Collaborative Communities

Securing a sustainable future for Third Sector Organisations & Social Enterprises

Our region has a flourishing Third Sector which contributes toour vibrant communities. We aim to secure its future through an exciting new programme of support to create sustainable organisations.

Carmarthenshire County Council has joined together with the County Councils in Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea and the County Voluntary Councils in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea to form a unique partnership to combine resources for the success of the project. The partnership draws together expertise and experience to share best practice across the region. This project has been part-funded by the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Collaborative Communities project will build on the excellent support already provided and offer advice and guidance in new areas such as:

  • New skills to manage your organisation
  • Ways to move from grants to trading
  • Development of Social Enterprise

Be Enterprising

Do you have an exciting idea for a project, organisation or a Social Enterprise, but need some help and advise to get started?

Our team are ready to unlock this potential and help new ventures become a reality. Let us help you get those ideas off the ground.

Secure Your Future

Do you feel your organisation is ready to expand?

Do you want to become more sustainable and generate new income streams?

Would you like to increase your social impact or create more jobs?

Our locally based development officers will provide support in a wide range of areas such as:

  • Developing business plans
  • Legal structures
  • Trading – moving away from grant dependency
  • Market research and marketing plans
  • Governance
  • HR and good employment practice
  • Assistance with premises
  • Feasibility studies
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Fundraising options and strategy
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Equal opportunities
  • Tender readiness and procurement

Contact

Please contact your local support team or visit the Collaborative Communities website:

Neath Port Talbot CVS – 01639 631246

Carys Miles – Sustainable Organisation Development Officer

Tony Potts – Sustainable Organisation Development Officer

Neath Port Talbot CBC – 01639 686084

Carl Gough – Flagship Development Officer

www.collaborativecommunities.org.uk

contact@collaborativecommunities.org.uk

A Sustainable Future For Voluntary Groups

Voluntary groups across South West Wales are to benefit from a new partnership of dedicated support aimed at helping the flourishing voluntary sector turn groups into sustainable enterprises. The Collaborative Communities project will give support to hundreds of organisations to help them develop, meet market opportunities and generate income.

£5 million has been secured from the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, by a unique regional partnership. The partnership behind the project is made up of the County Councils and County Voluntary Councils in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea.

The dedicated team have a wealth of experience between them and are committed to working with organisations and providing them with all the support they need to move away from grant dependency.

Regeneration chiefs say they are delighted with the funding, which will breathe new life into the voluntary sector and act as a catalyst for further investment.

The partners joined together at the South West Wales Regional Funding Fair at Ffos Las for an official launch of the scheme.

The event, part funded by the EU Convergence programme, provided an opportunity for organisations to network and see what support is available in the region, from Convergence and other funding sources.

Carmarthenshire Council Leader Meryl Gravell said: “I am absolutely delighted that funding has been secured for this exciting project.

“It will bring real benefits to hundreds of voluntary organisations and enable them to become sustainable enterprises.

“This will in turn lead to job creation and foster a growing entrepreneurship culture.

“This is innovative work to support and develop the Third Sector and we will be working closely with people, groups and partners to ensure the best results.”

Stuart Griffin, Project Manger, for Collaborative Communities said: “The Collaborative Communities project will help groups to develop and meet market opportunities.

“It is about building them into sustainable enterprises, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for people in the region.”

To register any projects for support please e-mail contact@collaborativecommunities.org.uk

Working together: John Flower of Neath Port Talbot Council, Carmarthenshire Council Leader Meryl Gravell,Andrew Davies AM Swansea West, John Bennett Managing Director of Pack-It Group, Carol Green from Swansea Council for Voluntary Services, Anthony Richards from the City and County of Swansea, cllr John Mirehouse from Pembrokeshire County Council and Sue Leonard of PAVS.

Press note: For further information please contact Claire Griffiths, Senior Press Officer on 01267 224456.