It was great catching up with some of our #PowerToChange community partners on Friday 17th April , to share reflect and learn. As always lots of great work going and issues highlighted in discussion included:
- Concerns about rising fuel costs and knock on inflation impact which is already having an impact on running costs.
- Public sector reorganisation, lots of change locally with local councils being restructured, LLR NHS merging with Northamptonshire and the OPCC being abolished. There was a feeling that, community sector has been left out of discussions and nobody quite sure what the impact will be.
- SEND young people. Lots of concerns about provision for SEND young people and their families and grassroots groups providing vital support struggling to win funding.
We were joined by Tracy Renshaw, Communications & Engagement Partner, from Walker & Son - Samworth Brothers, who shared with us how Samworth are committed to supporting the local community.
We have a range of ways we can support community groups, which can vary from small grants to bigger grants, to supplying food for one off events and our staff volunteering with local community groups
Aaron from Leicestershire Cares, shared how Tracy and staff from Samworth Brothers had supported, Leicestershire Cares setting up a weekly football session for unaccompanied asylum seeking young people and was currently helping us organise an “open mic” night to showcase local young talent.
We were then joined by Paul Whalley Insight Officer from Active Together, who shared with us the many ways they support people across our city and county to get a bit more active.
Things such as walking groups can be a great way of keeping physically fit and of meeting new people, and making friends
We also spent time discussing how the community sector can give people sector can give people HOPE, by being there for them, listening to them taking them seriously and supporting them to bring about both individual and collective change. This video captures what people said https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ8giwkULSc
Lastly Aaron, shared how Leicestershire Cares is currently partnering with BNHCA, to develop youth work in Belgrave , an area which has thousands of young people but only one youth session a week. A real ray of sunshine is that the local library is totally committed to supporting young people and has become a vital safe space and source of support for them.
Another great meeting always come away feeling inspired and connected, so much need in our city and county so good to know we have each other to rely on, #TogetherWeCan
Further info
More info on our #PowerToChange approach https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/our-approach/power-to-change/
Samworth Community Opportunity Fund https://www.samworthbrothers.co.uk/community-opportunity-fund/
Active Together newsletter sign up https://www.active-together.org/ournewsletters