Laura
@lauravsnw.bsky.social
📖Research and Policy Manager at Voluntary Sector North West @vsnw.bsky.social
⛩️ Sporadically studying Japanese in my spare time. ようこそ！
📍 New Brighton, Wirral
Views my own!
⛩️ Sporadically studying Japanese in my spare time. ようこそ！
📍 New Brighton, Wirral
Views my own!
Reposted by Laura
📰 #News | We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred yesterday on Water Street. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
⬇️See our full statement via the image or link below⬇️
🔗 tinyurl.com/LCVS0219
⬇️See our full statement via the image or link below⬇️
🔗 tinyurl.com/LCVS0219
May 27, 2025 at 12:06 PM
📰 #News | We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred yesterday on Water Street. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
⬇️See our full statement via the image or link below⬇️
🔗 tinyurl.com/LCVS0219
⬇️See our full statement via the image or link below⬇️
🔗 tinyurl.com/LCVS0219
Reposted by Laura
Where did all the voters go?
📺 IPPR's Dr Parth Patel tells the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee that we are getting awfully close to the tipping point where elections lose legitimacy because the majority did not take part.
📺 IPPR's Dr Parth Patel tells the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee that we are getting awfully close to the tipping point where elections lose legitimacy because the majority did not take part.
February 4, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Where did all the voters go?
📺 IPPR's Dr Parth Patel tells the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee that we are getting awfully close to the tipping point where elections lose legitimacy because the majority did not take part.
📺 IPPR's Dr Parth Patel tells the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee that we are getting awfully close to the tipping point where elections lose legitimacy because the majority did not take part.
Check out our initial thoughts on the NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance and what opportunities/challenges it might present the #VCFSE sector in the North West.
#thirdsector
#civilsociety
#thirdsector
#civilsociety
The NHS has set out its 2025/26 priorities—what does this mean for the VCFSE sector? More local control, growing financial pressures, and a bigger role in prevention. Read our take 👇
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/2/...
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/2/...
The NHS 2025/26 priorities – where does the sector fit in? — VSNW
NHS England has just released its 2025/26 Priorities and Operational Planning Guidance, setting out key areas of focus for the year ahead. While the document emphasises collaboration and local flexibi...
www.vsnw.org.uk
February 4, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Check out our initial thoughts on the NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance and what opportunities/challenges it might present the #VCFSE sector in the North West.
#thirdsector
#civilsociety
#thirdsector
#civilsociety
Looks like I should've fixed for more than 2 years after all....
Rising interest rates will add to families’ rising mortgage costs.
Based on the current outlook for interest rates, Britain’s aggregate annual mortgage bill is estimated to rise by around £1.5 billion over the course of 2025.
👉 https://buff.ly/4hAwdcl
Based on the current outlook for interest rates, Britain’s aggregate annual mortgage bill is estimated to rise by around £1.5 billion over the course of 2025.
👉 https://buff.ly/4hAwdcl
January 31, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Looks like I should've fixed for more than 2 years after all....
Reposted by Laura
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
January 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM
4.3 million children are in poverty
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
UK govt won’t see progress on child poverty by 2029 even with high economic growth 📢
Our analysis shows under our central scenario only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 in part due to social security policies 1/5
Honestly this is such fantastic, uplifting news! The world feels very hostile and dangerous lately, but this is an amazing reminder of people power & how, when we come together collectively, we can manifest the change we need for all our communities. Huge congrats to the team and the planet! 🌍
BREAKING 🚨: WE WON OUR CASE AGAINST ROSEBANK.
The court has ruled the oil field UNLAWFUL and Rosebank’s approval has been overturned.
This is a monumental victory in the fight for a liveable future for all.
The court has ruled the oil field UNLAWFUL and Rosebank’s approval has been overturned.
This is a monumental victory in the fight for a liveable future for all.
January 31, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Honestly this is such fantastic, uplifting news! The world feels very hostile and dangerous lately, but this is an amazing reminder of people power & how, when we come together collectively, we can manifest the change we need for all our communities. Huge congrats to the team and the planet! 🌍
Perhaps the newts and bats are safe after all...
This is a positive move, but points to a continued lack of coherence in the government's agenda - as covered by @samfr.bsky.social and @dmk1793.bsky.social and @colmpm.bsky.social's excellent piece on the different strands of Labour thinking.
Active state here, deregulation over there...
Active state here, deregulation over there...
@ippr.bsky.social have called for this too many times to count. Great to see it take another step towards reality.
Clarity on priorities for the land - inc. food, nature recovery, climate adaptation, housing & energy - is essential to managing change & informing decisions at all levels of gov.
