England
Positive stories, useful developments and people making a difference in England.
York community groups invited to apply for new round of ward funding
Community groups, charities and voluntary organisations across York have until 27 September to apply for the second round of City of York Council ward funding for 2026/27.
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Dunstable tenant turns surplus supermarket food into a lifeline for neighbours
For five years, Harmony has collected surplus supermarket food three times a week and shared it with people in her Dunstable neighbourhood, turning help she once received into practical support for others.
Nottinghamshire groups can get up to £1,000 for projects that cut waste and boost recycling
Community groups, schools and charities across Nottinghamshire have until 14 September to apply for grants supporting practical projects that reduce waste, reuse materials and improve recycling.
New Bolton community shop will combine affordable food, a café and practical support
Community Shop Sunnyside is due to open in Great Lever on 16 September, bringing discounted groceries, a community hub and a café together under one roof.
Middlesbrough community choir opens its autumn season to new singers
MTH Community Choir returns to Middlesbrough Town Hall from 7 September, offering weekly sessions led by opera singers Emily Smith and Dave Pisaro.
Tees Expo brings hundreds of businesses together at the Riverside Stadium
Tees Expo returns to Middlesbrough on 17 September with free delegate entry, more than 70 exhibitors and a day of networking and business support.
Middlesbrough’s Class of ’86 reunites to raise money for Gary Parkinson’s care
Former Middlesbrough FC players will reunite at Middlesbrough Town Hall on 10 September for a fundraising evening supporting former teammate Gary Parkinson.
Kimberley football club marks 100 years with upgraded community ground
Kimberley Miners Welfare FC has celebrated its centenary after a year of improvements to the Stag Ground, including upgraded floodlights, drainage, pitch barriers and a new pavilion.
Filey community groups invited to apply for new round of council grants
Local organisations serving Filey can now apply for 2026 council grant funding, with applications open until 31 October.
£2.65m Heritage Fund award moves Colchester’s oldest building towards a new community future
Holy Trinity Church has secured £2.65m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, unlocking the next phase of a £3.4m project to restore Colchester’s oldest standing building and bring it back into everyday community and cultural use.
Mid Suffolk community groups can apply for up to £10,000 as Progress Power fund reopens
Community organisations in Eye, Mellis, Thrandeston, Yaxley and Brome & Oakley can apply for grants of £250 to £10,000 until 31 October 2026.
New Sandwich community fund opens with grants of up to £5,000
A new legacy-backed fund is inviting charities, schools and community groups in Sandwich to apply for projects supporting health, connection, children and the local environment.
Warrington opens its doors for ten days of free heritage discovery
Heritage Open Days returns to Warrington from 11 to 20 September, with historic venues, guided walks, policing history, bell ringing, rugby heritage and rare behind-the-scenes access to Parr Hall.
South Norfolk community groups can apply for up to £10,000 to improve local greenspaces
A fresh round of South Norfolk Council’s Nature Conservation Fund is offering grants for community-led projects that help wildlife, climate resilience and access to greener places.
£1.25m boost takes Newcastle cancer trials institute beyond £28m raised
A Wolfson Foundation grant has moved the planned Sir Bobby Robson Institute closer to completion, with construction under way on the specialist cancer clinical trials centre.
Cornwall community health network shortlisted twice for national NHS awards
A partnership linking the NHS, voluntary organisations and more than 50 community hubs has been recognised for work on health inequalities and neighbourhood care.
Free Leyland health event brings checks, advice and 40-plus organisations under one roof
Residents can access free health MOTs, professional advice and dozens of health and community organisations at the Leyland Health Mela.
£47m fund will back community organisations working to prevent homelessness
A new England-wide fund will support voluntary, community and faith organisations providing practical help to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Carers in Bedfordshire expands independent support after major service change
The Bedfordshire charity says it is continuing and developing its support for unpaid carers despite the end of a long-running local authority contract.
Luton approves £18.9 million fund focused on jobs, prevention and stronger neighbourhoods
A three-year resilience fund will invest in employment, homelessness prevention, independent living, young people and safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.
Every London GP practice now offers self-swab cervical screening
Self-swab cervical screening has been rolled out across all 1,100 London GP practices, giving more women another way to take part in screening.
Stem cell treatment improves sight in first trial for previously untreatable rare eye condition
Patients with aniridia-related keratopathy experienced improved vision after a first-in-human stem cell treatment developed at UCL and Moorfields.
Eight volunteering festivals will help East Hampshire residents find ways to get involved
Community events across East Hampshire are bringing volunteering opportunities into towns and villages so residents can meet organisations face to face.
Council cake sale combines fundraising with a potentially life-saving lesson about sepsis
A Three Rivers charity cake sale will raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust while helping residents learn the warning signs of the condition.
Grain-of-rice-sized light chip could help power faster 6G networks
Loughborough researchers have demonstrated a tiny microcomb system capable of generating precisely spaced light frequencies for communications and quantum technology.
Wiltshire community lottery helps Calne group turn local support into practical impact
Wiltshire's community lottery is helping a Calne good cause raise money and connect more residents with its work.
Community hub in Croydon combines affordable workspace, creativity and connection
Soul-Full is bringing a community café, creative studios, meeting rooms and affordable workspaces together in central Croydon.
Early health checks give Dudley patients more time to get ready for surgery
A new NHS screening service identifies health concerns earlier in the waiting period, giving patients more time and support to prepare for planned operations.
New cancer exercise resource is designed specifically for people with learning disabilities and autism
A cancer-specific physical activity resource aims to make movement advice more accessible to people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
New parent packs offer practical support when a child's hospital stay comes without warning
University Hospitals Sussex has launched packs designed to help families cope with the practical strain of an unexpected admission.
Stockport NHS catering duo reach national Chef of the Year final
Chef Owen Stafford and retail assistant Lauren Carter have reached the final of the NHS Chef of the Year competition after progressing through a competitive field.
Dudley patients invited to help design better support for living with inflammatory arthritis
A free NHS workshop will bring patients, carers and healthcare professionals together to shape how people with inflammatory arthritis are supported to live well.
UCLH patients give hospital care one of London's strongest national survey scores
Patients rated their overall UCLH care 8.7 out of 10, placing the trust second among London's general acute trusts and fifth nationally.
Northolt artists make community art-trail debut with sales supporting church restoration
Two local artists will exhibit at St Richard's Church Chapel as part of Ealing's 10th anniversary art trail, with proceeds from one artist's work supporting St Mary's refurbishment appeal.
Bath Spa University earns Mental Health Charter Award for whole-university approach
Bath Spa has been recognised through the University Mental Health Charter for work embedding mental health and wellbeing across university life.
Nine Torbay heritage projects receive grants to bring local history to life
Grassroots projects across Torbay are receiving heritage funding designed to strengthen local pride and people's connection with the places around them.
Twenty-eight community organisations share £120,000 across Hart
Local projects supporting wellbeing, inclusion, connection and residents facing challenges have received grants through the Here for Hart scheme.
Herefordshire opens micro-grants for ideas that strengthen community connection and wellbeing
Residents and local groups can apply for up to £250 to start or develop small projects that bring people together and support mental wellbeing.
Oxford researchers win funding to pursue drugs that could prevent inherited bowel cancer
Cancer Research UK funding will support drug discovery aimed at preventing cancer in people with inherited polyposis syndromes.
£500,000 grant will help Durham researchers protect fragile heritage without damaging it
New specialist imaging equipment will let researchers investigate archaeological objects less invasively and study heritage threatened by climate change.
Pollinator project creates 4.2 hectares of nature-rich habitat across Cumbria
A council and wildlife trust partnership has won a DEFRA award after transforming 22 sites into meadows and community gardens for pollinators and people.
Shrewsbury turns disused town-centre plot into a community garden
Volunteers are being invited to help transform an unused Abbey Foregate site into a pocket park and shared community garden.
Notting Hill Carnival marks 60 years of Caribbean culture and community
London's landmark Carnival is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee with a year-long programme and a weekend expected to draw around two million people.
Free bike checks and learn-to-ride sessions aim to get more Walsall residents cycling
Walsall Council and Cycling UK are offering free Dr Bike repairs and learn-to-ride sessions through a new project designed to make cycling easier to start or return to.
Online MenB booking expands so eligible young people can arrange both vaccine doses themselves
The NHS National Booking Service now lets eligible young people book either MenB dose online, making it easier to complete the two-dose vaccination course.
