Training and Events
March - April 2026 - Perinatal Wellbeing Workshops in York
Join us for a free Perinatal Wellbeing Workshop, part of The Good Mental Health Project, designed to help you reflect, connect and learn practical tools to support your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and the first two years of parenthood.
Each session offers a safe, supportive and welcoming space to share experiences, build confidence and explore ways to care for your emotional wellbeing.
Workshops are open and inclusive to all parents (and parents-to be), partners and anyone supporting the journey of early parenthood, including adoptive, surrogate and blended families.
Sessions are free to attend and will be held at various community venues across York on different dates and times, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
No previous experience is needed, and you’re welcome to attend alone or with your partner. We understand it can be difficult to attend without your little one, babes in arms are warmly welcome.
Simply select your preferred date, time and location from the ‘check availability’ button and book your space.
Sessions are split into Antenatal (Mondays) and Postnatal (Wednesday at Hob Moor or Fridays at The Avenues).
Which Workshop Should I Attend?
Antenatal Workshops
Attend an antenatal workshop if you are thinking about having a baby or are pregnant.
Postnatal Workshops
Attend a postnatal workshop if you have already had your baby.
These sessions are for parents who are adjusting after birth up until the child is three.
Locations and dates include:
The Avenues in the Willow Room at 12.30pm-2.30pm
- Monday 23rd March – Antenatal
- Friday 27th March – Postnatal
- Monday 20th April – Antenatal
- Friday 24th April – Postnatal
Hob Moor in the Pineapple room at 12.30pm-2.30pm
- Monday 13th April – Antenatal
- Wednesday 15th April – Postnatal
Venue information:
The Avenue’s Children Centre
Sixth Ave
Tang Hall, York
YO31 0UT
Hob Moor Children’s Centre
Green Lane
Acomb, York
YO24 4RF
If you have any specific accessibility needs or there’s any way we can support you to take part in the workshop, please contact us at tgmhp@yorkcvs.org.uk
For more information about The Good Mental Health Project, visit yorkcvs.org.uk/thegoodmentalhealthproject.
10 March - Writing Successful Funding Applications
Get the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare successful funding applications to charitable trusts
Event details
Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York
Aim of the course:
To provide you with the knowledge and skills to be able to prepare and submit high quality funding applications to charitable trusts, foundations and the National Lottery Community Fund, ones that stand a good chance of success.
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
12 March - Presentation Skills
Get the skills necessary to design and deliver effective and impactful presentations
Event details
Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York
About
This training is designed to support staff who are required to design and deliver presentations to external audiences, partners and stakeholders. It will address common challenges around clarity of content, consistency of messaging, visual design, and confident delivery, ensuring presentations are effective and engaging.
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
13 March - Bidding for public sector contracts
Bidding for public sector contracts: is it right for us, and what should we be thinking about to help us be successful?
Event details
Date: Friday 13 March 2026
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Online
About
In this session we will explore:
- benefits of delivering services and activities through contracts instead of grants
- demystifying some of the procurement jargon and phrases
- recent changes to public procurement rules, and how these can benefit the sector
- understanding what you need to have in place to be able to successfully bid for contracts, and how to approach managing points where you might not have everything in place yet
- how to test if a contract opportunity you spot is the right one for you to bid for
- common ‘slip ups’ made when bidding for contracts (so you can avoid them)
- practical considerations for how working with this type of income is different to managing grants
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
16 March - Trustee Essentials
Learn how to be an effective trustee for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations
Event details
Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York YO1 6ET
About
Trustees play an important role in making sure charities are well-managed and can achieve their aims but many go into this role not fully understanding their legal duties and responsibilities.
This workshop will help you understand your duties as a trustee and support you to run your charity effectively so you can make a bigger difference.
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
16 March - Financial and Risk Awareness
Improving Trustees understanding of financial processes and risks to help you be more effective in your role
Event details
Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York YO1 6ET
About
As a trustee, you bring your time and enthusiasm to this vital volunteering role. However, not all of us can be a financial whizz. Do you know what questions you should be asking around money management? Do you understand your risks – what they are, and your role as a trustee in managing them?
