy.” [DIGIT.FYI report].

13