York CVS training and events
14 October - York VCSE Homelessness Support Network Meeting
Wednesday 14 October, 10am – 12pm, Clementhorpe Room, Priory Street Centre
This meeting is for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and key partners working with and supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in York.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.
15 October - York VCSE Neighbourhoods Network
Thursday 15 October, 10am – 11:30am, Denham Room, Priory Street Centre
We’re inviting all VCSE organisations in York who are interested in shaping and developing the new neighbourhood model which is taking place now and will continue in the future.
If you have any questions about the network, please email [email protected]
4 November - York VCSE Social Trading Network
Wednesday 4 November, 10am – 11:30am, Denham Room, Priory Street Centre
We are inviting all VCSE organisations in York who derive income through trading, or would like to do so to join the York VCSE Social Trading Network.
Trading includes contracts, selling services, charity shops, selling goods – anything apart from grants and fundraising activities.
During the first meeting on 4 November, attendees will identify the issues to address and what they would like the network to focus on.
If you have any questions about the network, please email [email protected]
5 November - York VCSE Children and Young People’s Network
Thursday 5 November, 10am – 11:30am, Denham Room, Priory Street Centre
For VCSE organisations working with children and young people across York, or delivering services that impact children and young people.
We are inviting all VCSE organisations in York who are working with children and young people across York, or delivering services that impact children and young people living in York.
During the first meeting on 5 November October, attendees will identify the issues to address and what they would like the network to focus on.
If you have any questions about the network, please email [email protected]
17 November: ASK THE EXPERT - Free property law for the VCSE sector training
Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 10:00am–12:00pm | Priory Street Centre | Free
Join York CVS and SJP Law for a free training session exploring property law for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
Delivered by Philip Lewes-Ogden, an experienced corporate and commercial solicitor at SJP Law, the session will cover leases, licences to occupy, renting rooms, security of tenure, Community Asset Transfer and legal structures for owning or leasing property.
The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions, with one-to-one conversations available from 11:00am–12:00pm.
The training is open to VCSE organisations based and operating in the City of York, including York Outer, or with beneficiaries in York.
Places are limited to two people per organisation.
2 December - York VCSE Homelessness Support Network Meeting
This meeting is for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and key partners working with and supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in York.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.
10 December - Free Active Bystander Training for the VCSE sector
Build your confidence to recognise and respond to unwelcome behaviour with practical Active Bystander Training for York’s VCSE sector.
Delivered by Laura Harris from North Yorkshire Sport, this free session will help you recognise when to take action, understand what you can do and feel confident about how to respond.
The training will explore unwelcome behaviour, the human science behind how we react in different situations, and the 5 Ds Toolkit – a practical approach to active bystandership.
Free for eligible York VCSE organisations. Places are limited to two people per organisation.
Location: Priory Street Centre, York
Cost: Free
3 February 2027 - York VCSE Homelessness Support Network Meeting
This meeting is for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and key partners working with and supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in York.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.
VCSE sector training and events
The training and events below are hosted by various organisations and may be relevant for your voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisation.
For more York events, please visit Live Well York’s website.
September-November - York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub - 100% funded leadership programme: Thrive At Work - Inclusive Futures
York Workshop Dates: 9th Sept, 1st Oct, 20th Oct, 10th Nov
Format: In Person at PATCH (Academy Room, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Ave, York, YO1 6FA
Time: 10:00am – 15.00pm
Cost: FREE for businesses in York and North Yorkshire
Booking link (select SME cohort programme): Click here to register
Thrive at Work – Inclusive Futures is a fully funded Employer Support Programme* designed to help organisations create more inclusive, supportive and high-performing workplace cultures whilst reducing sickness absence. Delivered through four interactive workshops, the programme equips leaders and people managers with practical skills to support employee wellbeing, improve communication, understand mental health and neurodiversity, and embed inclusion into everyday practice. Available through employer cohorts across York, Harrogate and Scarborough, or as a tailored in-house programme for larger organisations.
The programme covers:
Workshop 1: Starting Conversations That Matter
Develop coaching and active listening skills, build confidence in supporting colleagues, and learn how to approach difficult and sensitive conversations. Delivered by ILM7 Executive Coaches.
Workshop 2: Understanding Mental Health and Neurodiversity
Recognise signs of poor mental health, understand how to provide effective support, and gain an introduction to neurodiversity and neurodivergent strengths and challenges in the workplace. Delivered by Occupational Therapists.