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
17 March - Strengthening your board
Training for trustees and committee members to improve the effectiveness of your board and committees
Event details
Date: Tuesday 17 March 2026
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York YO1 6ET
About
A strong board or committee is important if you want to get the most out of your time and make a real difference. This means the diversity, dynamics and relationships with fellow board and committee members will all play a part.
This training is aimed at existing trustees and committee members
Board and committee dynamics are healthy when:
- ideas are debated robustly, in a constructive way and respectfully;
- all members have an opportunity to speak and express themselves;
- relationships between members are strong.
Aim: this session will look at how you can build up these relationships and ensure your board and committee is as effective as can be
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
23 March - Accounting for CICs
Get the knowledge and skills to manage the accounts for a Community Interest Company (CIC)
Event details
Date: Monday 23 March 2026
Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York YO1 6ET
About
There will be a presentation from Sarah at HPH followed by an opportunity to ask questions on a one to one basis. This one to one session will be from 3.30pm till 4.30pm
Course Content
- Understanding your CIC structure and limitations
- Methods of extracting payments for directors
- Understanding obligations with Companies House
- Understanding your obligations with HMRC
- Bookkeeping and record keeping requirements
Eligibility
The training is free. Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This training is open to all Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer or with beneficiaries in York.
25 March - Community Wealth Building
Find out more and book your place
Over the past 8 months there has been a growing interest in Community Wealth Building (CWB) across York and North Yorkshire, for example the Mayor has formed a CWB Commission to review the feasibility and practicality of various aspects of CWB,
Currently there is little mention of the role of the VCSE sector, particularly in terms of its economic contribution, within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) Local Growth Plan. However, we know that there is interest in the role of the social economy in the region and how this can be further developed.
The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) is the national organisation for local economies and will be delivering the Community Wealth Building workshop.
Workshop content
This workshop will:
- Provide attendees with overview of the principles and pillars of CWB
- Use examples to demonstrate how CWB has been applied in practice
- Provide an overview of the York and North Yorkshire context, particularly the research that CLES have undertaken in relation to the social economy, the work to date of the Mayoral CWB Commission and how the VCSE sector is discussed in the Local Growth Plan.
Facilitated discussion sessions to include:
- How does the terminology relate to the VCSE sector in York
- How does the sector consider that it is contributing to building community wealth across in York and the wider region.
- How/where is the sector contributing to the Local Growth Plan and where are the opportunities?
- What are the future ambitions of the sector and what will be need to fulfil these ambitions.
Eligibility
This workshop is open to VCSE organisations who currently generate the majority of their income through trade, for example:
- Selling goods
- Selling services
- Contracted public services
- Social enterprise trading models
- Retail and charity shops
26 March - VCSE Meeting - City of York Council's CQC Report Outcomes
Follow-up meeting for VCSE organisations working in health and care invited to discuss City of York Council’s CQC report outcomes.
Thursday 26 March, 11:30am – 12:30pm, online (Teams)
Following the meeting on 12 January, a follow-up meeting with Sara Storey, Corporate Director – Adult Social Care and Integration at City of York Council has been arranged for 26 March.
York’s VCSE sector is invited to the meeting to discuss the next steps regarding the City of York Council’s (CYC) recent Care Quality Commission report. Led by CYC, the meeting will involve discussing the report outcomes and exploring how we can better support people with social care needs in York.
Digital Inclusion Programme Events
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 Michael.Fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.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.
19 March - Accessible Digital – Intro to Tech and Confidence Online - 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: Accessible Digital – Intro to Tech and Confidence Online
Date: Thursday 19 March
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Venue: Online
Provided by: AbilityNet
Course Summary:
Intro to tech – dispelling the mystery around tech and online media, introducing the benefits of being online and the support available Confidence online – focus on media literacy skills. A balance of empowering through knowledge without unnerving, developing resilience to scams and fraud and awareness of information and misinformation.
Course Booking: To book a course please email Michael.Fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.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: Friday 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 Michael.Fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.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.
31 March - 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: Tuesday 31 March
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Priory Street Centre, York YO1 6ET
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 Michael.Fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.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.