Research Better Together 2025 – Applications Open!

Applications to be part of Research Better Together 2025 are now open. Developed by UoB and BVSC Research and funded through an NIHR Programme Development Grant, Research Better Together aims to enable equitable, collaborative and participatory research activity between academic researchers and VCFSE organisations, in the fields of Health, Social Care and Wellbeing. For more information about the Research Better Together programme click here.

Please access application documents below:

Information For Potential Collaborations

Scoring RBT Applications

RBT Application Form

Latest

West Midlands Multibank Reaches One Million Milestone to Help Families in Need

One million essential items have been distributed to families in need across the region through the West Midlands Multibank since the project was launched just over a year ago. The milestone was celebrated by BVSC, who oversee the West Midlands Multibank alongside funders Comic Relief and Sport Relief. The West Midlands Multibank receives donations from businesses such as Amazon to distribute to a network of over 200 community partners who then distribute them to families most in need.
CYP Preventative and Early Mental & Emotional Help - External Stakeholders Engagement

Early Help Mental Health Services provide voluntary, preventative support for children, young people, and families facing challenges to prevent future escalations into secondary care mental health services. The way our young people want to access support, and their needs have changed a lot over the last 10 years. We are reviewing our services to ensure we deliver them effectively and to check if our current delivery model meeting patient needs.
Letters, Promises and Belonging: The Children Of Windrush
Birmingham Windrush Service of Commemoration, Thanksgiving and Celebration

The service will include contributions from clergy, community leaders, and the Birmingham Windrush Celebration Legacy Choir.

West Midlands Multibank Reaches One Million Milestone to Help Families in Need

One million essential items have been distributed to families in need across the region through the West Midlands Multibank since the project was launched just over a year ago. The milestone was celebrated by BVSC, who oversee the West Midlands Multibank alongside funders Comic Relief and Sport Relief. The West Midlands Multibank receives donations from businesses such as Amazon to distribute to a network of over 200 community partners who then distribute them to families most in need.
Fundraise with Birmingham Community Lottery!

Join BVSC's Birmingham Community Lottery, a no fees, online fundraising solution. Since we launched the lottery in 2024, 174 good causes have raised over £30,000 in funds! Register by 27th June and your supporters will gain access to this month's Super Draw national bolt-on prize – a £1,000 Airbnb Getaway! It's quick and easy - register today!
Read the latest Community Investment Bulletin!

This quarterly community round-up highlights and celebrates how organisations, businesses and communities are working together to build a fairer, greener and more connected Birmingham. This edition focuses on digital inclusion and highlights partnerships and projects that are looking to ensure everyone has the access, skills, confidence, and devices needed to use digital technologies effectively.
Become a Trusted Partner volunteer for the Crisis and Resilience Fund!

After receiving cabinet approval in April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (formerly the Hardship Grant Community Fund) is being made available to ease the financial burdens faced by vulnerable citizens in Birmingham. BVSC will distribute grants of up to £220 to help households with food costs and energy payments. BVSC are looking for Trusted Partner organisations to become part of a network helping complete online enquiries and applications on behalf of citizens.
Carers Week 8-14 June

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. As we mark Carers Week, discover what's on in Birmingham to celebrate carers.
Raise funds for your cause with easyfundraising

Over £2.2 million has just been given to community and voluntary led organisations using easyfundraising. All courtesy of retailers giving donations when people shop online. You can be part of the next funding pay out in August by setting up a free easyfundraising page for your organisation.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales officially opens James' Place Birmingham

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales officially opened James’ Place Birmingham at the start of Mental Health Awareness Week in May. James’ Place are a charity offering free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Birmingham. His Royal Highness was able to meet our new team, men that have been helped at our other centres, as well as local supporters and donors that have helped bring James’ Place to Birmingham.
Volunteers’ Week: Celebrating the People Who Make Birmingham Stronger

Every day, volunteers give their time, energy, skills and compassion to support communities, strengthen organisations and help people feel less alone. Whether it’s supporting local groups, helping at events, mentoring, fundraising, befriending or simply being there when needed, volunteers play a vital role in the life of our city.
Severn Trent Community Fund

Severn Trent Community Fund: Core Funding will be open for applications from Monday 1st June to Tuesday 30th June 2026 (11:59pm). Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for a restricted grant of £5,000–£20,000 to support their core costs for one year. We expect to fund around 25 organisations from across the Severn Trent region in this round.
West Midlands Swift Academy: Evaluation Report

Discover how football drills, poetry performances and wildflower planting are helping to save one of Britain's most threatened birds — and what this pioneering community approach could mean for urban nature recovery. Read on for the full West Midlands Swift Academy: Evaluation Report, carried out by BVSC Research.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Help for Birmingham households experiencing financial hardship is being developed as part of Birmingham’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (previously known as Household Support Fund/ Hardship Grant Community Fund) programme.
Become a volunteer

Volunteering involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that is of benefit to others or the environment. Find out how you can get involved in volunteering in Birmingham.
The Weather Model

This model uses the weather as a metaphor for different elements of reflective practice.
What we do

BVSC aims to support a vibrant and resilient sector which in turn ensures that people from across the city feel included and engaged and have access to appropriate support from people who understand the issues and challenges they face.
Join BVSC

There are several ways that you can engage with BVSC to stay informed, grow your organisation and connect with others.
Neighbourhood Network Schemes in Birmingham

The aim of Neighbourhood Network Schemes (known as NNS) in Birmingham is to help older adults in Birmingham to lead healthy, happy and independent lives in their own homes and communities.
Funding

Find out how BVSC can help you with fundraising
Compliments, Comments and Complaints Process

At BVSC we strive to provide our customers with the best service possible. We know that some of the best ideas come from people outside of our organisation and we therefore welcome feedback at every level to help us continuously improve what we do. This means that we want to hear from you when things go well, and when things could have gone better.
Quality Standards
Promote your organisation