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June in the UK has been named the "Month of Community" bringing together a whole month of special days and weeks that focus on community action and activity.

The Month of Community gives community organisations the opportunity:

to bring people together through the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out (to be re-branded as the "Big Do"), the Great Get Together and Great Big Green Week,

to showcase how we value our volunteers during Volunteers Week,

to show our support for specific members of our community who may be facing challenge and adversity (Carers Week, Refugee Week, Loneliness Awareness Week).

The Eden Project has brought all of this information together on their website, and are leading on combining the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out into the Big Do (5-8 June). Sign up for news about how to get involved.

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Get Involved Volunteer Fair - 7 March 2026 - Hart Shopping Centre, Fleet

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Get Involved Volunteer Fair - 7 March 2026 - Hart Shopping Centre, Fleet

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At the time of going to press, we are pleased to say that we are fully booked for the Get Involved Fair 2026 with the following organisations attending:

Lions Club of Fleet (our partners for this event)

Fleet Hospital & Community Friends

South East Coast Ambulance - Community First Responders

Fleet Pond Society

Hart & Rushmoor Young Carers

Hart Foodbank

Fleet & District U3A

Girlguiding UK - Fleet Division

St John Ambulance

Chloe's & Sophie's Special Ears Fund

MHA Communities Hampshire North

Fleet & District Carnival Association

Home-Start Hampshire

Fleet & District Voluntary Care Group

The Basingstoke Canal Society

Fleet Community Speedwatch Group

Hart Rotary Club

The Friendship Group

Victoria Hall Charity

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Here at Hart Voluntary Action we are starting to look at how beneficial (or not) AI might be to us and to our member organisations. We are very much at the beginning of our investigations, so it is interesting to see this article from Charity Digital highlighting how we can reduce using AI for the sake of it, especially considering the reported environmental impacts. See link to the article above, which might give pause for thought (and includes help on how to stop those AI overviews appearing at the top of your Google searches!). If your organisation is interested in exploring the pros and cons of using AI in your own organisation, do get in touch with Caroline at HVA.

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Artificial intelligence has its uses, but it also raises significant concerns. We explore how charities can find the balance and ensure they are using it only when needed

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We are very pleased to be supporting No Limits by hosting the Youth Safe Haven at our Annexe counselling rooms at Odiham Cottage Hospital during February/March, whilst they look for a new venue. Full details about the Youth Safe Haven at this link

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APPEAL: We are looking for sewing supplies (thread, needles etc) as well as curtain fabric - this can be curtains which are no longer needed but the fabric needs to be clean and presentable for a sewing upcycling project. If you're able to help, please get in contact. Alternatively, please drop suitable donations into the Hart Eco Hub (first floor of the Hart Shopping Centre, opposite the gym) on a Tuesday morning ONLY between 9:30am-12pm. THANK YOU!

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New Look for the Here for Hart Directory 

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New Look for the Here for Hart Directory 

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The Here for Hart Directory has been refreshed with a cleaner, more professional design to make it even easier for residents and professionals to find the information they need. Created to help local residents and community organisations connect with free or low-cost local services, the directory now hosts over 500 listings. These cover activities, advice and support in areas such as:

Children, Young People and Families

Arts, Culture and Heritage

Employment and skills

Money advice and housing support

Mental health and wellbeing services

Disability and carers’ support

Green/environmental initiatives

Everything is brought together in one accessible place, helping people discover the right support quickly and confidently. Please share the link widely so your clients, networks and local community can benefit: www.hereforhartdirectory.org.uk

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Welcome to RMD Adventure Learning CIC as our newest member organisation. RMD Adventure Learning is a community-led organisation which delivers weekly youth clubs (currently in Bramley only), specialist mentoring, and youth voice activities that provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can learn, be heard, and thrive. The aim is to promote positive mental health, resilience, employability, and active citizenship. RMD Adventure Learning work in partnership with local organisations to strengthen communities, champion inclusion, and create opportunities that empower young people to make positive life choices. RMD Adventure Learning have recently set up their offices in Odiham, and are looking for opportunities to connect around youth engagement activity. Please see their website for more information.

