Mike Preston Consultancy

01/08/2026

💡 Got an idea for a physical product, invention or prototype?

Welsh ICE is pleased to be partnering with Visiativ UK & Ireland to launch the Inventors & Product Founders Challenge.

We’re looking for inventors, makers, designers and early-stage founders who want to develop their idea, strengthen their pitch and explore what could come next.

Selected finalists will receive practical pitch support and the opportunity to present their idea at Welsh ICE.

There’s also the chance to:

🔹 Win a 5-day Visiativ training course worth approximately £1,900
🔹 Explore potential eligibility for up to 12 months’ free SOLIDWORKS access
🔹 Connect with relevant product development and founder support

Your product doesn’t need to be finished. It could still be a sketch, early concept or prototype.

Find out how the challenge works and apply follow the link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visiativ-x-welsh-ice-inventors-product-founders-challenge-tickets-1994148923110?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/08/2026

'Integrated care happens when people invest time in understanding the problem, create a shared purpose, build trusting relationships and remain willing to learn together.'

Johanna Davies, WCVA Head of Health and Social Care reflects on why understanding the problem must come before designing the solution, following her visit to the International Foundation for Integrated Care Summer School in Oxford.

To read more, the link is in the comments 👇

09/05/2026

Sent via app.finchcare.com

21/01/2026

If your charity relies on volunteers, the way you support your volunteer managers will make or break retention.

Membership with Mike Preston Consultancy is designed to back those managers up — with practical support across the whole volunteer lifecycle.

Here are three ways membership helps:
- Clarity on the volunteer journey – resources that help you map attraction, onboarding, support and recognition, so volunteers feel valued at every stage.
- On-demand e-learning for volunteer managers – including our Managing the Volunteer Lifecycle content, so managers can build confidence and skills in their own time.
- Grounded, charity-sector insight – guidance shaped by real governance and volunteering challenges, not generic HR theory.

When volunteer managers feel equipped, volunteers are more likely to stay, grow and advocate for your cause.

👉 If you’d like your volunteer managers to feel supported rather than overwhelmed, explore how membership could help your team. - https://www.mikepreston-consultancy.co.uk/community-membership

20/01/2026

Your volunteers are one of your charity’s greatest assets – but are you managing the volunteer lifecycle intentionally, from first contact through to long-term engagement?

Too often, brilliant volunteers drift away because systems, support, and expectations aren’t clear. That’s a risk none of us can afford in the current funding and capacity climate.

Our e-learning course, "Volunteer Management – Managing the Volunteer Lifecycle", is designed to help leaders:
- Understand each stage of the volunteer journey.
- Put simple, practical structures in place to support volunteers well.
- Strengthen retention by aligning roles, support, and recognition.

➡️ Master the art of volunteer retention with this transformative course.

https://www.mikepreston-consultancy.co.uk/elearning-hub

20/01/2026

New funding for money management and financial education projects



Small and medium-sized not-for-profit organisations across the UK can apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the MSE Charity to help people build stronger money management skills.



Funding can support, for example:

Community money management workshops

Training for staff and volunteers supporting people with money worries

Targeted support for people experiencing financial difficulty or problem debt


If your charity is working to improve people’s financial capability, this may be an opportunity to strengthen or extend your work.

👉 Full details and eligibility: MSE Charity funding round - https://www.msecharity.com/about-us/latest-news

Please share with colleagues leading programmes, advice services or financial wellbeing initiatives who might want to explore this further.

12/01/2026

🚀 Step into 2026 with a strategy that lasts! Forget fleeting resolutions—focus on **5 Strategic Pillars** that drive sustainable growth and success. 🌟

✅ Purpose-Driven Leadership
✅ Agility & Adaptability
✅ Data-Driven Decisions
✅ Sustainability as a Core Value
✅ Employee Well-Being

💡 Ready to lead with purpose and thrive in uncertainty? Check out our latest blog for actionable insights to make 2026 your best year yet!

👉www.mikepreston-consultancy.co.uk/blog/beyondresolutions

13/11/2025

🌟 FUNDING ALERT: Up to £10,000 for Disadvantaged Young People's Potential (UK)

The Ironmongers Company's Grants Programme is offering funding of up to £10,000 for UK registered charities (including schools registered as charities for young people with disabilities) working with disadvantaged children and young people under 25.

We are looking for projects that:

Develop Learning, Motivation, and Skills through educational activities.

Support Special Educational Needs (SEN) and foster social, emotional, or life skills.

Provide opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential.

High Preference given to projects piloting new approaches!

🗓️ Next Deadline is 18 November 2025. Don't miss this window to apply!

👉 Find out more and apply directly here: https://www.ironmongers.org/charitable-grants

We administer charities that provide support for educational establishments, students and pupils, almshouses, historic ironwork, and other good causes.

12/11/2025

👵👴 FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Up to £7,000 for Projects Supporting Older People's Independence!

The Charles Hayward Foundation's Older People Programme offers grants of up to £7,000 to UK charities providing community-based services that help older people remain independent in their own homes.

If your project tackles any of these critical areas, you are eligible to apply:

🏡 Support and practical assistance for individuals living at home.

🤝 Addressing isolation and depression.

🧠 Meeting the specific needs of people with dementia.

Catering to the needs of older caregivers.

The best part? There are NO deadlines – applications can be submitted at any time!

Help older people maintain their dignity and independence.

👉 Find out more and apply directly here: https://charleshaywardfoundation.org.uk/grants/older-people/

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11/11/2025

💰 NEW FUNDING ALERT: Up to £5,000 Grants to Boost Employment Skills for Disadvantaged Adults (UK)

The Thomas Wall Trust is offering grants of up to £5,000 to UK-registered charities. This funding is specifically for projects that equip disadvantaged adults (18+) with the communication skills they need to secure employment.

Priority will be given to projects supporting those facing major hurdles, including:

Women

People with physical, mental, or learning disabilities

Refugees and asylum seekers

Those experiencing multiple deprivation

If your charity is helping people gain confidence and the skills necessary to find work, this grant could support your vital project!

Deadline for Stage 1 applications is 22 December 2025.

👉 Learn more and start your application directly here: https://www.thomaswalltrust.org.uk/grants-for-registered-charities-2-2/

The Thomas Wall Trust believes that communication skills are critical capabilities for people who want to improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances.