DEVON COMMUNITIES TOGETHER 2015-16

A champion for the people and places of Devon helping communities help themselves.

Engaged in a wide range of projects, services and funding opportunities that support our vision of dynamic communities shaping their own futures. 3 HEALTH & WELCOME TO OUR WELLBEING 2015-16 ANNUAL REVIEW HEALTHWATCH DEVON In 2012 an organisation totally focused on the consumer experience of health and social care services was merely As you will see from the chart below, Devon Communities Together continues to support and deliver a wide programme a concept when Devon County Council awarded Devon of activity focused on helping communities help themselves. Communities Together (DCT) the contract to develop Healthwatch Devon (HWD). We have recognised the important contribution that our work makes to support Devon’s economy (affordable housing and enterprise support), community well-being and resilience (Devon Oil Collective, Energy Saving, Emergency The challenge was, over a three year period, to create a new sustainable organisation whilst developing and Planning, Grants programmes). delivering the new HWD service. We have continued our important work helping communities retain and improve their facilities and services (Village • Key achievements in 2015-16, the final year of the Halls, Community Shops, Social Enterprises) whilst providing the support to ensure that communities can have more contract, included enabling 4000 people to share their experiences of health and social care, including say about the future (Neighbourhood and Community Plans). 600 young people and supporting 100 older people in GATHERING INTELLIGENCE None of this would have been possible without the support of our funders and partners to whom we are very grateful, Care Homes to speak about their care. our board members who give so freely of their time to ensure we remain a sustainable and vibrant organisation and • Reaching 22,000 people with online information and The Impact of Welfare Reform on the health and our staff team whose commitment and expertise underpin everything we do. advice and working with our Engagement Partners providing feedback to commissioners on 30 separate wellbeing of vulnerable individuals in Devon. As ever a document of this size can only provide a reflection of the work we have done and our plans for the future. health and care topics. Reports were published on a AN EXAMPLE: Find out more by visiting our website here range of subjects including Leaving Hospital and Primary Care Services and young people were helped to produce In 2015, Devon Communities Together (DCT) was a series of mental health films. commissioned by Devon County Council to build on a previous piece of research into the effects of changes to Our final achievement took place in March 2016 when HWD the welfare system by undertaking a Prevention and Need was successfully floated as an independent organisation. Elaine Cook, CEO Action Research Project. DEVON OIL NETWORKS (4%) • LOVE DEVON COLLECTIVE “We are grateful for the support we have received from Devon • RURAL FUTURES CONFERENCE COMMUNITY (1%) Communities Together. With their help we have built a strong The research collated both quantitive and qualitative data RESILIENCE for anonymous case studies. These studies from 13 Devon and forward-looking service that is now able (2%) COMMUNITY PROJECT voluntary sector organisations related to the health and STRATEGIC SUPPORT (17%) to make its own way in the world.” well-being impact on their clients as a direct result of INFLUENCING (2.5%) Miles Sibley, Executive Director, Healthwatch Devon implementation of welfare reform legislation.