Crews reduce appliances at Suffolk wildfire as National Trust launch fundraiser
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Oxfordshire independent school marks record BTEC success
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Festival celebrates diversity of African culture
The festival is intended to provide opportunities 'for people from different backgrounds to connect' A fledgling arts festival will showcase "a different dimension of African excellence" across a week ...
NHS must plan for heat and wildfires, says expert
Health services should be "preparing in advance rather than reacting" to events, including heatwaves and wildfires, an academic has said. Firefighters have been tackling rural blazes across the East ...
Arctic to Africa fundraiser's next adventure? The M25
An athlete who finished an epic 61-day triathlon from the Arctic to Africa last week has set his sights on something far less glamourous for his next fundraiser - the M25. Matthew Hollingham, from ...
Sheffield Theatres unveils full programme for new festival Open Works
A new annual festival celebrating creative talent in British theatre is heading to Sheffield. Spanning city centre venues the Playhouse, the Montgomery Theatre and the Montgomery Studio, Open Works ...
Dorset Council: Sherborne Library has reopened to the public
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Creative climate action projects get funding boost
Arts and culture programme The Leap chose 17 organisations to receive funding to support projects which address climate change while strengthening local communities. Among them are a musical ...
Nature reserve hit by 10 fires in a few weeks
A nature reserve had suffered 10 fires in recent weeks, causing damage to precious habitats and leaving volunteers distressed. Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) said it believed the fires at ...
Norfolk to receive NHS mental health hubs and crisis unit
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A look inside city museum ahead of its reopening
Hull Maritime Museum will reopen to the public this Saturday after being closed for six years Hull Maritime Museum is getting ready for its big reopening this Saturday after six years of being closed ...
£300k pledged to create 'lasting legacy for nature'
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been pledged to two community projects to help create a "lasting legacy for nature that is truly unique". The East Suffolk Trust has awarded more than £300,000 to ...
New affordable homes plan at site of former Leeds care home
Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area. A former care home site could be turned into affordable homes after plans were drawn up by the council. Twenty-one flats could be built ...
New GCSE league table sees four Hertfordshire schools in top 100
Four Hertfordshire independent schools have been included in the top 100 of a new league table based on 2026 GCSE results.
Sunderland Sheepfolds housing plans get nearly £28m Homes England investment
More than 350 new homes are said to have been "unlocked" by a £27.7m investment by Homes England into the development of Sunderland's Sheepfolds neighbourhood. The Government's housing and ...
Hull Maritime Museum: Reopening 'worth the wait' as council leader hails 'world class visitor experience'
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Four new mental health facilities promised across Cambridgeshire will be 'lifeline'
Four new mental health facilities will be built in Cambridgeshire, including two emergency departments. The developments are part of a £343 million national initiative that marks the biggest redesign ...
New funding to 'restore pride' in local high streets
Businesses, charities and community groups across Greater Manchester will soon be able to apply for a share of a new £20m fund aimed at improving local high streets. Mayor Bev Craig announced the Good ...
Billingham International Folklore Festival clinches £30,000 grant to stage new theatre project
One of the North-East’s most celebrated festivals has received a £30,000 grant to create and deliver a brand-new theatrical experience for audiences on Teesside. The Billingham International Folklore ...
Newbury Racecourse Station reveals impressive new mural created through a community project
There’s a vibrant fresh new look to Newbury Racecourse on-site station following a community collaboration. The project involved the Racecourse, Great Western Railway, Berkshire Youth and City Arts ...
University of Hertfordshire supports Luton's A-level students
A university has been praised for its support of students as they take their next steps after A-levels. The University of Hertfordshire joined students at Luton Sixth Form College on Thursday, August ...
Blackburn scheme offers affordable housing for NHS workers
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The volunteers providing meals and help to wildfire crews
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The charity, which relies on donations, is supporting fire crews with hot food and drinks on the ground [Rapid Relief Team] "We ...
12-hour walking football tournament in south Essex helps raise almost £5,000
More than 70 players have come together in Shoebury for a 12-hour charity football match in support of Prostate Cancer UK ...
Maritime volunteers join River Tyne clean-up
Maritime volunteers have taken to the River Tyne as part of a multi-agency operation to clean up thousands of small… | North East | Environment | Environment | Community | ...
New genetic breakthrough brings answers for those with Perrault Syndrome
Researchers from Bill Newman's team at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester have uncovered a new genetic cause of the rare inherited condition Perrault syndrome, ...
Cambridgeshire residents lead effort to tackle speeding
Residents are taking the lead in making their roads safer by tackling speeding head-on. In Cambridgeshire, more than 1,000 volunteers are involved in the Community Speedwatch scheme, which aims to ...
Golf network tees up £22,500 charity boost
A North East corporate golf network has raised more than £22,500 for two regional charities, taking its total fundraising beyond… | North East | Culture | Golf | Charity | Community | Donation | ...
Greater Anglia to fund 33 railway and community projects
Train operator Greater Anglia has awarded grants totally £350k to 33 community-led projects from its Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF).
Age UK calls for bucket collection volunteers in Redditch and Bromsgrove
Age UK North Worcestershire is appealing for volunteers to help with supermarket bucket collections across the district between September and December.
Wiltshire police netball team recognised at awards ceremony
A police netball team has been recognised for its commitment to sport and community at a new awards ceremony. The Wiltshire Police Netball Team was named the first-ever Sports Team of the Year at the ...
Bradford charity fundraiser Nazim Ali shortlisted for award
A DEDICATED Bradford fundraiser who has raised more than £1.6 million for charity has been shortlisted for a national award.
Lottery funding helps Corby wellbeing garden grow year-round
The lottery funding will support Green Minds, a community gardening project at Corby's Willowbrook Wellbeing Garden that helps people improve their wellbeing through nature, garde ...
Round Norfolk Relay to support the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2026
More than 1,000 runners from Norfolk and beyond are preparing to take on one of the county’s best-known endurance events.
Carlisle Foodbank founder leaves £1m to Cumbria Community
Caroline Adams, development manager at CCF, said: "We were absolutely stunned and delighted to learn that Rachael Rodway had left this incredible gift in her will to Cumbria Commu ...
Kidderminster couple fundraiser for bereavement ward
Now, Callum and Leigh are determined to raise awareness about stillbirths, and organised a fundraising day on August 7 to raise over £4,000 for the Worcestershire Maternity Bereavement Ward.
Worcestershire Creative Arts Festival seeks 2027 sponsors
Worcestershire Creative Arts Festival is seeking sponsors and business partners to support its 2027 event and help nurture local talent.
Charity Golf Day at Barton-on-Sea Golf Club has raised over £30,000 for Oakhaven Hospice with a guest appearance by footballing legend Bruce Grobbelaar
A charity golf day has raised over £30,000 for Oakhaven Hospice with a guest appearance by footballing legend Bruce Grobbelaar a highlight.
Work begins on 84-home East Hull scheme
Work has begun on 84 “much-needed” affordable homes as part of a major regeneration programme in East Hull. National partnership housing… | Construction | Yorkshire & The Humber | Community | Local Au ...
East Hampshire climate grant helps fix up repair café
A new repair café where residents can get broken belongings fixed and learn how to repair items themselves has been launched with the help of a £10,000 climate grant.
Search for new rural bus service operator goes on
Ability closed in April because of a lack of funding and a permanent home [West Northamptonshire Council] The search for a new operator to bring back a community bus service would require further work ...
'Our park has come alive again' - Community celebrates Hull park reopening
Significant improvements to a local park have transformed the space, ensuring it has become a more accessible and safer space for both young and old. Sculcoates Park has undergone significant ...
£40k funding helps Burnham Community Centre finish new solar roof and cut heating costs
Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre has just completed the latest phase of a project to extend its use of solar energy and make the building more efficient, which has already led to a reduction to its ...
Berkshire HIV and LGBTQ+ charity 'incredibly grateful' for six-figure lottery boost
A charity supporting people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ communities across Berkshire is ‘incredibly grateful’ for a six-figure windfall from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Share offer for UK’s biggest community development passes first target
A crowdfunder for an ambitious plan to bring a 12-acre brownfield site in Frome, Somerset, into community ownership has passed its initial target and is headed for a stretch target of £1.2m. The goal ...
GCSE results day 2026 LIVE: Cambridgeshire schools, grades, pass rates and updates as students get their results
Students are receiving GCSE grades and technical awards to help them progress on to sixth form, college or training.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside starts winter flu jab campaign
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to get vaccinated as part of early preparations for winter, with the national booking system now open to help ease demand on healthcare services during the ...
