REVIEW & CELEBRATION MAGAZINE

Vibrant communities. Brighter futures.

youth action wiltshire 70th anniversary! Join us in celebrating 70 years of Youth HEALTH IN THE Action Wiltshire COMMUNITY COMMUNITY-LED HOUSING OUR PARTNERSHIP APPROACH TO BETTER Delivering, community- led housing schemes, with OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire AFFECTED BY CANCER & Community Land Trust LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS IN WILTSHIRE THE ARCHIVE PROJECT Building Bridges Programme: An exciting new skills-based volunteering project for people with Autism

OUR MISSION

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES TACKLING DISADVANTAGE ENCOURAGING ENTERPRISE inspire ideas & innovate

Cover Photo: Dorothy House Hospice Care ORGANISATION UPDATE & PRIORITIES introduction & contents highlights for the year

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Listeners Mental Health in Schools • Wiltshire Link schemes have Welcome to the 2018 edition of people. Programme our annual review and celebration an estimated value of £960 per £484,000 We are very proud of our • Two new strategic partnerships volunteer (per year) and £1.6 million magazine First News. • 127 individuals trained in Community Organising team, who supporting our Health in the overall NEW INCOME SECURED Community strand – Dorothy Community Organising with 46% This publication gives us the have successfully embedded Social chance to reflect on some of the Action Hub into our Community House Hospice Care and Macmillan under the age of 25 engaged in • 135,113 hours of time was given ›› Total income £1,745,218 versus total fantastic achievements from our Development programme and Cancer Support generating over community action projects by 1,748 Wiltshire Link scheme expenditure £1,755,913 programmes and services over the played an important role in £1OOk of investment • £80k investment in Wiltshire for volunteers ›› 225 members of Community First last 12 months, as well as giving us developing a new programme rural communities to become more • Strengthened partnership • The number of everyday tasks the opportunity to introduce some of work around Health in the active through the LACE UP project with Wiltshire Council and completed by Wiltshire Link ›› 261 members in oil buying scheme new and exciting projects here at Community (more on that later). with ACRE and Sport England Wiltshire Community Land Scheme volunteers totalled 48,900. Community First. ›› 484 village halls and community Finally, a huge thank you to the staff, Trust in community-led housing This ranged from weekly shops, to development COMMUNITY Transport buildings insured through our 2018 also marks the 70th volunteers, trustees and committee picking up prescriptions insurance scheme anniversary of Youth Action members who work so hard to make connecting communities • Increased schools participation • Autumn re-launch of Wheels to Wiltshire. This unique and Community First the successful and through the delivery of Young Work Scheme ›› 351 Parish Councils insured celebrated service has changed thriving charity that it is. the lives of so many young building bridges programme Priority: Delivering Excellence people in Wiltshire and I want With warm regards, to take this opportunity to thank PROJECT INSPIRE • YOUNG CARERS all of the hard-working staff, ›› Ensure financial stability and growth • 63 young people accessed support • 89 new referrals into Wiltshire volunteers and the Youth Action Young Carers Service in trading such as community Wiltshire committee, who offer so Lynn Gibson • 81% of young people supported insurance much passion and dedication to Chief Executive gained accreditation • 193 young carers accessed supporting our work with young Community First intensive support • 77% of leavers have confirmed a • Total of 1,252 referrals into the Priority: connecting communities • 38 young carers accessed place in Education Employment or programme since October 2016 Training mentoring programmes › • 96% of young carers reported • A further 14% are ready to receive › In partnership with Wiltshire CONTENTS Splash they felt safer in their caring role support from partners as soon as Community Land Trust and Wiltshire Council, develop and strengthen the their eligibility is confirmed. Introduction & Highlights...... P2 • 296 young people engaged in • 94% reported increase in Community-Led Housing offer Splash activities confidence • Over 54% of participants who have Youth Action Wiltshire...... P4 ›› Diversify training offers to community registered with the programme are Highlights & Achievements...... P4 • 1,027 group work places provided YOUTH CLUB SUPPORT & YOUTH groups including WALC, LINK, Village actively engaging with the help and and Community Halls A Year in the Life of Splash...... P6 • 27 young people accessed VOLUNTEERING support on offer. individual support and mentoring YAW 70th Anniversary Celebrations...... P8 ›› Develop our community health • 102 young people gained • 105 adult youth leaders and • 259 participants have already work through partnerships such Community Development...... P10 54 young leaders completed moved into employment or tackling disadvantage tackling accreditation with 137 awards as Macmillan Cancer Support and Wiltshire Link & Community Transport...... P10 achieved accredited training courses education Dorothy House Hospice Care Village Halls & Local Councils (WALC)...... P12 • Regular youth leader staffing • 92% reported increase in self- • On average, participants self- provided for 5 youth clubs Health in the Community...... P14 esteem and confidence reported a 19% improvement in Priority: TACKLING DISADVANTAGE Supporting Volunteer-Led Social Action...... P16 • 94% reported increased happiness • 222 young people engaged in our their overall wellbeing score, after youth volunteering projects completing their programme Community-Led Housing...... P18 journey. ›› Explore and secure an extension to Building Bridges Programme...... P19 the Building Bridges programme Highlights & Achievements...... P19 ›› Continue to grow and sustain the Support for Volunteering...... P20 young carers offer and work for • 27 projects were approved and 70 ENTERPRISE & TRADING LEADER PROGRAMMES young people with barriers through Creative & Digital...... P22 new businesses were helped in SPLASH Grants & Enterprise...... P24 • Community Insurance programmes • Of the £2.36m available, ●18% has 2017 - 2018 generated over £40,000 surplus to been spent on completed projects. Community Insurance & Oil Buying...... P24 be invested back into the charity With 30% on projects that are • Following the EU referendum, Landfill Communities Fund Grants...... P26 running and 55% on projects that Plain Action and Vale Action are Priority: encouraging enterprise Landfill COMMUNITIES FUND Grants are in preparation required to have all grant funding Plain Action & Vale Action Leader Programme...... P28 agreements in place and signed Financial Report...... P30 • Community First distributed • There is a further pipeline of before the UK leaves the EU on 29 ›› Prepare for the completion of the £396,545 of LCF grants, an annual enquiries being brought to the first March 2019 Leader programme and succession increase of £116,545 to invest in stage of application that equate to Community First, Unit C2, Beacon Business Centre, Hopton Park, Devizes, SN10 2EY ›› Ensure community facilities are 01380 722 475 | www.communityfirst.org.uk | [email protected] community projects 46% of available funds. improved through Community Registered Charity No: 288117 | VAT Registration No: 639 3860 06 | Company Limited by Guarantee Reg. • Landfill Grants No: 1757334 England | Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority No: FRN 311971

encouraging enterprise encouraging FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 2 PAGE 3 | FIRSTNEWS tackling disadvantage FRIENDS OF YOUTH ACTION WILTSHIRE

Become a Young carers in Wiltshire Friend of YAW & Young people facing challenges in their lives Support our work with: Young people who are Not In Education, Employment, Or Training (NEET)

& the inspirational youth leaders who run Wiltshire youth clubs

Return your completed form to: FREEPOST RRLR-XCJB-SSJ youth action wiltshire Youth Action Wiltshire, Unit C2 Beacon Business Centre, Hopton Park Devizes, SN10 2EY

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 17/18 I would like to become a Friend of Youth Action Wiltshire Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Tel: Email:

