Partnership Summary 2013/2014

Transcription

1 Partnership Summary 2013/2014 Compiled Autumn 2014

2 Contents Foreword... 3 Highlights... 4 Our Priorities 2013/ Partnership Projects... 6 Project Focus... 7 Cycle South Ribble... 7 Project Focus... 8 My Neighbourhoods... 8 Partnership Projects Summary... 9 Ad Hoc Projects South Ribble Big Do and Community Awards Community Bids Fund Case Study Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway Community Bids Fund Projects 2013/ How to get in touch WORKING BETTER TOGETHER 2 P a g e

3 Foreword I am pleased to be able to introduce our annual report for 2013/2014, which sets out what we have achieved in the last 12 months. Partnership working is crucial; now more than ever. Over the past twelve months, the need to share resources and develop new ways of working has become increasingly evident. Year on year reductions in spending means fewer resources are available, whilst the demands on services continue. As a Partnership we are uniquely placed to be able to respond to this change in our working environment and demonstrate the positives of collaborative working and testing new models of delivery. To ensure we remain responsive to change, we have taken these past few months to reflect on how we as a Partnership operate. Following our last AGM we have refocused our priorities to meet the challenges ahead and we are ready to respond to the opportunities that will emerge. We are committed to working with the VCFS in South Ribble and are prepared to test new models of working and provide the resources needed to help the sector flourish and grow. We are therefore investing in the development of the South Ribble VCFS Network and have continued to support the smallest of the Borough s community groups through our local grants scheme. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have contributed their time and expertise to the Partnership over the past 12 months. We are better together and I hope that over the next twelve months we continue to work in partnership and make a real difference to the people and communities of South Ribble. Claire Foreman Chair of South Ribble Partnership Change for South Ribble is moving at an unprecedented pace. City Deal will see local development condensed from 25 years into 10. This represents a great opportunity for communities and businesses in the Borough. As a Partnership we are focused on ensuring that City Deal provides the relevant access to education, skills and employment that will be needed. This will ensure that the City Deal provides genuine benefit to local people; building a strong and vibrant community and quality of place. The voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) continues to be a priority for us. The sector provides a great deal of support and assistance to a wide range of groups and people across the borough. It is only right that we as a partnership work with them to support and develop local infrastructure, so that it can be responsive to the changes taking place. The dissolutions of Chorley & South Ribble CVS and Central Lancashire CVS have only served to emphasise the need to change ways of working and adopt new models of service. 3 P a g e

4 Highlights As of March 2014 over 100,000 provided in grants to over 50 local voluntary, community and faith based groups across South Ribble. The second South Ribble Big Do and Community Awards was a great success! There were over 200 attendees; developing the connections between local businesses, the community and the 3 rd sector. Better Together in the Home Project Launched to develop an improved, joined-up approach to ensure South Ribble residents are aware of and have access to the many services available to support them to maintain their health and wellbeing. Community Bids Fund Lite Launched to support the grassroots voluntary and community groups across South Ribble. Continued working with the Council s My Neighbourhood teams to engage partners in community plans and support project delivery in local communities; including Longton Live and the Farington History Trail. Continued to grow our presence on Social media. More than 100 followers on Twitter and Facebook helping to drive traffic to the Partnership s website and reach new groups of people with Partnership news. With support from Partnership members Tots on Tyres (part of Cycle South Ribble) has now received sponsorship from HALFORDS enabling the purchase of lots of new bikes to introduce children to pedal bikes. 4 P a g e

5 Our Priorities 2013/2014 We consulted widely with Partners and a range of organisations from across South Ribble. From that consultation our priorities have been refreshed and focused to concentrate on; Impact of City Deal Work with communities to assess the impact of City Deal for residents, businesses and local organisations and services. Ensure that the City Deal delivers real benefit to local people; providing local people with access to education, skills and employment and a strong, vibrant community. Supporting the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector Work with the Voluntary, Community and Faith sector to develop a coherent approach to; Volunteering Knowledge Sharing Reducing duplication Supporting closer joint working Health: Care Close to Home Work with local service providers and communities to focus on early intervention and care close to home. Build upon and develop existing services; giving due consideration to opportunities and referrals to non-medical interventionist options. 5 P a g e