York celebrates Key Stage 4 (GCSE) students’ success
City of York Council education leaders have congratulated students across the city as they receive their GCSE and Key Stage 4 results today (Thursday 20 ...
Wolverhampton construction firm secures six-figure funding to scale up
BAX Construction, the Wolverhampton firm behind the transformation of the former Express & Star building, has secured six-figure funding ...
Run South London: new Merton half marathon partners with JustGiving
JustGiving is partnering with Run South London to launch a new closed-road half marathon in the borough of Merton.
I fix cars for a living and put out fires in my spare time
By day, 20-year-old Tyrell Cambridge spends his hours fixing vehicles, but when the tools are down, he swaps the workshop for the fire station. Volunteering as a firefighter for the Peterborough ...
Colchester photographer hosts Cancer Research UK fundraiser
Iyanu Taiwo, 30, founder of Colchester-based Otolorin Photography, is launching the Portraits for a Purpose initiative.
Octopus Capital buys entire 150-home Devon site in first whole-scheme deal
Octopus Capital has purchased an entire 150-home development in Landkey, North Devon, from housebuilder Allison Homes South West in its first whole-site acquisition. The deal represents the first ...
Art centre launches in Durham, UK with light-themed works by Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin
The Light in Durham—formerly the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery—has reopened following £17m redevelopment ...
More than 70,000 social and affordable homes to be built as government unveils initial details of £39bn housing plan
A share of nearly £10 billion has been allocated to councils and housing associations in the first wave of Government funding to boost “genuinely affordable homes”, it has been announced. The ...
£1bn government housing boost for North West
The government is to give nearly £1bn to the North West to deliver about 7,500 new homes as part of plans to "build the country out of a housing crisis". A share of up to £10bn has been announced for ...
Preventative mental health reform plans backed by Oxfordshire charity
Oxford-based charity Response has endorsed the Government’s £343m plan to enhance existing preventative mental health care provisions designed to ensure fewer ...
Plans submitted for 25 affordable homes
Plans for 25 affordable apartments on the site of a former care home in Leeds have been submitted for approval. Leeds City Council said it wanted to build the one and two-bedroom homes on Richmond ...
Programme to help shape future health services across Devon
People in Devon are being invited to have their say on shaping future health services in their communities. A new county-wide conversation has launched in the county as part of the ‘Let’s talk ...
Thousands raised for Hull-based charity
Hull Trains employees have successfully completed a fundraiser for P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery. The team walked the entire route for the operator from Hull to London King’s Cross to raise nearly £6,000 ...
Integrated NHS partnership transforms care for children with cerebral palsy
A decade-long collaboration between Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) and University Hospitals Coventry and ...
New medical equipment and more volunteers to support search and rescue response across Worcestershire
The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) has upgraded its medical equipment and grown its team of volunteers, after receiving funding through Worcestershire.
Cromer RNLI is encouraging volunteers to get involved
A volunteer is encouraging others to get involved after taking on five different roles at her lifeboat station.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust invites public for fundraiser in 2026
Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is inviting the public to take part in a sponsored walk at Broadland Country Park on Sunday, October 4, to raise funds for its work protecting the county’s wildlife. Eliot ...
Wolverhampton community centre gets £400k lifeline
Portobello Community Centre in Wolverhampton is to receive a £400,000 makeover as part of efforts to bring the vacant building back into community use ...
Dozens of affordable homes to be built in South Wokingham
A forward sale of 81 homes has been completed at Holme Meadows in South Wokingham, with Vistry selling the properties to housing association VIVID.
Don't believe the poo we will deliver affordable homes, says Cornwall Council
Organisers of the 'random act of art theatrical protest', which is due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, have accused the council of going back on a promise to deliver 11 affordable homes as part ...
Kidderminster Habberley Park development completed
A brand-new affordable housing development has been completed in Kidderminster. The final shared ownership properties at Habberley Park have now been sold, marking the completion of a scheme delivered ...
Fundraiser launched to secure crafting shop future
Three best friends are fighting to keep their independent crafting shop alive amid a rise in business costs. The Kiwi Fruit is Cute in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, hosts charity events and hosts free ...
Bury riding centre marks 60 years of helping people through horses
The volunteer-run Margaret Haes Riding Centre has celebrated six decades of equestrian activities supporting children and adults with disabilities and other challenges.
Cornwall expands face-to-face Community Gateway support to reach thousands more people
Cornwall’s Community Gateway is increasing in-person outreach alongside its telephone service, with at least 50 additional people a week expected to receive face-to-face help.
Disused Ilford building becomes accessible new home for community groups
Janice Mews has reopened after refurbishment as a 60-person community space with a kitchen, accessible toilets and step-free access for charities and voluntary groups.
Ramsgate fishing community raises more than £6,500 for RNLI as 79 children take to the water
A record 79 children joined Ramsgate’s junior fishing competition, while organisers Dawn and Jason Parrott received surprise community-service awards from the High Sheriff of Kent.
Cornish schools celebrate GCSE results day
Students across Cornwall are visiting their schools today to receive their final GCSE results.
Focus on engagement to resolve rural housing challenges
New strategies in the East Midlands highlight how community involvement is key to delivering affordable rural housing.
Suffolk students celebrate academic success
Schools across Suffolk are reporting positive GCSE outcomes as pupils collect their results today.
Proposal for new energy facility in Cambridgeshire
Plans for an anaerobic digestion plant on the outskirts of a Cambridgeshire village are currently being considered.
Teesside students receive GCSE grades
Year 11 pupils across Teesside are collecting their GCSE results today, marking a significant milestone in their education.
Newcastle United stadium plans link to major investment strategy
The Public Investment Fund is considering a £2 billion development plan for Newcastle, including a new stadium proposal for 2030.
New housing development secured for North Devon
Octopus Capital has purchased a 150-home development site in Landkey from housebuilder Allison Homes.
Plans unveiled for major housing scheme near Sherborne
A planning proposal has been submitted to build 380 homes on a site located on the outskirts of Sherborne.
Birmingham Dogs Home hosts first country music festival
A new charity event is aiming to raise funds for the care of abandoned dogs in the West Midlands.
Bridging the gap: innovation in Liverpool classrooms
Two schools in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle are preparing students for the future by connecting them directly with industry professionals.
Sunderland considered for defence industry hub
Sunderland has been identified as a potential site for a new enterprise zone aimed at supporting the national defence sector.
Age UK North Worcestershire calls for new volunteers
The charity is seeking enthusiastic individuals to help support its vital work across the county.
Design firm staff join forces for local conservation
Employees from ArchitecturePLB have rolled up their sleeves to help protect native habitats in Hampshire.
New research project targets New Forest biodiversity
A collaborative programme has launched to safeguard the most vulnerable species and habitats within the New Forest.
Swindon man finds new path through volunteering
A Wiltshire resident has credited volunteer work with helping him turn his life around after a long struggle with addiction.
Durham military museum reopens as major arts venue
Following a £20 million transformation, a former military museum has reopened its doors to the public as a dedicated space for arts and culture.
London to host health innovation conference this October
Healthcare leaders from the NHS and the independent sector will gather in London for the biennial Harley Street Health District conference.
Investment deal secures 150 homes for North Devon
A new agreement has been reached to develop 150 affordable homes in North Devon following a surge in investor interest.
New affordable homes unveiled in Bampton
Eighteen modern, affordable houses have been completed at School Close in Bampton, replacing a group of older council properties.
Families flock to popular Teesside summer festival
Thousands of visitors gathered at Kirkleatham Museum for the award-winning Between the Tides festival this weekend.
Hertfordshire hospice asks residents to host tea parties
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is encouraging the community to come together over a cuppa to support local end-of-life services.
Berkshire Search and Rescue hosts MP for training visit
Clive Jones MP met with volunteers in Berkshire to see first-hand how the search and rescue team prepares for emergencies.
Nottingham benefits from £10bn government housing investment
A major new funding package worth £10bn has been unveiled to support housing projects, with Nottingham marked as a site for early delivery.
Proposal suggests using military housing for homeless veterans
New plans aim to repurpose empty military properties in Wiltshire to provide support for former service personnel.
Community rallies to safeguard Rothbury Estate
Businesses and residents in the North East have joined forces to protect wildlife on the estate.
Areas identified for multi-billion pound affordable housing investment
The government has confirmed the locations set to benefit from the first wave of its latest affordable housing scheme.
London food hub switches to solar power
New Spitalfields Market has completed the installation of rooftop solar panels to generate renewable energy.
Government confirms initial funding for national housing programme
The first £9.6bn of the government’s wider £39bn Social and Affordable Homes Programme has been allocated.