• 101 young carers gained accreditation through respite Friend £50 /yr Payment Options: accredited training courses activities 1. Bankers Order - preferred payment project inspire Golden Friend - £120 /yr method (please see below). • 174 accredited awards achieved • Regular youth leader staffing 2. Cheque - Please make these payable • 63 young people accessed provided for 5 youth clubs Corporate Friend - £200 /yr Following interventions; to Youth Action Wiltshire. support. • Over £40,000 was raised to • 660 group work day places and 58 broaden and sustain local youth • 96% of young carers reported outh Action Wiltshire operates they felt safer in their caring role Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every residential group work places were clubs provision £1 you donate as the national award-winning provided • 94% reported increase in ‘Youth Arm’ of Community First. • 600+ young people engaged in positive activities through our confidence Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year. • 51 young people have gained Your address is needed to identify you as a current UK taxpayer. Our success is built on exciting accreditation with 134 accredited county clubs programme • 82% reported increase in Key Yand innovative programmes for awards achieved. Skills and attainment In order to Gift Aid your donation you must tick the box below. • 4 new youth groups were young people across Wiltshire and Following our interventions; supported through their launch. • 85% reported improved health & the expertise of our highly qualified, well-being I want to Gift Aid my donation to Youth Action Wiltshire and any donations I make to this charity in the future. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax friendly and dedicated youth workers. • 12% increase for young people’s • 222 young people engaged in and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in self-assessed scores by using our youth volunteering projects YAW goes the extra mile to support with 170 gaining accreditation splash that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. a broad network of Wiltshire based Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well- being Scale (WEMWBS) voluntary youth clubs, as well as YOUNG CARERS • 296 young people engaged in Bankers Order: providing intensive support for • 77% of leavers confirmed a place in Splash activities disadvantaged and vulnerable young Education Employment or Training To: The Manager ...... Bank plc Sort Code: ...... people aged 5-19 years. • 89 new referrals into Wiltshire • 1,027 group work places Young Carers Service provided YAW supports young carers, young Bank Address: ...... Postcode: ...... • people ‘facing challenges in their Youth Clubs Support & Youth 193 young carers accessed • 27 young people accessed intensive support lives’ and young people who are Not Volunteering individual support and mentoring Please pay the sum of: £...... On ..... /..... /..... and on the same day every month/ In Education, Employment or Training • 38 young carers accessed • 102 young people gained year until further notice or for ...... months/years starting ...../...../..... (NEET). • 105 adult youth leaders and mentoring programmes accreditation with 137 awards 54 young leaders completed • 27 young carers provided with achieved To: Youth Action Wiltshire: Account Number: 51448714 Sort Code 40:17:17 equipment to keep themselves HSBC Bank plc, 2 Market Place Chippenham, SN15 5HE & family safe Following our interventions;

• 63 young carers provided with • 92% reported increase in self- Signed: ...... Account Number: ...... advocacy & support work in esteem and confidence schools • 94% reported increase in skills Account Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) ...... • 29 young carers provided with and learning I.A.G on Post 16 options • 94% reported increased www.youthactionwiltshire.org.uk • 1,347 respite day places provided happiness breaks for 192 young carers FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 4 PAGE 5 | FIRSTNEWS tackling disadvantage

A year in the life of splash

plash our out of school activities Wiltshire who are facing challenges. form positive friendships and create programme delivered by Youth happy memories which they can Action Wiltshire (YAW) provided Our highly experienced staff and draw on in times of need. The team 84 days of fun activities with volunteers provide positive, inspiring work hard to instill an acceptance of SPLASH FEEDBACK 1,027 contact sessions between adult interaction which makes a real others, empathy and support for each S difference for the young people that the period April 2017 – March 2018 other which empowers the young & OUTCOMES (with the average engagement per attend Splash. Results from the March people and begins to build their young person totaling 26 hours). The 2018 parent/referrer feedback survey confidence, self-esteem and social programme supports young people recorded 100% of responses having skills and equips them to make safe aged 9-16 who are facing challenges recognised increased confidence, and independent choices about their social skills and happiness in the in their lives including those who future leisure time. (%) Reported young people they referred to the Benefits of Engaging in Splash have special educational needs or Improvement disabilities, child protection plans, in programme. The wide range of sessions delivered “As this was the first time my son had care, at risk of anti-social behaviour, included cookery, fishing, music, attended a ‘Splash’ activity he was Self esteem - feeling of pride and self worth 97% young carers, or from families facing Feedback from one parent stated: watersports, archery, treasure hunts, terribly nervous. However, I could feel bereavement, substance misuse, ‘The support in the last year has been wheelchair basketball, music lessons, him physically calm down when the Self confidence - belief in themselves and their phenomenal. Our family life has been 97% breakdown, financial hardship or rural high ropes, animation and much more. team arrived to take the session due to abilities really strained due to my ill-health and isolation. We truly value the strong, resilient, everyone’s friendly manner. It is now three Splash has given my child so much Attitude & behaviour - towards you and others 91% long-term partnerships we have hours since I picked him up and we are Our Splash activities aim to increase confidence.’ with our partner organisations, and unusually still hearing about his ‘awesome’ Social skills - communication and interaction young people’s confidence and self- recognise the amazing impact they 94% day and he would like to show us some with yourself & others esteem, social and practical skills. This To ensure the programme activities have on young people at Splash. remain new, relevant and exciting; things he did when his Dad gets home. Summer alone our Splash programme Happiness 97% delivered 31 days of fun activities Splash regularly works to develop A breakdown of 9-16 year olds Once again thank you to those special directed at young people across new partnerships with other attending the sessions (61% of male people who are happy to work with children Home Life 91% organisations, charities and voluntary and 39% female) revealed 50% of like my son, we are very grateful”. groups. This year we have worked referrals came from family members, Attendance at School 71% with 296 young people across the guardians and friends. The remaining county involving fun activities with: 50% of referrals came from a variety of Time playing outside 91% Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team professionals supporting the families. (WOLT), Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Roaring Rugby, Anybody Can Cook, In addition to group activities, 27 Help for Heroes, Jamie McDine, young people accessed individual We welcome Skillset Learning, Head for Heights, support and mentoring during this feedback from parents “The support in the last year Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre, time. Action plans were put in place and carers as well as has been phenomenal. Our Hugo Halkes, Tall Ships and Magdalen and together, the mentor and young young people as this is family life has been really Environmental Trust. person met to work through them. vital for our evaluation strained due to my ill-health This incredible tool enables Splash and planning. and Splash has given my All activity days are designed to users to prepare to access group work www.splash-wiltshire.org.uk be fun, welcoming and inclusive; child so much confidence.” sessions, in addition to addressing Telephone: 01380 732829 providing young people with specific issues in their lives. opportunities to develop new skills, Email: [email protected]

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 6 PAGE 7 | FIRSTNEWS tackling disadvantage Birthday Celebrations At YAW

Youth Action Wiltshire: Supporting Wiltshire’s Young People For 70 Years

Youth Action Wiltshire (YAW) Young Leaders Making A Alongside YAW’s 70 anniversary, celebrates 70 years of service this Splash will celebrate its 30th year. Launched in 1948, YAW provides Difference birthday next year, Wiltshire key ‘social lifelines’ for young people Tia, aged 16, is a great example of how Young Carers Service will turn across Wiltshire and Swindon. Splash can help those young people, 20 and Project Inspire, which who are struggling to cope. Tia says We are extremely proud that the work supports people aged 16 to 19 her five-year journey with YAW and years who are Not in Education YAW carries out, has stood the test Splash gave her a new outlook on life Employment or Training (NEET), of time and that it remains a fantastic after struggling with family issues. will celebrate 10 years of delivery. source of support for local youth clubs and young people facing challenges Tia has volunteered with Splash in their lives. since the age of 13 and is happy to Why not celebrate with be a ‘Young Leader’. When asked to describe her time at Splash, Tia said: us at one of our upcoming To end Youth Action Wiltshire’s Splashing Around In Summer fundraising events? birthday celebrations, join us for “Varying from ‘determination’ and ‘Carols by Candlelight’ which takes Our iconic service Splash is a free ‘accomplishment’, to ‘challenging’ and YAW’s Beethoven’s ‘Beyond the place at Malmesbury Abbey on to access out of school activity ‘difficulties’ - the 5 most significant think you are weird when you tell them Firmament’, event is on October December 14th, 7:30PM. You can programme. words are; Independence, Positivity, One of the first in the UK what you do. Most 17 year olds I go 19th and this is not one to be book tickets for this special event by Opportunity, Rewarding and missed. Tickets are still available. contacting: [email protected] Police officers from Chippenham Teamwork”’. Our Wiltshire Young Carers Service to college with are out drinking and was one of the first launched in the partying, but I’m at home. As long as For information contact Ginnie launched the pilot of Splash in 1989 Youth Action Wiltshire is reliant on “For anyone looking to volunteer UK. Established in 1998, we aim to my family are happy and safe that’s Keen at [email protected] or to tackle anti-social behaviour. To sponsorships and donations. If you in the future, my advice would Keep young carers aged 5-18 years what’s important to me.” telephone 01666 822263. this day, Splash prides itself on would like to donate visit: be to not panic about pressure or safe in their caring role and equip being a positive place, dedicated to Visit the exclusive ‘Mary responsibilities. Remember that there them for the future by providing Sam has benefited from a host of supporting people aged 9 – 16 years. Howard Christmas Fair 2018’ www.justgiving.com/yaw are always members of staff that can respite activities, 1:1 support and our young carers respite activities. Not only does Splash help to increase between 13th - 16th November help you out. Most importantly, just be advocacy. In 2016, Sam completed our NCS the confidence and self-esteem for yourself”. programme and this summer at Cotswold Airport. Enjoy the hundreds of young people each year, 17-year old Sam Connor has been he was an Ambassador for YAW relaxed atmosphere as you but it also aims to increase the skill set involved in our Wiltshire Young helping other young people across shop for Christmas gifts. For of every young person involved. Carers Service for the last six years. our programmes. Sam says “It was more information contact info@ Sam provides care for his brother, brilliant, intense, challenging and I maryhowardfairs.com. Recognised locally and nationally for sister and more recently, his mother learnt so much.” the brilliant work the team do, Splash after she became ill. Sam says the creates a safe space for young people service has not only ‘shaped him as “If I could pass on a word of advice, it to take part in fun developmental a person’, but taught him practical would be to embrace something that activities, where they can meet new skills for his caring role at home. you have done yourself, then give people and try new things. back through voluntary and learning - “Wiltshire Young Carers has given it’s a great feeling.” me a real sense of belonging. People Youth Action Wiltshire, the ‘Youth Arm’ of Community First. Registered Charity No. 288117.

