,

International Women’s Day 2026, Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked annually on March 8. It’s the biggest women-focused day of the year and sees groups worldwide celebrate and support women’s advancement in their own special, most relevant way. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive.

The theme of IWD 2026 is “Give To Gain”, encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

If you are planning an event or activity that could highlight the role of women in the VCSE, please shout out and we can publicise.

Info on this year’s campaign and IWD events can be found here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com

/by

Open Age News

Community learning classes

New classes ready for you to join! For any questions, call the ACL team on: 020 4516 9972 or email aclbookings@openage.org.uk

  • Spring Learning Courses
  • How to Use Social Media
  • Introduction to A.I.
  • Travel Smart: Book Flights, Trains, Stays & Activities  

Adult Community Learning Courses | OpenAge

Activities, events & trips

  • Chi Gong in the park (Porchester Square Gardens)
  • Fashion Knitting
  • Dance Exercise
  • History of Art Online – 6th February
  • IT Connect More at New Horizons – 10th February
  • Two Temple Place Building Tour – 12th February
  • Community Wellbeing through Art Talk at The Avenues – 23rd February

Our Activities Programme | OpenAge

/by
,

LBHF Provided Training for January & February Postponed

VCS trainings that were due to take place before the 24th February have now been postponed.

This is to ensure a proper promotion in the lead up to these sessions, so that as many people as possible are able to make use of them.

Groups should look out for updates on HF Community Compass.

/by
,

How to use LinkedIn to Fundraise

Michelle Benson, Founder of Culture of Philanthropy,  offers her tips for using LinkedIn as a relationship-building tool for fundraisers. Gain some tips on using LinkedIn here.

/by

New Guidance to Assist Charities Under Threat of Attack

Jay Kennedy highlights the new Charity Commission guidance, urging trustees and leaders to report serious incidents and strengthen safeguards. Take a look here.

/by

New Year Honours 2026: Full list of H&F people Receiving a Gong from King Charles III

Huge congratulations to Jazz Brown who is awarded the British Empire Medal and the distinguished list includes Hammersmith comedian Bill Bailey, charity and cultural leaders and NHS experts. 

Visit: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/news/2026/01/new-year-honours-2026-full-list-hf-people-receiving-gong-king-charles-iii

 

/by

Getting Started with Your Accessibility Journey in 2026

Raquel Garrido-Soriano from Visionary shares her personal journey into the sight loss sector and reflects on how embedding accessibility as a core, evolving practice through small, practical steps can create genuinely inclusive documents, conversations and organisations. Take a look here.

/by

The Guardian View on Hard Times for Britain’s Charities: Struggling to Do More with Less

This Guardian article explores the challenges facing the voluntary sector as it attempts to cope with an ongoing funding crisis. Take a look here.

/by

Responding to Extremism

NCVO has published a report that explores the impact of the rise in extremism on the voluntary sector. Give it a read here.

DSC’s digital guide on responding to racism offers practical steps for charities to safeguard themselves and maintain their operations helps organisations reassess their strategic planning and stand in solidarity with others to combat racism and bigotry. Take a look here.

/by
,

Flu Cases are Rising

Please if you have symptoms of flu: coughing, sneezing or fever – help stop the spread. 

Stay home if you can and wear a mask around other people. 

Look after yourself, rest, keep warm take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 

If you need medical help or advice use NHS 111 online or over the phone from home. 

Please do not travel to our hospitals or emergency services. 

Help stop the spread.

More information➡️ www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu

If you are eligible for a flu vaccination:

  • over 65
  • children aged 2-3 all school age children
  • people with health conditions
  • and those who are pregnant – make sure you get yours now.

 

/by