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GRCC hosts successful AGM

In a small event exclusively for trustees and members, GRCC clocked up its 96th AGM.

Charles Coats, Chair of the GRCC Board of Trustees, presented his report to the meeting, noting that 2018-19 had been an active, positive and vibrant year for GRCC.  The achievements of the organisation were highlighted under the four strategic objectives as set out in the strategic plan for the year.

 

1.     Become the go-to organisation for VCSE support and training across Gloucestershire

GRCC supports the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector in Gloucestershire through training, networks, workshops and one to one support. 

In addition to the existing networks and forums, GRCC is running the Know Your Patch Networks in Cheltenham and Cotswold which bring together VCSE groups with the public sector. 

 

2.     Champion rural communities’ strengths and challenges

As part of the ACRE Network, GRCC receives funding from Defra to advance the department’s rural priorities, including digital infrastructure, skills and inclusion, rural life opportunities, social infrastructure, rural transport, affordable housing, and business support and social enterprise development.

 

3.    Strengthen rural and urban communities to develop vibrant and sustainable places to live

GRCC’s projects supporting individuals, such as the Big Lottery and EU-funded Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Project, befriending project People For You, and the Cotswold Community Wellbeing Service, together supported over 1,000 people in 2018-19.  Support and advice was also provided to a number of community initiatives and groups aiming to plan and deliver projects to improve their neighbourhoods.

 

4.    Develop GRCC as a sustainable and essential organisation in Gloucestershire

In October GRCC launched its new branding, recruited 3 new Trustees to the Board and opened The Wheelhouse Gloucester, a co working space in Community House. This partnership has enabled GRCC to bring the underutilised second floor back into productive use and also support small businesses and social enterprises with a friendly, local and affordable working environment.

 

The chair concluded by thanking the other members of the Board of Trustees for their support, enthusiasm, commitment and ideas, as well as thanking the CEO and staff for all the work they do.

Posted by Jonny Gilder on August 2nd 2019

Contact Info

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
Community House
15 College Green
Gloucester GL1 2LZ

T: 01452 528491

GRCC is a registered charity (number 1054282) and a Limited Company (number 3181755).

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"You have provided me with much encouragement, guidance and invaluable advice in the past 18 months; your input and support has been invaluable, something I very much appreciate, thank you."

"Thank you so much for all the support and advice that GRCC has provided."

"Your resource was highlighted to us by the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, as an excellent example of sharing expertise/resources.  My huge thanks for this work, which has made it far easier for us to address policy needs here!"

"With my other Parish Councillor hat on - can I just say how incredible GRCC have been in supporting the parish in the last few months - we couldn't have got half as far as we have without you."

"GRCC has made learning iPad skills fun and easy. Just by sitting at my side and showing me the basics, Matthew has encouraged me and this in turn has made me want to learn more and more.  Thank you GRCC, you got me started."

"Thank you so much for your time yesterday, I found it really helpful and supportive. You have a fantastic depth of knowledge and experience, and it was great to have an ‘external view’ and insight.   I will put all the ideas into practice and will let you know how I get on."  (Glos Charity CEO)

"Thank you so much for your email yesterday...it really cheered me up. My Mum always said kindness costs nothing, and you and your colleagues have been so generous, and it was not expected... I understand you will be closing the case, but I would like to say, you have been a marvellous help to me." (Part of a thank you message from a Social Prescribing client).

"Could I please thank you both for making me so welcome at the Cheltenham and Cotswolds Know Your Patch meetings.  They are really well set up and organised, such a great forum to connect with people and services across the county to link in and work together. "  

"My social prescriber has been truly warm, understanding, helpful, non-judgemental and has even made me laugh despite my current situation. I have very much enjoyed our conversations. I'd strongly encourage anyone to try the service.”

I would like to thank Laura at GRCC for the provision of a number of Job Clubs in and around our communities.  I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that Laura has had on our customers and the communities that we serve. It has been great to work in partnership with GRCC, and I look forward to working closely over the coming months and years.  (Feedback from Bromford Housing for our ESHO job clubs.)

I was looking for a job after taking a long career break. Laura played a crucial role in helping me navigate my return to work....  Laura's unwavering support during our weekly meetings kept me motivated to keep applying. Finally, I landed a job as a Business Administrator for a reputable organization. I am immensely grateful to Laura and the Job Club.   (Feedback for our ESHO job clubs from a client).

"Quite some years ago now ... I undertook skilled (Surface Water Catchment) Flood Warden training. That training was one of the most valuable educational experiences of my life.  ... This email is intended to express my appreciation, for the unique skills that GRCC Officers gave me."

Dear Cara (GRCC's Affordable Housing Manager) - I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you very much for attending last night's meeting at our Parish Council.  The Councillors and some audience members who stayed to the end of the meeting expressed how good it was – appreciating how thorough and clear the talk was and in particular how well you answered the many varied questions and knew the subject so well.  We hope you achieved what you had hoped for from the meeting too and look forward to working with you.

"Lauren Woods, who was with the The North Cotswolds Community Wellbeing Services, supported me to solve some problems - they boiled down to digital challenges.  Recently she has joined Tewkesbury Borough as their Digital & Technology Navigator.  I could write a screed on how useful she was...   I am glad she hasn't left the organisation...  You have an asset there."

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