The Office of the Third Sector has published the handbook that illustrates how third sector organisations can influence the debate about local needs and can provide unique perspectives and insights as to how those needs are addressed. It also encourages an environment in which the third sector can work in partnership with government, and can campaign for change, whilst retaining its independent voice.

The minister for social exclusion, Kevin Brennan has launched the Socially Excluded Adults Public Service Agreement Community of Practice. This is an innovative and interactive web forum to help deliver the government’s commitment to radically improve the life chances of vulnerable adults by helping them get back on track to a more successful life. The community is open to anyone involved or interested in helping to improve services for vulnerable groups, whether you work in local or central government, for a service provider, or in … Read more »

DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS!! Re:Source, GOFA and SOFA have secured big lottery funds for a very worthwhile project called ‘Starting Out’ (see earlier post). Support Re:Source, SOFA & GOFA 26th November 1008 Plus, St Merryn won their vote and the parish will now have a wonderful community garden! Yes, it’s true. The first funding bid of the Climate Friendly Parish was successful! They have been allocated almost £50,000 to fund their community garden project. As well as providing St Merryn with much-needed allotment space, the project aims … Read more »

The South West Housing LIN (Learning and Improvement Network) has led a comprehensive analysis of the issues that will shape housing with support in the region over the coming decades. Working with the Housing Corporation, the LIN has produced a pack bringing together data on population trends and the availability of different housing types in an area facing significant special challenges. It concludes that housing and support options for older people will have to be transformed over the coming decade as the population ages. The … Read more »

The consultation process will inform the development of an effective funding programme which is closely aligned with the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s strategic priorities. They also want to ensure that the funding programme is more closely meets the needs of communities and individuals. To achieve this, they are inviting a diverse range of organisations to contribute their views to the process and help to make funding more accessible to those who need it. The Consultation closes on February 7th 2009. The new progarmme is … Read more »

Despite promises to the contrary the recent cut in this year’s Lottery funding to fund the 2012 Olympics could have a detrimental impact on community projects.  A petition has been established on the Number 10 website to get confirmation from Government that the VCS will not loose out.

JRF REPORT Child poverty not only has great human costs for the families and children affected, but also imposes a large cost on taxpayers and reduces the UK’s economic potential. New research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that child poverty costs £25 billion each year in costs to the Exchequer and reduced GDP. It focuses on two elements of these costs: making broad estimates of the cost to public finances of extra services required as a result of child poverty, and calculating the cost … Read more »