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Welcome to our January Newsletter!
January is a time for fresh starts, reflection and renewed energy. As we step into a new year, we want to thank all the voluntary and community organisations, volunteers and partners across South West Surrey who continue to make a real difference to local lives. This month’s newsletter brings you updates, opportunities and resources to help you start the year feeling informed, connected and supported.
VASWS News: Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Training for Trustees Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Trustees — a FREE half-day event Have your say on the future of Play & Leisure Short Breaks in Surrey! Volunteers Wanted: Conquest Art Guildford National Energy Action - free training opportunity Recruiting a Manager for Home-Start Guildford Nominations Open for The Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community 2026 LAST CHANCE to join us for the FINAL Alcohol Health Champions Training Day Aspire community grants Surrey councils take key step towards local government reorganisation Join the Peopleoo Community!
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Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Training for Trustees |
Calling all current and aspiring Trustees!
Ready to strengthen your governance skills and make an even bigger impact in your organisation or community group?
📅 Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Training for Trustees
📍 Online – Microsoft Teams 📅 Wednesday 11th March 2026 ⌚ 17:30–19:30 📑 FREE to attend — booking required!
Join us for this inspiring online trustee training session hosted by specialist charity solicitor and experienced trustee Helen Harvie. Together we’ll explore:
What it really means to be a trustee Your legal duties and responsibilities Practical tips for effective governance and leadership.
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Whether you're already serving on a board or considering becoming a trustee, this session is a great opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with others who care about making a difference.
One ticket per person — please book for you and any guests separately. |
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Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Trustees — a FREE half-day event |
Calling all voluntary, charity & community sector heroes!
Join us at the Voluntary Action South West Surrey Mini Conference 2026: Trustees — a FREE half-day event packed with practical workshops, inspiring presentations and brilliant networking opportunities!
📅 Tuesday 24 March 2026 ⌚ 9:30am – 1:00pm 📍 Wilfrid Noyce Community Centre, Godalming (Caudle Hall) 🎟 Free tickets available — book now!
Whether you’re looking to strengthen governance, improve trustee recruitment and retention, or simply connect with others in the sector, this conference is designed to support and empower your organisation.
What to expect: Insightful sessions on trustee roles and governance Practical tools & ideas you can put into action Time to network and share with fellow voluntary sector groups
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Spaces are limited — secure your FREE ticket today!
Let’s build stronger boards and stronger communities together! |
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Have your say on the future of Play & Leisure Short Breaks in Surrey! |
Surrey County Council has launched a public consultation asking for your views on proposed changes to Play and Leisure Short Breaks — services that give children and young people with disabilities the chance to take part in fun, social and educational activities across the county, and provide much-needed breaks for their parent carers.
The consultation includes proposals like: • Introducing clarity on eligibility • Setting maximum yearly provision per child • More inclusive mainstream opportunities • Fairer and consistent charges for parent carers • Flexible session options, especially in school holidays
Your feedback will help shape future services to be fair, sustainable and effective. |
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Have your voice heard! Consultation open until 4 March 2026
Or contact Surrey County Council for alternative formats. |
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Volunteers Wanted: Conquest Art Guildford |
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Conquest Art is an inspiring charity that helps people with disabilities and long-term health conditions build confidence and creativity through art. The charity is currently looking for volunteers to support its Guildford and Godalming Art Group Conquest Art - A5 Volunteers Fl… . The group meets every Wednesday, 2.00–4.00pm, at St Catherine’s Village Hall, Guildford, with volunteers helping slightly before and after sessions. No artistic experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to help create a friendly, welcoming environment. Volunteers can commit weekly or fortnightly.
If you have a few hours to spare and would like to make a real difference, contact Tina at enquiries@conquestart.org or call 020 8393 7707 to find out more |
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National Energy Action - Free training opportunity |
This FULLY FUNDED half-day training course is designed for frontline staff and volunteers who work with expectant parents and families with children aged 5 and under.
The course will look at the causes of fuel poverty and the impact of cold homes on physical and mental well-being in pregnancy, newborn babies, and children aged 5 and under. Content: Fuel poverty indicators and the causes of fuel poverty Identifying those at risk, by understanding risk factors and triggers The health impacts of cold, damp homes in pregnancy and early years Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide and how to minimise CO in the home The causes of condensation dampness/mould and actions that can be taken to avoid this Assistance and sources of advice available to those struggling to heat their home adequately
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HOW WILL THE WEBINAR WORK? This course can be delivered online via webinar or face to face in a classroom.
If you have a group of 10 or more learners, we could deliver a session specifically for your organisation. We can accommodate up to 20 learners per session.
Alternatively, if you have fewer learners, we also offer some open access webinar dates for individual bookings. Various dates available, please visit their website.