INTELLIGENCE GATHERING This is only one of many examples of DCT being able to (3%) DEVON OIL COLLECTIVE utilise it's extensive communication reach across the SOCIAL IMPACT county to gather and analyse strategic intelligence. The ANALYSIS (3%) The Devon Oil Collective (DOC) was launched in 2012 as a commissioner of this research from Devon County response to the high levels of fuel poverty in rural Devon. Council said: With much of the County being off the mains gas network, CONSULTANCY (OTHER CONTRACTS) vulnerable households were paying high prices to try and “I see this work contributing not only to the County (4%) What we maintain a decent living environment. Through the power Council’s Care Act responsibilities in terms of of collective bulk buying the costs of heating oil for DOC members have been reduced with members seeing the identifying ‘unmet need’ but it can inform many COMMUNITY BUILDINGS have been SUPPORT (4%) AFFORDABLE benefits year on year. developing policy areas HOUSING (17%) doing The last year saw oil prices falling generally and even in If you would like our assistance with any community this more competitive environment our 270 DOC (% represents time based research projects in Devon, please call 01392 NEIGHBOURHOOD spent on activities) members have saved about £12,000 when comparing our 248919 or email [email protected]. PLANNING (5%) oil prices with the market averages. With the prospect of oil prices starting to rise again the benefits of DOC membership are likely to be even greater in the coming months. We are also looking at other ways For full copy of report visit our SOCIAL ENTERPRISE we can support DOC members with discounts on a range website here SUPPORT (7.5%) of products and services. If you would like to be part of DOC you can find out more and join through our website www.devoncommunities. org.uk/devon-oil-collective or by phoning us on DEVON ASSOCIATION OF HEALTHWATCH LOCAL COUNCILS DEVON (15%) 01392 248919 (15%) 4 5 NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVON COMMUNITY DEVON OPEN DATA WORKING GROUP SUPPORTING PLANNING HALLS AND BUILDINGS In 2015-16, Devon Communities Together (DCT) In 2015, Devon Communities Together (DCT) initiated and began hosting a multi- agency working COMMUNITIES provided direct support and advice to 20 enquiries about group, made up of partners interested in exploring Neighbourhood Planning groups with: 410 community buildings answered ways of harnessing the benefits of open data for the • Forming a steering group and designing terms of in 2015-16 benefit of Devon communities. reference • Applying for grants The Devon Open Data Working Group has 14 • Producing project plans and budgets members, including Devon County Council; Exeter • Presenting an overview of Neighbourhood Planning at Devon Communities Together (DCT) attends regular and Plymouth City Councils; Devon District Councils; community meetings, town and parish council meetings meetings where representatives of Village Hall management Devon Communities Together; Exeter University; • Guidance on appropriate community engagement committees share their knowledge and experience. Healthwatch Devon; COSMIC; Co- Cars; Dartmoor • Community surveys and data analysis National Park Authority. 30 communities and By attending these meetings Devon Communities Together AN EXAMPLE: The Group has been looking at practical individuals maintains its understanding of their issues and is able to 500 We helped the Brixton Neighbourhood Planning Group to offer support. applications for open data to support community b e n e fi t e d f r o m o u r design a robust community survey. DCT analysed the data activity and the needs of individuals in rural areas, and our team helped to organise a family-friendly event to Collectively we are working to sustain and strengthen the particularly those who are vulnerable; elderly, advice and support present the results to the Community. village hall movement and help it to face the challenges of disabled, unwell or isolated. during 2015 - 16. Recognised for our local connections and influence, DCT serving Devon's communities. A pilot project was developed which focused on was invited by the Department for Communities and Local community transport and access to primary health Government to host a local Neighbourhood Planning and care services in the absence of a single roadshow in conjunction with CPRE Devon. "We found Martin Rich at DCT, absolutely invaluable repository of open source data for community led as a guide and sounding board for clarifying issues transport in Devon. 