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Delivering the National Youth Strategy Together - Regional Roadshow - 4 March, Basingstoke

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Delivering the National Youth Strategy Together - Regional Roadshow - 4 March, Basingstoke

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The National Youth Strategy promised an ambitious ten-year plan for young people with three bold shifts: from national to local, fragmented to collaborative, excluded to empowered. Now it's time to explore how we work together to turn this plan into reality

to shape what happens next in your area.

Who should attend?

If you work with young people or your work impacts their lives, this event is for you:

Youth workers, youth work leaders, and practitioners (local authority and charities/community organisations)

Education professionals, health and wellbeing staff, housing professionals, and those working in crime prevention

Local authority decision-makers, service managers, councillors, and funders

At this roadshow, you will:

Understand what the National Youth Strategy means for young people in your region and how it connects to your work.

Access the latest data and insights specific to your area from Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, National Youth Agency, UK Youth and your Regional Youth Work Unit.

Connect with partners across sectors who share your commitment to young people, as well as senior leaders from DCMS.

Shape practical next steps for implementation in your region and contribute to national progress.

This is your opportunity to influence how we turn a ten-year vision into tangible change for young people in your community.

Booking link here - free to attend.

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For charities, Payroll Giving provides an unrestricted source of regular income, with the average length of giving averaging seven to eight years. Charities receive the full tax relief, which means there is no need for Gift Aid.

You can download a free Payroll Giving Charity Toolkit to promote payroll giving and grow regular donations to your charity, provided by the Charities Trust. The toolkit contains a range of ready-to-use assets that you can use to help donors understand the tax-free benefits of payroll giving, encourage them to talk to their employer and set up a regular pay day donation to you.

Here’s what is included:

‘Payroll Giving Ready’ badge - add to your website and fundraising communications

Website copy and images - add to your website to encourage visitors to start Payroll Giving to your charity

Email copy and image - send out to donors or include in your newsletters

Social media images and copy - post to let your followers know you’re ‘Payroll Giving Ready’.

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Hospital Saturday Fund Opens for 2026 Applications

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Hospital Saturday Fund Opens for 2026 Applications

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Registered charities with medical/health objectives, hospices and medical organisations based and operating within the UK can apply once per calendar year for funding to assist with medical projects, capital projects, medical care or research, hospice/respite care, and in support of medical training. Applications for running costs may also be considered.

There are two levels of awards:

Standard Grants of £2,000

Larger Grants of up to £10,000 to be used towards specific projects, research or equipment rather than running costs.

The 2026 deadlines for:

Standard grant applications - 13 April, 14 July, 8 October 2026, and 5 January 2027

Large grant applications - 16 March, 16 June, 10 September, and 2 December 2026.

More detail at this link.

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Groundwork is working with People’s Postcode Lottery for a third year to deliver Grassroots Grants. This year, the programme will provide unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 to 700 small, local organisations in England that are making a positive difference in their communities. Funding can be used for core organisational costs that support the important work organisations deliver in their communities. The funding offered is unrestricted and therefore flexible and can be used where it is most needed. Eligible organisations whose income is up to £25,000 in the last financial year can apply up to September 2026. Full details at this link.

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Macmillan Support Grants – Macmillan Cancer Support

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Macmillan Support Grants – Macmillan Cancer Support

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A Macmillan Support Grant is a one-off payment of no more than £15,000 that directly benefits people living with cancer. Macmillan welcome applications that aim to support diverse communities, promote inclusion, and encourage peer-to-peer support. Examples of what funding could be used for include: initial room hire costs and refreshments, events, group outings/celebrations, volunteer expenses, signposting information, information stands, community projects, education sessions for people living with cancer, physical activity linked to personalised care such as prehabilitation, rehabilitation and wellbeing, and IT equipment.

