Parish Plans get thumb's up from communities

A study into the effectiveness of parish and town plans in Broadland, carried out by Broadland District Council and Norfolk Rural Community Council, has shown the commitment and enthusiasm of Broadland’s communities for identifying and addressing their own needs.

However, the report also shows that there are certain aspects of producing a parish or town plan that need more forethought, resources and commitment from other organisations. Click here for more information.

Services2gether Feasibility Report Published

This ground braking initiative looking at multi-provider service outreach as a means of getting services to isolated rural communities has published the finding of its feasibility study. The aim is to now look at a wider roll-out of the scheme bringing benefit to thousands of people across the county.

Click here for more information

Community play and recreation guide launched

Many communities own or manage open green spaces for use by their residents for a whole range of activities such as sport, play or gardening. These recreation grounds provide a valuable resource for the community but impose demands on local volunteers regarding their management.

In order to help communities with their important work, the Rural Community Councils in the East of England(RCCs) have developed support workshops and information for managers of community play and recreation facilities.

The toolkit can be found on the Rural Action East website (the regional body for the RCCs in the Eastern Region) under the projects section.

Or by clicking here to look at the section on information for playing fields and playgrounds

Post Office Closures

March 26th was Decision day for the announcement of Post Office Closures across the County. NRCC has reacted with surprise at a number of the decisions that have taken place and has attended public meetings to explain what communities should be doing to make their case to save their Post Office. We have until June 2nd when the consultation period ends and closure decisions become final.

The NRCC is working with District Councils and the County Council to co-ordinate action.

If you feel that your Post Office should not be closed and wish to fight the decision, then contact Peter Smith 01362698216

1000 Days to the Next Round Of Closures The latest subsidy expires in 2011, NRCC outlines its fears for the future of our communities, unless we take action NOW Open Letter On The Future Of Post Offices In Norfolk

In Kind Direct

In kind direct redistributes products left over from business practices to those charities that can benefit from such items. They have recently announced that they will no longer require an annual registration fee meaning charities only pay the handling and transport costs of goods received. Therefore if you haven't before go to http://www.inkinddirect.org and save some money for your organisation.

Signpost

Norfolk Rural Community Council publishes a bi-monthly e-bulletin called 'signpost' which contain information and advice on rural issues. To view the most recent copy of signpost as well as back issues click here

Reports and Press Releases

Below are links to a number of recent reports and press releases detailed in pages on this site. A full list can be found by looking and the research and reports category on the community insight section of this website

• Community energy initiatives: Embedding sustainable technology at a local level: A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, of community renewable energy projects in Britain has found that so far, projects are largely based in the countryside, some quite remote. click here for link to main report 15:23, 3 August 2007 (BST)

• Carnegie Commission Calls for New Agenda for Rural Assets and Services The Carnegie UK Trust's new report calls for more rural communities to take control of their own local assets and services. The Carnegie Commission for Rural Community Development’s report calls for assets ranging from housing, renewable energy supplies and sports clubs to be managed at a local level. The report also calls for a greater role for networks such as rural stress helplines, debt counselling and support groups for older people, which constitute ‘social’ assets.

• Migrants, integration and local neighbourhoods Three reports published 29th May by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have examined the effects of migration to Britain.

• Government Issues Response To Post Office Consultation Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has confirmed that 2,500 post offices in rural and urban areas will be closing. The NRCC aims to support communities who lose their Post Office, contact us for more information.

• The Quirk Review findings on community asset management and ownership was published on May 15th and basically blows away many resistances to the transfer of public assets to community ownership.

• The Commission for Rural Communities have published a report looking at the effects of cash purchases for housing in rural areas. This report strengthens the need to address the problems that local people are faced with regarding housing needs in rural areas. NRCC has a dedicated team of Affordable Housing Enablers contact us for more details.

In order to add your events to this page you must be logged in (click here to sign up or log in). Then click here to add your news or event. Please see our terms and conditions for acceptable use.

Please date all entries so that they can be removed when they are no longer relevent and post in the following format. Want more information? Why not look at our user guide.

Name of Community - Venue

Date - Time

Please copy and paste this text when adding your event - Please do not type over it.

Fully Funded Courses in Norwich and Great Yarmouth

All courses are one day from 9:30am to 4:30pm This project is supported by Investing in Communities

Understanding Social Enterprise

• Monday 28th April - Norwich
• Monday 2nd June - Great Yarmouth

Introducing the world of social enterprise! The opportunity to find out what a social enterprise is, hear from existing social enterprises and learn how they differ from commercial businesses.

Starting your Social Enterprise

• Friday 2nd May - Norwich
• Friday 6th June - Great Yarmouth

Everything you need to know about setting up a social enterprise. Topics include: legal structures, staffing and organisation, access to start-up funding and grants and how to account for these.

Financial Management

• Monday 12th May - Norwich
• Monday 9th June - Great Yarmouth

Basic financial management skills are crucial to the running of a successful social enterprise. Topics include: fixed and variable costs, direct and indirect costs, how to create a cash-flow forecast and how to apportion costs.

Funding your Social Enterprise

• Friday 16th May - Norwich
• Friday 13th June - Great Yarmouth

This course is essential for any individual or organisation who wants to find out how to get start-up funding for their social enterprise.

Recruiting Volunteers and Staff for your Social Enterprise

• Monday 19th May - Norwich
• Monday 16th June - Great Yarmouth

Topics include: recruiting volunteers and staff (and how to keep them!), inductions, legal requirements and appraisals.

Making a Difference to Communities

• Friday 23rd May - Norwich
• Friday 20th June - Great Yarmouth

This course will look at how your organisation can achieve its social impact through employing people from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Courses are fully funded through Seamless Support for any individual or group based in Norfolk Outside Norfolk £60 + VAT per person. All are welcome.

For more information or to book your place please contact Susanna at The Guild on 01603 615200 e-mail: services@the-guild.co.uk

TELECLUB VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Are you a sociable person who enjoys a chat on the phone? Do you want to help your community but have limited time? By giving a short amount of time you can volunteer for Teleclub chatting to our members from the comfort of your own home at times which suits you.for more information phone 01603 785 261 and make a real difference to someones life.

One to one counselling - at a special rate!

Soul Journey - Inner Space, Norwich

Date/Time: Ongoing by appointment

One to one counselling offered by diploma students who have reached a point in their training where they are considered, by their tutor, ready to offer counselling. They will receive regular supervision, as all counsellors are expected to do.

Cost: £8 initial assessment, subsequent sessions £6

For further information or to book a session contact:

Anita Martin Telephone: 01603 502228
Email: souljourney@freeuk.com

For information on our events, courses and workshops, including counselling training, please visit our website:

http://www.souljourneyonline.co.uk