6 Partnership Projects At our AGM in 2013 we asked those organisations present, what challenges and opportunities they faced and how we as a partnership could help. Based on the feedback received a number of key issues were identified. To explore in greater detail each issue, we held a series of scoping groups and examined what we as a partnership could focus on. This process helped us to define our priorities and update our Sustainable Community Strategy which will now focus our work for the next two years. The priorities adopted are; Impact of City Deal o Ensuring local people are able to access the benefits City Deal will bring Strengthening the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector o Developing a coherent approach to volunteering and service delivery Care Close to Home o Supporting vulnerable people to remain independent in their home To support the delivery of those priorities, the Partnership has supported and commissioned two new projects; Better Together in the Home o Developing an improved, joined-up approach to ensure South Ribble residents are aware of and have access to the many services available to support them to maintain their health and wellbeing. South Ribble VCFS Network Co-ordinator o Recruitment of a co-ordinator to grow, develop and support the network These projects have recently been established and we hope to be able to tell you more about them in the following year. We still have a number of ongoing projects, commissioned in the previous year and on the following pages you can read more about them. 6 P a g e

7 Project Focus Cycle South Ribble South Ribble Borough Council Involving a range of partners including Lancashire County Council, British Cycling, and South Ribble Partnership, Cycle South Ribble over the past twelve months has engaged thousands of residents across the age ranges to promote cycling for both recreation and health. Funding from the Partnership has specifically been used to deliver the Tots on Tyres programme and to enable the wider co-ordination of the cycling programme across partners. Co-ordination of the programme has enabled the effective provision and delivery of a number of strands of work; Tots on Tyres for reception and year 1 pupils Bikeability for school years 5/6 Sky Rides for families and adults British Cycling Social Cycling and Buddy Scheme The Tots on Tyres programme has grown from strength to strength. Over 2000 children went through the programme in 2013/2014 and a further strand has now been developed, introducing children to pedal bikes. This new and exciting phase has been supported with sponsorship from Halfords, as a result of support from partner, BAE Systems. Growing out of the work of the programme, the Sports Development team have developed a new programme, now being delivered in schools to encourage young people to scoot safely. The programme called scootsafe has been developed in partnership with Lancashire County Council s travel team. South Ribble s Sports Development team deliver a two hour practical session to pupils in school for years 3 and 4. So far 25 schools have signed up to the programme. With delivery of the outcomes of the project, the Partnership has been pleased to be able to fund the project for a further year to allow the work to continue and develop. 7 P a g e

8 Project Focus My Neighbourhoods South Ribble Borough Council When South Ribble Borough Council established the Neighbourhood Forums, South Ribble Partnership provided 15,000 to support the delivery of the neighbourhood plans. Since then a number of projects have been delivered using this funding, and involve a wide range of activities from arts and cultural events to improving public spaces and community assets. Below are just a few of the highlights of what has been delivered so far. Project Highlights; Longton Live With over almost 100 live performances over the weekend, and more than 10 activities to choose from during the Saturday daytime; Longton was alive on the weekend of the 6th June as churches, scout huts, sports & social clubs, cafés, pubs, shops and estate agents opened their doors to hundreds of performers. The live events across South Ribble have proved to be a hugely successful, bringing together residents and businesses for the benefit of the community. They continue to entertain whilst supporting town and village centres by boosting the local economy across the district. Notice Boards for Leyland and Central Noticeboards have sprung up around the Leyland and Central areas, which can be used by residents and community groups to advertise local community events, news and promote the local forums. Walton Le Dale Ox Bow Path With Support from the Partnership and the Eastern My Neighbourhood Forum, the Higher Walton Community centre made a successful bid to the National Lottery for 2400 to design and install a number of interpretation panels around the ox bow path at the King George Field in High Walton Village. 8 P a g e

9 Partnership Projects Summary Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary South Ribble VCFS Network - 29,575 IN PROGRESS With support from the Partnership, South Ribble Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) Network was established in 2012, after the local Council for Voluntary Service closed. Following consultation with the sector and local communities they overwhelming told us they wanted a forum for the sector, led by the sector. The aim of the co-ordinator is to strengthen the VCFS in South Ribble, which will be achieved by; 1. Growing the network and its membership to represent the wide diversity and unique characteristics of the voluntary, the community and the faith sectors. 2. Acting as a Steering Group resource; coordinating meetings, developing communication channels and reporting on the delivery of the networks aims. 3. Supporting the network, its members and the steering group to take the lead in local initiatives that contribute to the aims of the network and South Ribble Partnership s aspirations. 4. Developing and supporting the sectors engagement with the Private and Public Sector. Better Together in the Home 1,400 IN PROGRESS Better Together in the Home is about developing an improved, joined-up approach to ensure South Ribble residents are aware of, and have access to the many services available to support them to maintain their health and wellbeing. The variety of services available can be difficult for organisations to understand and navigate. The project aims to create better links and improved knowledge across organisations; helping to facilitate an improved referral process to ensure residents get the support they need. The project focusses on four priority themes which are; Home Security and Fire Safety Falls prevention Carers (support for) 9 P a g e

