Information to kick-start your voluntary group (November 21, 2008)

Running a voluntary or community group can be a daunting prospect, so the Suffolk Coastal Resource Network (SCRN) has published a guide to the process in order to train, support and inform prospective volunteers and to help those in existing groups who are in need of further advice.

The 32-page starter pack, entitled ‘Setting Up A Voluntary & Community Group’ was funded by the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), and is available free of charge.

“The starter pack has been designed to give volunteers the basic skills to set up and run a voluntary or community organisation, guiding them through various aspects of the process. It includes important information on how to get funding and how best to structure your organisation,” said Cllr Doreen Savage, Suffolk Coastal LSP Board Member.

“The SCRN has helped hundreds of keen voluntary and community groups to get organised and start making a real difference in the district, and now all of their expertise and local knowledge has been collected in this pack for easy reference,” added Cllr Savage.

The starter pack is a resource in itself, but it also provides information on other sources of help available to Suffolk Coastal’s volunteers, charities and voluntary organisations.

These include the fortnightly funding surgeries held in locations around the district by Karen Lawson, Suffolk Coastal’s voluntary and community sector development co-ordinator that is funded by Suffolk Coastal LSP.

“Voluntary and community groups are vital because they are run by local people to meet the needs of local people. If they are successful they have the power to help others and to achieve their aims on a wider level, by working with Suffolk Coastal and other councils and organisations.

“I would recommend that anyone considering running a voluntary group read the SCRN starter pack to ensure they give their fledging group the best possible chance of success,” added Cllr Savage.

To download a PDF of the starter pack, go to www.suffolkcoastallsp/communitydevelopment. Alternatively, you can request a hard copy from the SCRN by calling Karen Lawson on 01473 275195 or emailing karen.lawson@savo.co.uk. 

People in Suffolk Coastal wishing to set up a new group, having an issue with their current organisation or in need of funding can also contact Karen for support and advice.