145 delegates attended making it the largest and ideas as the project progressed...I would endorse In partnership with Q – Step at Exeter roadshow of its kind in the country. as much of Martin's involvement as you can get!" University, DCT has hosted an Sue Crowther, from Thurlestone Neighbourhood Plan undergraduate student on DEVON ASSOCIATION Group, on attending a DCT presentation said, Councillor Gail Flockhart, Chair, Winkleigh Parish Council placement to progress this work. “I have attended many talks about neighbourhood For more information please call 01392 248919 or email If you are interested in joining the OF LOCAL COUNCILS Devon Open Data Working Group planning and your one was by far the best!” [email protected] or finding out more about this If you would like support with your neighbourhood plan pilot project, please call please call us on 01392 248919 ext 7106 or visit our Visit our website to find 01392 248919 or email 357 website here out more here. [email protected] TOWN AND PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS SUPPORTED DALC is hosted by DCT and is pleased to present its 2015/16 achievements: • A successful election year - nationally and for RURAL FUTURES Local Councils CONFERENCE 2015 • New DALC Executive County Committee nominated • Dartmoor National Park Authority parish Our annual rural futures conference tackles topical issues effecting Devon . representatives nomination process • Over 40 training and other events held - 184 Entitled More Than a Place to Live the 2015 councils represented conference examined the impact of social housing on communities and asked what is needed to make the places • Transparency Code grants awarded to 93 small we live in more vibrant and sustainable. councils supporting IT • Supported member councils with legal and The conference was led by Key Note Speaker Lord Best OBE DL. It was hosted by The Met Office, sponsored by Wickstead procedural queries Playgrounds and supported by 20 exhibitors. • Worked on major issues including asset transfer and Devolution. Delegates from all over Devon, representing Councils, organisations and communities were enagaged and impressed by the range of topics and calibre of speakers. Visit our website to visit the DALC website here. find out morehere. Media coverage was provided by BBC Spotlight and Radio Stockleigh Pomeroy Village Hall re-opening ©AQuick Devon throughout the day. 6 7 ECONOMY & TM ENTERPRISE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE LOVE DEVON 121 ADVICE SERVICE GET UP SOCIAL PURPOSE/INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP TO SPEED Thanks to continuing funding from our partners, This year saw the launch of our new Love Devon we deliver free advice to community organisations and Working with our partners from Peninsula Enterprise and campaign. A key objective of this campaign is to enable businesses and local councils looking to set up or grow a Cosmic Ethical IT, this work was about supporting the 'roll those who live in, work in or visit our beautiful county local service or facility. out' of superfast broadband under the Connecting Devon to have the opportunity to support the work of Devon and Somerset Programme. Devon Communities Together Over 40 organisations were supported during the year. Communities Together (DCT) in helping Devon raised local awareness of the programme through our Notable trends included: a growth in setting up communities to help themselves. Community Interest Companies (CICs); community communications channels, our website, publications, take-over of public sector services eg libraries, youth emails, social media, networks and events. Devon is a county with many small and picturesque centres and day centres; development of multi-use market towns and villages which are facing their own We also gave presentations in 6 community venues community owned assets; creative arts, well-being and challenges around transport/ social isolation/ fuel across the county based on the Digital Villages Toolkit veteran support initiatives. poverty/ local employment/ loss of services etc. and bringing the world of broadband potential alive for community members. We know that Devon communities have many DEVON SOCIAL ENTERPRISE enthusiastic and committed people who want their Aimed at anyone from beginners upwards the sessions To join, local communities to continue to develop as vibrant, demonstrated how to harness digital technology to NETWORK (DSEN) click here. AFFORDABLE balanced and thriving places. support Parish Councils, Committees and Community DSEN was launched in summer 2015, aimed at social Organisations. HOUSING With the help of funds raised through the Love Devon entrepreneurs and supporters of the Social Enterprise campaign, DCT can provide specialist advice, guidance movement in Devon. and support to an even broader range of community groups and businesses. This can contribute towards Membership has grown to over 150. There is a members' WOMEN LED 78 affordable homes the protection and maintenance of our unique rural area of useful resources on our website and a Facebook were let to local families communities by identifying the challenges and helping page which also encourages peer to peer support. ENTERPRISE to develop solutions. We are a member of the South West Social Entperprise households received surveys 11,500 The scope of this campaign is expanding as we initiate Special Interest Group. ”I am very fortunate to and informatin dialogues with key members of the tourism and food 27 different Hub have come across DCT’s Devon Communities Together (DCT) continues to host the and drink industries in Devon, exploring opportunities FUNDING COMMUNITY Devon Rural Housing Partnership. The DRHP facilitates the to work together under the LOVE Devon brand. meetings were run in project, including development of affordable housing in rural