Communities full of confidence after CCB Training Day

Delegates networking and discussing shared issues over a yummy lunch.

Last Saturday (18th May) volunteers and community minded folk from across Berkshire came together to learn how they can use a series of tools to build confidence and enhance their community.

CCB ran a free training day of workshops at Theale Green Community School which offered help, advice and support to Parish Councillors, Community Planning Groups and individuals wanting to get more involved in projects in their communities. 

Tim Parry CCB's Chief Operating Officer said: "There was a really positive and friendly feel to the day. I was pleased to see members of communities from West Berkshire, Reading, Maidenhead and even from across the border in Surrey and Hampshire come together to discuss their projects, common issues and ideas for the future. Supporting communities is at the very heart of CCB's work and we are grateful to the NLDC* fund and the Berkshire Neighbourhood Learning Centre Partnership for funding such an interesting and important subject."

Helen Dean, Projects Worker and Tim Parry, Chief Operating Officer offered delegates a warm welcome on arrival

The training kicked off at 10:30 with attendees having a choice of three workshops to attend over the course of the day. Workshop topics included Neighbourhood Planning, the A-Z of Volunteer Recruitment, Community Rights, Marketing and Press Release writing, Project Management,  Funding Advice and more.

David Gregory who attended from Burghfield Community Partnership said: "The day was fantastic, well paced and with a good choice of subjects - each with just the right amount of depth and time. Not only have the workshops been great but through networking on the day I  met someone who can help with an issue that I have been working to solve for over a year now."

Introduction by Tim Parry, Chief Operating Officer. Graham Pask the new portfolio holder for Community Led Plans at West Berkshire Council also used the opportunity to introduce himself to delegates

Other feedback showed that attendees felt that they gained useful skills that would help them to promote and build their projects, obtain funding, recruit new volunteers and improve their marketing and contacts. 

One attendee commented: "This training day has reassured me that my community are moving in the right direction", with another stating: "It was worth giving up my Saturday for, I found the day inspiring and informative."

CCB would like to thank the following people for giving up their time to come and run or assist with workshops on the day:
Garry Poulson, Head of the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire
Jason Teal, Performance Research and Consultation Manager, West Berkshire Council
Bob Lyon, Frilsham's Future Community Planning Group
Sue Curtis Davison, Marketing Consultant
Yvonne Redgrave
Richard Foster
Peter McManners, West Berkshire Green Exchange
George Greenham, Hampstead Norrey's Community Plan

L: Wendy Dacey, Community Building Advisor ran two informative and well attended workshops on Funding for Communities and R: Sue Curtis Davison, Marketing Consultant ran a highly praised workshop on Marketing & Promoting Your Project

*Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities fund. The fund comes from the Skills Funding Agency, administered by Reading Borough Council on behalf of the Berkshire Neighbourhood Learning Centres Partnership (BNLCP).