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 8 PAGE 9 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES MIDAS TRAINING: DEVELOPING LINK SCHEME SKILLS FOR COMMUNITY AUDIT 17/18 MINIBUS GROUPS

ationally recognised minibus If you pass your practical assessment • Based on average hourly rate MiDAS training offer to and theory assessment you will calculations, Wiltshire Link Wiltshire community groups. receive a MiDAS certificate. This schemes have an estimated value Consisting of two elements: will allow you to drive minibuses of £960 per volunteer (per year) and theory and practical - the belonging to other MiDAS accredited £1.6 million overall, in Wiltshire. N MiDAS Minibus Driver Awareness organisations without the need to be Scheme is organised by the re-assessed. • An impressive 135,113 hours of time Community Transport Association was given by 1,748 volunteers. U.K (CTA). MiDAS Training promotes Your certificate is valid for 4 years, a nationally recognised standard after which you will need to attend a for the assessment and training of MiDAS refresher training session in • The number of everyday tasks minibus drivers. order to renew your certificate. WILTSHIRE LINK & COMMUNITY TRANSPORT ranging from weekly shops, to picking up prescriptions totalled Theory: Your MiDAS trainer will give If you fail your practical assessment 48,900, with other services you a presentation covering safe or your theory assessment, your including small tasks around the minibus driving and operation. This instructor will advise you about what house and garden. will be followed by a 30 minute the next steps are. You may be able to ccess to transport for people in of surveyed passengers using the multiple choice assessment re-take your assessment(s). rural areas is an integral part of service reported using their local Link consisting of 20 questions. Drivers our commitment to supporting Scheme at least once a week or more. will be required to answer at least Any driver who passes their theory local communities. By 2035 it is 16 of these correctly to pass their assessment but fails their practical estimated that 20,000 Wiltshire Over the past 12 months, Link Scheme MiDAS theory. assessment drive will need to attend A volunteers travelled over 903,711 a driving skills training session and and Swindon households will need help to get out and about, that’s why miles to help keep local communities Practical: Each driver’s MiDAS assessment drive on a separate day we’re proud to offer an advisory and connected. Practical will last just over an hour. if this is deemed appropriate. In this instance the theory assessment will support service to local Link Schemes Assessment is 30 minutes and will Volunteers used their own cars to remain valid. and Community Minibus groups include: A demonstration drive provide the services for members of by your Driver Assessor/Trainer across the county. the public with duties ranging from: (DAT), an opportunity for you to More information on the pass/fail criteria and what you will need to trips to the local shops, runs to lunch familiarise yourself with the There are 43 Local Link Schemes New Community Transport bring with you on the day, email and 21 Minibus groups in Wiltshire clubs, picking up prescriptions, visiting vehicle, the opportunity for Development Manager you receive on road vehicle [email protected]. and Swindon; both offering a GP surgeries, shopping, offering door- familiarisation and Driving Alternatively, telephone 01380 722 valuable lifeline to people who would to-door transport and supporting with We hope you will join us in 241 or 01380 732 817. tasks around the home. Skills Training and an otherwise struggle to get around. For welcoming our new Community assessment of your Driving Wiltshire, this is such an invaluable Transport Development Manager To find details of your local Link 135,113 Skills. service and one that we are proud Harry Tipple. Scheme or Community Minibus to support and benefit from. The Group visit: communityfirst.org.uk/ Wiltshire Link Scheme, supported by Harry is a transport professional transport, call 01380 722475 or email Hours Community First, is one of the most with over 10 years’ experience [email protected]. successful community transport and a diverse background, having schemes in the country. As part of our worked in the UK and internationally. Harry has experience in road safety, recent 2017 - 2018 Link Audit, 60% -1% sustainable travel and transport strategy on major infrastructure projects both in the public and private sectors.

Helping us to progress with new developments in Community Transport, Harry has already rolled £1,686,210 up his sleeves and begun knocking on doors in Seend to talk to residents about the local Link Scheme. 903,711 £960.96 ‘’I am incredibly excited to be joining Community First and very much look Chatting to residents in Seend forward to meeting the members and local groups in the near future.” FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 10 PAGE 11 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES WILTSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS (WALC)

embership of Wiltshire WALC office. Important information attended a Association of Local Councils that cannot wait for a newsletter is free training (WALC) increased from 207 disseminated regularly through email session led WILTSHIRE village halls association members to 218 members in networks. by Community 2017-2018. Organisers M WALC administers a sub-regional Alex Neale and WALC held 29 training courses – a panel for the Local Council Award Katrina Watson. mixture of bookable events and Scheme. In the year 17-18, seven The ‘Introduction to Community whole-council commissioned training councils were awarded under this Organising’ training session #VILLAGE HALLS WEEK 2018 sessions. 376 clerks and councillors scheme. One of these councils, introduced Clerks to the principles attended these events which included Warminster Town Council, was from of Community Organising including ore than 90,000 individuals, Councillor Training, CiLCA support WALC’s area. listening without agenda and bringing small businesses and sessions, GDPR briefings, Information people together to take action for a The Transparency Fund for those professionals continue to Governance and The Clerk’s Year (for better community. councils subject to the Transparency use England’s village halls newer clerks). M Code for Smaller Authorities (i.e. that offer an invaluable service to Responding to queries from member those with an annual turnover of less local communities. Community councils makes up a huge part of than £25,000) ended in February First supports 169 village halls and WALC’s work and this year was 2018. WALC provided the initial community buildings across Wiltshire no exception. In fact, elections in administration of applications to and Swindon through the Wiltshire Wiltshire and the preparations for the this fund, which were then passed Village Halls Association. GDPR caused an increase in queries to NALC and a national panel for with 1,489 recorded from member approval. Over the duration of the A new initiative in 2018 from ACRE councils. In addition, WALC provided Transparency Fund, £60,000 was and the ACRE Network, saw the first a County Circular newsletter to granted to 70 councils in the WALC #VillageHallsWeek18 awareness Eight WVHA members have already Village Halls ‘LACE UP’ member councils in ten months of the area to aid them in achieving the campaign targeting existing applied for a grant, with various The successful training session was year. Over the past year the circular requirements of the Transparency village halls, community buildings, to support health and projects at different stages of organised by WALC, which recognised has included regular updates from Code. development. Applications for projects the potential impact Community businesses and members of the wellbeing NALC – particularly on progress with in Leigh Park Community Centre Organising techniques could have public. lobbying on GDPR, information on Working alongside Action with (below) and South Wraxall Village Hall on the way local councils engage legislation change, details of available CLERKS TAKE-UP COMMUNITY This year, 12 Wiltshire Village Halls Communities in Rural England (above) have recently been approved with the community. Community First consultation papers, information on Association members spoke at (ACRE) and Sport England, by ACRE and Sport England. ORGANISING TRAINING OFFER was delighted with the response length on their history and future Community First recently launched training and relevant conferences and from WALC members to the training seminars and information on topics plans for the halls and how they a 1-year pilot project in Wiltshire, Leigh Park will focus on a range of In October 2018 Clerks from several offer and the feedback from Clerks in that frequently arise in enquiries to the are important to the community. offering not-for-profit organisations fitness sessions that are not currently Local Councils across the county attendance. Feedback highlighted the importance and community groups (including available, to improve mental health. of embracing and uniting local village halls) the chance to apply South Wraxall will receive start-up members through sharing great ideas for up to £10,000 to support the funding for bootcamps and yoga and by celebrating local success and creation of new and sustainable dances to increase local exercise. achievements. leisure and exercise activities. For more information on LACE UP Community First was active The health and wellbeing of rural visit: communityfirst.org.uk/grants to throughout the campaign, organising residents is a national priority and download an application pack. a live radio broadcast from a village LACE UP funding aims to increase hall on BBC Radio Wiltshire, as well participation in physical activity in as illustrating a poem written by rural areas across Wiltshire. The celebrated poet Ian McMillan called ‘A funding also offers the perfect Teapot as Big as the Moon.’ opportunity for village halls, community buildings, charities and Thank you to all of the halls who took groups to demonstrate how inactive part and showed such enthusiasm for people can become more active #VillageHallsWeek18. and healthy.

