Background to the project:

The project was created by the Community Council for Somerset as a way of providing “on the ground” support for groups in Rural Sedgemoor.  After successfully applying to the Big Lottery we were able to lay the foundations and start developing this valuable work.

Throughout the lifetime of the project there were 3 desired outcomes:

1                    To improve the confidence of individuals and / or groups to link in with relevant support agencies, and to meet the needs of their communities more effectively

2                    To increase the capacity of individuals active in the voluntary and community sector, in rural Sedgemoor, to meet the needs of their communities

3                    To increase the viability of voluntary and community sector groups to obtain funding

A Steering Group was formed to help guide me through my work.  This Group played an important role in ensuring the project moved in a positive way and continued to respond to the needs of rural Sedgemoor.  We would like to thank the members of the Group for their support. 

Some of the achievements of the project over the 3 years: 

These are just some of the achievements of the project. The work and dedication of the community groups highlight the real achievements.
 

The type of support the project delivered included:

o       Information, “signposting” and advice on what is available in the local area for individuals looking to start a business or community enterprise, training or setting up a local group

o       Funding advice – who to contact and how to go about completing the forms

o       Support with consulting the community / group on what they need

o       Support to establish a group with a constitution and committee

o       Support with policies such as child protection and health and safety policies

o       Ideas and a sounding block for helping a group or individual move forward.

 Who has benefited from the project:

During the lifetime of the project it became clear that it takes a while for people to come forward and ask for support.  Word of mouth also proved a valuable way of spreading the word about the reputation of the project and the benefits it could bring to a wide range of community groups and individuals. 

Over the course of the project I attended an average of two evening meetings each week, including some weekend work. Here are just a few examples of the projects supported:

Chedzoy Playing field Association: supporting a newly elected committee to understand their roles and responsibilities and ensure relevant policies and procedures are in place.

North Petherton ALIVE festival: a community festival organised in 2008 by a group of church members to bring together groups and clubs from across North Petherton to celebrate all the talents in music, art, craft, drama and dance.

The Middlezoy Community Shop and Post Office:  a local facility run by local people providing a service and a contact point for people in the area.

Westonzoyland Community Speed Watch: supported by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Parish Council, run by local volunteers to help reduce and monitor speed through the village. An example of local people taking action for the safety of their community.

Nether Stowey Active Living Centre: a volunteer-run group providing information and activities aimed at the over 50’s supported by the POPP project and the Parish Council and other local groups.

Connect-North Petherton: a volunteer run community project providing a wide range of activities including a monthly community café and a monthly drop in, providing courses and support for local people.

Those involved in running the groups and attending the groups gain so much, from friendships, social contact, new skills, laughter and fun.

Although the Sedgemoor Rural Community Development Project has come to an end in its existing guise the Community Council is committed to seeking further funding for this and similar projects.

For more information about this project, please contact: info@somersetrcc.org.uk