Workshop 3: Creating Inclusive Working Environments
Explore sensory processing, identify workplace barriers, and discover practical adjustments that help employees perform at their best. Delivered by Occupational Therapists.
Workshop 4: Embedding Inclusion into Everyday Practice
Understand imposter syndrome, build resilience and confidence, and learn how to embed inclusion into workplace processes, procedures and recruitment practices. Delivered by ILM7 Executive Coaches.
Learning Outcomes
- Improve confidence in supporting employee wellbeing
- Develop coaching, listening and communication skills
- Understand mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace
- Create more inclusive working environments
- Explore practical workplace adjustments and support strategies
- Embed inclusion and wellbeing into everyday practice
*This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
October: Free CPD Training - Heating For Health
If you have a team of 6+ people who would benefit, standalone online sessions can also be arranged.
October-December: Free Cancer Champion Awareness Training sessions
Would you recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer?
1 in 2 people will develop cancer at some point in their life. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and detecting it early can save lives.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s free cancer awareness sessions can teach you about what to look for, cancer prevention, the national cancer screening programmes, and much more.
Join over 9,200 others and sign up for a free virtual awareness session. They can also provide bespoke sessions for a team, group or organisation. Please visit their website for further information.
If you have any questions, please email the team at [email protected] or call 07519 120809.
Dates and times for the upcoming virtual sessions, which last 90 minutes;
- Wednesday 14 October at 11:00 am
- Friday 23 October at 12:00 noon
- Tuesday 3 November at 10:00 am
- Monday 23 November at 11:30 am
- Wednesday 16 December at 1:00 pm
October-December - Leading in Uncertainty: peer support sessions for small charities
Wednesday 7 October 2026, 10-11.30am
Tuesday 3 November 2026, 10-11.30am
Tuesday 8 December 2026, 10-11.30am
IVAR’s Leading in Uncertainty sessions offer leaders of small UK-based charities, community organisations and social enterprises a space to connect, reflect and talk openly about the challenges they are facing.
These online peer-support sessions are facilitated by IVAR’s expert team and provide an opportunity to meet other leaders who understand the realities of running a small organisation, share experiences and explore how funders can better respond to current challenges.
The 90-minute sessions bring together a small group of charity leaders for open conversation and reflection.
10 October - Menfulness - Supporting Men's Mental Health workshop
Date: 16 October 2026
Format: In Person (The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet)
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Additional Information: Lunch included
Cost: FREE for businesses in York and North Yorkshire
Booking link (select mini workshops): Register here
A session for men, delivered by men. Led by Dr Jack Woodhams, CEO of Menfulness, this practical and interactive workshop explores men’s health and wellbeing in a relaxed, supportive environment. Drawing on professional expertise and lived experience, the session focuses on understanding common challenges, recognising when support may be needed, and exploring practical ways to improve wellbeing at work and outside of that.
This is not a counselling or group therapy session, and there is no expectation to share personal experiences. Instead, the focus is on learning, discussion and practical takeaways that can support both individuals and workplaces. The session runs alongside our women’s health workshop, with an opportunity to come together over lunch to share learning and perspectives from both groups.
Learning outcomes:
- Increase understanding of common men’s health and wellbeing challenges.
- Recognise signs that someone may need support.
- Explore practical strategies to improve wellbeing and resilience – especially in the workplace.
- Build confidence in talking about health and wellbeing at work.
- Understand how managers can create a more supportive workplace.
*This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
15 October - York Green Business Forum: Lower Costs, Better Business
Thursday 15 October 2026 | 4–6pm | Patch York | Free
With rising costs continuing to put pressure on businesses, the next York Green Business Forum will focus on practical ways to reduce running costs, improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Hear from speakers covering energy, waste and water, alongside information about business support available through the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Speakers include Alasdair Dalzel-Job from Green Economy, Sue Jefferson from Circular Malton & Norton, Lauren Trainor from Wave and Jack Colding from York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
The event will also include guided networking, providing an opportunity to connect with other local businesses, share experiences and make new connections.
The event is free to attend and forms part of both the York Environment Festival and York Business Festival.
Location: Patch York, The Bonding Warehouse, Terry Ave, York YO1 6FA
16 October - Time Out For Couples - Collaborate workshop
Take some time out together and invest in your relationship at this free event from Family Matters York.
Friday 16 October 2026
7:30pm-9:30pm
The Citadel, Gillygate, York, YO31 7EA
Free – booking required
Family Matters York is inviting couples to take some time out from everyday life and spend an evening focusing on their relationship.
