Local organisations are being encouraged by Bath & North East Somerset’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) to shape a £1 million investment in projects that will build capacity in the community and address the key challenges facing our area.
The £1m funding comes from Performance Reward Grant awarded by central government for the work of the LSP in meeting challenging targets over the period 2007-2010. The LSP is the organisation which brings together the local NHS, Avon Fire & Rescue, Avon & Somerset Police, voluntary organisations, local business and community groups.
The LSP is now asking for project ideas that clearly meet at least one of the following:
· Creating communities where everyone contributes and everyone takes responsibility;
· Improving the skills of local communities;
· Helping vulnerable people and communities by working together more effectively and empowering service users;
· Reducing carbon emissions by growing our capacity for renewable energy and keeping the benefits local;
· Improving health and social care through finding out and listening to the views of service users and the community;
· Involving the community in running and improving public spaces that matter to them;
· Providing the right help and start-up premises for the business leaders of the future.
Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Chair of the LSP, said, “Our partnership is looking for local organisations to play a significant role in shaping the future of our communities alongside local people and public services. The floor is completely open for local organisations to approach us with their ideas about how to meet these key objectives.
“We have already launched a small grants pot for local community projects. We are now looking to invest in larger-scale projects that make a big difference in local communities. Proposals should be bold and innovative. As this is one-off funding any proposal must also be sustainable in the long-term.”
The purpose of the Fund is consistent with the Coalition Government’s Localism Bill which proposes to give greater public involvement in how local services are provided.
The one-off £1 million is being released from the overall £2.3 million Community Empowerment Fund agreed by the Council.
How to submit ideas:
Organisations can submit Project Outline Proposals anytime from now until 30th September 2011. The proposals should support key outcomes the LSP is trying to achieve. The funding and award of the money will be made through the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) to support the delivery of the LSP’s Sustainable Community Strategy.
For more information, organisations can contact [email protected] or call 01225 477278. More details are also available at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/cef
All proposals will be publicised on the Council website and organisations are encouraged to make links with other projects. A special event will also be held on 22nd September to share information about proposals.