Webinars will be delivered live via Zoom (video conferencing facility) by our expert tutors to small groups to ensure a good level of interaction and support for learners. Participants will require a device with a camera and sound.
Face to face courses will are available upon request and will usually be delivered at the clients office or a venue of their choice.
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Recruiting a Manager for Home-Start Guildford |
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Home-Start Guildford are recruiting a new Manager to lead the charity through its next phase of development. Home-Start Guildford is a local, independent charity supporting families with at least one child under the age of five. Through a team of trained volunteers and staff, the charity provides emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships and give young children the best possible start in life. This senior leadership role is responsible for providing overall direction for the organisation and ensuring services remain high-quality, safe and effective. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Manager will lead and support staff and volunteers, oversee volunteer recruitment and development, contribute to fundraising and income generation, build partnerships, and represent Home-Start Guildford within the local community. The charity is seeking an experienced, values-led leader with strong people management skills, a good understanding of safeguarding, and a genuine commitment to supporting families. Experience within the voluntary or community sector is desirable. The role is offered on a permanent basis, working 4–5 days per week, with a salary of £42,000–£47,000 FTE (pro rata). Home-Start Guildford offers flexible working (within service needs), generous annual leave, pension contributions, free parking, ongoing training and professional development, and the opportunity to lead a respected local charity making a meaningful difference to families’ lives. Closing date: Midday, Friday 13 February 2026. |
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Nominations Open for The Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community 2026 |
Nominations are now open for The Mayor of Guildford’s Award for Service to the Community 2026.
The award recognises people and organisations that have gone above and beyond to serve the community and who have made a significant difference to the lives of residents in the borough of Guildford.
Anyone can nominate a person or an organisation that has done outstanding work in the community, improving the lives of others or fostering good relationships.
Each nomination needs at least two letters of support.
The deadline to submit nominations is 5pm on Monday, February 9, 2026. You can submit nominations via Guildford Borough Council’s website. Click here.
Or for a paper nomination form, phone 01483 444031. |
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The Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, said: “If you know someone who goes above and beyond to help their community, or a group that makes a positive difference to local people, tell us about them.
“Your nomination could help us celebrate their achievements and inspire others to get involved in their local community.”
Successful nominees will be invited to attend the awards event at the County Club in Guildford in March. |
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LAST CHANCE to join us for the FINAL Alcohol Health Champions Training Day |
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Voluntary Action South West Surrey (VASWS), in partnership with Surrey County Council, is running a 12-month pilot project to recruit Volunteer Alcohol Health Champions.
Champions are trained to raise awareness of the harms linked to alcohol and to offer brief, practical advice within their community, workplace or organisation.
Volunteers receive free training, ongoing support and a ready-to-use toolkit to help improve local health and wellbeing.
Training Details: If you’re enthusiastic about making a positive difference, this is a great opportunity to get involved. |
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For more information or to express interest, contact Hilary Holness at h.holness@vasws.org.uk |
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Aspire community grant applications are now open.
Small projects and activities can claim funding for one-off costs. Grants are £500 but can be up to £1,000.
Grant support is only available to: charitable social enterprise community voluntary organisations
Organisations receiving funding from the council through separate funding agreements are not eligible. |
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Surrey councils take key step towards local government reorganisation |
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Surrey’s move to create two new unitary councils has reached an important milestone, with councillors from county, district and borough councils meeting for the first time to begin transition planning. Following the government’s decision to replace the current two-tier system, Surrey will form West Surrey Council and East Surrey Council.
New councillors will be elected in May to serve on “shadow authorities”, which will prepare the new councils ahead of them formally taking over all local services in April 2027. Existing councils will continue delivering services until then. Two Voluntary Joint Committees have now been established for East and West Surrey. These committees have agreed to develop a detailed implementation plan, including interim leadership arrangements and an officer team to support the transition. The committees will meet monthly and rotate across Surrey until the shadow authorities are in place. The reorganisation aims to simplify local government, improve value for money and deliver better, more joined-up services for residents. The government has also confirmed that the changes support future devolution, with discussions ongoing about establishing a strategic authority for Surrey. Under the new system, residents will access all local services—such as education, waste, housing, roads, planning and social care—through a single council in their area. |
Join the Peopleoo Community! |
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Peopleoo is a new social and professional platform created for everyone who cares for others — from paid care workers to unpaid family carers. Caring can be rewarding, but also isolating. Peopleoo brings carers together to connect, share experiences, and support one another in a positive, understanding community. It’s a place to swap ideas, find encouragement, celebrate the work you do, and feel part of a wider network that truly understands your role. Whether you’re an experienced carer, new to caring, or simply looking for support, Peopleoo offers a space where you can learn, connect, and belong. Join the Peopleoo community today and be part of something built for carers — by people who care. |
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