10 Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary Dementia South Ribble Partnership Community Bids Fund 32,500 COMPLETE FINAL SPEND 23,593 In 2013/2014 there were two rounds of the Partnership s Community Bids Fund. A total of 11 projects were funded providing grants totalling 23,593 see pages 15, 16 and 17 for details of the funded projects. The Partnership has extended its commitment to Community Bids Fund but has revised the scheme to provide grants on a rolling basis to smaller groups. South Ribble Borough Council My Neighbourhoods 15, IN PROGRESS Funding allocated to support the delivery of projects included in South Ribble s My Neighbourhood Plans. The plans were developed in conjunction with local communities and include 10 priority projects for each of the 5 My Neighbourhood areas in South Ribble (Central, Eastern, Leyland, Penwortham & Western Parishes). To date this funding has supported; Activities for Children and Young People in Leyland Community Notice Boards throughout Leyland Improvements to Hurst Grange Park Penwortham Delivery of Longton Live South Ribble Partnership Living Smart II 3, COMPLETE FINAL SPEND Phase II of the Living Smart project is focused on delivering a broad engagement programme across the borough, working with employers based on the lessons learned from the demonstration project. Runshaw College and South Ribble Borough Council have signed-up as corporate partners to the project. Using an agreed framework of delivery each employer delivered the project within their own workplaces over the past 18 months up until Autumn South Ribble Borough Council South Ribble Cycling 18, IN PROGRESS Funding was allocated to support a two year programme that promotes and increases participation in cycling activities in South Ribble. The programme is now in its second year and is performing exceptionally well. The project provides an inclusive programme to support and encourage participation across all age groups in all areas of the borough. The funding is being used to deliver the infant programme Tots on Tyres and to 10 P a g e

11 Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary support the coordination of the entire project and to identify and address any gaps in provision. Ad Hoc Projects As well as delivering the projects we planned to focus on in 2013/14, it s also important for the Partnership to remain agile and be able to adapt its focus depending upon the changing needs of local people and communities. Here s a summary of the Partnership s additional ad hoc projects in 2013/14: Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary Great War Memorial and Heritage Project IN PROGRESS 2014 marks the beginning of a four year period which commemorates the Great War. South Ribble Partnership and South Ribble Borough Council Big Do COMPLETE FINAL SPEND 1,000 With support from South Ribble Partnership a bid has been prepared for consideration by the Heritage lottery to fund a range of activities, including the erection of a new memorial which would be dedicated to all the fallen of the borough. Big Do was an idea to have a single networking event for all types of organisations based or working in South Ribble. The event was very successful and over 200 people attended, made new connections and formed relationships. The event also combined the first South Ribble Community Awards, recognising local volunteers for the extraordinary contributions they make to the borough. Coastal Communities 0.00 IN PROGRESS The Partnership Office has provided advice and support in the development and submission of a bid to the Lottery for funding as part of the Coastal Communities Programme. The bid if successful will facilitate improvements to the path network of the Ribble Wetlands and surrounding villages, together with regeneration of the town centre of Longton. It would also put in place business support advice and an incubation centre to help emerging businesses establish themselves. Decision is expected Feb P a g e

12 South Ribble Big Do and Community Awards Our second ever Big Do was bigger and better this year with over 200 people gathering together to network, share contacts and hear from the guest speakers about forging effective relationships and apprenticeships. Ron Augustyn, managing director of Leyland Trucks shared his experiences and tips about how to make the connections that matter; what networking is all about and why it is of benefit to always make the first move. Sharon Jones, director at Samlesbury Hall spoke about her organisation's experience of employing apprentices and how it has mutually benefited both the employer and the employee. The 'Marketplace' was piled high with leaflets, cards, promotional items that attendees had brought. We have considered all the feedback that we received and are already busy planning what we can do next year to make the Big Do, bigger and better! The South Ribble Community Awards took place as part of the event and 2014 saw a record number of nominations made. These awards recognised the valuable contributions that individuals, businesses and local voluntary groups have made to the borough. The winners of 2014 were; Business For Community Keith Bradshaw Community Impact Award Age Concern Central Lancashire Volunteer of the Year Martha Richardson Young Volunteer of the Year Rebecca Bridges Special Achievement Award Andrew Ball A big thank you to our sponsors who made the Community Awards possible. 12 P a g e

