New webpages with key information in one place

Argyll and Bute Council is working to improve the way it does business with the third sector and has developed new webpages where community groups can access the advice and support they need to help them progress their projects. A one-stop-shop for information, people will find a range of self-help tools and can access a single point of contact within the council’s social enterprise team to provide guidance on a range of matters from funding to sharing resources.

Policy lead for community and culture, Councillor Robin Currie, said: ‘’It’s really important to us that we help our communities realise their ambitions, improving their own areas, getting involved in really worthwhile projects and, most importantly, creating jobs.

‘’We have a dedicated social enterprise team who provide advice and support to third sector organisations, helping them at each stage along the way to successfully develop their initiatives. These new webpages will be really useful for community groups who are thinking about a project and want some pointers on how to go about things.

‘’It can be very difficult for people to know where to start and there is the impression that accessing funding is a real labyrinth; our staff work hard to break down barriers for people and make it as easy as possible for them to move forward with their ambitions.’’

The helpful new webpages can be found at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-support

For any further information on council support for community projects contact:

Issy Jones at thirdsectorenquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk  or on 01369 708547

Notes

Over the past year the social enterprise team has supported a number of different projects across Argyll and Bute. The Argyll Coastal Waters initiative, a partnership between, the Council, Scottish Canals and Oban-based social enterprise Stramash, which has developed the first sea kayak trail in the area.  The kayak trail is a group of easily accessible launch sites at key points along a route which links Helensburgh in the south-east with Oban in the north-west.

The project has also seen close links forged with local paddle sport clubs in an effort to develop watersports in the years to come, as well as running a successful apprenticeship programme which has seen four apprentices placed with Argyll-based businesses – two with Stramash themselves and two at the Lochgoilhead National Activity Centre.

Another initiative supported by the council’s social enterprise team is the project to turn the derelict Kirn Parish Church in Dunoon into a community centre as well as support for the Dunoon Amateur Boxing Club, the Carradale Harbour Enterprise and the Hermitage Park project in Helensburgh.

Further information on the work of the council’s social enterprise team is available at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/grants-and-funding 

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