Clarity on priorities for the land - inc. food, nature recovery, climate adaptation, housing & energy - is essential to managing change & informing decisions at all levels of gov.
January 31, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Perhaps the newts and bats are safe after all...
Really enjoyed the series of panels at @instituteforgov.bsky.social conference. Great to see they're available for viewing - I can now catch up with one's I missed!
📸 IfG's Government 2025 conference
This week we brought together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2025, including @darrenpjones.bsky.social @jimmcmahon.co.uk & Alex Burghart MP
🎧Watch or listen back
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
This week we brought together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2025, including @darrenpjones.bsky.social @jimmcmahon.co.uk & Alex Burghart MP
🎧Watch or listen back
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 27, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Really enjoyed the series of panels at @instituteforgov.bsky.social conference. Great to see they're available for viewing - I can now catch up with one's I missed!
📣VCFSE organisations in Greater Manchester, check out the compilation of resources for the sector on the GM VCFSE Leadership Group website!
Our new website brings together resources designed to support our sector to carry out its work.
Why not take a look! 👇
www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk/resources
Why not take a look! 👇
www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk/resources
Resources
The GM Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Leadership Group works to promote the voice and role of the sector. Find out more about our work and how to connect with us.
www.vcfseleadershipgm.org.uk
January 27, 2025 at 10:36 AM
📣VCFSE organisations in Greater Manchester, check out the compilation of resources for the sector on the GM VCFSE Leadership Group website!
Myself and @vsnw.bsky.social colleagues have signed up to attend the #ConventionoftheNorth in Preston in Feb. Looking forward to seeing what's on the agenda, the line-up and to represent and advocate for the #VCFSE sector in the North West 💪
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social @emlounewman.bsky.social
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social @emlounewman.bsky.social
January 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Myself and @vsnw.bsky.social colleagues have signed up to attend the #ConventionoftheNorth in Preston in Feb. Looking forward to seeing what's on the agenda, the line-up and to represent and advocate for the #VCFSE sector in the North West 💪
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social @emlounewman.bsky.social
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social @emlounewman.bsky.social
If companies want people to come back to the office, they must provide employees with reasons why they should - beyond it being "good for the economy". Banish sad office culture with grey lifeless cubicles, promote choice, embed flexibility. Ask us what we, as employees, need to tempt us back.
Should people stop working from home?
The debate so far has been dominated by opinion and hearsay. We need to wait for studies to show whether it’s a) good for the economy and b) good for home life.
📺 #ICYMI: IPPR's Dr Parth Patel on BBC #PoliticsLive 👇
The debate so far has been dominated by opinion and hearsay. We need to wait for studies to show whether it’s a) good for the economy and b) good for home life.
📺 #ICYMI: IPPR's Dr Parth Patel on BBC #PoliticsLive 👇
January 22, 2025 at 11:14 AM
If companies want people to come back to the office, they must provide employees with reasons why they should - beyond it being "good for the economy". Banish sad office culture with grey lifeless cubicles, promote choice, embed flexibility. Ask us what we, as employees, need to tempt us back.
nteresting webinar on "how to fix local government" as part of
@instituteforgov.bsky.social
annual conference. Totally agree hilarycottam.bsky.social on the need for LA's to build better and more collabroative relationships with community and civil society.
@instituteforgov.bsky.social
annual conference. Totally agree hilarycottam.bsky.social on the need for LA's to build better and more collabroative relationships with community and civil society.
January 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
nteresting webinar on "how to fix local government" as part of
@instituteforgov.bsky.social
annual conference. Totally agree hilarycottam.bsky.social on the need for LA's to build better and more collabroative relationships with community and civil society.
@instituteforgov.bsky.social
annual conference. Totally agree hilarycottam.bsky.social on the need for LA's to build better and more collabroative relationships with community and civil society.
The Foreign Secretary once called Trump a racist, a tyrant in a toupee with a team is made-up of KKK members...now this week he's head over heels for Trump saying he has "incredible grace, generosity...very funny and friendly"
How will this fickleness impact our international & UK policy?!
How will this fickleness impact our international & UK policy?!
🗽 Is Britain ready for Trump v2?
No, says Dr Parth Patel. For the first time since 1945, the UK and the USA might not stand for the same things.
#ICYMI: IPPR's Parth on BBC #PoliticsLive 👇
No, says Dr Parth Patel. For the first time since 1945, the UK and the USA might not stand for the same things.
