Agenda item

10.1

The Community Assembly Manager reported on the arrangements being made for the provision of support, information and funding for community groups, after the abolition of the Community Assembly. Five representatives of groups/organisations attended the meeting and reported on their services and objectives, and how they would be  able to provide such support, information and funding, as follows:-

South Yorkshire Financial Advice Bureau (SYFAB)

·                     Provides information, advice and support to community groups who want to know about funding.

·                     People can register on the Bureau’s website to receive information, and also to search for the various different funders.

·                     Staff can look at completing applications for funding on behalf of community groups for a small fee.

South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF)

·                     Raises money from wealthy people and businesses and from the interest accrued there was a pot of money available for community groups, known as the Small Grants Fund.

·                     Local Giving – A fund-raising website, which provides advice for wording for inclusion in applications for funding.

Sheffield Hallam University Students’ Union

·                     Community Rep Scheme – Aims to have student volunteers based in areas with high student populations, including Hunters Bar, Broomhall, Sharrow, Sharrow Vale, Highfield and the City Centre, who would regularly attend local community group meetings, with the aim of working alongside other residents on projects and campaigns to help the areas and build a sense of community spirit.

·                     Community Audit – Student volunteers asking what local residents like about their area and what they would like to improve.  The results of the audit would be produced into a booklet, which would be available in the new year, and would help to inform a number of community projects led by student volunteers which aim to benefit the local community.

·                     In total, over 800 students volunteered in community-based projects in 2012.

University of Sheffield

·                     Community Rep Scheme – Currently operating in Broomhill, Crookes, Walkley and the City Centre, with plans to have reps in other areas. 

·                     Sheffield Volunteering – offer help with relevant projects.

Streets Ahead (Amey Donation Scheme)

£7,000 available across all seven Community Assembly areas, where local community groups can apply for a maximum amount of £250 towards a programme relating to either environmental or educational issues.  The deadline for bids was 30^th April 2013, and successful applicants would be notified in May 2013.

10.2

RESOLVED: That the Community Assembly:-

(a)

notes and welcomes the information now reported relating to the groups and organisations able to provide support, information and funding to community groups following the abolition of the Community Assembly; and

(b)

thanks the representatives of the groups and organisations for attending the meeting.