Project supporting community action in Rushcliffe’s rural areas receives UKSPF grant
Last updated: 22/3/2024
A project that is offering free tailored support for rural communities, village halls and parish councils in Rushcliffe has received vital funding to help strengthen networks, increase community action, and help sustain local groups and buildings.
Supported by Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government, Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN) is working with more than 10 village hall committees across the Borough to help boost their community engagement.
Through RCAN’s Say Now project, a dedicated officer is working with hall management committees to assess their needs and develop action plans to improve resident engagement and volunteering opportunities.
The team are also working with the local groups on how to increase their sustainability by exploring ways to help reduce energy costs and increase income at village halls.
As part of Village Halls Week, which is running until March 24, RCAN is hosting a celebration event on Wednesday March 27 from 10am to 1pm at The Jubilee Hall at Bingham Arena for anyone who manages rural community facilities across Nottinghamshire.
At the event, residents can network with other facility representatives and can learn more on how to improve the energy efficiency of rural community buildings, in line with this ‘Halls Go Green’ theme.
To book a free space, residents can email jcarterdavies@rcan.org.uk or call 0115 6975 800.
RBC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan said: “We’re a predominately rural Borough and our local communities and volunteers are at the heart of all the villages and towns.
“RCAN is helping to strengthen village halls and parish councils through committees and governance, energy-saving methods and income maximisation.
“Their excellent team have worked with over 10 local groups to implement action plans that boost community engagement, support sustainability and service coverage, and importantly, help to increase footfall, attract new volunteers and improve community reach.
“This is a fantastic project and a great example of how UKSPF is helping to support local groups, ignite community action enhance our Borough as a great place to live.”
Development and Delivery Officer Jodi Carter-Davies added: “Utilising community facilities as incubators and social hubs, we are providing opportunities for residents, businesses, community groups and all users, to work together for the good of their local area.
“We offer bespoke officer support to each facility representative, helping to put their venues and local groups back on the map and giving them a new lease of life.
“We’ve seen fantastic results at venues including Cotgrave Welfare Club, East Leake Village Hall, Langar Cum Barnstone Parish Council, Cropwell Butler Parish Council, Cropwell Bishop Parish Council and many more, where we’ve seen an increase in volunteers and resident engagement.
“Our work includes implementing community user surveys, using a variety of effective marketing techniques such as producing new brochures and improving their digital presence with website and social media updates.
“We’re empowering our partners and helping to promote spaces and letting residents know great facilities and community groups are on their doorstep.”