by John Harris | Oct 25, 2024 | news
We are working with the Bridge Church in Otley (Leeds). The main aims are capital ones – raise funds for a new roof and to refurbish the Manor Room, which isa the main community space in the church. Also, we are supporting them with the running costs which pay for the community and social activities of which there are many – and we’ve just heard that a grant of £20,000 has come through. The church acts as a community resource open to all and they find ways in which people can come together for mutual support and connectedness. The church accepted a leading role in the Warm – Welcome Space movement in the town and continues to support those on low incomes. Third Sector Consultancy helped the church consult with its users and the surveys by participants and volunteers show that the community groups and activities play a significant part in community life. Participants and volunteers rated the importance of the groups to the social and community life of Otley as almost 10 out of 10. In telling us what people get out of taking part a huge theme was that of connectedness, of meeting people, of not being alone. For the mums and dads at the toddlers’ groups a very important theme is that of their children’s development being enhanced and mutual support. Other significant areas identified included: the lovely food, helping those with mental health issues, support for carers of those with dementia and intergenerational contact. One person said: “This lovely church and all its groups and activities are essential for families and the community of Otley. It has been a source of comfort and sociability for generations.”
by John Harris | Oct 17, 2024 | news
The effectiveness of our work is evidenced by our clients – Jess Dolan (CEO of ecoActive in London) had this to say about us following our support in gaining a £250,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund: “John and Rachel have been invaluable pillars of support since 2020. Their dedication has been evident through tireless efforts in researching funders, meticulously crafting grant applications, and offering precious assistance in editing and proofreading. Beyond this, they have played a pivotal role in refining our impact assessment, elevating the evidence we provide to funders. Their support has significantly contributed to expanding and diversifying our grant income, empowering our small charity to enhance our fundraising over the years.”The Hackney Buzzline is an exciting project aiming to set up a 4 kilometre ‘buzzline’ for bees.The Hackney Buzzline will be a four kilometre ecological corridor extending through and between four east London parks. The parks are all local sites of importance for nature conservation. The corridor will be built by sowing wildflower meadows, planting flower beds and creating ‘stepping-stone’ habitats for pollinators every 100-200 metres along the route.
by John Harris | Oct 17, 2024 | news
At at time when fundraising has become so much tougher this counts as a marvellous result! A grant of £19,000 towards a yurt and a programme and field co-ordinator. Growing Links in Penzance has a community garden which is open to everybody and they have volunteer sessions three times a week. They accept referrals on behalf of vulnerable adults from doctors, from rehabilitation, the detox centre, from the police, from social workers, from Family Services and the Ministry of Justice. The crucial issue is that they develop an all year round, accessible venue to use with different groups – holding up to 20 people What they need is a Yurt, a temporary building that can be erected and dismantled, where they can add a wood burner for heat in the winter months and it will have an insulating thermal layer for the colder months. Workshops held in the yurt will include connecting with nature for wellbeing, permaculture, exercise and healthy lifestyles. They also also have a programme and field co-ordinator on a part time basis, this person will organise facilitators to use the field and yurt as a space and for vulnerable adults to be able to join the workshops free of charge. The co-ordinator will be responsible for risk assessments, health and safety, equality and diversity, safeguarding.