Cumbria charity run to address mental health stigma
The 'Stride Against Suicide' event will return to the region next month to encourage open conversation about wellbeing.
Few local councils secure strategic partner status in housing programme
New figures from Homes England highlight a reliance on non-council partners for the latest wave of affordable housing funding.
Construction begins on 158 affordable homes in Castleton
A partnership between MCI Developments and L&G Affordable Homes will bring new housing to the Trub Farm site.
Coventry and region set for 3,000 new social homes
The West Midlands will see a major increase in affordable housing following a significant government funding allocation.
Proposal for veteran housing development in Essex
A social entrepreneur is exploring plans to build 40 affordable homes specifically for veterans near Colchester.
Sheffield green tech firm launches major African energy project
A UK-based company is investing £55 million to help develop renewable energy infrastructure across Africa.
Teesside tribute honours volunteers who fought in Spain
The North East Volunteers for Liberty is highlighting the legacy of local fighters who defended the Spanish Republic.
Multi-billion pound boost for national affordable housing
A major government funding package aims to deliver tens of thousands of new homes across England.
Devon residents invited to shape health service future
A new county-wide initiative is encouraging locals to share their views on how future community health services should look.
Worcestershire runners smash fundraising target ahead of race
A dedicated group of participants has already raised £7,000 to improve patient experience across local hospitals.
Wolverhampton charity seeks support for period poverty campaign
A local organisation is appealing to residents to assist with their upcoming annual fundraiser this September.
Wiltshire Council avoids funding shortfall
Proactive savings and a tax adjustment have helped the local authority steer clear of the financial instability facing other UK councils.
B-Side Arts Festival brings independent cinema to Portland
A selection of documentaries and short films will be showcased in Dorset as part of the upcoming B-Side Arts Festival.
Age UK York selected for annual carol concert
The upcoming York Community Carol Concert at the Barbican will shine a spotlight on the work of Age UK York.
Newcastle guitar raffle boosts Northumberland conservation bid
Community members in Heaton are raffling a bespoke instrument to help secure land for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
Search and rescue team bolsters medical capabilities
Volunteer responders in Worcestershire have upgraded their life-saving equipment and expanded their ranks to strengthen emergency support.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust plans autumn charity walk
The public is invited to explore Broadland Country Park this October to help raise vital funds for local conservation.
West Mercia Police calls for volunteer cadet leaders
The force is expanding its youth engagement efforts by seeking new volunteer leaders for its Police Cadets scheme.
South Norfolk communities invited to bid for green space grants
Local groups can now apply for funding of up to £10,000 to enhance their local environments.
Bridgwater health site secures £2.5 million funding boost
Somerset Council has redirected resources to repurpose a historic hospital site for community health use.
Major investment set to deliver 3,100 homes in Liverpool City Region
A significant housing fund of £380 million has been announced to boost the availability of social and affordable properties.
Long Stratton housing project moves to next phase
Updated plans have been submitted for the ongoing development of a large housing estate in Norfolk.
Bristol City initiative partners with police to boost community safety
The Bristol City Robins Foundation has launched a new project to foster deeper collaboration between professional football clubs and local law enforcement.
Hull woman fundraises after breast cancer diagnosis
A travel agent is raising funds to give back to the charities that supported her through treatment and introduced her to a new sport.
Fundraiser prepares for Wolf Run challenge for Warwickshire animal sanctuary
A dedicated supporter is set to tackle a demanding 10k obstacle course to raise money for a Warwickshire-based animal charity.
Calls for more social housing to support rural Norfolk communities
A local advocate is urging planners to address the shortage of affordable housing to help young people stay in their home villages.
Consett charity receives King's Award for voluntary service
Foundation For Good has been honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service for its work in County Durham.
London community groups invited to apply for £15,000 environmental grants
Voluntary organisations in London are being offered financial support to revitalise local green spaces and boost biodiversity.
Push for increased affordable housing in Southwold
Councillor David Beavan has called for urgent action to improve housing availability in the Suffolk town.
Community support grows for toddler battling cancer
A fundraiser is underway for three-year-old Alfie Barrow, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer earlier this year.
Addressing London’s housing development targets
The Mayor’s latest draft plan recalibrates how the capital aims to meet its long-term housing requirements.
Cornish sepsis survivor reaches national award finals
A woman who overcame severe health setbacks has been named a national finalist after completing a 700-mile fundraising walk.
Planning and regeneration highlight August in Worcestershire
Key development projects across the county have taken centre stage throughout the month.
New befriending initiative launches in Northumberland
Age UK Northumberland has introduced the Enabling Connections programme to provide vital face-to-face support for elderly residents.
Oxfordshire volunteer marks four decades of service
Mavis Shortman was honoured with a surprise 80th birthday party to celebrate her long-standing commitment to Christian Aid.
Penrith firefighters and musicians unite for charity event
An upcoming music event at Rheged will see emergency workers and local artists raising funds for charity.
Stonehouse disability charity secures £10,000 funding
A charity in Stonehouse that helps adults with learning disabilities socialise has expanded its services thanks to a new grant.
NHS to introduce at-home HPV cervical screening in Essex
Eligible residents in Essex will soon be invited to participate in a free, at-home HPV self-testing programme.
Charity walk set for Hertfordshire countryside
Supporters will walk a half-marathon distance through Hertfordshire this September to raise funds for homeless youth.
One hundred affordable homes planned for Peterborough
A new housing development in Peterborough will include 100 affordable homes as part of a significant residential expansion.
Programme unveiled for 2026 UNTHINKABLE festival in Hull
Hull’s upcoming arts and film festival has revealed its full programme, highlighting the city’s growing creative ambition.
Watchet residents push for paper mill site regeneration
Local community members have united to champion the redevelopment of the historic Wansbrough paper mill into housing.
Kingsley School celebrates record results and a top-25% national ranking
Kingsley School Devon says its 2026 A Level and vocational results have broken school records for a second year, with an ALPS score placing it in the top quarter nationally for academic achievement.
£17.8m Bridgwater Diagnostic Centre opens to bring NHS tests closer to home
A new £17.8m NHS diagnostic centre has officially opened beside Bridgwater Community Hospital, expanding access to scans and tests in Somerset.
Sunderland rallies around teenager Jude Hazard as family raises money for specialist treatment
Fundraisers across Sunderland are backing 15-year-old Jude Hazard and his family as they seek specialist treatment overseas for a rare heart cancer.
Wolverhampton charity lunch raises nearly £2,000 for four local good causes
A sports-themed mayoral lunch in Wolverhampton raised nearly £2,000 for four local charities supporting young people, community kitchens and grassroots sport.
Emergency-department HIV testing has helped almost 200 Royal Free London patients get diagnosed earlier
Routine blood-borne-virus testing in Royal Free London emergency departments has identified HIV in 198 patients since 2022, allowing earlier specialist treatment and support.
Synthetic sugar molecule points to possible future vaccine and rapid test for drug-resistant hospital fungus
An international team including Exeter researchers has identified a synthetic sugar structure that generated protective immune responses against Candida auris in preclinical work and supported a prototype rapid test.
Bristol festival will put bees, pollination science and live hives centre stage
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden's Bee and Pollination Festival returns on 5 and 6 September with talks, honey tastings, live-hive demonstrations and children's activities.
Manchester scientists find cleaner way to deliver hard-to-move sugars directly into cells
A Manchester team has used tiny boron-based structures to carry water-soluble glycans into cells without relying on potentially harmful organic solvents.
WHO highlights UK learning-disability medicine course as an example of inclusive healthcare
A postgraduate course co-designed by North Middlesex consultant Dr Charly Annesley has been recognised by the World Health Organisation for strengthening disability-inclusive care.
Barnet Hospital launches electronic prescriptions from emergency care to make medicine collection easier
Patients discharged from Barnet Hospital's emergency department and urgent treatment centre can now have prescriptions sent electronically to a chosen community pharmacy.
First UK patients begin trial of drug designed to help people stay strong enough for pancreatic-cancer treatment
The Royal Free London has treated the first two UK participants in the RIVER study, testing whether Ponsegromab can reduce severe weight and muscle loss during chemotherapy.
Ultrasonic beam levitates objects from 40cm away, six times the previous one-sided range
Bristol and Tsukuba researchers have demonstrated stable, single-sided acoustic levitation at distances up to 40cm, opening possibilities for handling delicate or hazardous materials without contact.
