This Guardian article explores the challenges facing the voluntary sector as it attempts to cope with an ongoing funding crisis. Take a look here.
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.
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.
Access to urgent dental appointments has been improved, don’t suffer with painful tooth problems, you can now call NHS 111 to get help.
Appointments can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week through NHS 111 — either online or by calling 111.
What the service covers
Urgent dental appointments are there to help people experiencing serious dental problems, including:
- severe toothache that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers
- dental abscesses causing swelling, pain or fever
- broken, fractured or knocked-out teeth and fillings
- bleeding in the mouth following an injury
- infection
- severe gum bleeding.
How to access care
You do not need to be registered with a dentist to use this service. Anyone in need of urgent advice or treatment can contact NHS 111.
More information about urgent dental conditions is available at NHS.uk/urgentdentalcare.
Autumn Budget 2025 – Christmas cheer or bah humbug? It’s up for debate!
Hot off the press, our new article by Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research at DSC, delves into the turbulent Budget season filled with leaks and uncertainty, which left charities questioning whether to anticipate positive changes or unwelcome challenges.
Jay outlines the promising measures announced in the Budget, such as the removal of the two-child limit and new VAT relief, while also addressing ongoing concerns like impending tax and compliance reforms. Read the full analysis here.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising, in collaboration with fundraising think tank Rogare, has called on charities across the UK to pledge to create and enforce a Donor Code of Conduct aimed at protecting fundraisers from inappropriate behaviour by donors or supporters. Find out more here.
The Charity Finance Group is undertaking a short survey to understand how charities currently use salary sacrifice arrangements, particularly for pension contributions. This information is critically important because there are strong indications that the Chancellor may announce a cap of £2,000 per year on salary sacrifice contributions for pensions in the upcoming Autumn Budget. Complete the survey here.
Ahead of the Autumn Budget set to be published at the end of the month, the Civil Society Group, which includes DSC, has written to the government on behalf of charities and community organisations across the UK. Take a look at what we said here.
Whether you’re launching a new campaign, applying for a grant, or engaging major donors, one thing is certain: your case for support needs to be clear, compelling, and credible. Read more.
Over 300 charities and voluntary organisations have signed a letter to the home secretary, declaring their refusal to support her “immoral and impractical” plan to implement a volunteering “test” for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Read more in this Civil Society article here.
You can now purchase raffle tickets from our office at the GNC, which will be drawn at our Christmas Fayre on the 6th December.
sobus
20 Dawes Road, London, SW6 7EN
Telephone 020 7952 1230
Email info@sobus.org.uk
Registered Charity No.1071089
and Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No.03471416
Sobus is a new Community Development Agency for Hammersmith & Fulham. It has been created through the merger of the Community and Voluntary Sector Association Hammersmith & Fulham (CaVSA) and the Fulham Community Partnership Trust (FCPT). Building on the strengths of both organisations, sobus aims to provide a wider range of support services for local charities, community groups, social enterprises and start up businesses.