Case Study - Training Opportunities in Winsford
Background
For several years the main function of WINCAP had been to manage and administer a small grants scheme, which utilised funding provided by the Council to support the start up and development of community groups, voluntary organisations and local projects. In the light of changes to funding criteria, the grant giving function was due to end and the WINCAP committee were seeking to identify new ways in which they could continue to support local groups and projects.
Community Development support
The Councils Community Development Worker supported WINCAP to engage with local community leaders, groups and organisations to identify what the priorities were for the community. One of the needs highlighted was for free, local training opportunities which would help volunteers to build on their knowledge base, confidence and skills in managing and developing local projects, organisations and groups.
With support from the Community Development Worker, WINCAP volunteers managed the SRB funding which provided this training and development, which included Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Emergency First Aid, Making Consultation Fun, Child Protection, Health and Safety plus a 10 week Introduction to Youth Work course in conjunction with Cheshire and Wirral Youth Federation.
Feedback from participants demonstrated that the training programme was valued both for the learning which ensued and for the unique opportunities the training sessions provided for those involved in the community and voluntary sector in Winsford to meet, network, share contacts and resources and to help and support one another in their work for the benefit of the local community.
The training programme came to an end in 2003 when the SRB funding ceased and members of the WINCAP committee needed to build the capacity of their organisation to become an employing body for the first time, and to attract the funds needed to employ a project worker. With the employment of their own project worker, WINCAP were better positioned to seek additional funding and intended to use any evidence of local need plus the successful track record of the past to attract the necessary resources.
Through this work, and continued investment from the Council’s Community Development Worker, the networks in Winsford have extended considerably, and WINCAP are currently in the process of helping to launch Winsford Lifelong Learning Network in conjunction with Lifelong Learning staff from Vale Royal Borough Council and The Winsford Project – a community based learning centre run by Voluntary Action Vale Royal. It is hoped that the network will provide an opportunity for informal, regular get togethers between training providers in the town, thus facilitating information sharing and the development of further opportunities to work in partnership.
Finally, spurred on by the success of the training programme for adults, and in the light of needs identified through engagement with young people, WINCAP as an organisation are currently in the process of applying for funding which would allow them to develop a training programme tailor made for young people.
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