Training and Events
20 January - Exploring new income streams for VCSE organisations
Tuesday 20 January, 1pm – 3pm, online
Grants are becoming increasingly difficult to secure due to growing competition and fewer opportunities. This workshop encourages York’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to think beyond traditional funding and explore practical ways to diversify income.
During the session attendees will look at different trading models – from public sector contracts to selling goods or services – to help you find sustainable, options that support longevity. You’ll leave with ideas, examples and next steps. This session is for any VCSE organisation in York considering new ways to bring in income and strengthen their financial future.
22 January - Conversation Café
Thursday 22 January, 12pm – 2pm, Yor Community Wellbeing Hub at Acomb Garth
We’re delighted that our next Conversation Café will be running at Yor Community Wellbeing Hub at Acomb Garth for the first time.
Conversation Cafés are informal, welcoming sessions where we work together with the community to help shape and improve the Yor Community Wellbeing Hubs. Each month, we focus on three topics that we want to explore and problem-solve collectively. Some examples of different topics are below:
- Language we use and whether it feels inclusive
- Ideas to improve how the hubs work or feel
- Suggestions for new groups, activities, or support
The aim is simple: to make the Yor Community Wellbeing Hubs more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
To help people feel comfortable and prepared, the topics and questions will be shared one week before the session, so no one feels put on the spot.
Conversation Cafés are relaxed, non-judgemental spaces where people with lived experience and people involved in running services come together as equals. Everyone has the opportunity to share their views, and every perspective is valued. If you’d rather listen than speak, that’s absolutely fine too.
And, just as importantly — there will always be plenty of refreshments, sandwiches, and cake.
3 February - York Homelessness Support Network Meeting
Tuesday 3 February, 10am – 12pm, Priory Street Centre, York
The next York VCSE Homelessness Support Network meeting will take place on Tuesday 3 February 10am – 12pm, in the Denham Room at the Priory Street Centre.
This meeting is designed to bring organisations from across York together to network and share their activities to support people experiencing homelessness in our city. The meeting includes presentations, discussions and actions to take forward as a network.
4 February - York VCSE Assembly - Health and Care
Wednesday 4 February, 10am – 12pm, Priory Street Centre, York
The next York VCSE Assembly meeting will take place on Wednesday 4 February, 10am – 12pm, in the Main Hall at the Priory Street Centre. The meeting will focus on the neighbourhood health model and what is happening across York.
The NHS Neighbourhood Health Model aims to deliver integrated, community-based care, enhancing access and improving health outcomes while addressing health inequalities. Join the meeting to find out more about what’s happening locally and what this means for VCSE organisations in York.
4 February Volunteer Management Forum - Winter
Volunteer Management Forum – 4 February 2026
Join us at the Priory Street Centre for our next Volunteer Management Forum, open to anyone with volunteer‑management responsibilities in York’s VCSE sector.
What to Expect
- Sector updates, shared challenges, and peer learning
- Networking with other volunteer managers
- Worry Monster Session – submit questions or concerns anonymously
- Volunteer Fair Planning for the March 2026 event
Feel free to bring your lunch; tea and coffee will be provided.
Venue
Priory Street Centre, York. Accessibility and parking details are available on the venue website.
Who Can Attend
This free forum is for VCSE groups based in York with volunteer‑management responsibilities.
Contact
For questions or suggestions, email: Volunteering@YorkCVS.org.uk
Book Here:Volunteer Management Forum – Winter 2026 Tickets, Wed 4 Feb 2026 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
4 March - York Volunteering Fair 2026 (2:30-4:30 p.m)
York Volunteering Fair 2026 – 4 March, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Meet a wide range of local charities and community groups, browse their stalls, and discover volunteering roles across York. Whether you want to support your community, meet new people, or try something new, this fair is a great place to start.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 4 March 2026 Time: 2:30–4:30 p.m. Venue: Priory Street Centre, York
Visitors
- Free to attend — please book a visitor ticket to help us plan numbers.
- No ticket is required on arrival.
Stall Holders
- Open to VCSE organisations recruiting volunteers in York.