Queen Mary secures £25m to train researchers in health, AI, waste and sustainable technology
Four new doctoral programmes will support around 80 researchers, including widening-participation scholarships and training for healthcare professionals moving into clinical research.
Online MenB booking expands so all eligible young people can arrange both doses
The NHS National Booking Service now allows every eligible young person in the time-limited MenB programme to book a first or second dose online ahead of university and college terms.
Quantum computers could give scientists a new way to inspect the hidden behaviour of matter
Queen Mary researchers have developed a computational spectroscopy approach using quantum computers to study systems that are difficult for conventional machines to model.
New DNA-reading method uncovers another layer of information inside our cells
Cambridge researchers developed SCoTCH-seq, which can read three forms of cytosine across both DNA strands and may eventually improve understanding of cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
Cambridge will lead £50m centre searching for treatments for mitochondrial DNA diseases
A new £50m Medical Research Council centre led from Cambridge will bring researchers, clinicians and patients together to develop therapies for mitochondrial DNA diseases.
Hertford’s free castle music festival puts family-support charity centre stage
Rock at the Castle returned with three stages, an inclusive SEND area and fundraising for Home-Start Hertfordshire, which supports families with young children.
Liverpool City Region secures £380m expected to support 3,100 social and affordable homes
A £380m regional allocation will support around 3,100 new social and affordable homes across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton.
£529m Greater Manchester allocation is expected to support around 4,400 affordable homes
Greater Manchester has been allocated an estimated £529m in the first wave of the national Social and Affordable Homes Programme, supporting roughly 4,400 homes.
Rochdale scheme will deliver 158 affordable homes backed by £40m investment
MCI Developments and L&G Affordable Homes are delivering 158 homes at Trub Farm in Castleton for social rent and shared ownership.
Work starts on 84 affordable homes as East Hull’s Ings regeneration moves into its next phase
The latest phase of the Ings estate regeneration will deliver 84 affordable-rent and shared-ownership homes alongside green space, play areas and energy-saving features.
NHS Online appoints first chief executive as digital specialist-care service moves towards 2027 launch
Dame Caroline Clarke has been appointed first chief executive of the Online NHS Trust, which is expected to provide up to 8.5 million virtual appointments and assessments in its first three years.
Birmingham researchers map the best sensors for seeing deeper inside the body with light and sound
A review of 82 ultrasound detectors has created a practical guide for improving photoacoustic imaging of blood vessels, tumours and tissue deep inside the body.
Liverpool secures €4.4m to train the next generation of materials innovators
A five-year Horizon Europe programme will train international doctoral researchers in materials chemistry, data science, robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing.
Liverpool programme turns lived experience into nine businesses and £5.2m of social value
Citizen First LCR backed entrepreneurs facing barriers into business with a Real Living Wage, seed funding and expert support, generating more than £5.2m in assessed social value from £500,000 investment.
British Transplant Games will bring 1,500 participants to Birmingham in 2027
The University of Birmingham will host athletes, transplant recipients, living donors and families for four days of sport and organ-donation awareness next summer.
Rectal cancer trial allows four in five patients to avoid major surgery
A five-country trial coordinated in Birmingham found chemoradiotherapy with smaller surgery only when needed allowed four in five early-stage rectal cancer patients to keep their rectum.
Three-year Guildford study finds woodland can be 4.5°C cooler during extreme heat
University of Surrey researchers found all six green and blue spaces they monitored were cooler than a built-up site, with woodland showing the strongest protection during heatwaves.
World-first cancer treatment saves 15-foot python at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo vets and University of Liverpool cancer specialists adapted electrochemotherapy for a snake for the first time, leaving 50kg python Jodie cancer-free and eating normally again.
SpongeBob takes on the Smurfs in Hull hockey match raising awareness of fostering
A free fancy-dress hockey fundraiser in Hull is using Team SpongeBob versus The Smurfs to raise money and awareness for fostering services in the city.
Bradford fundraiser passes £1.6m lifetime total after 10K raises enough for 159 goats in Malawi
Nazim Ali's Blackpool 10K raised more than £6,365 for families in Malawi and pushed his 14-year fundraising total beyond £1.6m.
Farsley proposal would turn former care-home site into 25 affordable council flats
Leeds City Council has submitted plans for 25 one and two-bedroom affordable-rent flats on the former Richmond House care-home site in Farsley.
Durham’s old DLI Museum reopens as The Light after £17m cultural transformation
The Light has opened in Durham with three galleries, a permanent Durham Light Infantry display and an inaugural exhibition featuring major contemporary artists.
North Devon development switches to 100% affordable housing with 150 homes for local people
A 150-home Landkey development has been purchased by Octopus Capital and will now be entirely affordable, with social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership.
Sheffield battery company plans £55m Nigeria expansion to widen access to solar-powered electricity
MOPO has signed an agreement for investment of up to $75m in Nigeria by 2030, expanding solar-charged battery hubs for communities without reliable grid electricity.
Age UK asks North Worcestershire residents for just a few hours to support older people and young fundraisers
Age UK North Worcestershire is recruiting volunteer mentors and collection helpers, with roles requiring as little as two hours or three hours a month.
Flu bookings open early across Cheshire and Merseyside ahead of winter vaccination programme
Eligible adults can now pre-book NHS flu vaccinations across Cheshire and Merseyside, with appointments starting from September for pregnant women and October for most adults.
Dunwich Heath appeal races towards £500,000 target as recovery work begins to take shape
The National Trust says its emergency appeal for Dunwich Heath has reached nearly three quarters of its £500,000 target, with donations funding safety work, surveys and habitat recovery.
York scientist receives £6m to study the tiny algae doing half the planet’s carbon-catching work
Professor Luke Mackinder has received a ten-year Royal Society fellowship to study how microscopic algae capture carbon so efficiently and whether biology can learn from the process.
£13m programme will train healthcare professionals to turn complex data into better treatments
Liverpool will lead a £13m doctoral programme training clinician data scientists, alongside a wider northern scheme opening research careers to healthcare professionals.
£20m Cambridge hub will use stem cells and AI to make early medicines research more human
A new MRC hub will combine patient-derived organoids, stem cells, bioengineering and AI to improve how potential medicines are tested before clinical trials.
Tiny UK satellite will hide behind the Moon to listen for the universe before its first stars
Cambridge-led CosmoCube will use the radio silence of the Moon's far side to search for a faint hydrogen signal from the cosmic dark ages more than 13.5 billion years ago.
Bolsover Castle project puts pioneering scientist Margaret Cavendish back into the story
A University of York and English Heritage project is working with local schools, artists and communities to give Margaret Cavendish a lasting place in the interpretation of Bolsover Castle.
Surrey team becomes first to run an experiment with world’s most advanced gamma-ray detector
University of Surrey nuclear physicists have led the first scientific experiment using the $58m GRETA detector at a US rare-isotope facility.
Restored Somerset wetlands stay green through extreme summer heat while surrounding land dries out
National Trust wetland restoration at Holnicote retained water, wildlife and grazing through one of the UK's hottest summers on record.
White-tailed eagles return to Exmoor more than 200 years after disappearing
Six young white-tailed eagles have been released in Exmoor National Park, extending a successful restoration programme into south-west England.
Rutland opens another round of small grants for projects tackling rural isolation
Grassroots groups in Rutland can apply for £500 to £2,000 for projects supporting volunteers, wellbeing, vulnerable residents and stronger rural communities.
Wearable device reveals hidden hormone bursts that could improve diagnosis of a common blood-pressure condition
Bristol-led research found previously hidden hormone spikes in people with primary aldosteronism using a wearable device that samples around the clock.
£2.27m from pollution enforcement will restore rivers, wetlands and trees across the Severn catchment
Environment Agency enforcement agreements are directing more than £2.27m into Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Severn Rivers Trust restoration work.
Sheffield student founders turn university ideas into £1.4m of investment
Ten student and graduate entrepreneurs have collectively raised £1.4m over three years through ventures supported by the University of Sheffield’s Emerge programme.
Sheffield’s Off the Shelf festival returns for its 35th year with more than 50 events
The University of Sheffield’s Festival of Words runs from 28 September to 25 October with more than 50 live and online events.
Birmingham students win international award for turning surplus potatoes into packaging
The student-led Potastic project has won an international sustainability award for developing eco-friendly mailing material from surplus potatoes.
Birmingham releases one of the world’s most detailed bladder-cancer datasets to accelerate new treatments
Data from more than 900 de-identified samples with up to 15 years of follow-up is being made available to help researchers develop better bladder-cancer tools and treatments.