13 Community Bids Fund In 2010, South Ribble Partnership committed for three years to provide small grants to local voluntary, community and faith based groups. To date over 100,000 has been provided to over 50 groups within the borough. The fund is a vital lifeline to many local groups, strengthening applications to external grant bodies, helping to provide funding to support larger projects. As an example, grants awarded from Community Bids between 2012 and 2013 have been able to support projects worth over 325,000, levering in approximately 296,000 of additional investment into the borough. Since becoming involved with Community Bids, panel member Stuart Barker from BAE Systems said I have seen a real improvement in the quality of applications. We get some interesting and innovative projects and it s great that we are able to support them through South Ribble Partnership s Community Bids Fund. From 2014, Community Bids has been refreshed, adopting a rolling programme to provide greater flexibility to groups, and helping the smallest community and voluntary groups in South Ribble. Groups are able to apply at any time of the year for any amount up to 500 and will be given a response within 8 weeks. 13 P a g e

14 Case Study Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway Ulnes Walton Bridleway Association The Lostock Valley Bridleway was created in 1996 but fell into a state of disrepair. It became unsafe to use and no longer suitable as an off road trek for horse users. The Ulnes Walton Bridleway Association led an ambitious major refurbishment project to reinstate the path and provide a multi-use bridleway suitable for all users, whether it was pedestrians, cyclists or riders. Funding for the project came from the Association its self and Community Bids together with grants from, the Harold and Alice Bridges Charity, Lancashire Environmental Fund, and the Veolia Environmental Trust. The Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway project represents what Community Bids is able to achieve. When organisations are able to come together, share aspirations and pool resources; communities can be supported to deliver real improvements that benefit everyone. The newly named Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway was reopened in August Chair of the UWBA, Sue Taylor-Green, said: We are delighted that the improved bridleway has opened for the public to use. In addition to improving access for horse riders, the whole community can now enjoy the beautiful natural parkland which was previously inaccessible to wheelchairs, pushchairs and cyclists. (source Leyland Guardian) 14 P a g e

15 Community Bids Fund Projects 2013/2014 Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary Chorley and South Ribble Crossroads Care Friendship Circle 1,418 COMPLETED Funding was provided to support the delivery of a friendship circle to support carers living with someone with dementia. The Friendship circle provides a space for the carer, away from the care setting in which they can share experiences. This provides an important time for respite and for the carer to receive the support they need. KEY 2,600 COMPLETED Relocating to new premises, KEY sought help from Community Bids who were able to provide funding for new furniture which would be used to facilitate mediation and provide space for young people who make use of KEY s services. The furniture was chosen by the young people and so has made a positive impact in that they have helped to define the space. Lancashire Community Finance 1,725 COMPLETED Offering business start-up loans and advice, Lancashire Community Finance approached Community Bids for help to promote and raise awareness of the opportunities for members of the public seeking a new direction or challenge. As a result of the grant and support from South Ribble Partnership 10 new businesses started up in South Ribble, with 8 of these being led by young entrepreneurs under the age of 30. Longton Methodist Church Longton Vision Let There be Light Preston and South Ribble Street Pastors 2,875 COMPLETED Having suffered an electrical problem, Longton Methodist Church was in desperate need to update its church building. Their vision was to create a multipurpose space for members of the community. The task was huge, but through determination and support of volunteers and local businesses, the church community have transformed the space and it has already been used as a venue for Longton Live and other community events. 4,500 IN PROGRESS Following continued success, Street Pastors continue to expand and recruit new volunteers. 15 P a g e

16 Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary Their work reduces anti-social behaviour, engaging with a wide range of people to tackle the issues and diffuse situations. Working in partnership with the police, areas are targeted and support provided. Funding has been provided to facilitate further training and recruitment of volunteers to meet the demand. Ulnes Walton Bridleway Association Reinstatement of Malt Kiln Fold Bridleway (formerly the Lostock Valley Bridleway) Grassroots Bamber Bridge 1,500 COMPLETED The Lostock Valley Bridleway had fallen in to a state of disrepair and was unusable. The Bridleway Association, seeking to provide a safe environment for horse users wanted to reinstate the bridleway, creating a multi-use path for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Supported with a grant from Community Bids and a number of other funders the Bridleway has been resurfaced and has enhanced the local area providing an amenity all can enjoy. 500 COMPLETED Grassroots provides supports to families at risk from a range of issues. The funding has been used to deliver training for volunteers who provide mentoring and support to families. A total of 5 new volunteers were trained and a further 30 volunteers had their training updated. Work Club Penwortham 4,500 COMPLETED Having received a grant from Community Bids before, the Penwortham Job Club re-applied as they were extending their work to the locality of Lostock Hall. Developing a partnership with Calvary Christian fellowship, Job Club continued to provide vital assistance and support to people seeking to get back into work. The funding provided enabled the group to increase the capacity of the project, providing additional sessions for attendees and training for volunteers. Women s Institute Longton 2,775 COMPLETED The Women s Institute in Longton sought to improve their local meeting hall by improving the energy efficiency of the building and reducing heat loss, suffered by poor insulation. A warm and welcoming building is an important asset. Together with grants from Community Bids and the Lancashire Environmental Fund, the hall has been fitted with new energy efficient lighting and been insulated to 16 P a g e