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 12 Image Credits: South Wraxall Village Hall & Leigh Park Community Centre PAGE 13 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Dr Peter Murchie, clinical consultant Macmillan Cancer at the University of Aberdeen, has called for more research to help Connections identify what (if any) factors affect the apparent disconnect between Building community treatment time and clinical outcomes for cancer patients who live in rural capacity with Macmillan areas of the United Kingdom. Cancer Support. This research is of particular interest October 2018 marks the launch of an Rurality & Cancer Outcomes to leading cancer charities like exciting new partnership between Macmillan, as well as other healthcare Community First and Macmillan Cancer Recent research has identified that professionals and organisations that Support. Macmillan is the UK’s leading cancer patients who live more than an support people affected by cancer in source of cancer support and is there to hour away from a major hospital, are a rural county like Wiltshire. help people find their best way through diagnosed and treated faster than those What treatment choices do patients cancer and live life as fully as they can. who live closer to the hospital. Whilst statistics for the diagnosis and treatment in Wiltshire make after they are Macmillan Cancer Connections is a new of rurally isolated cancer patients were diagnosed with cancer? Could community engagement project that reassuring, researchers at the University travelling further to hospital be a aims to understand how being rurally of Aberdeen also uncovered a puzzling barrier to effective treatment for isolated impacts upon experiences trend in cancer outcomes for rurally patients across the county? Are there and associated outcomes for people isolated patients in Scotland. any other factors that affect treatment living with cancer in Wiltshire. The outcomes? And perhaps most project which is funded by Macmillan Despite faster diagnosis and treatment, importantly, what can be done to and based at Community First’s office rurally isolated patients in the Scottish improve outcomes for cancer patients in Devizes, will be led by experienced Highlands were more likely to die from in rural parts of Wiltshire? Health in the community cancer in the first year of treatment, Community Organiser Alex Neale in The Macmillan Cancer Connections her new role as Macmillan Community when compared with patients who were project in Wiltshire, aims to find out. Our unique approach to community engagement Development Coordinator. less rurally isolated. Lead researcher Building Community Capacity

As Macmillan Community s an early-adopter of the community-based palliative and end gather detailed feedback from local (or unwilling) to share their thoughts, hospice can continue to deliver Development Coordinator, Alex Neale Community Organising of life care for people living with a residents and understand local care experiences and ideas through the outstanding palliative and end of life will be responsible for reaching out to approach, Community First life-limiting illness, their families and needs. survey. Following this feedback, the care to everyone that needs it, now people affected by cancer in Wiltshire recognises that listening is vital carers in Somerset, Wiltshire and team at Community First decided and in the future. and listening to what they have to The project kicked off in 2018 and in engaging with communities. Bath and North-East Somerset. The to focus on face-to-face listening as say about their experience. Alongside AOur unique approach combines the hospice was keen to engage with the aimed to talk to residents about the primary method of engaging with Wayne De Leeuw, Director of this, Alex’s role also involves building life-limiting illness, associated loss Patient, Family Services and Deputy power of listening with traditional Mendip community in Somerset, as Mendip residents, eventually listening community capacity by developing, and bereavement. As well as finding Chief Executive at Dorothy House research methodology, to deliver an part of a needs analysis to understand to over 250 people as part of the delivering and coordinating a broad out what local people had to say Hospice Care said: innovative model for powerful and what support was felt to be needed project. range of community-based initiatives, about their experiences, Community effective community engagement. locally in terms of life-limiting illness, which addresses the health and Organisers Alex Neale and Katrina Although the decision to focus “It has been a tremendous privilege associated loss and bereavement. wellbeing needs of people affected by Community Organising is the work Watson also set out to identity and on collecting qualitative data was to work on this community cancer across the county. of bringing people together to take With the recent release of their new find solutions to perceived gaps in the right one for the project, it also engagement project with Community First. Growing our understanding action around their common concerns strategic plan for 2018-2025 called local service provision, by asking presented its own challenge in the Julian Backhouse, Macmillan of care needs across this part and overcome social injustice. ‘Everyday, Everyone,’ engaging with people what support they felt was form of quantifying a large number of Partnership Manager for Berkshire & of Somerset where we deliver Community Organisers reach out the community is a big priority for needed locally and identifying any interviews and responses. Community Wiltshire said: and listen, connect and motivate the hospice. As a compassionate barriers to accessing palliative and First prides itself on being a forward- palliative and end of life services is people to build their collective power. organisation which is committed to end of life care. thinking charity, committed to extremely important. The findings “We are delighted to join forces with Whilst this approach has long been excellence, Dorothy House identified new ideas and finding solutions to of the research will help us tailor Community First on this new brand- recognised as an effective method of that listening to the needs of the Going above and beyond challenges. The team (including a partnerships, services and care for new initiative. It is so important to supporting grassroots social action, community was the first step to qualified researcher) came together both families and patients and enable listen to local people and understand Community First has developed a ensuring that everyone in its area to develop a new thematic analysis us to develop a future-proofed health the issues that are making it difficult Life-limiting illness, associated new and innovative consultation and has access to outstanding palliative methodology and coding framework and social care network or ‘eco- for them to access cancer services loss and bereavement is a difficult research methodology which puts and end of life care. The hospice was for analysing the qualitative listenings system’ working in collaboration with and support their wellbeing. I’m subject for anyone to talk about and community organising front and rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality collected by the Community local organisations and residents of looking forward to seeing the project almost half of residents we spoke to centre in supporting better healthcare Commission (CQC) in January 2017. Organisers. It was a big task, with the Mendip area.” develop over the next two years, had an experience to share with the outcomes for people affected by over 60,000 words recorded from the insights it will bring, and most of Community Organisers. The project cancer, life-limiting illness, associated Following the success of the listenings with Mendip residents. all, the positive impact it is going to initially aimed to speak to 60 local loss and bereavement. Young Listeners project, delivered make on people living with cancer in residents face-to-face, with 120 by Community Organisers from Analysis from listenings with over Wiltshire.” Community First and youth workers additional responses from a digital 250 residents was combined in a ‘Everyday, Everyone’ from Youth Action Wiltshire, survey with questions provided by final report with an in-depth analysis Stay tuned for updates on these Dorothy House Hospice Care. In the An innovative community Community First was commissioned of experiences in Mendip, as well as exciting new health in the community early stages of the project it became engagement project with Dorothy by Dorothy House Hospice Care to perceived gaps in the provision of projects throughout 2018-2019, via clear that local residents greatly House Hospice Care. deliver a needs analysis in the Mendip local services. Community First also social media, e-newsletters and the areas of Coleford, Shepton Mallet and valued the opportunity to talk face-to- offered practical solutions to feedback Community First blog. Local charity, Dorothy House Frome. The hospice was keen to utilise face with the Community Organisers from residents and advice on building Hospice Care provides inpatient and Community Organising techniques to and that Mendip residents felt unable community capacity to ensure the Photo credit: Dorothy House Hospice Care FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 14 PAGE 15 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Social Action Hub training: Emma’s Experience

e caught up with Social Action Hub project participant Emma, to find out what she had to say about Supporting Volunteer-Led Social Action the training and what she Whas been up to since:

