VCEL – Colleague Connection is an informal networking event.
This relaxed get-together is for everyone who works with the voluntary and community sector, including colleagues from East Lothian Council, Health & Social Care Partnership and our Local Councillors, who are all welcome to attend.
Come and connect with others across the sector, share knowledge and experiences, build relationships, and spark ideas that make a difference—all while enjoying a cuppa and a biscuit with people who care.
Please do bring your business card and/or some leaflets to share with those you will be connecting with.
We’d love to see you there!
Date: 01/10/2026
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Location – VCEL Community Room, 56 High Street, TRANENT
https://vcel.tfaforms.net/99?eventid=a05P300000S8Gyl
Funded Mental Health Training Available in East Lothian
Funded training places are available for East Lothian volunteers and community practitioners through the East Lothian Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. These opportunities are delivered in partnership with Volunteer Centre East Lothian.
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
A two-day workshop that helps participants recognise suicide risk and provide effective support.
Date: 28 & 29 September 2026
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Location – Pennypitt Centre, Double Dykes Rope Walk, Knightsridge, Livingston, Prestonpans, EH32 9BN
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
More information: info@environmentalhealthcic.org
ASIST registration:
https://mhandsplearning.publichealthscotland.scot/course_registration.aspx?id=d3943f24-f814-4e5b-8144-a142e39f6106
Are You Ready to RISE?
Ready to RISE (Readiness & Incubation for Social Enterprise) is a programme supporting women and non-binary people across Scotland to explore social entrepreneurship and turn their skills and passions into meaningful work
The programme helps participants build confidence, identify their strengths, develop ideas with social or environmental impact, and access practical and financial support to bring those ideas to life. No business idea is needed to take part.
Whether you’re returning to work, considering a career change, or looking for a new opportunity to make a difference in your community, Ready to RISE can help you explore the possibilities of social enterprise.
Find out more and register for upcoming information sessions: https://linktr.ee/AreyoureadytoRise
Date:
– Cohort 1: Wednesday 2 September-Wednesday 21 October
– Cohort 2: Wednesday 28 October-Wednesday 16 December
– Cohort 3: Wednesday 13 January-Wednesday 3 March 2027
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location – Via Zoom
Delivered by Challenges Group and Firstport.
Introduction to Risk Management Webinar
Risk management doesn’t have to be complicated. Join Ricki McLaughlin from Caerna Ltd for a practical introduction to managing risk in charities and community organisations.
This session will cover:
- Trustee and charity responsibilities around risk
- Simple approaches for small and medium-sized organisations
- How to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively
- Practical guidance without the jargon
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.
Whether you’re a trustee, staff member, or volunteer, this webinar will help build confidence and strengthen your organisation’s governance.
Date: 15/09/2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location – Online
Find out more and register:
https://vcel.org.uk/events/introduction-to-risk-management-webinar/
Raise Free Funds for Your Organisation with easyfundraising
Looking for a simple way to generate extra income for your organisation? Join Becky from easyfundraising to discover how your volunteers, staff, and supporters can raise free, unrestricted funding every time they shop online with leading retailers.
In this informative session, you’ll learn:
- How easyfundraising works through a live demonstration
- How to register your organisation
- Tips for maximising donations
- Answers to your questions during a live Q&A
Perfect for charities, community groups, CICs, social enterprises, schools, churches, sports clubs, and other local good causes looking to boost their fundraising efforts with minimal effort.
💙 A great opportunity to unlock additional funding and engage your supporters in a simple, effective way.
Date: 16/09/2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location – Online
https://vcel.org.uk/events/meet-the-funder-webinar-easyfundraising/
An Introduction to Funding Training – Module 2
Join us for the second module in our Fundraising Training Series, designed to help organisations improve their funding success.
This session will focus on completing a strong funding application, covering what funders are looking for and practical ways to make your application stand out.
You’ll learn:
- What information to include in your application
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Tips for strengthening your funding bids
- How to make your application more compelling
This is the second of three modules, and attending all three sessions is recommended to get the most from the training.
Date: 24/09/2026
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location – Volunteer Centre East Lothian
https://vcel.org.uk/events/an-introduction-to-funding-training-module-2/
An Introduction to Funding Training – Module 3
Join us for the final module in our Fundraising Training Series, focusing on project evaluation and monitoring.
Understanding and demonstrating the impact of your work is an essential part of successful fundraising. This session will explore how to gather meaningful information and evidence, helping you confidently report back to funders and showcase the difference your organisation is making.
You’ll learn:
- The basics of project monitoring and evaluation
- How to collect meaningful data and feedback
- Ways to measure and demonstrate impact
- How to produce strong reports for funders
This is the third and final module in the series. We recommend attending all three modules to gain the maximum benefit from the training.
✨ Develop the skills and confidence needed to evidence your impact, strengthen future funding applications, and meet funder reporting requirements.
Date: 29/10/2026
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location – Volunteer Centre East Lothian
https://vcel.org.uk/events/an-introduction-to-funding-training-module-3/
Trauma and Why a Trauma-Informed Approach Matters
Trauma can have a lasting impact on people’s health, relationships, confidence, learning, and ability to access support. Understanding these impacts can help us create safer, more supportive environments where individuals can thrive.
Join Sarah Sutherland, Person-Centred and Trauma Lead at East Lothian Council, for this practical and informative training session.
Topics covered include:
- What trauma is and how it affects people
- Attachment and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- How to respond in a trauma-informed way
- Supporting your own wellbeing
This training is ideal for those working in healthcare, education, housing, social services, customer services, community groups, the voluntary sector, and leadership roles.
✨ Gain the knowledge and confidence to create more supportive, trauma-informed environments for the people and communities you work with.
Date: 21/09/2026
Time: 09:30 – 15:30
Location – Volunteer Centre East Lothian
https://vcel.org.uk/events/putting-people-first-trauma-informed-practice-2/ |