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Schools, colleges and community groups in England can apply for grants to support the education and development of children and young people through educational, cultural, sporting and other projects. Projects that will help enhance the self-confidence, teamwork skills and future employability of children and young people are of particular interest.

In most cases, grants are made on a relatively small scale. Many grants will be under £2,000, most will be under £5,000, and in only a few cases will grants exceed £10,000.

The funding provided by the BlueSpark Foundation can be for physical assets (such as iPads, sports equipment, or lighting for stage productions) for services or facilities (such as sports coaching or music or drama tuition) or simply for the provision of experiences (such as theatre visits). These examples are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive regarding the funding BlueSpark may provide to support projects. Applications can be submitted anytime and must be made online using BlueSpark Foundation's standard application form. More detail at this link.

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Screenshot 2026-02-19 at 12-11-54 Home - BlueSpark Foundation

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The Kelly Family Charity Trust prioritises charities supporting whole families to work together as cohesive units when tackling challenges. It focuses on three areas:

interventions preventing family breakdown (such as practical support, counselling, and mediation);

families affected by abuse, domestic violence, or substance misuse;

prisoners' families during and after imprisonment.

The trust favours charities with an income below £500,000, though larger organisations with innovative pilots may apply. Both capital and revenue grants are available, including core funding, with particular encouragement for newer organisations seeking to establish themselves. More detail at this link.

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Path Accessibility Fund - The Ramblers Association

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Path Accessibility Fund - The Ramblers Association

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The Path Accessibility Fund welcomes applications to fund projects that seek to remove barriers and open up paths for more people in England, Scotland, and Wales. This includes improving access for those people with reduced mobility, who may struggle to climb over stiles. The average award to date has been £2500. All projects must have received written permission from the landowner or their

representative. All types of organisations can apply. The deadline for applications is 14 March 2026. More detail at this link.

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Wildlife Trusts - Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign

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Wildlife Trusts - Save Our Chalk Streams Campaign

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For the first time, chalk streams are mentioned in England's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England, covering topics such as sustainable development, plan-making and decision-making.  This recognition of chalk streams is all thanks to Wildlife Trust members and supporters who have taken action to back our Save Our Chalk Streams campaign, spoken out to raise awareness of the importance of our precious chalk streams and reached out to their MPs. However, these mentions fall short of delivering on the Government’s promise of “explicit recognition”. With two mentions of chalk streams as mere examples, this draft lacks the detail and strength needed to properly protect chalk streams. Our chalk streams are still under threat.

Help the Wildlife Trusts speak up for chalk streams!

While it is a welcome step forward that chalk streams are included in the NPPF, the current wording is too weak to truly protect them. Help the the Wildlife Trusts to call on the Government to strengthen protections for chalk streams! An email template is already preapred for you so all you need to do is use the simple e-action to submit your response to the consultation calling on the Government to add chalk streams to the irreplaceable habitats list in the National Planning Policy Framework. Consultation closes on 10th March 2026.

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Screenshot 2026-02-24 at 13-12-41 Save Our Chalk Streams

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Phyllis Tuckwell's Open Gardens is returning for 2026, and the charity would love to hear from anyone who might like to take part! Whether your space is a country garden, a charming cottage plot, or a small courtyard full of pots, opening your garden to visitors is a lovely way to support local Hospice Care and share your passion for gardening with others. Phyllis Tuckwell will provide guidance on how to plan your Open Garden event, promote it locally, and make it a lovely experience for everyone. You can choose a date that suits you, and they'll include your garden in their 2026 Open Garden brochure. Further detail at this link. (Open to gardens in the Hospice's operational area - Surrey and North East Hampshire).

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The Lions Community Store is in urgent need of a number of home essentials donations (see picture above). The Lions Community Store's mission is to recycle redundant household goods, appliances, clothing etc to benefit people in genuine need in the the local area (North East Hampshire and Surrey borders), thereby reducing unnecessary waste. At the same time the Lions Community Store provides valuable work experience and skills development for their volunteers. Full details about all of the items that can be donated through the Lions Community Store scheme can be found on their website.