#ICYMI: IPPR's Parth on BBC #PoliticsLive 👇
January 21, 2025 at 10:12 AM
The Foreign Secretary once called Trump a racist, a tyrant in a toupee with a team is made-up of KKK members...now this week he's head over heels for Trump saying he has "incredible grace, generosity...very funny and friendly"
How will this fickleness impact our international & UK policy?!
How will this fickleness impact our international & UK policy?!
“Progressives have failed to grasp what could unite people across diverse working class communities — turning a profound sense of powerlessness into a feeling of power.”
Progressives need to focus on building power and relationships in communities if we're to counter right-wing populism in the UK.
Dan Firth writes on the day of Trump's inauguration✍️
neweconomics.org/2025/01/the-...
Dan Firth writes on the day of Trump's inauguration✍️
neweconomics.org/2025/01/the-...
The big lesson progressives need to learn to counter right wing populism
With the inauguration of Donald Trump and the emboldening of right wing populism in the UK - we need to be focusing on building power in communities
neweconomics.org
January 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
“Progressives have failed to grasp what could unite people across diverse working class communities — turning a profound sense of powerlessness into a feeling of power.”
Reposted by Laura
💼 Reforms like merging JobCentre Plus & National Careers Service could transform employment support – but where’s the VCFSE voice?
Read about the sector's role in shaping change: www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#EmploymentSupport #VCFSE
Read about the sector's role in shaping change: www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#EmploymentSupport #VCFSE
Understanding the English Devolution White Paper and its impact on civil society — VSNW
The much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16 December, marks a significant step towards reshaping governance in England. As we move towards the implementation of the Eng...
www.vsnw.org.uk
January 17, 2025 at 10:47 AM
💼 Reforms like merging JobCentre Plus & National Careers Service could transform employment support – but where’s the VCFSE voice?
Read about the sector's role in shaping change: www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#EmploymentSupport #VCFSE
Read about the sector's role in shaping change: www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#EmploymentSupport #VCFSE
When you have a supposedly left-wing Government who aren't really implementing policies that truly benefit the working class people of this country & who continue to stoke culture wars (e.g., anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQ+) the far-right and facism will fill that void. History tells us all.
January 17, 2025 at 10:13 AM
When you have a supposedly left-wing Government who aren't really implementing policies that truly benefit the working class people of this country & who continue to stoke culture wars (e.g., anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQ+) the far-right and facism will fill that void. History tells us all.
Reposted by Laura
🚨 Last chance! Applications close soon for our Communications & Policy Officer role. Join us to ensure the sector plays an integral role in the development of the Greater Manchester.
📝 Apply now: vsnw.org.uk/jobs
💡 Know someone perfect for the role? Share this!
📝 Apply now: vsnw.org.uk/jobs
💡 Know someone perfect for the role? Share this!
January 14, 2025 at 9:59 AM
🚨 Last chance! Applications close soon for our Communications & Policy Officer role. Join us to ensure the sector plays an integral role in the development of the Greater Manchester.
📝 Apply now: vsnw.org.uk/jobs
💡 Know someone perfect for the role? Share this!
📝 Apply now: vsnw.org.uk/jobs
💡 Know someone perfect for the role? Share this!
Reposted by Laura
Six in ten Brits (61%) want Elon Musk to intervene less in UK politics and current affairs, including 67% of Labour voters and 63% of Conservatives
January 14, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Six in ten Brits (61%) want Elon Musk to intervene less in UK politics and current affairs, including 67% of Labour voters and 63% of Conservatives
Came to Blue Sky to get away from you-know-who 🥲
Seriously though, it is an extremely concerning time for British Politics. The next few months will be interesting to say the least.
Seriously though, it is an extremely concerning time for British Politics. The next few months will be interesting to say the least.
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Came to Blue Sky to get away from you-know-who 🥲
Seriously though, it is an extremely concerning time for British Politics. The next few months will be interesting to say the least.
Seriously though, it is an extremely concerning time for British Politics. The next few months will be interesting to say the least.
Check out our latest briefing for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise #VCFSEsector in the North West, in collaboration with Network for Europe.
What is devolution, what does the White Paper change, and what are the challenges and opportunities for #civilsociety #thirdsector?
What is devolution, what does the White Paper change, and what are the challenges and opportunities for #civilsociety #thirdsector?
🚨 The English Devolution White Paper is here! Power is moving closer to communities – but what does this mean for civil society? Let’s make sure grassroots voices are heard.
Read more⬇️
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#Devolution
Read more⬇️
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2025/1/...
#Devolution
Understanding the English Devolution White Paper and its impact on civil society — VSNW
The much-anticipated English Devolution White Paper, published on Monday 16 December, marks a significant step towards reshaping governance in England. As we move towards the implementation of the Eng...
www.vsnw.org.uk
January 14, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Check out our latest briefing for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise #VCFSEsector in the North West, in collaboration with Network for Europe.
What is devolution, what does the White Paper change, and what are the challenges and opportunities for #civilsociety #thirdsector?
What is devolution, what does the White Paper change, and what are the challenges and opportunities for #civilsociety #thirdsector?
If you're based in Greater Manchester and looking for a new opportunity for the new year, our team is looking for a Communications and Policy Officer to support the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group.
Find out more:
www.vsnw.org.uk/jobs/communi...
Find out more:
www.vsnw.org.uk/jobs/communi...
Communications & Policy Officer (Greater Manchester) — VSNW
We are looking for a Communications & Policy Officer to drive the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group’s voice, influencing and communications work, ensuring effective engagement with stakeho...
www.vsnw.org.uk
January 7, 2025 at 11:52 AM
If you're based in Greater Manchester and looking for a new opportunity for the new year, our team is looking for a Communications and Policy Officer to support the Greater Manchester VCFSE Leadership Group.
Find out more:
www.vsnw.org.uk/jobs/communi...
Find out more:
www.vsnw.org.uk/jobs/communi...
Really amazing work here embedding the role of the voluntary sector within health research and supporting communities to partake in and lead on research that is important for them.
This is just the beginning, I'm sure!
Well done @francescalily.bsky.social 👏
@nihrarcs.bsky.social
This is just the beginning, I'm sure!
Well done @francescalily.bsky.social 👏
@nihrarcs.bsky.social
💡 Building trust, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities—exactly what the Cheshire & Merseyside Research Engagement Network is doing!
See how we’re reshaping health & care research engagement ⬇️
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2024/12/17/publication-of-the-cheshire-and-merseyside-ren-impact-report
See how we’re reshaping health & care research engagement ⬇️
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2024/12/17/publication-of-the-cheshire-and-merseyside-ren-impact-report
Publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside REN Impact Report — VSNW
VSNW is delighted to announce the publication of the Cheshire and Merseyside Research Engagement Network (REN) Impact Report . This report reflects eight months of collaborative work (August 2023 – M...
www.vsnw.org.uk
December 23, 2024 at 9:59 AM
Really amazing work here embedding the role of the voluntary sector within health research and supporting communities to partake in and lead on research that is important for them.
This is just the beginning, I'm sure!
Well done @francescalily.bsky.social 👏
@nihrarcs.bsky.social
This is just the beginning, I'm sure!
Well done @francescalily.bsky.social 👏
@nihrarcs.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura
We welcome the Labour government’s commitment to devolution but want to emphasise the importance of integrating the VCFSE sector into delivery models to address local needs, particularly in rural areas, and ensure no community is left behind.
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social gives his thoughts ⬇️
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social gives his thoughts ⬇️
December 17, 2024 at 3:45 PM
We welcome the Labour government’s commitment to devolution but want to emphasise the importance of integrating the VCFSE sector into delivery models to address local needs, particularly in rural areas, and ensure no community is left behind.
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social gives his thoughts ⬇️
@vsnwescadale.bsky.social gives his thoughts ⬇️
UKSPF allocations for 25/26 launched last week. With allocations aligned to local need & deprivation rather than just population size, there's an opportunity for this to actually begin to level up communities. Hopefully this is the Gov's future direction of travel alongside the devolution paper.
📢 UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations for 2025-26 are out – but what does this mean for the North West?
Find out how these investments will support growth, skills, and communities across our region 👇
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2024/12...
Find out how these investments will support growth, skills, and communities across our region 👇
www.vsnw.org.uk/news/2024/12...
UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations announced for 2025/26 — VSNW
Network for Europe’s Andy Churchill breaks down the detail of the recently published guidance for the one year UK Shared Prosperity programme for 2025/26. Last week the UK government has announced ...
www.vsnw.org.uk
December 17, 2024 at 3:45 PM
UKSPF allocations for 25/26 launched last week. With allocations aligned to local need & deprivation rather than just population size, there's an opportunity for this to actually begin to level up communities. Hopefully this is the Gov's future direction of travel alongside the devolution paper.
This will be really important to ensure devolution really impacts communities and the from bottom up. May's Liverpool City Region election had a turnout of only 24% and Greater Manchester 32%
9/ 🗳️ Better democratic engagement: Places should target strong public recognition of mayors, active citizens’ engagement in local policy & improved turnout in elections
December 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM
This will be really important to ensure devolution really impacts communities and the from bottom up. May's Liverpool City Region election had a turnout of only 24% and Greater Manchester 32%