Local voluntary groups encouraged to take advantage of expert
advice (October 23, 2009
Voluntary organisations across the district are invited to a
series of lunchtime networking events held by the Suffolk Coastal
Resource Network (SCRN) offering advice on funding and development
tips.
SCRN has since 2006 given 125 local groups one-to-one
information and advice sessions, supported or contacted 650 groups,
and helped them access over £100,000 of new funding.
“On the menu at the networking lunches will be a great wealth of
experience that can help a wide range of organisations, from groups
supporting individuals with specific needs to large groups managing
community buildings and beyond,” said Cllr Ray Herring, Chairman of
the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Board.
Networking lunches will be taking place on Thursday, October 29,
12-2pm at Martlesham Village Hall and Tuesday, November 24, 12-2pm
at Saxmundham. Places can be booked by calling Sue Clements on
01473 275195 or emailing
sue.clements@savo.co.uk
Speakers include Suffolk Foundation, Suffolk LINK, Volunteer
Suffolk Coastal and Suffolk Coastal District Council.
The SCRN has been running funding surgeries that provide
hour-long sessions for local groups to share their experiences and
find out about funding that could be available to them. These
surgeries are being extended to the lunchtime networking events and
hope to offer advice to an even greater number of groups.
Organisations will be able to get information relevant to their
group and also book a place to meet with a member of the SCRN in a
personalised funding surgery.
Support available in these sessions include developing business
plans, financial health checks, recruiting volunteers, seeking
funding, completing forms and providing encouragement and sharing
experienced knowledge.
“Previous funding surgeries have been a great help to local
voluntary groups with over £100,000 of funding accessed thanks to
the efforts of the SCRN which is supported by the LSP, because we
recognize the importance of the community and voluntary sector in
our district,” added Cllr Herring.
“I would strongly encourage any local voluntary or
community group to come along to one of the networking lunches to
find out what additional help may be on offer. Both established and
new groups are encouraged to take advantage of the free advice to
seek additional ways their groups can be developed to reach more of
the community,” added Cllr Herring.
Residents that are keen to start a voluntary or community group
will benefit from the networking lunches and funding surgeries and
can also find helpful information at
www.scrn.co.uk/news/freeguide