New Exeter centre will study how to give children more freedom to play outdoors
A new Outdoor Play Research Centre has launched after research found children now reach nearly 11 before first playing outside unsupervised.
Imperial and Seoul AI Hub launch research partnership linking UK academics with Korean start-ups
A new programme will connect South Korean AI start-ups with Imperial researchers through joint research, exchanges, education and commercialisation support.
Capybaras, penguins and one very specific snail report for London Zoo’s annual health check
London Zoo’s animals are being weighed and measured, with health data shared through a global conservation database used by animal-care teams worldwide.
Manchester more than doubles core funding for 80 voluntary and community organisations
Manchester’s main voluntary-sector fund has risen from £2.4m to £5.5m a year, with £16.5m allocated across three years to 80 organisations.
Twenty Newcastle community organisations share £400,000 for spaces, services and accessibility
Twenty Newcastle voluntary organisations have received grants between £10,700 and £30,000 for community buildings, youth work, health, arts and sport.
Newcastle secures £141.4m to build 966 new council homes
Newcastle City Council has become a Homes England strategic partner, securing funding to deliver 966 new council homes over the coming decade.
Leicester streets turn into a free playground for bikes, art and family creativity
Open Streets returns to Leicester’s Waterside area with free adapted cycling, street art, music, workshops and family activities.
Leicester puts £4m into brighter streets, public spaces and bringing empty shops back to life
A £4m Leicester package will fund lighting, public-space improvements, vacant-shop support, events infrastructure and better city gateways.
New cultural passport will give young people free creative experiences across York and North Yorkshire
A Cultural Passport programme will fund free arts, culture and heritage experiences for young people aged 11 to 18 from target communities.
Sheffield submits City of Culture bid shaped by ideas from more than 1,400 people
Sheffield has formally submitted its UK City of Culture 2029 bid after an engagement process involving more than 1,400 residents and organisations.
Manchester astronomer helps lead NASA mission expected to discover more than 100,000 planets
Dr Eamonn Kerins from the University of Manchester is leading exoplanet research within NASA’s Roman Space Telescope mission.
Manchester Literature Festival returns with 17 days of books, poetry and big conversations
Manchester Literature Festival runs from 9 to 25 October with authors, poets, podcasts and events across venues including Central Library and Manchester Museum.
502 Suffolk learners gain key English and maths GCSE passes, with adult success rising too
Suffolk New College recorded 502 Grade 4+ passes in English and maths across four campuses, including a 13.7% rise in maths passes.
Rare White Park cattle join Castle Howard’s 440-acre nature recovery project
A herd of rare White Park cattle has been introduced to Castle Howard’s Bog Hall Habitat Bank, where conservation grazing will help restore 440 acres.
First KEMP Hospice Moonlight Walk raises more than £7,500 under the stars
More than 160 people joined KEMP Hospice’s first Moonlight Walk at Bodenham Arboretum, raising over £7,500 for local hospice care.
Sudanese refugee passes English and maths GCSEs in Ipswich while chasing a World Cup refereeing dream
Nasser Hamid, who fled Sudan in 2023, has passed GCSE English and maths at Suffolk New College and is building a refereeing career alongside engineering studies.
More than 1,000 Cornwall students celebrate 329 top-grade results across five schools
More than 1,000 students across five CELT secondary schools received 8,833 qualification grades, including 329 Grade 9s and Distinction*s.
Billingham young carer scores 100% in Health and Social Care alongside top GCSE grades
Katie from St Michael’s Catholic Academy scored full marks in Health and Social Care while helping care for her sister and supporting other young carers.
Sheffield specialist school wins award for making sport work for every pupil
Lotus Academy has been recognised for inclusive physical activity ranging from mountain biking and boxing to swimming, ice skating and abseiling.
Devon opens nominations to celebrate the volunteers who keep grassroots activity moving
The Active Devon Volunteer Awards are inviting nominations for unpaid coaches, organisers, young leaders and teams helping people across Devon stay active and connected.
Renewable-energy funds help Norfolk teenagers reconnect with learning and nature
Community funding generated by renewable-energy projects is supporting Norfolk programmes combining nature, practical learning and wellbeing.
Cornwall solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity for more than 10,000 homes
The approved 32MW Trerice Solar Farm near St Dennis will combine solar power and battery storage, with new footpaths and community funding planned alongside it.
Round Norfolk Relay runners aim to fund an entire air-ambulance lifesaving mission
The 2026 Round Norfolk Relay has chosen East Anglian Air Ambulance as its charity partner, with a £4,250 target matching the median cost of a lifesaving mission.
Ten-day charity bike ride links 18 pension funds with local causes across England
Ewan McCulloch has cycled around 1,300km across England, with partner pension funds using the route to raise money for charities in their own communities.
£20m Greater Manchester fund will back community ideas for local high streets
Businesses, charities and community groups will be able to bid into a £20m Greater Manchester fund for projects improving local high streets.
Coventry author launches three books and gives 100% of her royalties to local charities
Itoro Abigeal Oyewobi has launched three books spanning childhood to working life, with all of her author royalties pledged to charities in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Three friends will jump from a plane to help Prospect Hospice after one receives a terminal cancer diagnosis
Sean Harper, Terry Cook and Sam Cottle are taking on a charity skydive inspired by Terry’s bucket list, aiming to raise £5,000 for Prospect Hospice.
East Midlands councils and charities get new funding to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire councils will receive £3.6m, with more than £10m set aside for regional work in 2027/28 and 2028/29.
Sixteen climate start-ups get a year of support to turn green ideas into real businesses
Sixteen early-stage climate companies have joined Imperial’s Greenhouse accelerator, receiving mentoring, workspace and grants of up to £20,000.
Three community-shaped AI projects will test healthier ways to design UK cities
Three projects developed with residents and researchers will test AI approaches to fairer health data, temporary accommodation and healthier streets in Bradford and London.
Cleaner London air linked with children’s lung growth catching up after ULEZ
A five-year study of more than 3,400 children found lung growth in London improved alongside sharp falls in traffic-related air pollution.
Brighton & Hove Albion and University of Sussex team up on research, students and community projects
Brighton & Hove Albion has named the University of Sussex its official Higher Education Partner, building on more than 30 years of collaboration.
1863 memorial hall reopens as a modern community hub in Barrow Hill
Barrow Hill Memorial Hall near Chesterfield has reopened with a pantry, café, family hub, activity space and health hub after major refurbishment.
Disabled bus-pass holders in England will get free travel all day from April 2027
Time restrictions on disabled concessionary bus passes are due to end across England from 1 April 2027, allowing eligible passengers free local bus travel at any time.
£10,000 East Midlands fund will help community groups make sport free to join
Community groups in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can receive £250 to £2,000 to run free sport and physical activity sessions.
Reading residents are painting a mural that will generate its own solar power
Residents are helping create an interactive mural at New Directions College using painted solar panels, lights, sound and motion sensors.
Reading’s contactless homelessness donations pass £7,400 and will continue until 2029
Tap for Reading has raised more than £7,400 and directly supported over 50 people, prompting the contactless donation scheme to be extended for at least three years.
Sussex bee study finds one simple way gardens can help during the late-summer food squeeze
University of Sussex research found honeybees have their toughest nectar-foraging period in late July and August, suggesting late-flowering plants and fewer mown weeds can help.
Five grandmasters and a five-year-old share the board at Sussex’s biggest chess tournament yet
More than 200 players took part in the University of Sussex’s largest chess tournament yet, ranging from five-year-old Aahana Gupta to five international grandmasters.
London’s Cycleway network reaches 450km after growing fivefold in a decade
London now has 450km of signed Cycleways, five times the network it had in 2016, with around 1.5 million cycle journeys made each day.
Imperial battery spinout raises £10m to help store renewable power for days, not hours
Certain Energy, an Imperial College London spinout, has raised £10m to scale manganese flow batteries designed for long-duration electricity storage.
Sheffield tree campaign is directing new street planting towards neighbourhoods with less canopy
Sheffield tree campaigners are using community funds and sponsorship routes to support new street trees, including proposed planting in lower-tree-equity areas such as Spital Hill, Low Edges and Jordanthorpe.
Wolverhampton’s Best Foot Forward turns ordinary laps into thousands of pounds for local charities
Best Foot Forward lets people walk, run or wheel laps of Aldersley Stadium while a business-backed fund converts participation into money for Wolverhampton charities.
Age UK Cheshire is looking for people willing to walk over hot coals for older people
Age UK Cheshire will hold a charity firewalk in Northwich on 1 October, raising money for local services supporting older people across the county.