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Stepping Stones DS - World Down Syndrome Day 2026 - 20 March

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Stepping Stones DS - World Down Syndrome Day 2026 - 20 March

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Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2026 with Stepping Stones DS!

Join them on Friday 20th March for this free event that will include talks, presentations and a buffet lunch.

Date: Friday 20th March 2026
Venue: Lismoyne Hotel, Fleet, GU51 4NE

11:00 – Welcome and tea/coffee
11:30 – Presentations from trustees, families, service providers, young people, parents and educators (full line-up to follow)
12:30 – Buffet lunch and time to chat

This year’s event celebrates the strength of families supporting one another, as well as the vital role of the wider community - schools, professionals, partners, and friends in ensuring no child, young person, or family feels alone. Booking essential.

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Thanks to everyone who helped promote our Volunteer Thermal Imaging scheme for Hart homes this winter. We are finishing our visits at the end of February for this season. Our team of 18 volunteers have visited 153 homes across the whole of Hart District and 2 communities buildings as well. We will update you if we return for another winter season.

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Congratulations to the Yateley Society on the launch of our newest Repair Café in Hart District! The Repair Café Yateley will meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month at Yateley Industries. They offer to repair the following types of items:

Kettles, toasters, and coffee makers

Small lamps and lighting fixtures

Radios, clocks, small stereo systems, DVD players, speakers

Hair dryers, electric shavers, small grooming appliances

Adjusting tension on sewing machines (portable)/mending textiles/sewing

Toys and gadgets

Minor alterations and repairs to clothes

Bicycles (basic maintenance and adjustments)

Small mechanical tools (e.g. hand blenders, food processors, pepper grinders)

Porcelain ornaments, crockery

Laptops, tablets, and some small computing devices

Vacuum cleaners (domestic, portable)

Miscellaneous items: umbrellas, picture frames, minor furniture repairs to small, portable, items.

More details at this link. To see details about all of our local Repair Cafés please go to the "Green Hart" section on the Here for Hart Directory.

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Our local Lions Clubs  Prostrate Screening Events in April

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Our local Lions Clubs  Prostrate Screening Events in April

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The PSA test is a blood test which can provide the overall health of your prostate and may show the early signs of prostate cancer. PSA is made by the prostate gland. Some of it will leak into your blood, and the amount depends on your age and the health of your prostate.

Saturday 11 April 10.00-14.00 - Sponsored by the Fleet Hospital and Community Friends and the Lions Club of Fleet their next PSA Screening is being held at the Key Centre, Elvetham Heath. Fleet. GU51 1HA.Registration required please go to https://flions.mypsatests.org.uk. A non-returnable fee of £10.00 is required to secure your appointment. You can also use the above weblink to order a PSA home-testing kit for £29.

Saturday 18 April - Yateley Lions Club are holding a PSA Testing Event at the Tythings, Yateley. More detail to follow on their social media - open to Yateley male residents over 40 years.

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Screenshot 2026-02-20 at 09-00-48 Free Prostate Cancer Check « Jenner House Surgery

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Community podcasting CPD course for VCSE sector workers

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Community podcasting CPD course for VCSE sector workers

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Digital Voice are offering an onine community podcasting course to help VCSE workers across the country to either make podcasts themselves or run projects with their groups to produce their own podcasts. This CPD course uses a blended learning approach, which means you’ll get practical tasks to complete at the end of each session. Step by step, you’ll be working on your own podcast as you learn, building both your skills and confidence along the way. By the end, you’ll be ready not only to produce, share, and promote your own podcast, but also to guide a group through the process in the future. This course is perfect for youth and community workers, or anyone interested in creating podcasts for positive impact in a community setting.

