Participate Projects

24/08/2026

Yorkshire and the Humber has the highest rate of workplace skills gaps in England. 📊 Team volunteering is a practical way to address that.

When business volunteers joined us to build garden structures, repair community halls, paint exteriors and clear outdoor spaces, they weren't just helping the venues; they were learning too. Practical skills, problem-solving, working alongside people they'd never met before. These are skills you can’t pick up from a webinar. For the community organisations, the benefit is immediate: jobs that would have taken months to plan or fund are completed in a day, with support they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.

Have you ever taken part in a team volunteering day? Find out how you can engage all of your team through meaningful volunteering 👉 participateprojects.org.uk/business-volunteering

This was part of the Bradford City of Culture 2025 Corporate Volunteering Partnership, delivered by Participate Projects.

21/08/2026

Bradford people… if you have a interest in becoming a Kitchen table Entrepreneur this one is for you…. Or if you know anyone else that is thinking about it tell them. The fab Liza is delivering a session that will inspire you. Trust Leeds, Business For Good West Yorkshire Shipley Library

20/08/2026

Participate are supporting this amazing coalition of grassroots womens groups and national gender/climate/planning justice organisations with their Women's Manifesto for Just Neighbourhoods. We hope you will be able to support this too by circulating the change.org petition through your networks and considering signing up as a supporter organisation. For further information or if you are interested in getting more involved please email [email protected]

A Women's Manifesto for Just Neighbourhoods

17/08/2026

Got a business idea? Let's make it happen! 🤩

“Exploring Your Business Idea” is a series of friendly, relaxed and interactive workshops designed just for you. No jargon and no pressure, our social enterprise coaches will support you to take the next exciting step towards self-employment.

These sessions will give you the perfect introduction to business, helping to turn passion projects and dream into functioning businesses. 💡

Starting with an overview of business basics, and a chance to share your thoughts, the first session is an opportunity to explore your idea and apply business fundamentals. This is followed by a session on audience, understanding the market, and knowing how to attract customers. In session three, we'll look at how to cost your idea, and further explore finance, before discussing business structures in session four. You'll leave with the basics under your belt, ready to turn your passion into a business that works for you, and we'll point you in the right direction for further support.

This series is hosted by Lower Grange Community Centre with enterprise coaching support led by Participate Projects.

🔗 Sign up for your place on this free course at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1994303997943

13/08/2026

The Venturists is a structured programme that benefits businesses and schools alike. 👇

For businesses 💼
Join The Venturists to deliver measurable CSR and ESG impact while developing your team’s leadership, mentoring and communication skills. Partnering connects your brand with purpose, builds community reputation, and inspires the future workforce through meaningful collaboration with schools and young changemakers. Purpose meets performance — make real impact locally.

• Powerful CSR for Businesses
• Cross-sector Partnerships
• Brand & PR Exposure
• Local Impact Evidence
• Tailored CSR Packages
• Employee Development

For schools ✏️
The Venturists empowers pupils to design real social enterprises, building on confidence, teamwork and leadership. Fully aligned with Ofsted and the national Curriculum, the project supports Personal Development, boosting school engagement, achievement, key skills and community links. Transform learning through hands-on projects that inspire active citizenship, strengthen school culture and create lasting local impact.

• Empowering Young Changemakers
• Curriculum Integration
• Family Engagement
• Transformative Learning for Schools
• Personal Development and Wellbeing
• Real-Life Learning Opportunities
• Career Education

🔗 Real impact can start now. Read more at: participateprojects.org.uk/enterprise-in-schools

06/08/2026

"The Participate team were excellent. They were patient with everyone who had different abilities and strengths. Taking time to demonstrate the tasks. Colleagues were arriving throughout the day but Luke took the time to welcome each one individually, take them through the H&S briefing etc."

No two volunteers arrive with the same skills, the same confidence, or the same energy levels on the day. We make sure everyone feels welcome and useful, to get the job done together. 🙌

Have you ever taken part in a team volunteering day? Find out how you can engage all of your team through meaningful volunteering 👉 www.participateprojects.org.uk/business-volunteering/

This was part of the Bradford City of Culture 2025 Corporate Volunteering Partnership, delivered by Participate Projects.

30/07/2026

Got a business idea? Let's make it happen! 🤩

“Exploring Your Business Idea” is a series of friendly, relaxed and interactive workshops designed just for you. No jargon and no pressure, our social enterprise coaches will support you to take the next exciting step towards self-employment.

These sessions will give you the perfect introduction to business, helping to turn passion projects and dreams into functioning businesses. 💡

Starting with an overview of business basics and a chance to share your thoughts, the first session is an opportunity to explore your idea and apply business fundamentals. This is followed by a session on audience, understanding the market, and knowing how to attract customers. In session three, we'll look at how to cost your idea, and further explore finance, before discussing business structures in session four. You'll leave with the basics under your belt, ready to turn your passion into a business that works for you, and we'll point you in the right direction for further support.

This series is hosted by Lower Grange Community Centre with enterprise coaching support led by Participate Projects.

🔗 Sign up for your place on this free course at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1994303997943

29/07/2026

📣 Keighley social enterprises, you’ve got until Friday to apply 👇 Entering for an award like this can see like a lot of work, but it’s a great chance to reflect on what you’re doing well, and share your story with people. You can turn some of your hard work into free marketing.

2026 could be your year!

Someone has to win the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards, and with 11 amazing categories, there's something for everyone.

Enter today! It's quick and easy. Just shout about how great you are!

Deadline: THIS Friday, 31st July 2026.



https://www.keighleyairedalebusinessawards.co.uk/awards/

23/07/2026

Growing confidence, creating change 🌎 You won’t believe the impact The Venturists programme has on young people.

💬 “I enjoy how it makes me feel inspired. I want a legacy to fight for human rights. I hope that in the future people have the right to do anything they desire.” - Zahra.

Proud mum: Salma says, “Zahra’s journey has inspired the whole family - her dad returned to university to study Politics, exploring equality issues. It’s kind of like a family thing now - we’re all on this journey with her.” The Venturists gave Zahra the confidence she needed after facing tough experiences at school, opening the door to one opportunity after another. “The Venturists gave Zahra the confidence she needed after bullying - it’s had a magical impact. She’s seizing opportunities, growing into a young leader, and inspiring everyone around her.”

Get in touch with Jill Taylor to start your journey with The Venturists today: [email protected]

17/07/2026

Last week, we spent the day in Leeds for an important team day. 🤝 After a team meeting, chat through our recent reasons to celebrate, and a strategy meeting, we embarked on a scavenger hunt through the city. 🔎

Team days are a great way to bring your employees, trustees and volunteers together to get to know each other better, break down barriers, and create a supportive culture - and they come in all shapes and sizes. Our recent team day featured a three-hour walk in the scorching sun! ☀️

You can bring your team together by taking part in our team volunteering days, a chance to improve your organisation's culture while supporting local community venues. 🧰 Find out how you can engage all of your employees through meaningful team volunteering 👉 participateprojects.org.uk/business-volunteering