Friday, 19 December 2014

West Berkshire's Amazing Technicolor Volunteering Recruitment Show

MAKE A DATE IN YOUR DIARY: 
SATURDAY 10th JANUARY 2015

BERKSHIRE'S BIGGEST VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FAIR
10am to 3pm  THE CORN EXCHANGE NEWBURY
MEET 40 CHARITIES UNDER ONE ROOF


For more information, contact Volunteer Centre West Berkshire:
1 Bolton Place, Newbury RG14 1AJ
Landline 01635 49004  mobile  07788 606 173

CCB gives advice to families on reducing home energy costs



CCB gives advice to families on reducing home energy costs

CCB has been awarded a grant from the Big Lottery to deliver a project providing advice and guidance on reducing home energy costs. The project is aimed at vulnerable families in Berkshire, who will benefit by accessing the best energy deal for them, obtaining discounts from their electricity bills and claiming grants towards insulation and boiler repairs.

Helen Dean, who delivers the drop-in sessions at Children's Centres across Berkshire, said “We have already supported 165 families. In total, 220 families will benefit from the project. I've also been able to pass on advice to many front-line workers who support vulnerable families, which will enable them to help their clients to save money and stay warmer this winter. The Warm Home Discount of £140 off electricity bills is available to families on low incomes or certain benefits, who have young children, but people have to contact their energy supplier to claim it. Many families are missing out as they are unaware it exists.”

Tim Parry, CEO of CCB stated “Outreach work like this is crucial if we are to help low income families reduce their energy costs. Rising energy prices mean that many of us are worried about heating our homes, and we know that this advice and guidance will save people money.  Claiming grants and switching energy supplier doesn't have to be a daunting prospect. We are here to help”.

For further information, contact  Helen Dean at CCB on 0773 888 7612 or helen.dean@ccberks.org.uk 

Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Rural Housing Policy Review – RHEs have a voice


Rural Housing Policy Review – RHEs have a voice

CCB’s Rural Housing Enabler (RHE), Arlene Kersley, has recently submitted a response to the Rural Housing Policy Review, representing the position of RHEs across England on changes in policies that have affected the delivery of rural affordable homes over the past 10 years.  

The Rural Housing Policy Review (RHPR) has been set up by Hastoe Housing and is independently Chaired by Lord Richard Best to review how progress is being made and what obstacles remain in delivering rural affordable homes since the publication of a number of key strategic housing Affordable Housing Review and the Matthew Taylor Report, Living in the countryside.  The review will take into account the impact of changes in Housing, Planning Policy and the economic climate, and will be considering evidence from a wide spectrum of sources.

As part of the review, Arlene Kersley, the RHE at the Community Council for Berkshire, surveyed all of the ACRE Network members and known RHEs regarding their views on what has made rural exception sites succeed and what barriers remain in bringing forward affordable housing projects to England’s rural communities.  

The resultant paper highlights the difficulties for RHEs in delivering rural affordable homes in such a difficult economic climate, where funding for development is limited, affordable housing has an ambiguous definition and funding to keep RHEs in post is eroding away. 

The submission to the RHPR Board can be viewed here.

The RHPR is due to publish its findings early in 2015.

Wednesday, 5 November 2014

CCB is successful in bid to give valuable advice to families on reducing their home energy costs


The Family Energy Education and Advice project

This Big Lottery funded project under the Awards for All scheme provides drop in advice sessions to 26 Children’s Centres in locations across Berkshire. This valuable advice will enable vulnerable families to reduce their fuel costs by switching energy supplier to save on cost, and claim the benefits they are entitled to if they are on a low income, such as the Warm Home Discount, a discount of £140 off their electricity bill. Advice will also be given on where to get help with insulation and boiler repairs, and top tips on reducing energy use at home. Helen Dean from CCB will also give talks to groups of families who receive extra support from the family Support Workers in Children's Centres in Slough, on reducing their home energy costs. We expect that over 220 families will benefit from the project.

Helen Dean, Energy Advice Co-ordinator said: “ The information I am able to give out is of real benefit to families. Last week I was able to give a family advice on contacting their supplier to repay a debt on their electricity bill, and claim for the Warm Home Discount - £140 discount off their bill in the Spring. I was also able to give their family support worker details of a trust fund the family can apply to for a grant to pay off the debt, and they will now receive the support they need to apply.”

