Hear from our CEO

Whilst we have been hit by the latest cold snap, it has not put off the crocuses and daffodils pushing through, which I'm delighting in as I take my dog for a walk each day, a sure sign that spring is on the way.

Do not underestimate the struggles that the combination of winter and the cost of living crisis have brought to our communities in Somerset. This winter our Village Agents have distributed £50,000 in Surviving Winter grants, to support vulnerable people in paying their bills, or helping them to become more fuel efficient through providing carpets, curtains or bedding. We can only do this through the generous support of our partner, Somerset Community Foundation, and through working collaboratively with other partner agencies on the front line; they then refer someone they are worried about to our Village & Community Agent service.

Success is never just down to one person, or organisation. We know the pressures on our sector continue to increase, and I would like to thank both the CCS team, and the organisations they work with for changing – and saving – lives each day in Somerset.

We could, of course, distribute another £50,000 of grants in the current climate. If you can spare any money for our Crisis Fund, we would be grateful.

https://localgiving.org/charity/somersetcrisisfund/

GovernmentPayments

A Million Households Can Apply for £400 Energy Rebate

Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically.

Most households get a £400 discount on their energy bills automatically. This is paid through the electricity provider, and the credit is added to your account.

In some cases, people do not get the discount automatically; for example if you: pay for energy through a landlord, housing manager or site owner live in a park home, houseboat or off the electricity grid.

If you think this could apply to you, check your eligibility here: https://tinyurl.com/246tukaf

Applications are now being accepted for residents in Somerset!

Read about it here: https://tinyurl.com/4kfrh3t3

Ukrainian Welcome Hubs Across Somerset

Come along for advice, information and support for your move to Somerset and meet our Somerset Village and Community Agents.

Somerset Welcome Hubs:

Yeovil Community Church Hub

Wednesdays & Fridays 10 am - 12.30 pm

The Gateway, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil BA20 1QN

Agent: Fiona Baliey - 07939910052

Bridgwater Westfield Church Hub

West Street, Bridgwater TA6 7EU

Wednesdays 10 am - 2 pm

Agent: Iwona Medrala - 0793991006

Taunton Charis Hub: Mondays 10 am - 3 pm

16-17 Hammet Street, Taunton TA1 1RZ

Agent: Iwona Medrala - 07939910067

Wells Community Network Hub: Monday 10 am - 12 pm

Portway Annexe, Wells, BA5 2QF

Agent: Fiona Baliey call 07939910052

Watchet Hub: Thursdays 10 am - 4 pm

East Quay Harbour road, Watchet

Agent: Sophie Nesfield - 07939910054

Frome Hub: Thursday 12 pm - 2 pm

Frome Town Council, Frome Town Hall, Christchurch Street West, BA11 1EB

Agent: Julie Carey Downes - 01373 468366

Community Buildings Membership Renewal

It’s almost time to renew your Community Buildings membership!

Are you a CCS Community Buildings member?

Our membership renewal is coming up this April 2023 to support your facility with advice, information and training to make your facility the best it can be. We know things have been hard for venues across the country with the winter crisis and coming out of the pandemic. Keep receiving support from the experts.

This year we will be launching our new Community Buildings Locator Map and Directory, featuring enhanced entries for CCS member halls.

££'s off training

Online access 24 hours a day in the ‘Members Only’ area of our website.

Regular e-newsletters/bulletins FREE ENTRY to Hallmark Quality Standard Scheme worth £90.

Members discounts

Access to our private Facebook Group

Membership runs from April 2023 - March 2024. To sign up or renew your membership you can either download a form: https://ccslovesomerset.org/community-buildings/

Or complete our online form here: https://form.jotform.com/230093551591353

Open to applications!

We are now open for applications from CCS members for Hallmark Accreditation. This national award scheme recognises good management and practice by community building management committees. The accreditation gives confidence to hall trustees and demonstrates to your local community, funders and insurers that the hall is professionally managed.

CCS member halls can apply here: https://form.jotform.com/23009361037

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The deadline for applications is 31st March 2023.

The Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund

Hallmark Visitors play a central role in ensuring high standards in our Somerset Village Halls. We are looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team.

Hallmark Visitors are either existing members of a hall management committee or people who have been closely involved with a hall committee in the past. A fantastic opportunity to share your knowledge and experience, visit village halls in other areas and meet new people.

For more details about the scheme, visit: www.ccslovesomerset.org/hallmark-qualitystandard/ Or contact sallys@somersetrcc.org.uk

This fund has reopened for Stage One applications until March 3rd. Demand for the fund is high, so not all eligible halls will be funded. Find out more here: https://acre.org.uk/update-platinum-jubilee-village.../

If you are planning and fundraising for a project at your hall and you could use further support, contact us to find out how our Community Buildings Team and Smart Communities could help you.