By the end of the 6 weeks, you will:

Understand what makes a great podcast

Know what equipment is needed and how to use it

Gain skills to facilitate podcasting with a group

Learn how to promote and share your podcast with others.

There are 2 course options starting on 21 or 23 April and running over 6 sessions. Cost £250 + VAT. More detail at this l ink.

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CityFibre Community Fund - Small Grants Applications

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CityFibre Community Fund - Small Grants Applications

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CityFibre is the UK’s largest open access, fibre-only operator, with services live in cities, towns and villages across the country.

The CityFibre Community Fund supports digital inclusion, innovation and community engagement in areas where CityFibre operates - this includes Hampshire. CityFibre aims to address key digital challenges, enhance social value, and foster stronger community connections by offering a small grants programme. Open to registered charities only. Go to this link and scroll down to find the Hampshire application form. Deadline to apply 27 March.

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"My Home Made Better" Adviser sessions @ the Hart Eco Hub

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"My Home Made Better" Adviser sessions @ the Hart Eco Hub

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My Home Made Better offers free and impartial advice to Hampshire residents about how they could make improvements to their homes to make them greener and more energy efficient. If you would like to book an appoinment to meet one of the My Home Made Better advisers at Hart Voluntary Action's Hart Eco Hub, then we have availability on the following Tuesday mornings between 10.00 and 13.00 (1 hour each). 21 April and 5 May. We have also set up some additional appointments on Saturday 25 April. Booking link here.

Feedback from a Yateley Society member about her My Home Made Better adviser appointment with Lisa from Energy Alton:

"I have to say she was fantastic with our fairly complicated set-up, laid out everything in simple to understand terms, told us what to look out for on supplier quotes and ultimately saved us a lot of money and heartache!!"

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The Big Plastic Count - from 9-15 March, thousands of people will be counting every piece of plastic packaging they throw away. This will show the true scale of the UK’s big plastic problem and call on the government to do more about it. This is not just counting plastic – it is building a movement for a fair future, free from the impacts of the plastics crisis. You can sign up here.

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Hart & Rushmoor Voluntary Sector Forum - 29 April -  Save the Date!

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Hart & Rushmoor Voluntary Sector Forum - 29 April -  Save the Date!

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Our next Voluntary Sector Forum will take place on Wednesday 29 April 10.00 - 12.30 at Rushmoor Borough Council Offices GU14 7JU .  Please save the date and more detail will follow very soon. Do expect an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

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Digital is a priority for 74% of charities, according to the ‘Charity Digital Skills Report 2025’. But at the same time, only 44% of charities have a digital strategy in place.

Using digital in an unsystematic way can lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted time, money, and effort. Charities often stay in this situation due to squeezed organisational finances, a lack of new funds for digital tech, and a lack of headspace and capacity.

What is the Charity Digital Strategy Accelerator?

The Charity Digital Strategy Accelerator, otherwise known as the CDSA, guides you through the process of creating a digital strategy from beginning to end. It is a free, online, self-paced course, made up of twelve modules, each helping you build towards an impactful digital strategy for your charity. The modules are as follows:

Welcome

What is a digital strategy?

Team alignment

Digital governance

Understanding your current digital landscape

Strategic alignment

Horizon scanning

Discovering user needs

Embedding responsibility and ethics

Planning your digital strategy

Writing your digital strategy

Delivering your digital strategy

Full details at this link - note you may need to create a Charity Digital log-in to access this link.

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The Everyone Active Sporting Champions scheme is dedicated to supporting talented athletes across the UK by providing a range of resources and to help them reach their full potential. Through free access to Everyone Active training facilities nationwide and mentoring from some of the UK’s most influential sports stars, the programme aims to remove barriers to success.

Who Can Apply to be a Sporting Champion?

The criteria are:

• A nationally ranked athlete
• Member of a regional squad with regional results in the previous 2 years or represented at regional level in the previous 2 years
• Finished top eight at regionals or equivalent competition in the previous 2 years.

Full details at this l ink: