You’re a free spirit…

Photo of Sarah FindlayWhy a small charity in Glasgow is refusing to become a social enterprise

Sarah Findlay runs Starter Packs a small charity in Glasgow that collects household items and gives them to people who need to get themselves back on their feet, generally after homelessness. The charity also provides volunteering for socially disenfranchised people who are … Continue reading

Is competition killing us? Event notes available

Notes from our May 29th event with London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) about commisioning, ‘is competition killing us?’ are available to download here.

NCIA has a continuing interest in commissioning and in the policy issues that lie behind it – the future of public services and the voluntary sector’s role in this future. We … Continue reading

We’re still here

A spirit of independence helps an older people’s project in Leeds keep going without council funding but it’s a struggle to provide the activities that people need 

Stanningley and Swinnow Live at Home Scheme (SSLaHS) was formed in 1988 by St. Thomas’ Church Group and became part of a neighbourhood network system that was unique … Continue reading

Calling all activists!

Take part in an essential piece of research – NCIA wants to hear from you about where you get support in your campaigns – from fellow activists? From a local network? From on-line contacts?

Tell us what makes the difference, so we can spread the word to others looking for support. Email Penny: penny@independentaction.net

Or … Continue reading

Community groups under threat: Where does true resilience lie?

Free seminar – book  now!

Thursday 12th July 2012, 9.30am – 1.30pm including lunch
King’s House Conference Centre, Sidney Street, Manchester M1 7HB

How can small community groups survive and thrive in the current climate of cuts? Can new partnerships and peer support help groups become more resilient in facing these challenges? Or do we … Continue reading

Netroots UK – 30 June at TUC Congress House

Fancy a bit of networking and training in online activism? Register for this year’s Netroots conference on Saturday 30 June 2012 at Congress House in London. Visit www.netrootsuk.org or email becky@netrootsuk.org

It’s £5 / free for unwaged and incudes a post-event reception with a free drink (how could you resist?)

The event has a focus … Continue reading