Is Richmond ready to go digital…?

A few things have caught my attention this week, which centre around using digital approaches to the role of Community Links, and to that of the Council generally.

I attended an interesting little ‘meet-up’ on Tuesday – a new group called #DigiWest, that aims to bring
together people from the SW London area that have interests and skills in digital technologies. Although small in number, the discussions were really interesting, and I got to explore with the others what further role digital could play for community engagement.

I was asking, because many (if not all?) Local Authorities will surely be assessing how can we strive to be more efficient, and looking at what role 'digital' play in this? We already do many things where digital is an option – e.g. our consultations are predominantly filled in on-line, residents can do many things like pay bills through the website, and we include social media in our ‘engagement’ work. These are a few examples of building digital in to the mix of what we do, but I suspect that there are more

profound changes that could be made to shake things up (digitally speaking). The change needs to be more than skin (or webpage) deep.

The background to all this, that probably originally spiked my interest, was the reference to developing the use of e-technology to involve residents, outlined in the current administration’s manifesto. NB: Apparently I am ‘the office geek’, so my interest is probably already 204.3 times greater than that of my colleagues on these matters. There was concern that this could have been a touch offensive to me, but I was rather flattered…thus proving the point I guess…

There are concerns to address. Not everyone is confident, competent or even interested in using digital platforms. So perhaps the headline should be…Richmond Council might be ready, but are residents?

Away from the office, as a regular citizen, my use of digital is pervasive. My personal communications, my file storage, how I access media, how I plan my journeys, holidays, social events, pay bills, etc etc. are all digital. I know I am ready. However, in my professional role I must retain the mix of digital and ‘analogue’, on line and off line, ‘cyber’ and ‘real world’.

An example from this very morning demonstrates this perfectly. Using several online platforms I co-promoted a volunteering event at Isleworth Promenade (St Margarets) – reaching out to local people and potential volunteers to come and help improve this stretch of the Thames riverside. The engagement (including me tweeting, Instagramming and writing about it in this blog) is all very well – but the personal interactions and ‘hands-on’ activity of the event itself, are irreplaceable by digital, on-line means of working.

We'll see what the future holds, but I think we an expect to see much more of the digital approaches (or perhaps not see, as the developments will be behind the scenes).

To sign off, I’d like to thank Colin at SWLEN, and Jason and Rebecca at The Thames Landscape Strategy for pulling together the two volunteer days. Anyone that’s interested in taking part in further activities can drop me a line (email please...no letters!).

John

Do you know all of these local funders...?

You or your group may have a great idea to benefit this excellent Borough. A great idea will only get so far however. It (probably) needs people, direction and resources. By resources, we more often than not mean cash.

The Community Links Team have brought together a few of the key funders that we are aware of that could help turn your idea in to a reality.

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme

Aims to empower local people, enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. Projects should be run by local people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with, priority will be given to small, locally based groups in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community. You can apply for funding to increase local services; build skills of local people; increase community cohesion & respond to local economic needs.

Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust (part of LCF)
Supporting small grassroots organisations, this fund supports projects led by local people that improve the quality of life for residents. Grants range from £500 - £1,000. For further details please contact Jennifer Oatley on jennifer@londoncf.org.uk or call 0207 582 5117

Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity

Community Grants are available for charities, voluntary sector organisations and community groups. It’s best to read the guidance notes before completing the application form and to check whether your group fits the criteria of the Charity. The HFAC supports local charities, groups and community organisations deliver their services by funding operating costs, staff positions and equipment. The Charity is most known for its support of the most vulnerable in Richmond: the elderly through fuel grants, students with support for their travel and journeys, and families in difficulty with essential goods.

Heritage Lottery Fund – WW1 Events

Heritage Lottery Fund can provide funding to help groups, communities and organisations mark the Centenary by exploring, conserving and sharing the heritage of the First World War, from memorials, buildings and sites, to photographs, letters and literature.

Richmond Parish Lands Charity

The principal objectives are the making of grants for charitable purposes to voluntary organisations in Richmond & a charitable housing operation comprising nearly 100 properties. Grants are available that benefit people living in post code areas of TW9, TW10 or SW14.

Civic Pride Fund (Richmond Council)

Constituted organisations can apply for a grant of up to £5,000. Individuals and informal groups can apply for a grant of up to £1,000. The Civic Pride Fund is intended to help communities launch new ideas rather than repeat fund projects, or fund projects requiring ongoing funding. For advice on obtaining ongoing funding please contact the Sustainability and Skills Partnership service run by Richmond CVS.
To talk through your ideas or if you require any other assistance please contact: Katrina Ffrench, Voluntary Sector Project Support Officer. Telephone: 020 8831 6020; katrina.ffrench@richmond.gov.uk.

The Barnes Workhouse Fund 
The object of the Charity is to benefit the inhabitants of the area of the 'Ancient Parish of Barnes', which broadly corresponds with the postal area of  SW13. It aims to aid in the relief of the aged, impotent and poor, the relief of distress and sickness, the provision and support of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation (with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants in the interests of social welfare), and the provision and support of educational facilities.

Heathrow Community Fund

The focus of this fund is on projects linked to the environment and employment/skills development. In 2014 around £500,000 will be available through three distinct grant programmes.

Awards For All
Awards for All gives groups a quick and easy way to get small Lottery grants of between £300 and £10,000. Most of the projects funded by them go to a range of community projects aimed at developing skills, improving health, revitalising the local environment and enabling people to become more active citizens. You can apply  if you are a community group, not for profit group, parish or town council, health body, or school. You do not need to be a registered charity to apply.  This is a useful grant for pilot projects, new ideas and new organisations to try out their ideas.

Community Learning Fund (Richmond Council)

The Community Learning team are really keen to hear from organisations that can offer taster sessions or short courses for the following groups:  Carers and volunteers, Families on low incomes, Parents facing hardship, Socially isolated adults, Adults with mental health difficulties, Adults with learning difficulties or disabilities, Mature learners (over 60’s), Young adults leaving care, Adults living in sheltered or temporary housing

School of Industry grant
Makes grants to enable young people (under 21, and who live in Hampton/Hampton Hill) to study at college or enter a trade. In situations where there is financial hardship at home, the charity might be able to help with tuition fees, travelling or maintenance expenses.  Application forms can be collected from c/0 Jubilee House, Ashley Road, HAMPTON, TW12 2HX.

The Victoria Foundation

The charity’s objectives are very broad, but firmly medical, with the overall aim of improving lives where there is an opportunity to do so - either through medical provision or by ensuring that those young people destined to become the future generations of doctors are not thwarted by financial restrictions.  They welcome applications from registered charities & organisations with projects that have a recognisable charitable purpose.

None of this helps me.. where else can I look?
The following two organisations are well placed for getting further funding ideas.

Richmond Upon Thames Council for Voluntary Service
Working with Richmond charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises & individuals looking to start up a new organisation with a social purpose. Richmond CVS provides support, advice & training in relation to all aspects of charity, community and voluntary activity within the borough. They also list local funding opportunities on their website.

SWLEN

Supporting local environmental groups & projects to protect & improve the environment.  The South West London Environment Network support people who want to start or run an environmental group or projects. In short SWLEN can help you get your project off the ground and keep it running smoothly. They also list local funding opportunities for environmental projects.




You can also search Richmond's funding portal Open 4 Community 


If you are furiously clicking your mouse (or poking your iPad screen) in disgust that we've missed your favourite local funder, please get in touch... we'd like to hear about them!