The B&NES 3rd Sector Group (3SG) is inviting representatives from charities and community groups to the 3 Café Kitchen in Odd Down, Bath on 5th September to meet Regional Mayor Tim Bowles.
Organisations will learn more about the Mayor’s role and his vision for the West of England region, whilst sharing details of their own work and how it contributes to healthy and thriving communities.
3SG is a recently established grassroots membership network for charities and other not for profit groups in Bath & North East Somerset which helps to connect, support and promote the work of this diverse sector.
A recent report by Localgiving highlighted that just 5% of local charities in areas where devolution has taken place recall being consulted about the process.
Although there are a range of existing organisations in B&NES that can disseminate information and provide valuable support around specific areas, it’s believed there is a need for a group like 3SG to provide a single voice which can advocate for every type of charitable organisation and increase engagement with issues like devolution.
Steve Dale, Chair of 3SG said: “3SG has grown rapidly and now has 150 member organisations from a wide range of charities, social enterprises, community and faith groups across BaNES.
“We hope our members will use this opportunity to talk about their successes and the common issues we are facing.
“We know local charities have seen an increase in demand for their services over the past 12 months and often these are small organisations who do not have a large enough presence to be heard by local and national government.
“By bringing them together we hope to share our knowledge and expertise and look forward to hearing the Regional Mayor’s vision for the future and, longer -term, being a part of it.”
Prior to the meeting, Tim Bowles will tour Three Ways School and hear about the work of 3 Café Kitchen, who are just one of the 3SG members which will be represented at the event.
Often described as a ‘hidden gem’, 3 Café Kitchen gives pupils from Threeways School in Odd Down the skills and opportunity to enter the workplace and also provides a much-needed community hub, offering a modern meeting space that is suitable for many types of event.
Local organisations backing 3SG include popular Bath-based charities such as Bath Area Play Project, Bath Mind, Citizens Advice B&NES, DHI, Dorothy House and Julian House.
Tim Bowles, Regional Mayor commented: “I am very much looking forward to hearing from third sector organisations in BaNES, the work they do supporting residents in our region is really inspiring.”
The event is free to attend and lunch from 3 Café kitchen will be provided to attendees.
If you would like to attend or want further information about the event, contact [email protected].
