Category Archives: Big Society

New Communities Shares To Boost Local Services

A new Community Shares Unit has been launched by Minister Don Foster to help local people claim a stake and become part owners of much loved local assets and services such as their community pub, football club or even in the generation of renewable energy. Community shares let local people to take a more active in role in their communities by giving members - as part-owners - a direct say in their success, encouraging them to play an active part in their future.  Dividends can be paid in money, but also in kind, with cheaper energy, cut-price pints, and local, fairly-priced food as possible incentives. For the full story visit this website.

Reception Desk / Counter Needed

Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees are appealing for a donation of an unwanted or spare reception desk / counter -  ideally two level with perspex modesty screens, for use in their advice and information office. Happy to collect – if anyone can help contact Gary Varley on 07961 829703.

One Good Turn

One Good Turn are a non profit making charity based in Huddersfield, that allow their members to adverstise unwanted items to other members via Facebook. The group also meet every Wednesday morning in the Head Of Steam, next to Huddersfield Railway station. For more details view flyer.

The Nerve Centre – Furniture Donations Needed

In preparation for their move to new premises, the Nerve Centre, Huddersfield urgently needs donations of computers, desks and sundries for its new premises to enable them continue with their work. If your organisation can help please contact Melissa Harper on 01484 469853 or email melissa.harper@thenervecentrekirklees.org.uk

VCS Big Society Research Questionnaire

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has commissioned this research to examine the role of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in both learning and skills and in building the Big Society. The research will seek to understand the make-up, dynamics, and possible scale of the sector in order to help policy makers (and others) to adapt their plans so as to maximise the contribution that the sector can make to achieving wider objectives. The survey can be completed online at this website.

Shelley Village Hall Appeal

Residents of Shelley are hoping for a community takeover of the lease of Shelley Village Hall. The lease is currently owned by Kirkburton Parish Council and The Shelley Village Hall Committee, which has operated the facility for more than 30 years, pays about £5,000 a year in rent to the council. For the full story visit the Examiner website.

Not Just A Trading Programme Website

The Lorna Young Foundation have launched a new website in support of their Not Just A Trading Company project; which provides a unique opportunity for both youth & other community groups to gain skills, work experience & income in an enterprising way and encourages fair trading. To sign up to the new website click here.

Big Lottery Refund – Case Studies Needed

As part of the Big Lottery Refund campaign (to claim back more than £425 million of lottery funding that was put into the 2012 London Olympics) organisers are looking for case studies from charities that have been turned down for funding from BIG, despite having good projects and being eligible. As well as supporting the campaign, there is also the possibility for the case studies to feature on Channel 4′s Dispatches – who are looking at producing a one off documentary about the issue. Full details and contact information on all the above can be found in this document.

Where’s Our Big Lottery Refund?

The Directory Of Social Change are running a campaign to ensure the £425 million put into the London Olympic Games 2012 from BIG Lottery funding is refunded from the proceeds of the games. For more information and to support the campaign, visit this website.

NAVCA Welcomes Launch Of Big Society Capital

NAVCA has welcomed the launch of Big Society Capital, the wholesale bank that aims to make £600 million of loan finance available to the voluntary sector over the next four years. However they have also warned that Big Society Capital needs to value social impact in order to realise its potential, and the danger of pricing out smaller charities. For the full story click here.