CAN’s new projects

CAN’s New Strategic Direction Back to our Roots In recent years – funding has been to support VCS across the county Changes in Funding Streams means our focus has returned to rural community development: Being a voice for rural communities Delivering services to organisations to deliver their own solutions to rural issues Establishing projects to address gaps in rural provision

Projects – an Opportunity to work collaboratively with Community Buildings Community Buildings are the natural focus for activity in rural communities We want to build on our long standing relationship with village halls to offer new solutions to rural issues Aim to provide: a model for service provision, effective ongoing support to those village halls that are interested in becoming more enterprising or developing new activities. No pressure on any village hall to participate, but may contribute to the sustainability of those who want to by demonstrating the facility really makes a difference to the lives of local people.

Current Project Pilots Overall Theme – to improve the lives of those people living in rural communities who are in most need: Village Agents – focusing on helping older & disabled people to access services. Warm Hubs – focusing on combating fuel poverty. Rural Unemployment Support Groups – self -explanatory

Village Agents 1 Year pilot Based on a National Model promoted by ACRE Funded by Awards for All Located in Branxton, Crookham, Kirknewton & Milfield

Village Agents Issue – older & disabled people in rural areas are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing health & social welfare services Solution – local volunteers based at community buildings and trained to provide information about / a link to mainstream services. Pilot will test approach locally, develop volunteer packs, training & support programme that can be used to roll out project more widely across Northumberland.

Warm Hubs Idea –included in ACRE manifesto but CAN first area to take it forward Funded by Northern Gas Networks Launched at Crookham in January Aiming to start work imminently with 20 Community Buildings across rural Northumberland by carrying out energy audits Tom Bell (Northern Gas Networks), Christine Nicholls CAN, and guests at Launch event at Crookham Village Hall in January

Warm Hubs Issue - many people living in rural areas at high risk of fuel poverty. May have difficulty accessing information about help available. Solution – within the local community where vulnerable people can be assured of finding a safe, warm and friendly environment in which to enjoy a healthy good value meal, and the company of other people and access high quality information & advice. Partnership approach Community Buildings provide venue and lunches CAN to offer a ‘Warm Hubs’ quality standard & ongoing support to ensure best practice is in place.

Rural Unemployment Support Groups 6 Month Pilot Idea – to support unemployed people in rural areas to overcome the multiple barriers they face in looking for work. Funded by ESF devolved fund via Durham Community Foundation. West Northumberland Village Hall Consortium is lead partner, CAN commissioned to do the work.

Rural Unemployment Support Groups Weekly session 10am – 3pm at a local community building Supportive environment – chance to socialise and enjoy free refreshments and lunch Laptops available to carry out job search activities One to one support to develop a personal plan to look for work Group sessions around CV writing, Interview Practice, Changes to Benefits System etc

Getting Involved No pressure to get involved - Need to be careful that you have the human resources available Potential Benefits for those buildings looking to develop can offer the chance to: - Involve a greater cross section of your community in a wider range of activities at the building - try out new ideas with much of the work carried out for you – eg policies, procedures, training, evaluation support all available - Gather better evidence for any funding bids

Future Projects? CAN willing to consider collaboration on any other ideas: Rural Broadband? Energy Generation? Employment Hubs? Provision of services such as shops, post offices etc? The possibilities are endless!!