G84:Helensburgh and Lomond

Argyll and Bute Council and the Community Planning Partnership are urging representatives from the Third Sector (voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations) to have their say about the services and support they receive from a range of bodies.

A series of events have been organized, at which people can share their views on how best the sector might be developed in the future.

Councillor John Semple, Third Sector spokesperson, said: “This Council recognizes the enormous contribution made to the social and economic wellbeing of our communities by the good will and good deeds of volunteers and social entrepreneurs across Argyll and Bute.

“We are committed to improving the services we provide to voluntary organisations and community groups, and are working with partners to break down some of the barriers that people are faced with when trying to access support.

“I would strongly encourage people to have their say by attending one of the dialogue events or completing a questionnaire. We need your feedback to improve the way we work and to strengthen the Third Sector so that, together, we can build and maintain vibrant communities in Argyll and Bute.”

Third sector representatives, and individuals who have experience of working in the Sector, are invited to participate in the dialogue and attend any of the following events:

• Campbeltown – Monday 22 June 7.15pm - 8.45pm in the Burnett Building, Campbeltown.
• Islay – Wednesday 24 June 2.30pm – 4.30pm and 5.30pm – 6.30pm in the Columba Centre (Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile), Bowmore.
• Bute – Wednesday 1 July 11.00am – 12.00pm; 12.00pm – 1.00pm; 2.00pm – 3.00pm and 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Pavilion, Rothesay.
• Helensburgh - Thursday 16 July 2.00pm – 4.00pm in the United Reform Church Hall, West Princes St, Helensburgh.

To book a place on any of these events, please call 01546 604437 or email jan.brown@argyll–bute.gov.uk

The dialogue – ‘Connecting and Communicating’ - aims to build confidence, capacity and competence in the Third Sector.

As part of the dialogue, people will have the opportunity to share their views on a range of topics including changes to the Community Planning Partnership structure, access to information, the Community Engagement Strategy, third sector involvement processes (known as the interface) and the Demonstration Project ‘Harnessing the Potential of the Third Sector’ (which is focusing on four themes – Funding; Assets; Procurement; and Skills and Training for Social Enterprise organisations).

For more information on ‘Connecting and Communicating’ or to download or request a questionnaire, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/thirdsector or call 01546 604437.

Note:
The consultation is being carried out by Argyll and Bute Council and hosted on the websites of Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and Bute Social Enterprise Network and Argyll CVS

A year ago the Community Planning Partnership, together with partners from the Big Lottery Fund, launched a Demonstration Project aimed at identifying ways to strengthen work with the Third Sector. The following themes were seen to be the key areas for development:

• Funding – ensuring that funding streams are appropriate and considering issues such as the impact of local community action plans, the removal of ring-fencing, etc
• Assets - improving community sustainability through the Third Sector’s ability to acquire assets;
• Procurement – removing barriers and identifying training to enable Third Sector bodies to successfully bid for contracts; and
• Social Enterprises – putting procedures in place to ensure existing and new social enterprises have access to training and information to allow them to develop and grow.