Retain Services and Facilities
Local community groups run services and facilities in their neighbourhood for a variety of reasons - e.g some like-minded people may come together and decide to set up a new service like a toddler group, farmer's market, sports group or reading club. A parish plan may show the need for a new activity or the community may mobilise itself to take over an asset at risk of closure, such as a community shop or pub. GRCC can help your community to 'step up to the mark' to ensure that retail, social and environmental schemes or services are retained where they are needed and new activities introduced.
GRCC is proud to have been able to support Gloucestershire's communities to develop initiatives large and small - e.g. we set up the original Community Libraries Network by organising visits to existing community libraries in other parts of England and we have been supporting Gloucestershire communities taking on the challenge of running children's centres and services.
We support by helping you to source grant funding, providing 'how to' guides to help you get your initiative off the ground and by sharing our understanding of legal documents. We give one-to-one advice to help tease out your issues and solutions, making sure that you are set up and running effectively and we can provide hints and tips on bringing people together to support your initiative. This allows you to tap into our knowledge of the wider issues affecting community projects.
If we don't have the direct answer to your query, we have excellent contacts with other organisations - locally and nationally through our RCC network across England - and they can offer further technical support.
Assets (usually buildings) can be transferred from public or private ownership to the community, e.g. libraries, shops, pubs or children's centres. GRCC's 90+ years' experience of advising on managing community buildings makes us the first port of call for guidance in Gloucestershire.
Community shops and pubs
GRCC hosts and co-ordinates the Gloucestershire Community Shops network which supports the 13 existing and new shops through networking opportunities, shop visits and sharing of best practice as well as GRCC's expert advice and support. If you are thinking of taking over a shop or a pub we can put you in touch with other communities which have successfully saved theirs from closure, so that you can benefit from their experience. There are different models in operation so make sure you choose the most appropriate for your community.
Community-run Children's Centres
Read about our Parent and Community Support Service (PCSS) which is guiding schools and community groups to take over children's centre buildings and activities in their area.
Play areas, recreation grounds and sports facilities are vital to rural and urban communities as they provide excellent opportunities for healthy living, supporting wildlife and offer 'bumping places' for people to meet and socialise.
GRCC can support you to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces and manage them effectively, liaising with local organisations such as Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and Active Gloucestershire. We can help you assess the green infrastructure in your area and tease out ideas on how these could be improved for the benefit of the community. Our range of 'how to' guides also includes 'Food For Thought' - containing guidance on setting up allotments and community orchards.
Post office and other retail services
GRCC is frequently asked to help support post office services in rural areas and we liaise with Post Office Ltd to help find the answers you need. Contact us if you are concerned about post offices in your area or have a great idea you want to take forward.
We have worked with groups who wish to set up a Farmer's Market and our helpsheet provides some initial set up guidance.
Community transport
GRCC can help your community to assess its transport needs and examine the feasibility of community transport solutions. Again we have excellent links with community transport groups and the County Council's Integrated Transport Team and can broker meetings and discussions, as well as providing direct advice.
Social groups
Many of these groups will be set up informally and little or no advice will be needed. However if you want to talk to us for reassurance, for ideas, or would like some funding advice do get in touch. If you wish to set up or maintain a group for older people - e.g. a lunch club, visit our web page about how GRCC can help.
Contact us
Whatever the service or facility you wish to grow, retain or enhance, get in touch with GRCC's Community Development Team on cdt@grcc.org.uk or call 01452 528491.