Walking for Health in West Berkshire

 

Walking for Health in West Berkshire

West Berkshire has eighteen regular led health walks for people of all abilities, especially those who are inactive or do little physical activity. Our walks are friendly, welcoming and empowering, they are a great opportunity to explore the outdoors, discover new places and meet new people. Our specially trained volunteers provide encouragement, support and make sure no one gets left behind.

How can I get involved?

It's easy to start walking. Find a walk near you using the walks timetable [847kb]. Walks are free and easy, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes so can easily be fitted into everyday life. Some walks stop for coffee afterwards in a nearby cafe, a good opportunity to socialise and relax after the walk.
 
Walking has been described as the "nearest activity to the perfect form of exercise", it benefits both physical and mental health. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, strokes and some cancers. Walking counts towards the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity people should be doing each week.
 
Walking has also been shown to improve self esteem, relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improve health.

Enborne Housing Need Survey: 20th October to 17th November 2014


Enborne Housing Need Survey



Enborne Parish Council volunteers have now delivered a housing need survey to all residents in Enborne Parish.  The survey is being administered by the Rural Housing Enabler at CCB and the results will inform the parish council whether or not there is any need for affordable homes for local people in the parish.
 
The survey is open until the 17th of November 2014.  If you have a local connection to Enborne and you need a copy of the survey contact Arlene Kersley on 0118 9612000 or by email at arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk.

A report of the survey results will be delivered to the Parish Council in December.





 
 

Community Homes – Models for Development


On the 23rd of September West Berkshire Parish Councils, District Councillors and land owners had the opportunity to learn about the different types of community led developments that are now available. 

CCB organised the event in partnership with West Berkshire Adult and Community Learning, and the Housing Team at West Berkshire Council. Speakers included:
- Councillor Roger Croft, Lead Member for Housing introduced the day
- Arlene Kersley, Rural Housing Enabler at CCB spoke about rural exception sites and the Community Right to Build that allows communities to grant their own planning permission for certain schemes that benefit the community.
- Stuart Roberts from Sovereign Housing spoke about SHAs massive amount of experience developing exception sites and about new legislation that permits a very small number of houses on such a scheme to be developed to sell on the open market in order to finance the affordable homes (cross-subsidy).  This helps to save tax payer money on housing development subsidies.
- Hannah Fleetwood from the National Community Land Trusts spoke about the snowballing number of CLTs springing up across the country
- Edward Crookes from Englefield Estates gave a land owners perspective on developing to meet community objectives
- and Calum Taylor from NACSBA spoke about the popularity of self –build and custom build developments across the UK.


Participants found the day very informative and at least one group that attended will be exploring how they might make use of some of the possible solutions to develop homes in their own community.

Woolhampton Homes – ever closer to completion



At last the builders are on site at Sunhill developing 8 homes for people with a local connection to Woolhampton.  The development is nearing completion with an anticipated handover date sometime in February 2015. 

On the 30th of October Arlene Kersley from CCB, and Tony Renouf the Chairman of Woolhampton Parish Council were invited to have a tour of the site along with Maureen Sheridan and Jenny Broad from West Berkshire Council. The 8 houses are progressing well. They will each have ground source heat pumps and are very spacious homes with lovely views across the Kennet Valley.

Anyone that has a need for an affordable rented home and that has a local connection to Woolhampton. (i.e. they currently live in unsuitable circumstances in Woolhampton, they have parents or children in Woolhampton, or they work in Woolhampton) should ensure that you are registered on the West Berkshire HomeChoice system to ensure that you can apply for one of these homes. You can register online at: www.homechoicewb.org.uk/

If you do not have a computer you can do this at any local library or register directly at the West Berkshire District Council Market Street Office in Newbury.  Alternatively you can ring the Housing Register Team on: 01635 519530. Aster Homes is responsible for the development.  They have worked closely with West Berkshire District Council, Woolhampton Parish Council and the CCB Rural Housing Enabler to make this scheme possible.

If your community would like to find out how it might benefit from a similar development for local people please contact Arlene Kersley, the Rural Housing Enabler for Berkshire on 0118 9612000 or by email at arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk

Autumn Parish Planning News: Information on how Boxford & Ashampstead parishes have been busy in West Berkshire

Parish Planning News. Autumn 2014.

by Tessa Hall, Parish Planning Community Development Worker, CCB Telephone: 07966236408 or email:  tessa.hall@ccberks.org.uk

2014 has seen a renovation at Ashampstead Village Hall whilst Boxford has a totally new hall.  Both of these projects came about through the hard work of the communities Parish Planning groups. I would like to thank and congratulate Ashampstead and Boxford planning groups for all their hard work, read more below about how both of these projects came about.

 

Ashampstead

Ashampstead Recreational Trust (ART) formed a village hall business group and raised £26,000 to refurbish their Jubilee hall which was once the village school. It was stated in Ashampstead’s Parish Plan from 2008 that ‘although the hall plays an active part in the life of the village, it has the potential to play a far more pivotal role.  However in order to achieve this potential it needs modernizing, constant maintenance and general tender loving care to bring it fully into the 21st century making it something we can be proud of and a worthy feature within the community.  Only then can we build a broader spectrum of events and activities to enhance the lives of the people who use this facility’.

This has now been achieved. The funding was a combination of grants from the Greenham Common Trust Find Me a Grant website and advice from organisations including CCB.
In addition, local fundraising brought in over £1,000 from an Elvis night, £1,400 from a Food Fair and £1,500 (and counting!) from sales of a village cookbook.

The funds raised enabled the committee to refurbish the main hall where the improvements included new lighting, installation of a PA system and repainting.
Photo of the smaller committee room, suitable for business and other meetings.

A smaller committee room, which could be used for business meetings, has a new floor and lighting, insulation, wood panelling, carpeting, new blinds and curtains as well as new chairs. The toilets have been improved and outside there is emergency lighting and new guttering. The work was completed in April 2014.

As well as use by village organisations, the committee is looking for hirers from outside the village. One room and the kitchen can be hired for £10 hour. Further details are available at www.ashampstead.com/Pages/ashampstead-village-hall.html as well as on Facebook (search for Ashampstead Village Hall) and Twitter (@AshampsteadVH).

The committee and volunteers are to be congratulated for the hard work which has gone into transforming the hall which is an excellent example of the village working together

Boxford


The opening ceremony of Boxford’s new village Hall was held on 6th September 2014. The project to build a new Village Hall started out as an action in the Parish Plan which was published in 2007.

The ceremony was started by Glenn Evans, the chairman of the Village Hall Council of Management and Gay Smith, Village Hall committee member, who helped with the cutting of the ribbon and presented a celebratory cake. The hall was opened by award winning writer Sebastian Faulks, whose family used to live in Boxford.


Mike Appleton, Parish Councillor for Boxford and Chairman of the Parish Plan was the project lead.  The project took 5 years to complete. He told me that 93% of the total cost for the planning and building of the new hall was covered by the sale of the old village hall site. 6% of the remaining funding came from Greenham Common Trust and the last 1% from the Parish Council and village hall funds.

The new hall is built to meet modern eco standards; it is fully insulated and has a ground source heat pump operating from a dual well system which provides all the heating and hot water. One of the wells also provides the potable water. It has photovoltaic panels on the roof which should cover the cost of all electricity required. The building is lit mainly by LED lighting which reduces electricity consumption. There is also a "cloud" sound absorption system which helps the acoustics of the building, softens noise and improves voice communication, so often a problem in public buildings.

The building has an internal area of 250m2 and this provides for two halls, kitchen, storage and sports changing facilities and toilets. The old hall had one hall which was used by the local pre-school. One of the main design features for the new hall is that it has two halls.  This enables the pre-school and other community activities to run in parallel, something the old hall could not do. The two halls are divided by a state of the art acoustic screen which means it is also possible to combine the two halls into one large hall if required.
Local companies were used for the planning and building of the hall and the work was completed both within the budget and building programme.

Hire charges: In the week the main hall can be hired by residents for £11 an hour and for £14 an hour by non residents. At weekends it’s £14 for residents and £18 non-residents. Please email: boxford.village.hall@gmail.com or phone: 01488 658366 for the full list of prices.

Thatcham's Vision: Have your say on the new Parish Plan



Following on from the recent community survey in Thatcham, the Vision has now fully investigated the issues identified by residents and drawn up an action plan for the next five years. 
Thatcham Vision’s community survey was carried out to feed resident’s opinions into a major refresh of the Parish Plan for the town. The aim was to identify the issues that matter most to the local community. The next stage was to invite members of the community to take part in a number of focus groups to consider the data and discuss issues raised in the survey. The output from these groups was then transformed into a list of actions formulated to improve the social and economic well-being of the town. 

