Community Council for Somerset Conference was held on  26th June 2007 at the Exchange, Bridgwater

Community Advice and Funding Information Conference 2007

Sarah McKean reports on the highlights of the Community Council for Somerset’s Community Advice and Funding Information Conference

The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) welcomed over 200 people to an eclectic day of networking, training and social activities during our “Community Advice and Funding Information” event on 26^th June at the Bridgwater Exchange. 

The diversity of activities exceeded our original plans (which began last September during one of our team meetings).  Following on from our 2006 Funding Fair, we wanted to provide an opportunity for people to get funding information and community advice, but, we hadn’t imagined that we would attract such varied topics. As well as the “serious” business of talking to organisations such as The Big Lottery and The Centre for Sustainable Energy, people were entertained to truffle making demonstrations by South Somerset’s “Work Preparation Services” (a local social enterprise) and chair based dancing sessions facilitated by Hannah Lefeuvre (“Take Art:Dance”).  Even the busiest of delegates found time to “shake it all out” in the “dance zone” and try out some flamenco dancing in a chair! 

The timetable for the day began at 10.00am, with a welcome introduction from David Smith (CCS Chief Executive).  People then visited the “marketplace” of 17 information stands and the first of a series of training and information workshops.  During the day, 12 separate topics were covered in 31 carefully coordinated sessions (ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours each). The CCS ran informal sessions on: village halls, rural housing, Somerset Broadplaces (promoting broadband for rural communities), parish plans, Somerset Market Towns Forum, “Hidden Somerset” (a sustainable tourism project) and the Somerset Rural Women’s network.  We also played host to a series of “Community Ventures” training sessions providing start-up guidance to groups, advice about the viability and sustainability of community buildings and income generation.  Other workshops were organised during the day, focusing on rural funding programmes, support for carers and older people and transport in Somerset. 

The most popular workshop attended was the Funding and Support for Rural Areas in Somerset.  This was organised by the County Council’s Rural Delivery Team.  It provided information on funding programmes such as Community Chest, the Rural Renaissance Programme and Leader+.

From feedback collected from the event, we know that the day attracted a range of ages and representatives of community groups from across Somerset.  Most of the people who provided feedback confirmed that they had hoped to gain information and networking opportunities.  Expectations were generally met.

People were also asked for their views regarding public transport and services for older people.  57% of respondents confirmed that more services were needed for older people.  80% of respondents believed that transport services should be more affordable, including better transport to hospitals (8% of respondents) and late buses (2% of respondents).  In answer to our question “what is the biggest single issue that affects people living in a rural area”, transport received the most responses (34%), with affordable housing and youth facilities joint second (6%).

Feedback collected from the event will help organisations involved with the event to better inform their future activity.

On the day, people received a “goodie bag” containing a variety of leaflets and support materials from community advice providers and funders. One of the highlights of these bags was a funding advice pack - “Piling up the Pounds” - produced for the event by the CCS. 

“Piling up the Pounds” is aimed at established community groups.  It provides advice on such subjects as how to make funding applications, local fundraising, gift aid and an A-Z of fundraising ideas and events.  The pack was produced in response to the large volume of enquiries which CCS receives from groups across Somerset and has so far been extremely well received. 

For less established groups needing guidance about Constitutions, insurance, health and safety and the issue of charitable status, we produced a separate information pack - “Getting Started”. 

Both packs are available free of charge from the CCS, thanks to financial support from The  Big Lottery and from Somerset County Council’s Rural Delivery Team. They are also available on CD.

We would like to thank everybody for their support for our event and for helping to make it a success. If you would like more information about the day, please contact the CCS (info@somersetrcc.org.uk / tel: 01823 331222).

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