“The one-day training was a fun, high energy, and yet intense day. ind out how Community First activities and organising a ‘Global success of Social Action Hub is supporting grassroots, Garden Party’ during Swindon should come as no surprise. The We bonded as a group very quickly volunteer-led social action with Refugee Week 2018. Community Organising approach and shared so much. We were guided free training and mentoring delivers real results and offers and encouraged the whole way through. I left feeling focused and from Social Action Hub Wiltshire Community First is excited to viable solutions to often complex F be involved in delivering new problems. enthusiastic and also; had made some and Swindon. Community Organising projects brilliant new friends. In the last edition of ‘First News’ we like Social Action Hub Wiltshire and introduced an exciting new project Swindon, as well as embedding So far [since completing the training] funded by the Office for Civil Society Community Organising into our I have done door knocking, attended CoLtd conference, organized and and managed by the national partnership work, most notably with Organising’ training days with a total of completed litter picking, volunteered Community Organising network Dorothy House Hospice Care and 127 registered learners, including 58 and helped someone with their Community Organisers Ltd. This year, Macmillan Cancer Support (see young people under the age of 25. paperwork, supported someone with qualified Community Organisers Alex page 14). their own project, attended an Old Demand for Community Organising Neale and Katrina Watson have been Town Business Association meeting training is high amongst our There is growing awareness about hard at work delivering free training on behalf of local residents, attended the positive impact of Community to charities, volunteers, groups and network and Social Action Hub has a local residents association meeting, Organising. And not just in the Local Councils, as part of the Social successfully delivered workshops helped set up a Facebook community voluntary sector! Nationwide Action Hub training and development for a variety of partner organisations group for local crime issues, liaising programme at Community First. including Dorothy House Hospice Building Society recently with Keith from Nationwide to help Care, Somerset RCC and Dame became one of the first corporate him, joined a community art group Over the last year the Social Action Kelly Holmes Trust. Following very organisations in the country to and am applying for a job!” Hub project in Wiltshire and Swindon positive feedback from Community employ a qualified Community has recruited and trained new teams Organising training for the National Organiser. As a result of the of volunteer Community Organisers Association of Local Councils (NALC), changing community to play an important role in helping Community First was also delighted engagement communities identify and find with significant demand for training landscape, solutions to important local issues. By amongst our network of Local the training local leaders and volunteers Councils (see page 13). LETS DO SOMETHING AMAZING TOGETHER at a neighbourhood level, Community First is actively developing Community But it doesn’t stop there. By offering Find more about Social Action Hub Wiltshire + Swindon or book a Organising skills and ideas which act ongoing practical support and place on one of our free Community Organising training sessions: as a catalyst for community-led social mentoring to participants, Alex and [email protected] Telephone: 01380 722 475 action. Social action is about people Katrina have built a growing network coming together to help improve their around Community Organising in For updates visit Alex + Katrina’s blog: socialactionhubwilts. lives and solve the problems that Wiltshire and Swindon. Some of org.uk Or find us on Instagram: @socialactionhub are important in their communities. the participants have already It can include volunteering, giving starting organising in their money, community action or simple own communities through neighbourly acts. activities like attending community meetings or Since the launch of the project in events, peer-to-peer Autumn 2017, Alex and Katrina have listening projects in topped their target to deliver 10 schools, conservation accredited ‘Introduction to Community and litter picking

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 16 PAGE 17 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES BUILDING BRIDGES

Supporting & Delivering Affordable, Building Bridges Programme Helping people overcome their barriers to employment Community-Led Housing Projects and education across Swindon & Wiltshire

n the last edition of ‘First News’, Schemes can also apply for up to formed a Community Land Trust with The Building Bridges programme we introduced a community-led £40,000 of funding to cover other support from the project. This includes is an ambitious partnership of 40 ACHIEVEMENTS housing partnership with Wiltshire costs (e.g. architects’ fees), to be the community of Cricklade, which organisations working together to Council and Wiltshire Community repaid once the scheme is up and has received advice, guidance and help people overcome their barriers • We have received a total of 1,252 • 55.3% of our ILand Trust (WCLT). One year on, the running. funding from the Wiltshire Community to employment and education across referrals into the programme participants partnership has successfully launched Housing Project (along with the Swindon and Wiltshire, by offering since October 2016 consider There are about 225 CLTs around an exciting new project which is National CLT Network), to develop one to one support, training, skills themselves the country, with numbers rapidly making great progress in supporting a new Community Land Trust. The development and other support • A further 14% are ready to receive growing in Wiltshire. Community to have a the delivery of affordable housing community hopes that the CLT model services. The programme is jointly support from partners as soon as disability which is schemes for communities in Wiltshire. Housing Project Manager Vicky will support them to deliver affordable funded by the European Social Fund their eligibility is confirmed. significantly higher Bodman is currently working with housing and strengthen the High and the National Lottery via the Big than the 26% originally The availability of reasonably priced CLTs in Cricklade, Broad Chalke, Street. • Over 54% of participants who have Lottery Fund. envisaged.47.3% of participants lack homes for people looking to downsize Seend, Tisbury and Wilton who are registered with the programme or those looking to buy their first keen to deliver new homes for people Cricklade Development Foundation, basic skills. The programme will run until 2019 and are actively engaging with the house, is an important issue for at affordable prices. Community the group which has received support help and support on offer. • 31% of participants are from areas Wiltshire. In 2018 Community First representatives and organisations in from the project said: our overall aim is to work with 1,827 participants with at least 21% of these of multiple deprivation, against a teamed up with Wiltshire Council Bradford-on-Avon, Great Bedwyn, • 259 participants have already individuals moving into employment Swindon and Wiltshire average of and WCLT to launch the Wiltshire Pewsey and Bratton have also “Setting up a Community Group moved into employment or to deliver services and affordable and a further 29% moving into 6.5%. Community-Led Housing Project, expressed an interest in the project education, which is an excellent housing locally is quite daunting. education or training. including support, advice and funding and utilising the Community Land achievement. • We continue to work closely with for communities who are looking to Trust model in their own areas. Deciding on legal status for the group Our partners continue to deliver referral organisations including develop affordable homes. is one of the first hurdles. In this, the • 71 participants who joined great results with individuals facing voluntary and community groups, Community Land Trusts are a popular help of the Wiltshire Community-Led the programme as Not in multiple, complex challenges and housing associations and statutory The project is particularly interested in and effective way of delivering local Housing Project has been invaluable. Employment Education or barriers to work or education. teams in Swindon and Wiltshire. supporting communities to establish housing schemes that are run for Initially we were given help and Training (NEET) or at risk of NEET new Community Land Trusts (CLTs) to the benefit of the community. By advice from the Community Housing have gone on to successfully • At the end of the first year of the manage the assets on behalf of the purchasing the freehold or leasehold Project Manager and then access to For more information about the re-engage with education as a programme, we undertook an community, as well as exploring other of a development site, a Community a Community Housing Fund Grant programme: result of support given by the analysis which showed that, on methods of providing new affordable Land Trust can reserve the homes to allow us to pay for the solicitor to programme average, participants self-reported homes. The Wiltshire Community- for local needs, by placing legal become a formal legal organisation”. Visit our website: a 19% improvement in their overall Housing Project is also supported conditions on the sale of any homes www.buildingbridgessw.org.uk • To date, 184 participants wellbeing score, after completing by a Community Housing Fund built as part of the scheme. Local For more information about the Wiltshire Community-Led Housing have undertaken structured their programme journey. (managed by Wiltshire Council), which communities would typically work volunteering activities as part can provide a grant of up to £10,000 with a local housing association or Project, including information on CLTs • We are very proud of our record of and to how access support through of their action plans with the towards the costs of establishing a similar organisation like Wiltshire support to date and look forward to the project, please email: programme. new CLT, conducting a community Council, rather than acting as the continuing to support people over consultation and establishing the developer for the schemes. [email protected] • 81.9% of participants considered the next 12 months. viability of new housing schemes. themselves disadvantaged when To date, 5 Parishes in Wiltshire have they joined the programme

