Are you looking for funding opportunities to support your community initiatives? Join us for our upcoming webinar, ” Learn about the West Lothian 4 Community Funding Search Tool “. This informative session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate the West Lothian 4 Community grant search database. What you will learn: How…
The charity In Kind Direct distributes consumer products donated at scale by manufacturers and retailers, including personal hygiene items, household cleaning and laundry items, toys, tech, clothing and baby essentials through third sector organisations for a fraction of the retail price. It is FREE to join. Find out more on the Webinar on 27th November.…
Join us on 18th December from 3pm to 5pm for a festive networking event designed for third sector organisations and social enterprises across West Lothian! Celebrate the season, share updates, and build connections with colleagues and partners in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy warm drinks, festive treats, and plenty of time to network. No registration required…
Date: Wednesday 22nd January Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway Facilitator: Declan Harrigan Cost: Free of charge Overview Being a CEO in the charity sector is uniquely rewarding but also incredibly demanding. The pressures of managing funding challenges, leading a team, and staying true to your organisation’s mission can lead…
We’re thrilled to invite you to our Evening Networking Event to celebrate 22 incredible years of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian! 📅 Date: Tuesday, 18th February ⏰ Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm 📍 Location: The Gateway, 20-22 King Street, Bathgate, EH48 1AX This event offers a wonderful chance to network with colleagues in the sector and reflect on our shared journey and accomplishments. No need to…
We’re delighted to invite you to the Engaging Communities Toolkit Training, designed to help individuals and organisations develop their community engagement skills. This interactive session will cover: ✅ What community engagement is and why it matters ✅ Practical tools and methods to engage effectively ✅ How to overcome common challenges You can choose from two…
We're thrilled to announce a new First Aid Training opportunity in collaboration with the British Red Cross! Following the success of our previous sold-out sessions, we're offering another chance for your staff and volunteers to learn vital first aid skills. This interactive workshop, led by experienced Red Cross educators, will help you: Perform essential first…
We would like to invite you to an important information session on the recent changes to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and related legal requirements, following the implementation of the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Date: Wednesday 23rd April Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm Venue: The Gateway, 20-22 King Street, Bathgate, EH48 1AX (In-person and online attendance available) Speaker: Duncan Steele from Volunteer Scotland This…
Are You Familiar with Naloxone? Lifesaving Training for Frontline Staff Event Description:Scotland continues to face a devastating public health emergency, with the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — and anyone can use it in an emergency. VSGWL and West…
Are You Familiar with Naloxone? Lifesaving Training for Frontline Staff Event Description:Scotland continues to face a devastating public health emergency, with the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — and anyone can use it in an emergency. VSGWL and West…
Have you identified a need within your community that you would like to address? Are you interested in establishing a business that delivers social impact? The Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is hosting an informal information session on Wednesday 25th June at 6.30pm at our offices in Bathgate, designed for individuals who would like to learn more about…
Are you an organisation based in Fauldhouse & Breich Valley and want to learn more about what Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian does? We’re delighted to invite you to a community event for local groups and organisations, hosted in partnership by The Gateway, West Lothian Council, and Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Community Development Trust. This…
Hello, We’re pleased to invite you to our upcoming Writing Funding Applications training session – a practical and supportive session designed especially for smaller and grassroots third sector organisations and social enterprises in West Lothian. When: Wednesday 20th August at 3pm Where: The Gateway, 20–22 King Street, Bathgate, EH48 1AX Cost: Free for West Lothian third sector organisations and social enterprises What to…
You are warmly invited to attend an important event on Tuesday 26th August at 2pm where Diane Stewart, Health Improvement Lead, will present an update on the current West Lothian Suicide Prevention Strategy. This session will also provide an opportunity for attendees to give feedback on the new plan. The event is open to anyone working in the Third…
Got questions about the West Lothian Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund? Join our online Q&A session on Wednesday 3rd September at 9.30am to find out more about the fund, including how to apply, what’s eligible, and what’s new for this year – including the option to apply for 2-year funding for the first time.…
We’re inviting third sector organisations across West Lothian who deliver mental health services to join us for an open conversation about setting up a Mental Health Forum. The idea is to bring organisations together to explore whether there is interest locally, and to start shaping what a forum could look like. Together we’ll consider: The…
We are delighted to invite you to our next Meet the Funder event, taking place on Thursday 23rd October at 3:00pm at The Gateway, 20–22 King Street, Bathgate. This interactive session will be hosted with Caitlin Logan Carter, Funding Officer – Edinburgh and the Lothians, The National Lottery Community Fund. The session will include: A short presentation from Caitlin on…
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, in partnership with Linking Lives, is offering a free training session to help volunteers build confidence and develop stronger communication skills when supporting others in their community. Delivered by Linking Lives, the Good Conversation Training focuses on developing the skills and confidence needed to have meaningful conversations and provide effective…
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025Time: 6:00pmLocation: The Gateway, 20-22 King Street, Bathgate, EH48 1AXCost: Free (registration required) Thinking about starting a social enterprise? If you’ve ever had an idea to make a positive difference in your community, this informal workshop is for you. Join Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL) to explore how to turn…
Registration now closed.
