Opportunities
Some new exciting opportunities are available with Inclusion Glos
The Black Mental Health Conference 2026: The Black Man’s Burden
Delivered by Restore Black CIC in partnership with Black South West Network and Barnwood Trust.
Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Location: Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road, Gloucester, GL1 3AX
About the conference
Join us for the inaugural and impactful Black Mental Health Conference 2026, dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by the Black community. This conference will bring together mental health professionals, community leaders, educators, NHS representatives, police, housing sector experts, and members of the Black community to examine the systemic issues affecting wellbeing and access to care.
The conference theme, ‘The Black Man’s Burden,’ draws on both historical roots and contemporary relevance. It takes its inspiration from Reverend Henry Johnson’s powerful response to Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The White Man’s Burden,’ highlighting the ongoing legacy of colonialism, systemic injustice, and racial oppression. While the title specifically references Black men, it is intended as a general statement reflecting the shared experiences and challenges faced across Black communities, regardless of gender. These forces continue to impose distinct challenges on Black communities, profoundly impacting their mental health.
Our aim is to unpack this burden, explore its origins, and foster critical discussions around healing, resilience, and systemic change.
Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund
The purpose of the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund is to enable communities to support the council’s ambition to improve health and wellbeing, create resilient communities, and tackle health inequalities.
The scheme will deliver funding to community initiatives that seek to make a positive impact on health and wellbeing and our local communities.
Examples of projects that could be supported include:
- Friends of local parks initiatives that encourage volunteering or create safer park environments
- Community hub activities that bring people together
- Path improvements along canal towpaths that encourage access to nature
- Lunch clubs that support access to nutritious food, reduce isolation, and foster social connections
- Creating cycleways to encourage active travel
- Recruiting digital champions to reduce digital exclusion
- Food projects that promote access to healthy food
- One-off events and celebrations that bring communities together
- Improvements to community buildings such as village halls or sports clubs
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Nature initiatives such as growing projects or those that increase biodiversity
All projects must directly benefit physical or mental wellbeing.
The total sum available for grants in each electoral division is limited to £20,000. There will be a lower limit of £250 and an upper limit of £5,000 per grant. If you want to discuss whether your project is eligible or have any questions about the fund, please get in touch with our team by emailing: GNF@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
- Applications will be accepted between October 2025 and March 2027.
- All funds allocated through the scheme will need to be paid to the applicant by 31st August 2027 (6 months after the end of the scheme application window).
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Any unallocated or unspent funds will be returned to Cabinet.
Volunteer recruitment dates at Woodchester Park.
Find more information about the upcoming sessions on the National Trust website.
Free courses through the Isbourne Centre
Below is an overview of some of the opportunities available.
Feel Good Thursdays – monthly drop-in (at Isbourne)
1st Thursday of the month, wellbeing peer support group. Refreshments and social time with a different wellbeing taster topic each month. Perfect for people to dip their toe in and come and meet the Community Wellbeing team.
Cost: Free / donations
Venue: The Isbourne, Cheltenham town centre
Art for Wellbeing – monthly drop-in (at Isbourne)
3rd Thursday of the month. A gentle, no pressure creative art group offering a space to unwind and destress in the therapeutic setting of The Isbourne – no art experience needed.
Cost: Free / donations
Venue: The Isbourne, Cheltenham town centre
Please see the site below for more information or email Bonnie Lloyd at bonnie@isbourne.org
https://www.isbourne.org/whats-on
Priority Services Register
If you rely on power for medical equipment then the PSR could be for you.
Once registered, customers may receive tailored support including advance notice of power cuts, help with meter readings, and access to alternative heating or cooking facilities in emergency scenarios.
Please click below to see if you are eligible and how to register
Click here for the priority services register
Disability rights UK is looking for those with lived experience for intersectional research
Are you a Disabled person who experiences multiple forms of identity oppression i.e., race, gender, sexuality?
Would you be happy to talk about your experiences of physical activity?
This research is called Moving Intersectionality and is part of DRUK’s Moving Social Work programme.
The time commitment will be 4 hours, and you will be paid for your time! For more information on how to get involved, contact kate.l.marks@durham.ac.uk
Paid Peer Worker Role
Please see the attached flyer on joining the ‘Clean Slate Elements Peer Support Programme’ to become a peer support worker. Details on how to get in touch are also on the attached flyer.