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 18 PAGE 19 | FIRSTNEWS BUILDING BRIDGES

Building Bridges Programme: Supporting Volunteering in Wiltshire

longside our role as managing their interests, experience and goals. confidence grew immeasurably. to help him develop these skills. museums. to attending the full 10-week course. partner for the Building Bridges Laura also works alongside partner programme, Community organisations, Key Workers and other As well as volunteering, Tom is Neil’s long-term goal as part of his People with Autism or those with There are currently four Building First also delivers support for stakeholders to identify and promote working towards Maths and English programme journey is to complete Anxiety disorders can struggle to Bridges programme participants volunteering as part of the volunteering opportunities. qualifications and has received an apprenticeship. The the charity cope in the hustle and bustle of a enrolled in the volunteering project A support from programme partner continues to support him by offering regular working environment. The which kicked-off in August 2018. The programme in Wiltshire. Volunteering can play a really important role in By acting as a broker for volunteering Wiltshire Citizens Advice to coaching on submitting applications Museum of London model offered an participants are supporting the Centre helping participants develop the skills placements, Laura is able to match understand how moving into paid and interview techniques. opportunity to support participants to archive and catalogue items from and experience they need to help programme participants to suitable work might impact upon his benefit to develop valuable archive skills in the late 1800’s to the 1970’s, including them on their journey towards the volunteering roles that will help them entitlement. As a result of support Supporting the Archive Project a quiet and predictable environment. a collection of solicitors’ documents. world of work or education. to develop confidence, skills and received through the programme and It also offered the chance help As part of the project, the volunteers experience, whilst doing something his enthusiasm for volunteering, Tom The Archive Project is an exciting participants develop confidence are learning useful skills including We caught up with Volunteer they enjoy. has been offered paid employment new volunteering project devised and make a valuable contribution Palaeography (the reading of old Coordinator Laura Naylor to find out with the furniture charity. by Building Bridges programme to preserving and cataloguing handwriting), conservation techniques more about the volunteering service, Tom’s Success Story partners Wiltshire Council and important historical records for future and environmental factors that her ongoing work to support the Neil’s Volunteering Journey Swindon Borough Council, working generations. can degrade historical documents. Archive Project with programme Tom* was referred to Building Bridges in partnership with Wiltshire and The participants, all of whom have partners Wiltshire Council and by a partner organisation in 2018. He Neil* is a Building Bridges programme Swindon History Centre. Whilst Wiltshire Swindon and History Centre additional needs such as Autism or Swindon Borough Council, as well had been unemployed for just over a participant that has been volunteering attending a learning and skills event, is home to the Wiltshire and Swindon Anxiety disorder, are enjoying the as some individual stories from year and was struggling with isolation. with Waste Not Want Not since Annette Holdsworth from Wiltshire Archives and the Wiltshire local experience and working towards participants who have volunteered as Tom also had caring responsibilities November 2017. When Neil first Council and Volunteer Coordinator studies library. The Centre, which has an ‘Open Day’ to promote the work part of their programme journey. which made it hard for him to get back joined the charity as a volunteer, he Laura Naylor were inspired by a 13km of archives covering 800 years they have been doing to support the into work. After being referred to the was nervous about meeting new speaker from the Museum of London of history, was keen to engage with a archive. The group has also developed Research from the Department for programme, Tom met with Key Worker people and struggled with a lack of who spoke about a Volunteer project which supported its objective friendships and improved resilience, Education and Skills suggests that Elegia from Active Plus. Tom wanted confidence. Neil originally volunteered Inclusion Project run by the Museum of building new skills, improving as well as new skills to help them volunteering can have a positive to get out of the house more and feel one day a week but, as his confidence of London Archaeological Archive health and wellbeing, developing its on their journey to employment or impact on employment outcomes, useful by doing something meaningful grew, he increased this to two days a which supported young people with volunteer base and protecting the education. particularly for people in the ‘career to support his wellbeing. Elegia week. Autism to access and engage with archive. building’ stage between the ages prioritised building Tom’s confidence The first course as part of the Archive In 2018, Wiltshire Council, Swindon of 25-44 years. This research also and skills through volunteering. Neil is now fully at home at Waste Project concludes in mid-October and indicates that people who volunteer Not Want Not and the team feel Borough Council and the Wiltshire programme partners Wiltshire Council for employment reasons are more Tom and Elegia had a one-to- that volunteering has helped him Swindon and History Centre and Swindon Borough Council hope likely to move off the unemployment one session with Laura to find a build his inner confidence. He is launched the Archive Project, a new to extend the opportunity to other register. volunteering role that allowed him happy to provide cover for holidays skills-based volunteering course for Building Bridges participants and to develop his interests in practical and sickness absence and has, on Building Bridges participants and those could benefit from volunteering Volunteering is linked with activities like carpentry, driving and occasion, volunteered up to 4 days those from outside the programme as part of the project, as well as employability and is an important part the outdoors. Tom was keen to start a week. As well as volunteering with that could benefit from the quiet, bringing new museums and archives of the Building Bridges programme. volunteering straight away and Laura the warehouse team, Neil has also structured and meticulous work on board. Laura’s role as Volunteer Coordinator was able to place him in an ideal role expressed an interest in gaining new of archiving. The Archive Project involves meeting with programme as a driver at a local furniture charity. skills in customer service by helping offers a unique experience for the *Names and identifying details have participants who are interested in Tom proved to be a conscientious in the shop. Waste Not Want Not is volunteers involved and participants been changed. volunteering and finding out about and dedicated volunteer and his currently supporting Neil with training are expected to make a commitment

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 20 Image Credit: Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre PAGE 21 | FIRSTNEWS tacklingCREATIVE &disadvantage DIGITAL

n 2016 Bold completed a successful website design project for Healthwatch Wiltshire, this bold creative & digital design was later rolled out to Itwo additional local Healthwatch services. The website featured a bespoke Volunteer Portal and login area and was a significant driver old is a service designed new website for Community of increased involvement and especially for charities, First was launched in 2018. participation by volunteers. community groups and The website (designed by voluntary organisations. Bold), was an ambitious Over time, Healthwatch Wiltshire BCommunity First believes Aproject which brought had evolved to deliver services in that good design shouldn’t cost the various programme websites Somerset and Gloucestershire, as earth, that’s why we’re proud to offer including Youth Action Wiltshire, well as launching an independent quality, affordable creative services Splash, Link and Community health and social care research, to charities, voluntary organisations Transport, under one roof. evaluation and engagement service. and community groups. We are The new parent company Evolving passionate about helping our clients As well as replicating the Communities CIC, commissioned Bold also worked with Evolving to harness the power of design to functionality of existing programme Bold to develop a new visual identity Communities to design and develop a promote their cause and make local websites, the new website also and website for the organisation to new website which launched in Spring communities better places to live integrates the Volunteering Portal support and promote growth in the 2018. The new website features a and work. for Wiltshire and a new, searchable consultancy business. community transport directory. modern, contemporary, grid designed Whether we’re building Wordpress Most of the legacy website URLs The brief was to create a visual to take the visitor on a journey websites that look great and are are now being redirected to their identity which worked alongside through services, testimonials and the easy to use and keep updated, or new programme areas on the the Healthwatch brand (but without expertise of the research team. designing a brand identity from Community First website. replicating it). Bold created a new the ground up, we use the latest logo and visual identity guidelines. www.evolvingcommunities.co.uk technology, tools and techniques At over 50 pages, the project you’d expect from a creative design Big Breakfast Plus involved hours of development agency. time and thousands of images. We are delighted with the feedback What’s more when you work with Big Breakfast Plus is a registered of service to the homeless. on the website from our sector Bold you are helping to support charity that offers a cooked breakfast colleagues, supporters and other and access to support services Bold developed a new logo (above), vibrant communities and brighter which has a retro look and feel along stakeholders. futures for the people who live and for homeless people in Swindon, between 7-9AM, 7 days a week. The with a colour scheme and typography Over the coming months, Bold work in Wiltshire and Swindon. All of for Big Breakfast Plus. the funds raised through this unique charity recently celebrated it’s 25th will develop a new membership anniversary. creative design service are used The new website, which launched area for the Wiltshire Link and Community Transport Good to support the charitable aims of Bold was commissioned to create in September 2018 (top) is a fully Community First. responsive Wordpress website, which Practice Guides as well as a new visual identity and website to refreshing the Wiltshire Village help raise the profile of Big Breakfast helps the charity tell its unique story Some of the highlights from our through graphics and photographs, Halls Association website to 17/18 portfolio can be found on this Plus and support with the charity’s integrate the forum and members fundraising objectives. Big Breakfast as well as attracting new volunteers, page. For more information visit: supporters and donations area with member hall profile www.communityfirst.org.uk/bold or Plus was keen to emphasise that it pages. email: [email protected]. is more than breakfast club and also wanted to highlight it’s 25 year record www.bigbreakfastplus.org.uk www.communityfirst.org.uk

