Training and Events taking place at Hastings Voluntary Action – Free to attend

Professional Boundaries for Volunteers

Date: 16th September 2026, 10am-12.45pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

Minimum number of 8 attendees – Maximum in accordance with learning venue provided.

The aims: To give guidance to understand professional boundaries and duty of care, and emotional resilience to stress.

The objectives:

• To give practical guidance on professional boundaries
• To appreciate the difference between friendship and supporting someone as a volunteer
• To explore the difference between professional, personal, legislative and policies or codes of conduct in relation to volunteers

Hastings Aging Network

Date: 17th September 2026, 1.30pm-3pm

Venue: Central Hall, 6 Bank Buildings, Station Road, Hastings, TN34-1NG

Our monthly meeting for organisations and individuals working with/for older people locally. We always welcome new partners at the Ageing Network meetings, so if you know of anyone working with older people or are simply in contact with older people who are keen to have a voice on issues related to ageing, then do invite them to connect to the network.

Making Every Contact Count (MECC)

Date: 18th September 2026, 10am-1pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

MECC (Making Every Contact Count) is a practical introduction to the skills in talking to people about the issues they are concerned about or the changes they are seeking to make. It is all about supporting people to identify and access the things that could help them. So, if your work brings you into frequent contact with people and you want to improve the likelihood of making a real difference this training could be for you.

Communities Creating Change

Date: 23rd September 2026, 10am-4pm

Venue: The Observer Building, 53 Cambridge Road, Hastings, ESX TN34 1DT

Join this creative and collaborative event to celebrate and share learning from local community led initiatives that are creating change in Hastings and St Leonards. Participate in inspirational conversations, workshops and activities that encourage curiosity, highlight the power of building connections, and recognise local assets. Communities Creating Change in Hastings is a free event and is open to all, with light refreshments included. This event will bring together local community initiatives with representatives from public, voluntary, and community sector organisations. Places are limited so please register now to ensure you are part of this important conversation.

Moonlight Walk Snack Making Session

Date: 25th September 2026, 10.30am-1pm

Venue: Central Hall, 6 Bank Buildings, Station Road, Hastings, TN34-1NG

Protein/healthy snack-making session for handing out during the St Michael’s Hospice Moonlight Walk.

Legal Structures Workshop

Date: 1st October 2026, 2.30pm-4pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

Confused about legal structures? Charitable Incorporated Organisations? Community Interest Companies? Attend our introductory workshop led by CEO Steve Manwaring, to find the right structure for your idea or group.

Health & Safety Awareness

Date: 7th October 2026, 10am-12.45pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

Minimum number of 8 attendees – Maximum in accordance with learning venue provided

The aims: To be introduced to legislation regarding health and safety and appreciate the link between risk, assessment of risk and positive support for individual.

The objectives:

• To be introduced to health and safety legislation
• To know how to find access information regarding H & S
• To understand an individual’s responsibility to adhere to health and safety precautions
• To appreciate the importance of risk assessment to meet health and safety requirements

Directors Briefing

Date: 13th October 2026, 2.30pm-4pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

Are you new in post or keen to find out more about the sector? This workshop, led by HVA Director Steve Manwaring, will include a briefing about the scale and contribution of the VCSE sector in Hastings, information about the services HVA provide, and an opportunity to hear about and discuss the key issues affecting the sector.

Basic Risk Assessment for Voluntary Organisations

Date: 11th November 2026, 10am-12.45pm

Venue: Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, TN34 1QN

Minimum number of 8 attendees – Maximum in accordance with learning venue provided.

The aims: To give practical advice on developing a basic risk assessment for new clients.

The objectives:

• To understand the importance of an initial home visit to access risk (for client and volunteers)

• To appreciate the assessment as part of establishing professional boundaries
• To understand the difference between a hazard and a risk
• To use the risk assessment cycle
• To be able to take into account positive risk