Funding For Community Groups

Community Efforts Recognised With Funding Boost For Voluntary Sector

Community groups across Norfolk will have access to the support they need thanks to a new partnership, funded by Norfolk County Council. Voluntary Norfolk, Community Action Norfolk and Norfolk Community Foundation will work together as the Empowering Communities Partnership, with Norfolk Community Advice Network and FUSE Norwich alongside as strategic partners. The help on offer includes managing funding and finance e pert trainin and seminars volunteer recruitment and deployment and a series of forums and networking opportunities. This new partnership marks a 45% increase in the funding provided for this support, in recognition of the role community groups have played throughout the pandemic. Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council said: “The pandemic has clearly shown that Norfolk’s voluntary groups are the lifeblood of our communities. Thousands of people stepped up to help their neighbours by delivering food packages, talking to those who are lonely and supporting the vaccine roll-out. We know this is a challenging time for the voluntary sector. This partnership reinforces our commitment to support the sector and invests in the support they need.” Lucy Hogg, Director of Infrastructure at Voluntary orfolk, said “The partnership is really e cited to be working together to drive a step-change in support for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector. We want to support the sector to amplify its voice at this critical time, as we come out of the pandemic to enable more collaboration, stronger partnerships, and more resources, This will help voluntary and community groups in Norfolk to continue to provide vital services to Norfolk’s communities.”

Barbara, a volunteer at the Burrell Shop in Thetford

The partnership has seen the funding provided by Norfolk County Council for Norfolk’s voluntary sector support organisations increase by 45%, from £172,000 to £250,000 for a 2-year period. There is also an additional cash boost of £150,000 over 3 years to directly support local voluntary groups through the Empowering Communities und. The latest fundin uilds on the e istin infrastructure support arrangements and comes after a recent survey found that two-thirds of voluntary or anisations e pect the demand for their services to increase. This is against a backdrop of falling income and reduction in the range of services on offer. The Empowering Communities Fund is now open to local organisations to apply for grants up to £10,000 to help build their resilience and become more sustainable. For more information and to apply go to:

www.norfolkfoundation.com/fundingsupport/grants/groups/empoweringcommunities-fund/

A new partnership website will be coming soon, until then community groups & social enterprises that want to find out how to et help can contact AKFS Advert.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2020 17:03 Page 1

www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/contact

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Following the success of the Brandon Good Grief Café, Turner Funerals are delighted to be setting up a Thetford version starting on December 9th. Speaking about the new bereavement service Turner funerals is providing, Lydia Turner said, “As soon as people saw our Brandon event they were getting in touch to ask when Thetford was opening. There’s an overwhelming need for this support service and we’re delighted to be able to provide sessions in Brandon and Thetford.” The group is a safe, caring space where people can connect with their community by sharing stories, enjoying some company and helping each other to find a way forward. Tea, coffee and cake is provided. “You’ll find a friendly face, someone who knows how you’re feeling and can help you cope with everything a loss can bring.” Lydia continued. The Good Grief Cafe sessions are open to anyone who needs some support with their bereavement. As the group is new, ideas suggestions for future groups are welcome. The Good Grief Cafe will run in Thetford every 2 weeks with the first on the 9th December and the second session on Thursday 23rd December.

For more information please call 01842 761333.

Safer Thetford Action Group

Your chance to speak up. Public meeting taking place on Thursday 6th January 2022, from 7pm in the Large Court of the Guildhall. This is the regular opportunity for you to bring your concerns to the notice of STAG, and the police and help towards setting Police priorities and STAG actions.