Greater Anglia puts £350,000 behind 33 community projects, from travel buddies to mobility scooters
Thirty-three projects across the Greater Anglia network will share £350,000 for accessibility, community travel, station improvements, cycling, heritage and local tourism.
Petersfield Repair Café has already helped more than 200 people keep broken things in use
A £10,000 climate grant helped launch Petersfield Repair Café, where volunteers have already assessed or repaired more than 150 items brought in by over 200 people.
Golfers raise more than £30,000 for Oakhaven Hospice with a little help from Bruce Grobbelaar
Thirty-one teams took part in Oakhaven Hospice’s annual Barton-on-Sea golf day, raising more than £30,000 for hospice care across the New Forest area.
Derby fans are crowdfunding £30,000 to bring a nine-foot Lara Croft statue home
A grassroots campaign wants to move an original nine-foot Lara Croft statue from storage in London to Derby Market Hall, celebrating the city where Tomb Raider was created.
Residents help bring in new East Cambridgeshire powers against dangerous and anti-social driving
East Cambridgeshire has introduced a new Public Spaces Protection Order targeting dangerous and disruptive driving after concerns raised by residents and local communities.
Birmingham Dogs Home turns its Solihull rescue centre into a country music fundraiser
Birmingham Dogs Home hosted its first mini country music festival in Solihull, using live music and line dancing to raise money for homeless dogs.
Bradford festival brings six days of African music, dance, fashion, food and storytelling to the city
The Bradford African Festival of Arts returned for six days of music, dance, theatre, fashion, food and storytelling celebrating African culture and creativity.
Somerset community centre cuts annual heating bill by more than £10,000 after green upgrades
Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre has completed a new solar roof and says its annual heating bill has fallen from around £14,000 to £5,000.
Hull park comes back to life with new play areas, basketball court, lighting and community space
Sculcoates Park in Hull has formally reopened after major improvements including new lighting, play equipment, a refurbished basketball court and more accessible paths.
Luton Sixth Form celebrates 94% A-level pass rate as students get help with their next step
Luton Sixth Form College recorded a 94% A-level pass rate, with university staff on site offering guidance and places to students on results day.
Teesside teenager balances GCSE success with making UK tetrathlon history
Sixteen-year-old Annabel Lupton returned from representing the UK in Australia to collect strong GCSE results after becoming the youngest athlete selected for the international tetrathlon exchange.
£27.7m investment will unlock more than 350 homes on Sunderland brownfield site
Homes England is investing £27.7m in Sunderland’s Sheepfolds neighbourhood to unlock more than 350 homes, new infrastructure and active-travel routes.
Frome community raises first £600,000 towards buying and developing 12-acre town-centre site
Mayday Saxonvale’s community share offer has passed its first £600,000 target as residents work towards community ownership of a 12-acre brownfield site in Frome.
Berkshire project creates safer spaces and stronger voices for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ communities
Thames Valley Positive Support has launched a National Lottery-funded Berkshire project focused on tackling isolation, stigma and barriers to support.
Two Bristol researchers recognised for work improving NHS research and dementia diagnosis
Dr Ashley Hammond and Dr Sam Creavin have received national NIHR leadership prizes for work on primary-care research and dementia diagnosis.
Corby wellbeing garden gets two years of funding to keep people connected through every season
More than £18,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund will keep Green Minds sessions running at Willowbrook Wellbeing Garden, supporting up to 20 people a week through gardening, nature and peer connection.
Carlisle Foodbank founder leaves more than £1m to help communities across Cumbria
Rachael Rodway, who founded Carlisle Foodbank, left more than £1 million to Cumbria Community Foundation, where it will support local organisations tackling poverty, health inequalities and other community needs.
Birmingham Airport passes £200,000 raised for children’s hospital charity
Airport staff, passengers and businesses have raised more than £200,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity in 18 months, already closing in on a three-year £250,000 target.
Hertfordshire hospice charity asks supporters to put the kettle on this October
Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is inviting people to host tea parties, coffee mornings and workplace get-togethers throughout October to raise money for local hospice and bereavement care.
Worcester launches £40,000 fund to help stop money problems becoming a crisis
Up to four voluntary and community organisations will share £40,000 to provide early advice, practical help and coordinated support for Worcester residents facing financial difficulty.
Derby Theatre gets green light for major expansion with new studio and community spaces
Planning permission has been granted for Derby Theatre’s redevelopment, including a new purpose-built studio theatre and expanded learning, participation and community spaces.
London fruit and veg market switches on the capital’s biggest rooftop solar array
New Spitalfields Market now has 2,730 solar panels expected to generate enough electricity each year to match the annual use of around 470 homes.
104 Cumbrian athletes receive £72,600 boost towards coaching, travel and competition
Athletes aged from nine to 66 across Cumbria are sharing £72,600 through the GLL Sport Foundation, alongside free access to Better leisure facilities.
Redcar’s free Between the Tides festival fills Kirkleatham with circus, dance and family creativity
The award-winning Between the Tides festival returned to Redcar with a free weekend of outdoor theatre, circus, puppetry, dance, storytelling and live music for families.
Heaton music shop turns a one-off guitar into a fundraiser for Northumberland’s wild future
Curvy Sounds has created a bespoke Tokai Les Paul worth around £1,000 for a raffle supporting the campaign to secure the Rothbury Estate for nature.
East Midlands brownfield programme is turning long-empty sites into affordable homes
The East Midlands Combined County Authority says its brownfield housing programme is supporting dozens of schemes, including affordable homes in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
West Mercia Police is recruiting volunteers to help young cadets grow in confidence
Volunteer Cadet Programme Leaders are being recruited across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Telford to support teenagers with teamwork, leadership and community activities.
More than £325,000 awarded to cancer research and innovation projects across Humber and North Yorkshire
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has announced its latest research and innovation awards, with more than £325,000 going to projects intended to improve cancer care and patient experience.
23 low-carbon homes for social rent are being built in East Leeds
A new development at Killingbeck Bridge will provide 23 energy-efficient one, two and three-bedroom homes for social rent, with completion expected in autumn 2027.
Southampton students turn the New Forest into a living laboratory for rare wildlife
Twelve University of Southampton students are working with conservation organisations on New Forest research covering bats, fungi, ponds, recreation pressure and crayfish.
Hampshire architects swap desks for waders to help clear invasive plants from the River Test
Staff from ArchitecturePLB spent a volunteer day in Whitchurch removing Himalayan balsam and monkey flower from a chalk stream habitat in the Upper Test Valley.
Durham’s former military museum reopens as The Light after a decade behind closed doors
The Light has opened in Durham after a £17m redevelopment, combining contemporary art, local military history, community space and family activities in one new cultural venue.
Two years sober, Swindon volunteer helps turn surplus food into free community meals
Daniel Norrish says volunteering with FoodCycle Swindon has helped him rebuild his life after alcohol addiction, while his time now helps provide free meals for others.
Essex volunteer prepares another aid run to Ukraine and says donations still make a real difference
Kelvedon businessman Phil Billingham is preparing to drive another donated vehicle to Ukraine with Drive 2 Save Lives after seeing first-hand how aid reaches communities.
Brighton RNLI is looking for eight new volunteers to help save lives at sea
Brighton RNLI is recruiting six volunteer lifeboat crew members and two launch authorities as its station continues responding around the clock to incidents off the Sussex coast.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust marks its 100th year with sponsored walk for nature
Norfolk Wildlife Trust is inviting people to walk 5km or 12.5km through Broadland Country Park on 4 October to raise money for wildlife during its centenary year.
Age UK North Worcestershire asks for just a few hours a month to help older people locally
Age UK North Worcestershire is recruiting volunteer mentors and fundraisers, with some roles requiring as little as two or three hours a month.
Peterborough mechanic spends his spare time answering calls as a volunteer firefighter
Twenty-year-old Tyrell Cambridge works as a vehicle technician by day and volunteers with one of the UK’s few operational volunteer fire brigades in his spare time.
South Norfolk communities can get up to £10,000 to create greener local spaces
A new Nature Conservation Fund is offering schools, charities, community groups and parish councils grants of up to £10,000 for local biodiversity projects.
Twenty fundraisers abseil 100 metres down Spinnaker Tower and raise more than £14,700
Twenty supporters took on a 100-metre descent down Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, raising more than £14,700 for Trinity Winchester’s homelessness services.