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 22 PAGE 23 | FIRSTNEWS CONNECTINGgrants & enterprise COMMUNITIES

Specialist Insurance for Village MEMBERS save money through Halls & Parish Councils oil buying scheme

ith help and support from id you know? For every bulk oil How does the scheme work? Zurich; a leading insurance order purchased, we help to provider who underwrites reduce emissions and delivery • Choose your membership category: the insurances policies we costs one journey at a time. £24 per annum for domestic Woffer - Community First has Wiltshire’s oil buying scheme, members, £36 per annum for assisted parish councils, village halls D managed by Oil Fuel Poverty Solutions community buildings and £120 per and community buildings across the (OFPS) allows members to fuel their annum for businesses. region for a number of years. homes while saving money on their heating bills. • Fill in a membership form (available Renowned as being one of the few An oil tanker uses a gallon of from www.communityfirst.org.uk/ fuel for every 8 miles travelled! insurance companies operating on Order as much oil throughout the oil) and email it to [email protected]. a global basis, Zurich’s mission is year and as many times as you like. Alternatively, post it to OFPS, 5 to help customers understand and With the help of our efficient delivery Courtlands Road, Shipton-u-Wych- Domestic Membership protect themselves from risk. With service, you simply pay a small annual wood, Oxfordshire, OX7 6DF. £24/YEAR over 55,000 employees in more than fee and we’ll sort the rest. 170 countries, their trusted reputation • Wait to hear back from your local Community Building Membership is what makes them the best insurer to offer the best policies available. Insurance, we formed a group With various memberships readily co-ordinator who will be your main £36/YEAR measured by both customers and We can also provide direct access to insurance scheme to offer the benefits available: Domestic, Community contact when you order your oil in shareholders. a dedicated advisor if you need any of appropriate cover, shared risk and Building and Business - those who bulk or single use (minimum order Business Membership further support. reduced premiums. Community Action previously ordered from Boilerjuice of 500 litres.) £120/YEAR In Wiltshire, we are immensely proud Suffolk and Community First currently of the scheme’s 5 Star customer during September 2018 made £25.25 Watch this space in 2018 as we aim these benefits to all village halls in • We work our magic to negotiate LATEST OIL PRICES rating and we aim to provide the best in savings for every 500 litres bought. to lead the market with exciting new England, Wales and Scotland, via the with suppliers to ensure the best 49.44ppl (+ 5% VAT) insurance advice possible. Our local schemes and policies to support Village Hall Plus Group. A single delivery tanker gets as little prices, quantity orders, and delivery village halls, community buildings and communities spaces. as eight miles to the gallon, so we’ve timescales. Your local co-ordinator local councils provide an invaluable If you would like to find out more made it our number one priority to will advise you who the supplier is, service across the county and we aim about the scheme or get a quote, Village Halls Plus Group coordinate bulk orders to reduce the the price per litre (exclusive of VAT, to support them by offering services please call 01380 732 809 or email number of miles driven to deliver oil to currently at 5%) and the approxi- that meet their unique needs. As members of the ACRE (Action [email protected] your home or premises. mate date of delivery. with Communities in Rural England) The scheme has an array of benefits network, our socially responsible with competitive prices and Under this scheme, oil tankers deliver • Your oil will be delivered as soon as ethos, combined with years of bulk orders to different members in possible and you pay the company comprehensive covers. All policies are experience in the not for profit specifically tailored to meet the needs the same village. Not only does this supplying the oil, directly. sector has been the catalyst for the prevent undue traffic in small villages, of each individual parish council insurance schemes now run by Village but we’re also helping to drastically Do want to save money on your and village hall, so you can expect a Halls Plus Group Our first insurance reduce CO2 emissions and oil delivery heating oil? Join our new community- bespoke service. schemes were designed specifically costs, one journey at a time! based county-wide buying scheme Experts Jess and Sam head up for Village Halls in Suffolk 25 years and see how easy it is. Community First’s community ago. As a member of ACRE, we found Members can buy any type of oil, insurance scheme. With over 10 that the village halls and community including kerosene (with or without For further information, please years of experience combined, the buildings we support were finding an additive), red diesel or white diesel. contact Oil Fuel Poverty Solutions by their insurance covers expensive team always go above and beyond The scheme has been running since email [email protected] or telephone and insufficient. Working with Zurich 2012 and currently has 166 members. 01993 225011.

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 24 PAGE 25 | FIRSTNEWS grants & enterprise 2017 - 2018 project HIGHLIGHTS

• Meysey Hampton Pavillion was awarded £15,000 to replace the pavilion at Meysey Hampton playing fields

• Kilmington & Stourton Cricket Club near Warminster was awarded £2,500 to purchase a new gang mower

• Broad Town, Christchurch in Swindon was awarded £10,000 for repairs to the roof

• Colerne Rugby Football Club in Colerne was awarded £10,000 towards the cost of new changing rooms

• Wiltshire’s Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers in Steeple Ashton was awarded £6,825 for landfill communities fund grants a disabled ramp

cross Wiltshire and Swindon, include: Village Halls and community Community First helps manage centres, public recreation grounds or and administrate the Landfill play areas, community-run sports and Communities Fund (LCF). The leisure facilities, restoration of public ALCF offers capital funding for access to facilities, cycle path and environmental, heritage and local canal improvements and community community projects in areas where farm and community garden local landfill operators sites or depots improvements. are located. For more information about LCF In 1996, the Government introduced grants please visit our website: a tax on landfill waste to prevent and www.communityfirst.org.uk/grants reduce waste. The aim of this tax was to promote more environmentally sustainable methods of waste management. Feedback from a grant RECIPIENT given excellent support and advice from the Community First team, our The LCF allows Landfill Operators “The condition of the roof at application was approved, the roof has (LOs) to contribute a portion of their Broad Town Church was so bad been renewed and the Church can landfill tax liability to community and that rainwater was getting inside now be safely used. We even had a environmental organisations to ‘offset’ the building, damaging the walls member of the Community First team some of the negative impacts of living and floor and urgent action was attend the blessing of the roof carried in the vicinity of a landfill site. The LO’s required before the need to out by the Archdeacon of Wiltshire! which contributed to the LCF grants temporarily close the Church was Thank you Community First. scheme in Wiltshire and Swindon in inevitable. A minimum sum of 2017/2018, for which Community First £25,000 was required to renew the Ray Manley (Broad Town Church) provided administration for were: Hills roof but the Church did not have Group, CSG and Crapper & Sons. sufficient funds to meet the cost. In addition to local fundraising it was Between 2017-2018, Community First decided to seek grants, landfill operators distributed £396,545 of LCF grants, an annual increase of £116,545 to invest Community First was approached in community projects. These projects and, following an initial discussion, have not only helped improve local we were encouraged to submit facilities, but further supported local a grant application to the Hills community assets across Wiltshire Group Ltd through the Landfill and Swindon. Communities Fund.

