Support for groups

Supporting Groups to build Skills and Sustainability

This activity is key to our efforts to continue with the regeneration of the West Itchen area and is the core task of our Project Development Officer, Gulzar Sharif. Our Mission emphasises the objective of ‘helping other organisations within the area to bid for funds’.

Our approach is to develop the confidence and skills of local people so that they can run successful organisations within their communities. This strategy will ensure that ownership of projects remain with the organisations responsible for identifying needs, which will be based on local priorities.

We act as an ‘enabler’ by helping organisations navigate the process of searching for funding, and teach them the skills necessary for applying for funds; controlling and monitoring their project; fulfilling reporting requirements; and developing sustainable ongoing services through the development of enterprising activity.

We also offer:

• Finance
• Premises
• Access to Networks

Finance – West Itchen Community Fund

Our Community Grants Fund provides grants of £250 – £5000, and the total fund for 2007 is £10,000. The Fund provides small grants of up to £250 to local community groups, voluntary organisations and charities, and grants of up to £5000 to key local organisations. Priorities for the distribution of the fund are set via a survey of our members.

Current Priorities are:

• Social Cohesion
• Anti-Social Behaviour
• Drugs & Drug-Users
• Youth Issues

Premises’ sharing our HQ with the voluntary sector

Our HQ in St. Andrew’s Rd also houses other voluntary organisations in subsidised workspace. We provide quality office space at affordable prices and favourable terms.

Networks

We are able to help individuals make links into existing voluntary and community networks so as to encourage peer learning.  We also fund the development of new networks and training for these groups where specialist support is required. We work closely with Tenants & Residents Associations to encourage increased communication between individual associations.

To find out how we can support your group or organisation, call the office and contact Gulzar.