Grimsby teenager wins community award after raising £40,000 and challenging stoma stigma
Thirteen-year-old Jax from Grimsby has been recognised for raising £40,000 for stoma charities while helping other young people feel more confident about life with a stoma.
Arctic-to-Africa fundraiser sets sights on a 114-mile loop around the M25
Hertfordshire athlete Matthew Hollingham raised almost £30,000 for children’s charities during a 61-day Arctic-to-Africa challenge and is already planning his next fundraiser.
Leeds NHS cancer-diagnostics innovation moves towards international rollout
A pathology quality-control technology developed at Leeds Teaching Hospitals is being prepared for wider NHS and international use through a new commercial partnership.
Norfolk set for new walk-in mental health centres and dedicated crisis unit
Two new community mental health centres and a specialist mental health emergency department are planned for Norfolk as part of a national NHS expansion.
Sheffield launches two-week festival giving new theatre ideas room to grow
Sheffield Theatres’ first Open Works festival will bring performances, readings, scratch nights, workshops and artist development to the city this autumn.
17 Bradford community projects win backing to turn creative ideas into climate action
The Leap has awarded funding to 17 grassroots projects across Bradford, including instrument recycling, youth horticulture and creative environmental education.
Community-based mental health approach shows promise in reducing hospital admissions
A UCL-led trial found that Open Dialogue, a model built around continuity, shared decisions and social support, was associated with less inpatient and crisis-service use.
London surgical robotics centre aims to move research into patient care faster
Imperial College London and Smith+Nephew have launched a five-year centre designed to speed up advances in robotic surgery for musculoskeletal conditions.
New South London half marathon will build fundraising into race day from the start
A new closed-road half marathon in Merton is being designed to help thousands of runners get active while giving charities a bigger platform for fundraising.
£300,000 boost will help restore rivers and habitats in Suffolk
The East Suffolk Trust has awarded more than £300,000 to two community projects working to improve water quality and restore habitats.
Hull Maritime Museum welcomes thousands back after £20.4m transformation
Hull Maritime Museum has reopened after a six-year redevelopment, with expanded galleries, improved accessibility and around 1,300 objects on display.
Liverpool businesses back fan-owned club built around inclusive grassroots football
Two Liverpool businesses have joined forces to sponsor FC Community of Liverpool, a fan-owned club working to make grassroots football more inclusive and accessible.
Billingham festival wins £30,000 to create new North East dance-theatre production
Billingham International Folklore Festival has secured £30,000 from Arts Council England for a new production mixing dance, music, storytelling and North East history.
Young people help transform Newbury Racecourse Station with community mural
Young people from Berkshire Youth helped shape a new mural at Newbury Racecourse Station, created through a partnership with local arts and rail organisations.
12-hour walking football marathon raises almost £5,000 for Prostate Cancer UK
More than 70 players took part in a 12-hour walking football event in Shoebury, raising close to £5,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Volunteers collect more than 100,000 seagrass seeds to restore the Solent
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust volunteers have collected more than 100,000 seagrass seeds for a long-term restoration project in the Solent.
Maritime volunteers join River Tyne clean-up after plastic pellet spill
Volunteer crews have joined a multi-agency clean-up on the River Tyne, using boats and local knowledge to help recover plastic pellets from the water.
North East golf network raises £22,500 for youth and Teesside charities
Golf in the City has raised £22,592 for The Teesside Charity and NE Youth, taking its four-year fundraising total beyond £80,000.
Rothbury nature appeal passes £26m as £30m goal moves within reach
The Wildlife Trusts’ campaign to secure the 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland has passed £26 million including pledges.
Belper’s new £15.2m health centre brings community services under one roof
A new purpose-built health centre in Belper has opened with 15 consulting rooms, six treatment rooms and a wide range of community services.
Wolverhampton community centre gets £400,000 boost to reopen for local use
Portobello Community Centre in Wolverhampton is set for a £400,000 refurbishment after local residents identified community facilities as a priority.
London paramedics are getting underwater drones to help with drowning rescues
London Ambulance Service has bought four underwater drones that can use sonar and cameras to locate people beneath the water while reducing risk to rescuers.
Darlington refuge receives £15,000 to support children affected by domestic abuse
Family Help Darlington will receive a three-year £15,000 grant to provide therapeutic and early-intervention support for children staying at its refuge.
Volunteers help Derbyshire homelessness project grow its garden and support space
A team from Places for People’s Thrive training centre has spent a day improving Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives project in Ilkeston.
Volunteers are steadily transforming Fulford Cemetery in York
Residents, community groups and local workers have been giving their time to improve Fulford Cemetery, with regular volunteering sessions continuing at the site.
Cromer RNLI volunteer shows there is more than one way to help save lives at sea
Kate Roberts now holds five volunteer roles at Cromer RNLI and is encouraging people with different skills and interests to find a place in the station team.
Worcestershire rescue volunteers get new medical kit and extra training
Severn Area Rescue Association has upgraded its medical equipment and expanded its volunteer team with support from a county public-health grant.
Devon project aims to double nests of one of England’s rarest ants
A three-year conservation project in South Devon will improve heathland for two rare ant species and create new colonies to reduce the risk of local extinction.
Coventry cerebral palsy pathway cuts new hip dislocations by two-thirds
A decade-long integrated NHS pathway in Coventry is supporting 172 children with cerebral palsy and has reduced new hip dislocations by 66 per cent.
50 affordable homes get under way in Shildon, including 35 for social rent
Work has started on a £10 million development in Shildon that will provide 50 affordable homes, including 35 for social rent and 15 through Rent to Buy.
Hull Trains team walks to London and raises nearly £6,000 for brain injury charity
Hull Trains colleagues walked the operator’s route from Hull to London King’s Cross, raising nearly £6,000 for Hull charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery.
Bristol teaching team recognised in national higher education awards
The University of Bristol has received two national teaching honours, recognising both an individual educator and a team working to improve research-rich teaching and the student experience.
Manchester researcher wins major fellowship to study bacteria’s hidden weapons
A University of Manchester researcher has secured a major fellowship to investigate how bacteria attack their rivals, work that could reveal new ways to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
Social prescribing may help people connect with care without driving up costs
A University of Manchester study of more than 1.4 million records suggests social prescribing is linked to more healthcare use at first, followed by a small reduction in GP appointments within a year.
Manchester scientists rethink a key part of how wounds heal
University of Manchester researchers have challenged a long-standing view of how the blood-clotting protein fibrinogen behaves at an air interface, opening new questions about wound healing.
‘Rainbow on a chip’ research could help unlock faster 6G networks
A Loughborough University-led team has demonstrated a tiny chip that produces precisely spaced frequencies of light, with potential uses in 6G communications and quantum technologies.
Bristol researchers find a way to strengthen poultry immunity without antibiotics
University of Bristol-led research has identified how a naturally occurring gut molecule could help chickens fight bacterial infection, offering a possible route to healthier farming with less reliance on antibiotics.
Somerset wetlands stay green through one of the UK’s hottest summers
River restoration, wetlands and beaver activity at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate have helped parts of the landscape retain water and wildlife through extreme summer heat.
Surplus tech is helping people stay connected across North West England
More than 1,500 surplus devices from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have been donated to around 50 schools and charities since 2021.
AI supports sight-saving brain surgery in a clinical first
UCLH says AI was used during live neurosurgery to help a surgical team protect a patient’s sight while removing a brain tumour.
Manchester doubles annual funding for voluntary and community groups
Manchester City Council has increased annual funding for its voluntary and community sector programme from £2.4m to £5.5m, supporting 80 organisations.
Rectal cancer trial helps four in five patients avoid major surgery
A major international trial coordinated in Birmingham found that an organ-preserving treatment approach allowed four in five patients in one group to keep their rectum after 12 months.
Bristol team backs technology designed to cut AI data-centre energy waste
A startup working with University of Bristol researchers has secured more than £600,000 to develop diamond-coated electronics for more efficient data centres.
Durham scientist wins £5.6m fellowship to investigate the early Universe
A ten-year Royal Society fellowship will support Durham University research into the first moments after the Big Bang and the nature of dark matter.
Bluefin tuna return to North East waters after 60 years
Atlantic bluefin tuna have recolonised waters off North East England, and researchers have tagged fish there for the first time to support conservation.
Millions offered at-home HPV tests in NHS screening expansion
Nearly four million women in England who are behind on cervical screening will be offered HPV self-testing kits through a national NHS rollout.
Children’s book brings Indigenous knowledge into climate education
A University of Leeds project has produced one of the first children’s books published in the endangered Jahai language while bringing Indigenous knowledge into climate education.