Examples of successful projects From this stage onwards we were

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 26 PAGE 27 | FIRSTNEWS grants & enterprise CASE STUDY

PLAIN ACTION & VALE ACTION LEADER PROGRAMME

ommunity First administers the of 40%. All projects will increase Projects include; • A further 33 projects are full The Organic Dairy – Luscious outlets including Selfridges in London Plain Action and Vale Action employment and economies in the applications which are currently and Daylesford Organic. Local Action Groups with rural areas of Wiltshire. • Farm efficiencies: helping a young in preparation, with a total value Ice Cream funding from the European sheep farmer purchase data of £1,282k The demand has been such that, with funded LEADER programme. The Race is on… recording software In early 2016 Doug and Kate less than a year of full production, C • ●There are 32 project approached Vale Action to enquire Doug and Kate are looking to expand The Local Action Groups (LAGs) • Business Support: help to start up applications currently in the about funding to convert the old Following the 2016 EU referendum, an artisan ice cream producer and a their production. administered by Community First, pipeline with a total value of milking parlour on the Home Farm of Plain Action and Vale Action are livery yard provide grants to help to increase required to have all grant funding £1,085,000 Neston Park Estate into an organic If you would like to know more about rural jobs, boost tourism, help Luscious Ice Cream visit their website: agreements in place and signed • Farm diversification: funding a • 55 applications have been ice cream production facility. businesses grow and support the lusciousorganics.co.uk before the UK leaves the EU on 29 camp site/holiday accommodation made for business start-up or local economy. LEADER forms part The work involved stripping out the March 2019. and a 2-acre carp fishing lake expansion of the Common Agricultural Policy old dairy and preparing the building For more information on this article, programme funding from the EU and Both LAGs are currently on target to • Rural services: helping a museum • 25 applications have been as a food production area, by lining please email: [email protected] this is the third tranche of funding that achieve the 29 March 2019 deadline to convert an old chapel into made for farming efficiency/ the inside of the building with or telephone: 01380 732814 Community First has administered. - nearly two years before the original display space and a Parish productivity projects impervious surfaces and installing With this tranche originally running programme finish date. Council convert an old Victorian temperature control equipment www.plainaction.org.uk from 2014 to 2021. schoolroom into a community • ●10 grants awarded for tourism to provide the right ambient www.valeaction.org.uk Of the £2.36m available currently space related projects. Tourism figures temperature. The Plain Action LAG Area is located have increased by 21,000 day • ●18% has been spent on completed • Heritage and Culture: providing in Wiltshire and encompasses visitors per year and overnight The ice cream manufacturing projects. With 30% on projects that interactive tours around the towns, Salisbury Plain itself with the stays have increased by 10,500 equipment was to be sourced from are running and 55% on projects better signage and innovative gift immediate surrounding villages and per year all over the world including Italy and market towns. that are in preparation card offer to tourists. • ●5 grants have been awarded to America. Finally they needed ice The Vale Action LAG Area is based • There is a further pipeline of • Forestry: helping to purchase support rural services cream storage, so a large walk in on the A350 corridor running from enquiries being brought to the first firewood conversion equipment freezer was installed and to deliver • ●1 grant has been awarded for a Trowbridge north to Malmesbury stage of application that equate to it, a refrigerated van. 46% of available funds ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE heritage project The Plain Action and Vale Action LAGs All these items came to £124,753.57 • However there is a drop out rate • ●1 application has been received board is made up of representatives and Vale Action provided a grant of with the pipeline projects and • A total of £2.36m project grant in the forestry sector from the local public and private £49,901.09. those in preparation that mean funds available for Plain Action and sector who decide which projects to • ●A total of 57 jobs have been the available funds may not be Vale Action LEADER projects. Work began in early 2017 and was fund in each area. Local Action Groups created overspent cover a rural area with a population of • 34 projects contracted for delivery completed in late 2017 following a • The smallest grant was £3,800 series of quality control tests by the approximately 150,000. • Since 2015, more than 700 enquiries for a total value of £1,151,000 Of this to a sheep farmer for the Vale Action staff. have been received, with 150 since number a total of 18 projects have purchase of a mobile handling Capital grants provided for farm the beginning of January 2018 already been completed. efficiencies/productivity, business system Doug and Kate have seen their start-up /expansion, farm business grow, as the demand for diversification, rural services, heritage • The largest grant was £98,000 the organic Jersey cow ice cream and culture, tourism and forestry with to a Parish Council to help them has expanded, to where it is now grants being awarded between £5,000 turn a Victorian Schoolroom into distributed and sold across south and £100,000 at an intervention rate a community space and southwest England at over 60

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 28 Photo Credit: Luscious Ice Cream PAGE 29 | FIRSTNEWS financial report

FINANCIAL SUPPORT & OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2018

community first financial report The work of Community first has been made possible with financial support and contributions from the following groups and organisations:

The Accommodation Welfare The Julius Silman Charitable Trust Tall Ships Committee JH King Charity The Underwood Trust INCOMING RESOURCES ACRE Landsdowne Lodge of Unity The Verdon-Smith Family Charitable Ambition The Lions Club of Chippenham Trust £1,745,218 Asda The Lions Club of Devizes Waitrose 8% The Ashendene Trust The Lions Club of Warminster WASP – Wiltshire & Swindon Sport Big Energy Saving Network Locality Westbury Town Council 11% Landfill Tax Credits Big Lottery Fund Local Giving Wilton Middle School Educational 27% The Blagrave Trust Magdalen Farm Trust he financial report uses Central Government Brewster Maude Charitable Trust Marlborough Bridge Club Wiltshire Association of Local Councils information taken from the Caenhill Countryside Centre The May Mile Wiltshire Community Foundation full financial statement for Other Funders Calstone Parochial Church Council Melksham Town Council Wiltshire Council the year ended 31 March 17% Chaloner Lodge Benevolent Fund Hon Mary A Morrison GCVO Charitable Wiltshire High Sheriff 2017, Lady 2018, prepared in accordance Activities & Investments Chippenham Borough Lands Charity Trust Marland Twith the Companies Act 2006, the CO Limited Wiltshire Music Centre Statement of Recommended Practice 20% Nationwide Building Society Local Authorities Wiltshire Village Halls Association (SORP) “Financial Reporting for Crapper & Sons Landfill Ltd NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Group Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Smaller Entities” 2015 and applicable 17% Donations & Membership accounting standards which received DEFRA – Department of The Plain Arts Salisbury Winterbourne Bassett Parochial an unqualified audit. Environment Police & Crime Commissioner for Church Council Devizes Town Council Wiltshire & Swindon Youth Action Wiltshire Committee The finance report may not contain Edington Parish Council Preshute Parish Council Zurich Community Trust sufficient information to enable a Reed in Partnership RESOURCES EXPENDED The Endangered Wildlife Trust full understanding of the financial ERSF – Erach & Roshan Sadri Rotary Club of Bradford on Avon affairs of Community First. For Foundation Salisbury Museum further information the full Report 9% £1,755,913 Fred & Marjorie Sainsbury Trust Santander The Charity has also benefited and Financial Statements and the Friends of Splash Seend Fawlty Players from the generous support of many Independent Auditors report can be Friends of Youth Action Wiltshire The Seend Singers individuals whose donations and obtained from the Company Secretary. 22% Tackling Disadvantage The Fulmer Charitable Trust EAP Sells 2007 Trust gifts have enabled services to be maintained and expanded and an The full report and Financial 19% The Galanthus Trust Sport England endowment fund to be established to Statements were approved by Grants Payable The Good Afternoon Choir St Georges Church, Preshute provide income in future years. members of the Board of Trustees on Greensquare Group St James Place Foundation 16th July 2018 and will be submitted Fundraising & Trading Healthwatch Wiltshire St Johns Parochial Church Council, to the Charity Commission and the 7% Henry C Hoare Charitable Trust Devizes Connecting Communities Registrar of Companies. 43% Henry Smith Charity St Lawrence Church, Stratford sub Castle Encouraging Enterprise Hills Minerals & Waste Limited The Henry C Hoare Charitable Trust St Mary’s School, Calne The Inchcape Foundation Steppes Travel Limited The James Dyson Foundation Stratford sub Castle Guild The James Weir Foundation The Stratford Singers

FIRSTNEWS | PAGE 30 PAGE 31 | FIRSTNEWS COMMUNITY FIRST Unit C2 Beacon Business Centre Hopton Park Devizes SN10 2EY

T: 01380 722 475 W: www.communityfirst.org.uk E: [email protected]

@CommFirstWilts @CommunityFirstWiltshire

Registered Charity No: 288117 VAT Registration No: 639 3860 06 Company Limited by Guarantee Reg. No: 1757334 England Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority No: FRN 311971

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