areas. ENTERPRISE For more information, please visit market towns across Devon. great tips for social In 2015 Lord Richard Best addressed the DCT Rural the Love Devon webpage here. media, business planning Futures Conference: Like us on Facebook here. ‘Well informed, well delivered Join the conversation @DevComsTogether A total of women skills and market “Land owners and local businesses as well as local residents #LoveDevon and helpful training’ 345 are recognising more and more that affordable housing is Jo Morgan, Devon Link up Entrepreneurs participated. penetration techniques. essential if rural communities are to thrive economically and We provide support and training to communities planning socially in the years to come.” a community enterprise. Here are two examples: This contract was For me it has been so Lord Richard Best OBE DL A Fair Deal for Rural Communities

delivered by Devon good to come to realise This year our work contributed to 78 affordable houses • In partnership with the national organisation Pub is Communities Together being completed and let to local families, including 6 new the Hub (PITH) we launched a campaign of awareness I am a business woman affordable homes in Dalwood, East Devon. raising and support for pubs in Devon wanting to (DCT) and our delivery and that I have a viable diversify their facilities and services to better meet the partners in Somerset – Said one returning resident: needs of their local community. The Fruit Tree for Business business and that I am “I grew up in Dalwood but had to move away because • Our training event, Funding Your Community Enterprise as part of the Rural Growth heading in the right I couldn’t afford to rent privately in the village. The for community activists and social entrepreneurs was Network partnership and house is lovely and our rent and bills are much direction. WOOO!! attended by 22 participants. The course focussed on pilot programme. cheaper than before so we’re better off and feel encouraging enterprise and trade to ensure THANKS to all of you!“ secure and settled in our new home. sustainability. The project ran for 20 We are so much happier living back If you are an established or aspiring social or community months up to December Marion Frances Eastland in the village and the children love living here.“ enterprise and would liked support call 01392 248919 or 2015 LRPS email [email protected] Eloise Freeth, Tenant @Marion_Frances Newbery, Dalwood 8 WHY DOES IT MATTER? 9 SOCIAL Creating Social Impact is what Devon Communities Together (DCT) is all about. DEVON IMPACT Funded by an Impact Readiness Grant from Social COMMUNITY Investment Business, we have been working with consultants from Investing for Good with the goal of RESILIENCE improving the way we measure, articulate and report on the impact we make. It starts from the Theory of Change. INTENDED DEVON COMMUNITY WHAT IS A THEORY OF CHANGE? DEVON REMEMBERS RESULTS RESILIENCE BOARD (DCRB) A detailed picture of how a desired change is expected to happen. It looks behind why and how an organisation PLANNED OUTPUTS creates impact. £150K investment on the OUR VISION (what is delivered) restoration of over 70 memorials WORK An organisation first looks at its intended long term goals To work with communities and individuals to develop (impacts) and then examines activities, outputs and The Devon Remembers project ACTIVITIES outcomes that need to be delivered along the way. continues to commemorate and and enhance their ability to harness local resources INPUTS and expertise, to help themselves plan for, respond to (what changes Having completed the groundwork in the summer of 2016 remember all those affected by the (our resources) result) we will introduce a full Impact Measurement System of First World War from Devon and recover from emergencies. DCT's Strategic Objectives in spring 2017 communities. Encouraging communiteis to create a local ACTIVITIES IMPACTS The result will be an evaluation methodology designed to measure the overall impact of our work and a clearer DCT managed a grant fund to Community Emergency Plan is a prime objective of (what we do) (wider impacts of the DCRB. demonstration of the link between our activities and our renovate war memorials dedicated our work) long-term goals. Be Prepared . Respond . Recover to those who died as a result of the First World War. Devon has established the DCRB comprising members from the Local Authority, the Environment Agency and the If you are interested in measuring Social Impact and Please contact: Emergency Services. The Board is a strategic group working using the power of the Theory of Change we would 01392 248919 across Devon, coordinating Community Resilience activity, be pleased to share our experience with you. [email protected] learning lessons and ensuring best use of resources Last year Devon Communities Together (DCT) was invited to join the DCRB with the specific task of developing a Devon Community Resilience Forum to support Ashburton Memorial Restored communities with Community Emergency Planning. The Forum enables dialogue between communities and COMMUNITY relevant agencies, so that communities can raise issues and receive advice and support. CAPACITY BUILDING (CCB) The