Social Enterprise Academy is delivering the National Lottery Community Fund’s Grantholder Support Programme, “Developing Sustainability”, with residentials taking take place in Cumbernauld in May and June 2026. The programme and its residentials are open to National Lottery Community Fund grant awardees which have an environmental purpose and/or are running a project with an environmental focus.
News
Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust Medium Fund Reopening
The Scottish Children’s Lottery Trust will reopen its Medium Fund at 12pm on Monday 6 April 2026, offering grants of up to £7,500 to registered Scottish charities working with children and young people who are most at risk of the negative impacts of poverty. The Trust funds projects that directly support vulnerable families, improve children’s wellbeing, and create opportunities for young people facing disadvantage and deprivation across Scotland. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday 24 April 2026.
New Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill Proposals
Scottish Government has published its latest policy paper setting out proposals for a potential Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill, aiming to strengthen rights and improve support for neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities. Locally, CVS Falkirk & District’s Health and Wellbeing Forum contributed to the 2024 consultation, highlighting the need for accessible, rights-based support.
Carers Centre April Information Session for Professionals
Falkirk and Clackmannanshire Carers Centre’s next information session for professionals will be held on Thursday 30 April 2026, 10:30am – 12:30pm, via Zoom or in-person at the Carers Centre, 1A Bank Street, Falkirk, FK1 1NB. The session will be hosted by the Carers Centre team, and aims to help professionals learn more about the support the team offers unpaid carers, and how they can work with attendees to do this.
Free Inclusive Communication Toolkit Launched
Scottish Government has launched a new, free Inclusive Communication Toolkit to help public services communicate more effectively and accessibly with diverse communities.
Time for You Respite Service for Unpaid Carers
Alzheimer Scotland has launched Time for You, its new Monday service providing unpaid carers with four hours of respite, while the person they care for enjoys a safe, welcoming and meaningful activity. Lunch is included. Free taster sessions are available (although spaces are filling up) to assess whether the service is suitable for the cared for person.
Emergency Heating Oil Scheme Launched to Support Families
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) is working with Scottish Government on a new scheme designed to support families struggling with heating costs, particularly those using oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) systems (which can be common in rural areas). From Wednesday 1 April 2026, people can apply for up to £300 via the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme. Payments will be made directly to suppliers, where possible, to help qualifying households to place an order.
Easter 2026 Opening Hours
CVS Falkirk & District will be closed for the bank holiday weekend beginning tomorrow, Friday 3 April 2026 and on Monday 6 April 2026, and our team will return to work on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
Ambitions 2026 Programme: Applications Open
Applications are now open for the free Ambitions 2026 Programme from Social Investment Scotland (SIS). The programme is open to social enterprises, charities, and impact-driven businesses, and involves weekly 90 minute sessions from Thursday 28 May 2026 (Scale Up) and Friday 29 May 2026 (Step Up). Ambitions 2026 will run for 16 weeks (with breaks for some key holidays). The deadline for applications is 11:59am on Thursday 7 May 2026.
VolunteerHub Guide on Managing Young Volunteers
VolunteerHub has created a guide on some best practice tips and guidance to help effectively manage teen volunteers. This guide covers topics from why young volunteers are important, their motivations, expectations and guidelines, through to communication styles and recognition, amongst other points.