We’re pleased to invite our partners, third sector organisations and social enterprises from across West Lothian to our festive networking afternoon on Wednesday 17th December, from 3pm to 5pm at The Gateway. This informal gathering is a chance to round off the year together, share updates, and make new connections with colleagues and partners from…
The Social Enterprise Forum is open to all social enterprises operating in West Lothian (a social enterprise is an organisation that is trading and has an asset lock). It is facilitated by The Gateway to enable enterprises’ engagement across West Lothian and its strategic partnerships, provide networking opportunities, peer support and learning. Meetings alternate every…
The Third Sector Strategy Group (TSSG) is open to all Third Sector organisations across West Lothian. This is an opportunity for you to: Influence the work of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Amplify your collective voice to local and national government and statutory bodies Network with peers from other organisations The group is chaired by…
The Positive Ageing Services Forum is a space for third sector organisations working with older people in West Lothian to connect, collaborate and influence. The forum offers a valuable opportunity to: Build strong partnerships Share knowledge, ideas and resources Strengthen communication across organisations Influence local and national policy Improve the range and quality of services for older…
The West Lothian Volunteer Network (WLVN) is an informal support network for Volunteer Managers and Coordinators across West Lothian. It provides a space to share information, best practices and resources—while building strong partnerships that promote and celebrate volunteering locally. More Information
Level 1 Adult Support and Protection Training Online | Wednesday 4th March | 2:00pm – 3:30pm This Level 1 Adult Support and Protection Training provides an introduction to adult support and protection, including key roles and responsibilities, and is suitable for those who require an overview of adults at risk of harm. The session is…
VSGWL coordinates the Third Sector Employability Forum to bring together local third sector organisations involved in employability and community support. The forum provides space to: Share updates, resources, and good practice. Build relationships and referral routes. Identify gaps and opportunities. Feed into local and national employability strategy. The Forum is currently chaired by Alan McCloskey (Interim Chair). Join…
The Social Enterprise Forum is open to all social enterprises operating in West Lothian (a social enterprise is an organisation that is trading and has an asset lock). It is facilitated by The Gateway to enable enterprises’ engagement across West Lothian and its strategic partnerships, provide networking opportunities, peer support and learning. Meetings alternate every…
Age Scotland is offering a free, in-person workshop for staff and volunteers who support older people. The three-hour session provides practical, research-based guidance to help improve health and wellbeing in later life, while giving participants the opportunity to reflect on their current practice and explore new approaches. The workshop covers key topics including physical activity,…
The Children and Families Forum brings together voluntary, community and non-profit organisations from across West Lothian to help shape and strengthen the support available for children, young people and families. By working together, we aim to: Increase the impact of the Third Sector in planning and delivering services Share knowledge, experience and ideas Influence local…
Whether you are currently a trustee or thinking about becoming one, this session will help you better understand the important role trustees play in charities and voluntary organisations. Our Trustee Journey Training provides a practical introduction to the responsibilities of trustees and how effective boards help organisations thrive. This session is suitable for: • Current…
The Third Sector Strategy Group (TSSG) is open to all Third Sector organisations across West Lothian. This is an opportunity for you to: Influence the work of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Amplify your collective voice to local and national government and statutory bodies Network with peers from other organisations The group is chaired by…
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is hosting an online Volunteer Management Training Session designed to support organisations to effectively recruit, support and retain volunteers. Thursday 9th April1:00pm – 3:00pmOnline This session will introduce the key principles of effective volunteer management and how to create a positive, well-supported volunteering experience. Topics will include: Legal and regulatory…
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is pleased to offer this YGAM Social Care training session, designed to help build confidence in supporting young people around gaming and gambling harms. Delivered by Ygam, an award-winning charity dedicated to helping young people lead safe digital lives, this interactive workshop will explore the digital environments young people navigate…
Looking to get involved in your community but not sure where to start? Join our Volunteer Opportunities Showcase event and discover a range of ways you can make a difference across West Lothian. This online session brings together local organisations who are actively looking for volunteers – each giving a short, friendly overview of how…
We’re pleased to invite organisations across West Lothian to our upcoming Green Champion Training, delivered in partnership with West Lothian Climate Action Network and Business Energy Scotland. This free, CPD-certified session is designed to help you improve your organisation’s environmental performance while identifying practical opportunities to reduce costs. What you’ll learn Identify cost-saving and environmental…
We’re delighted to confirm that the VSGWL Volunteer Awards will return in 2026, following the huge success of last year’s event. The awards will take place on: Thursday 4 June 2026as part of Volunteers’ Week (Monday 1 June – Sunday 7 June 2026) This special event will once again shine a spotlight on the incredible contribution volunteers make across…
Join us for a fun and informal football-themed networking event in Bathgate. Enjoy food, activities, and a lively World Cup atmosphere while connecting with others in a welcoming and inclusive setting. Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-cup-themed-networking-event-tickets-1991971358957?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