Forum now has a membership of 240 individuals and has held two very successful events attended by 150 Devon Communities Together (DCT) has been chairing a delegates with over 40 communities represented at each partnership of emergency services, local authorities and event. other agencies across Devon and Cornwall on a CCB. DCT also manages the Devon Emergency Flood Resilience The vision was to work jointly with communities, Fund (provided by Devon County Council) which has developing and mentoring them to become more awarded £30,000 in grants to communities across Devon self-resilient, reduce risk, save life and improve for the immediate alleviation of flood risk. wellbeing. There are many free resources available on the DCRB Our work with communities confirmed that they are able website visit here. to mobilise local volunteers and the best way we can support them is with: • Reduced bureaucracy – eg the need for specific training before signs can be put out on the highway • Clarity about liability – eg if a member of the public misuses a defibrilaltor and someone decided to make a claim against them • Bespoke training – eg. some form of conflict management for those wishing to assist in community affairs • Practical resources – Shovels, pumps, grit There is a growing interest for supporting communities in this area, if you would like to discuss © iTelegraph.co.uk this further with us please call 01392 248919 or email [email protected]. Grant Giving Stable & Qaulity £43.1k Organisation 10 £69.6k Economy 11 £271,764 SUSTAINABLE

ORGANISATION Community Services £310,376 WHAT WE SPENT What we BY ACTIVITY £1,383,677 spent £ on ECONOMY - £271,764 HEALTH & WELLBEING - £614,788 JOHN Community COMMUNITY FACILITIES - £73,961 LEE OBE Facilities GREAT TEAM COMMUNITY SERVICES - £310,376 £73,961 STABLE & QUALITY ORGANISATION - £69,627 Health & PRESIDENT Wellbeing GRANT GIVING £43,161 £614,788 THE SUCCESS OF OUR COMPANY

WHERE OUR FUNDS Other TRUSTEE STAFF TEAM - NOVEMBER 2016 CAME FROM £1,387,036 £42,000 £421,755 BOARD JANICE ALEXANDER - RURAL HOUSING ENABLER £421,755 - HEALTHWATCH DEVON £66,702 (engagement work) NIGEL ARNOLD ISAAC BUTTERFIELD-KENDALL - APPRENTICE £468,000 - HEALTHWATCH DEVON £72,612 (statutory functions) VICE CHAIR HEAD OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES £111,068 - DEVON RURAL HOUSING NORA CORKERY - PARTNERSHIP TERESA LINDA BEALEY £102,674 - DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL Where our £102,674 BUTCHERS GREG DAVIES - DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS £ 72, 612 - DEFRA funds came (rural community action network) CHAIR BOB BRYANT DAWN ECKHART - SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MANAGER £ 66,702 - DEVON ASSOCIATION OF from LOCAL COUNCILS TRUSTEE £ 42,000 - DEVON COMMUNITY £111,068 HUW EDWARDS - CUSTOMER SUPPORT OFFICER (2013 - 2016) RESILIENCE BOARD OTHER PETER HARDING - DIRECTOR OF RESOURCES £468,000 KEVIN FINAN

HON. TREASURER PAULINE MOORE - FACILITIES COORDINATOR TRAINING HUB CLLR GAY HILL JESSICA OATES - MARKETING EXECUTIVE In 2015, we launched a new online Training Hub ELAINE MARTIN PARKES - SENIOR PROJECTS OFFICER With over 20 years’ experience of designing and delivering COOK FRANK LETCH a broad range of learning events, we wanted to provide a virtual “shop window” of affordable and relevant training GD3 - SETTING A PRECEDENT CEO TRUSTEE KAREN REED - FINANCE MANAGER and learning events. Planned to be open to all, but (2014 - 2015) specialising in the capacity building and development Devon Communities Together is leading on an innovative MARTIN RICH - COMMUNITY PROJECTS OFFICER needs of community groups, the social purpose sector, youth construction skills initiative “Constructing Futures“ ALAN QUICK social enterprise and micro businesses at all stages of in partnership with South Devon College. The project has RURAL HOUSING ENABLER their development. been included in the Heart of the South West Local COLIN SAVAGE - The Hub offers a mix of training opportunities delivered Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal 3 European Funding DENNIS SMITH LESLEY SMITH MBE SENIOR MANAGER/DALC COUNTY SEC by external partners and in–house specialists within final submission “A Growth Deal for Productivity” - Devon Communities Together. published on 28.07.16. MIKE WHARTON SUE SOUTHWELL - RURAL HOUSING TEAM LEADER If you are interested in promoting your learning events It has been listed under the 3rd of 3 strands “Unlocking & through the Training Hub, please contact Enabling Growth Potential“ setting a [email protected] precedent, we believe, for the first third sector led project CARA STOBART - COMMUNITY PROJECTS OFFICER Visit our website to be listed in a Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal funding submission. to see the latest AGGIE SZPINDA - COMMUNITY PROJECTS OFFICER available courses For more information, please contact here. [email protected] CAROL TOMPKINS - HR & SUPPORT SERVS MANAGER MANY WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

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Devon Communities Together is the operating name for The Community Council of Devon Registered Charity No: 1074047 VAT Registration No: 942 0496 27