17 Organisation & Project Funding Allocated Progress Commentary prevent heat loss. Disability North West 1,200 COMPLETED The Chorley and South Ribble Disability Forum is a peer support group, who meet on a monthly basis to receive information and support, encouraging people with disabilities maintain independent living. The grant provided was used to purchase much needed equipment to support the activities of the forum and help them better engage members. As a result the group have seen regular attendance up 30% and a greater awareness of the forum, its work and achievements. St James Scouts 500 IN PROGRESS South Ribble is the 3 rd largest scouting district in England. Having to meet their own expenses for camping expeditions, which help young people develop social and practical skills, a number of scouts were being excluded due to inability to meet fees. The grant has been used to purchase much needed camping equipment and to support those who were unable to take a full part in scouting activities as a result of financial constraints. 17 P a g e

18 Previous Years Grants In order of year of award: 2010/2011 Group Project Awarded Samlesbury War Memorial Hall Hall Refurbishment 1,000 Fusion Youth and Community Youth Café 2,315 St Saviours Parish Church Faithworks4all 1,000 Longton Victory Memorial Sports and Social Club Junior Bowling League 2,160 Walmer Bridge Village Hall Disabled Parking Facilities 1,750 St Aiden s CE Primary School Link Path Project 4,150 The Leyland Project Community Lunch Club 237 Leyland St Mary s Scout Group Disabled Toilet Installation 3,500 South Ribble Arts Forum Chinese New Year 1,500 Chorley & South Ribble CAB Manage Your Money Better 2,980 Lancashire Wildlife Trust South Ribble Trail Guide 1,000 South Ribble Transition Towns Communication & Engagement 1, /2012 Group Project Awarded South Ribble Disability Forum REACH Event 500 Preston & South Ribble Street Pastors Street Pastors Volunteer Rec. 5,700 The Leyland Project Dreamscheme 1,408 Friends of Hurst Grange New Heather Bed 295 Worden New Stage Youth Theatre Core Costs 1,408 Higher Walton Bowling Club Green Edge Project 2,000 Leyland St. Anne s Brownies Kitchen Refurbishment 300 Bashall Grove Courtyard Allotments Development Costs 455 New Longton Cricket Club Net and Training Refurb. 4,500 South Ribble Cricket Development Group Go Play Kwik Cricket 4,000 United Reformed Church Hall Refurbishment 1,374 Walmer Bridge Village Committee Walmer Bridge Bridge 1, /2013 Group Project Awarded Red Rosettes The Rise of the Rosettes 1,000 Penwortham Gentle Exercise Class Core Costs 300 Longton Community Church Inside Out 3,500 Walton Le Dale Recreation Society Kitchen 3,000 Samlesbury War Memorial Hall Energy Efficiency Imp. 3,200 Double R Arts Powerfource 900 Broadfield Community Association The Broadfield Base 1,348 Work Club Penwortham Additional Sessions 4,650 Valley Tots Start-up of Valley Tots 541 North West Blood Bikers Blood Bikers 1,000 Leyland St Mary s Scouts Scouting For All 2,500 Calvary Christian Fellowship CAP Debt Counselling 4,840 Leyland Barracudas Membership & Performance Dev. 3,419 Step into Music Start Up and Session delivery 1,000 Teenage Autism and ADHD Group (TAAG) TAAG Trampolining 1, P a g e

19 How to get in touch Visit our website: Join us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Give us a call: Send us an partnership@southribble.gov.uk Send us a good old-fashioned letter: South Ribble Partnership c/o Civic Centre West Paddock Leyland PR25 1DH South Ribble Partnership We re better together. Together we re making South Ribble and its communities great places to live, work, visit and play.

20 For more information about South Ribble Partnership and South Ribble s Sustainable Community Strategy visit our website or contact the partnership office: South Ribble Partnership Civic Centre West Paddock Leyland PR25 1DH Telephone: partnership@southribble.gov.uk