- Your volunteering roles must be listed on YorkCVS.org.uk/Volunteers before the event.
- Choose the correct table size when booking; power is available on selected tables.
- Arrival from 1:45 p.m. for setup, with tea and coffee available.
- Further details will be sent once your free stall space is confirmed.
Venue Information
Visit the Priory Street Centre website for accessibility details and parking information. Tea and coffee will be available to purchase during the event.
Contact
For more information, email the York Volunteer Centre team at Volunteering@YorkCVS.org.uk.
Book here:York Volunteering Fair 2026 (4th March 2:30-4:30 p.m) Tickets, Wed 4 Mar 2026 at 14:30 | Eventbrite
Digital Inclusion Programme Events
10 February - Online Safety - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Online Safety
Date: Tuesday 10 February
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
This course covers critical topics such as identifying cyber threats, safeguarding personal data, promoting responsible digital behaviour, and supporting others in recognizing and mitigating online risks. Participants will learn how to create safe digital environments, advocate for best practices, and confidently guide others in navigating the digital landscape securely.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
10 February - Safeguarding for home visits - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Safeguarding for home visits
Date: Tuesday 10 February
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
The course covers key principles of safeguarding, including recognising signs of abuse or neglect, maintaining personal safety, and respecting clients' privacy and dignity. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing challenging situations, understanding legal and ethical responsibilities, and effectively reporting concerns.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
11 February - Mental Health Awareness - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Mental health awareness
Date: Wednesday 11 February
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: Mind
Course Summary:
This course will help develop an understand as to what mental health and wellbeing is
- Dispel stigma surrounding mental health issues
- Recognise the signs of mental health and wellbeing
- Be aware of common mental health conditions and treatments
- Explore ways to support others
- Examine ways of maintaining our own mental health and wellbeing
- Look at available resources
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
13 February - Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count
Date: Friday 13 February
Time: 9:30am -12:30pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
Attendees will be equipped with the skills to effectively encourage and motivate others toward healthier behaviours, making a significant impact with every contact they have.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
27 February - Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count
Date: Friday 27 February
Time: 10:00am -1:00pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
Attendees will be equipped with the skills to effectively encourage and motivate others toward healthier behaviours, making a significant impact with every contact they have.
Course Booking:To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
3 March - Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices
Date: Tuesday 3 March
Time: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
A comprehensive understanding of how to leverage smart speakers for everyday convenience and enhanced living. This course covers essential features such as voice-activated commands, smart home integration, and accessibility options, enabling users to streamline tasks like setting reminders, controlling home devices, and accessing information hands-free.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
17 March - Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices
Date: Tuesday 17 March
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
A comprehensive understanding of how to leverage smart speakers for everyday convenience and enhanced living. This course covers essential features such as voice-activated commands, smart home integration, and accessibility options, enabling users to streamline tasks like setting reminders, controlling home devices, and accessing information hands-free.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
20 March - Motivational Interviewing / Coaching - Digital Inclusion Programme
Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.
Course name: Motivational Interviewing / Coaching
Date: Tuesday 20 March
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service
Course Summary:
Practical training in techniques to inspire and facilitate personal change. Participants will learn the core principles of motivational interviewing, including how to build rapport, explore and resolve ambivalence, and encourage self-efficacy. The course focuses on effective communication strategies, active listening, and goalsetting to support individuals in making and sustaining positive behavioural changes.
Course Booking: To book a course please email jane.granville@yorkcvs.org.uk
Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November.
Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.
Contact us:
If you have any questions about any of our training sessions or events, or if you have a suggestion for future training, please get in touch with us at vcsesupport@yorkcvs.org.uk
A very big thank you for delivering safeguarding training yesterday at Red Tower. It was pitched at exactly the right level for the volunteers and it gives us directors something to build on now.
I cannot put into words how helpful it was to have the adjustments that you made to support me. Being able to use that separate room was just what I needed, as I felt able to choose my level of interaction with the group… I appreciated it, as we haven’t been out and about to anything like this for two years and it’s a lot to take in after such a break… love the garden, especially the water feature!
Thanks for making the special arrangements for me. It greatly helped my appreciation of the session.