Local Community Support

North Somerset Council has a programme dedicated to strengthening relationships with Town and Parish Councils while exploring innovative service delivery models for our residents. Through previous UKSPF grant projects, we identified a need to support the VCSE sector in writing successful funding bids, demonstrating impact, and upskilling the dedicated volunteers and staff who contribute so much to our communities. To shape future funding and service delivery, a sector report will provide valuable insights and guidance.

The project includes:

• Co-production workshops supporting collaborative working with Town and Parish Councils
• Free training for VCSE partners via a series of workshops
• A VCSE sector review

Parks and Countryside Ranger role

Through continued funding from The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Parks and Countryside Ranger role has been extended until the end of March 2026. With the new criteria focused around increasing volunteer engagement opportunities we will be able to build upon the work from the last 18 months. The Ranger will continue to work with existing volunteer groups around North Somerset and grow on the links made with activity coordinators, support workers and health and social care services to provide exciting volunteer opportunities on park and open spaces around North Somerset.

Sessions will enable new volunteers to become involved in projects and join existing groups to help improve their local communities. We will also be able to look for further improvement projects on our open spaces to give new opportunities to the community to become involved.

With the links already established there will also be the opportunity at some locations to work with new groups such as forest schools and to provide volunteering opportunities for those involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

We will also work with out local Town and Parish Councils with the Council working together initiative to support them with developing key skills needed to support volunteers working in parks and open spaces.

Business Support Unlocked (BSU)

Delivered through the hive, the Business Support Unlocked programme is a free at the point of access pre-start, early growth, and business resilience programme that provides North Somerset businesses with a package of flexible and accessible support to help them overcome challenges and succeed well into the future.

Support includes:

• A 3.5 day Starting in Business Course
• Advice Sessions delivered through face-to-face appointments, by phone, or via online platforms
• A series of workshops that focus on up-to-date information on key priorities and sectors

Click here to find out more about BSU

Green Business Grants

The Green Business Grants Programme has applications open until 30 June 2025 and aims to support small and medium size businesses (SMEs) and sole traders with decarbonisation and energy efficiency works to continue working towards a net zero North Somerset area.

You can apply for capital grants ranging from £500 to £10,000 to perform energy efficiency measures, such as LED replacements, draught proofing, installation of air source heat pumps and renewables. We offer three distinct grant opportunities through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with a total funding allocation of £150,000 for businesses depending on the size, location and type of project.

Click here to find out more about the Green Business Grants Programme

Opportunity North Somerset

Opportunity North Somerset is an independent triage and employment support service, tailored to help residents enter or return to the workforce. Our knowledgeable team will offer personalised support to help meet your needs and aspirations.

Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers or retuning to the work force our dedicated team is here to ensure that you’re equipped for success and paired with the best resources, support, training, and guidance. We’re an inclusive team and experienced in supporting individuals facing barriers to secure sustainable work, education or training. Why not contact us to find out how we can help you!

Click here for more information on Opportunity North Somerset.

Empower - employment support for those with learning difficulties

Empower aims to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with Learning disabilities. Delivered by the SEND Centre of Excellence at Weston College the Empower team have collaborated with local employers to work in partnership to not only develop beneficiaries’ interpersonal skills such as confidence, but to also develop their employability skills and awareness around community action, Creating a pathway to employment that is built on inclusion, capability, and long-term impact.

For more details, please contact Opportunity North Somerset and/or empower@weston.ac.uk.

Women’s Work Lab

A comprehensive program designed to support women returning to the workforce after a period of childcare.

This support provides:

• An initial interview to pinpoint challenges
• One month-long training for core employability skills
• Tailored coaching sessions
• A work placement with a local organisation and;
• Subsequent guidance on CV writing, job searching, and interviews

The program also includes ongoing mentoring and emphasises the importance of in-demand sectors like green skills, digital/tech, and construction.

Click here to apply now.