Three community groups in Dorset, are amongst those celebrating this week after discovering they are all part of Skipton Building Society’s ‘Big 160, after winning the hearts and minds of the public and triumphing over nearly 1000 other applicants across the country in the Building Society’s Grassroots Giving Campaign.
The Grassroots Community groups are amongst 11 winners across The South West, making it one of the most successful regions from across the UK.
After being shortlisted in the campaign by the UK’s fourth largest building society, each group’s applications were then in the hands of the public vote, to determine if they were to be awarded £500 funding. Shortlisted on www.skiptonbig160.co.uk Cowden Care Farm, Boscombe Community Interest Company from Bournemouth, and Bus2Go’s, stories were shared nationally along with hundreds of others, as well as being showcased via Skipton’s social media activity. As a result the groups all secured a big enough proportion of the 20,000 votes received to be crowned winners.
Each of the groups are run by a small handful of volunteers, who all undertake activities to add value to their local areas in Dorset. Often self funded, or having to source funding from donations, Skipton’s Grassroots Giving donation will play a huge part in boosting their recognition, and supporting their growth.
David Cutter, Skipton’s Group Chief Executive said: “Everyone at Skipton Building Society has thoroughly enjoyed running this programme which has brought out of the woodwork so many hard working local community groups, which we would never otherwise have known of. It is these kind of groups that make communities and neighbourhoods stronger, especially in difficult economic times and we’re delighted to have been able to showcase some of the unsung heroes across the UK who are really going the extra mile to make life better for everyone.”
“Skipton’sGrassroots Giving programmewas set up to support groups who show commitment to their community, who could illustrate how they plan to evolve in the future and how the funding would be used to help secure the longevity of their great work.Typically these grassroots groups often struggle to secure vital funding due to their size. And this is what we wanted to change in launching this pioneering initiative.We now look forward to hearing the stories of the impact our funding, and the raised profile of these groups has on our Big 160 winners.Hopefully they will continue to flourish and remain the jewels in the crown of their local communities.”
Boscombe Community Interest Companyis a community group run by a handful of volunteers, who work to regenerate the community, and develop the engagement of young people in the area. The group have worked on areas such as housing, crime reduction, and breaking down barriers for employment. Their main focus recently has been on running youth workshops, including creating a ‘Motivational Map’. This map is aimed at inspiring young people in Boscombe, and raising aspirations.Clare Belmont, the Director of the group said:
“We are experienced and confident in our programmes and ability to improve the lives of young people and we are passionate about this within our community. We’re thrilled we’ve received this funding, as know we can be certain we can carry on offering this service to our community.”
Bus2Gois a community group run by 7 volunteers, running a scheduled bus service for the community. The bus service means those who live in rural areas or who struggle to drive, can still get around, and prevents isolation amongst the elderly community. With little or no public transport in the area, the service has become a reliance for many in the area, and also creates a place for the community to socialise.
Cowden Care Farmprovides adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to grow and share their own fruit and vegetables. Set up last year, the group means its 30 members can be educated about the importance of healthy eating, and how to grow their own foods. Creating a project for them to focus on, members are proud to share their produce with the local community.
As part of its Grassroots Giving initiative, Skipton Building Society has also launched a series of free resources covering a range of key areas for community groups. From help and advice on how groups can gain funding through to recruiting volunteers and governance essentials – the guides can all be downloaded for free form the Society’s bespoke Grassroots Giving website, skiptonbig160.co.uk/free-resources.
Skipton Building Society launched its Grassroots Giving programme as part of its 160thanniversary celebrations earlier this year. For more updates on Skipton Building Society’s support of community organisations you can also follow updates via twitter.com/SkiptonBS_GrG
Gabriella Smith