Time Out for Couples – Collaborate is a relaxed, welcoming session exploring how couples can successfully work together and navigate some of the common pressures relationships can face, including money, sex and domestic life. It will also consider what happens when these pressures lead to disagreements, how to handle conflict well and how couples can move forward together.
The evening will include video content from Care for the Family, alongside opportunities for couples to discuss and reflect on the topics together. Each couple will have their own space and there is no group work or group discussion. Homemade refreshments will also be provided.
The event is designed for couples at any age or stage of their relationship, whether you’ve been together for years or are just starting out.
Places are free but should be booked in advance.
16 October - Women's Health And Menopause Awareness workshop
Date: 16 October 2026
Format: In Person (The Motorist, Sherburn in Elmet)
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Additional Information: Lunch included
Cost: FREE for businesses in York and North Yorkshire
Booking link (select mini workshops): Register here
A session for women, delivered by women. Women often juggle multiple responsibilities both inside and outside of work, which can have a significant impact on wellbeing, confidence and performance. Delivered by Elaine Morris – Leadership Coach, Lizzie Huxford – Specialist Occupational Therapist and Clinical Director of OT4Me, and Tracey Dennison – Director of East Riding Aesthetics and Menopause nurse of the year, this interactive session explores key women’s health challenges, including hormonal health, wellbeing, burnout, perimenopause and menopause. Participants will gain practical insight into how these issues can affect individuals differently, develop a better understanding of the support people may need in the workplace, and explore strategies to create more inclusive and supportive working environments. The session runs alongside our men’s health workshop, with an opportunity to come together over lunch and share key learning and perspectives from both groups.
Learning outcomes:
- Increase understanding of women’s health and wellbeing in the workplace.
- Recognise the impact of hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause on confidence, wellbeing and performance.
- Understand how women’s health experiences can vary across individuals and life stages.
- Explore practical ways to support wellbeing, manage workload and reduce burnout.
- Identify workplace adjustments and supportive approaches for managers and colleagues.
*This project is supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
10 November - Junction Point CIC: Building A Resilient Social Enterprise From Foundations To Funding free webinars
Choosing the Right Legal Structure for Your Social Enterprise
Tuesday 10 November, 12:15pm – 1pm
Junction Point CIC is hosting a free, 3-part lunch-and-learn webinar series titled Building a Resilient Social Enterprise: From Foundations to Funding.
Recurring VCSE sector training and events
The training and events below are hosted by various organisations and may be relevant for your voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisation, or the people who access your services.
Monthly - Say Aphasia - Peer-led support in York
Say Aphasia in York provides a welcoming, peer-led environment for people living with aphasia, which is a communication disability often following a stroke or brain injury. The group serves as a vital “safety net” once clinical speech and language therapy has ended.
When: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Where: Gateway Centre, Front Street, York, YO24 3BZ.
Accessibility: The venue has wheelchair access, disabled toilets, and disabled parking nearby.
Cost: We focus on making our sessions accessible to all.
The groups are unique because they are peer-led, run by people who are living with aphasia themselves. They focus on rebuilding confidence and social connections in a safe, non-judgmental space where there is no pressure to speak perfectly. Carers and partners are highly encouraged to attend.
Monthly - Social Prescribing Stroll
Join us for a social stroll with the York CVS Social Prescribing Team.
Each stroll takes place in a different local area of York, giving you the chance to explore the neighbourhood, discover local services and community spaces, and have a chat with the Social Prescribing team along the way.
It’s a relaxed opportunity to get out, meet people and find out more about what’s available in your local area.
There’s no need to book – just come along and remember suitable footwear and a coat if the weather looks rainy.
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Check here for updates on Social Stroll events
Free Domestic Abuse awareness sessions - IDAS
IDAS is offering free, tailored domestic abuse awareness sessions for staff and volunteers working in community organisations, charities, businesses and voluntary organisations supporting residents.
Sessions can accommodate up to 25 participants and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of your organisation. They typically last between one and one and a half hours and can be delivered at your chosen location.
Sessions are available Monday to Friday, with flexible timings to help make attendance as accessible as possible.
The session will cover:
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What domestic abuse is
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How to spot the signs of domestic abuse
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Different types of domestic abuse
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How to access local and national support
Book a free session
To arrange a session for your staff or volunteers, email [email protected].
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: [email protected]