Following on from the community survey, the Vision has now fully investigated the issues identified and drawn up an action plan for the next five years. 

The parish planners would now like your thoughts on the outcome of this work. Will the plan include a project to improve the issues you face? This is your chance to have your say on the final draft before it is sent to the Town and District Councils for adoption.
So if you are a resident of Thatcham please have a look at the plan and comment. To view it click here:  www.thatchamvision.net/yourviewscount

By Mireille Willan, Project Manager, Thatcham Vision. T: 01635 863592
 

Hermitage celebrate beginnings of New Village hall


On 2 October a number of people were invited by Claude Fenton (Construction) Ltd to view the progress being made on the new village hall in Hermitage. Building began in the summer and the foundations are now complete. All being well, the hall will be completed in Spring 2015 and will provide a modern, well equipped and energy efficient meeting place for the villagers, replacing the existing hall which is now not suitable for the village's requirements.
John Lawler, a volunteer from Hermitage who is overseeing the project, is delighted with the way work is progressing and is looking forward to the time when the new hall will be available for everyone to use. 
Wendy Dacey, Community Buildings Advisor for CCB went along to see how the project was progressing and said: "It is great to witness how the village hall is now being built. CCB has been involved with this project for many years, it is very satisfying to see it starting to take shape and is exciting for the community of Hermitage."

Monday, 3 November 2014

Rural economy under the spotlight at ACRE conference.



Rural economy under the spotlight at ACRE conference.


Investment in rural communities will be under the spotlight when leading rural network ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) stages its conference on Thursday 13th November. ACRE, the national voice for England’s network of 38 rural community councils, will bring together community stakeholders, rural businesses, politicians and funders at ‘Why Rural Matters - The Case for Investment’.

Tim Parry, CEO of ACRE Network member the Community Council for Berkshire, said "The focus of the event will be the increasing contribution that rural is making to the UK economy - and finding the key to unlocking future investment in our communities. It promises to be a great opportunity for people who work and live in rural areas to share intelligence, inspiration and insight in the run-up to the 2015 election."

The keynote speech will be given by Professor Mark Shucksmith OBE, Director of the Newcastle Institute of Social Renewal, who joined the board of ACRE earlier this year. Dawn Austwick OBE, chief executive of the Big Lottery Fund and Ron Crank, chief executive of the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership, will speak on the future of funding for rural communities.

The political view will be put forward by Lord De Mauley TD, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra; Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Julie Girling MEP, Conservative MEP for South West England & Gibraltar.

The conference will also hear from businesses who have successfully met the challenges of setting up in a rural area, including Oli Christie of Neon Play, Debra Drew of Fabric Architecture and Simon Baxter of Dijon Designs.

Speakers from the ACRE Network will be Rob Crowder, chief executive of Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire, and Jon Boswell, chief executive of Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, who will discuss the role of communities in driving social enterprise and innovation in rural areas.

ACRE chief executive Janice Banks said: “We are delighted to have such a great line-up of speakers who will get to the heart of the opportunities and challenges for rural communities, enterprises and businesses. The event is an ideal opportunity to discuss what lies ahead for rural and the need for investment from Government, funders and entrepreneurs to keep our communities thriving.”

The conference takes place at the Holiday Inn, Regents Park, London. For more details and to book your place, visit www.acre.org.uk.

Wednesday, 22 October 2014

Check, Switch, Insulate, It's Big Energy Saving Week!


It's Big Energy Saving Week, and consumers are being asked to check they are on the best deal for their energy, switch suppliers if they can save on cost, and ensure that their homes are adequately insulated.

Helen Dean from CCB has been out to Victoria Park Children's Centre in Newbury this week to give this advice and guidance to families, on how to reduce their home energy costs.

Families on low incomes may be entitled to the Warm Homes Discount - £140 discount off their electricity bills in the spring of 2015.  Families must contact their electricity supplier to claim the discount. Many families are unaware they are eligible for this financial help. For more information, please go to https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Switching energy suppliers is easy, and can save you a lot of money
Download this handy guide on getting the best deal on your energy - visit http://www.goenergyshopping.co.uk and click How to Shop.

For more information on all aspects of reducing your home energy costs, visit CCB's webpage at http://www.ccberks.org.uk/fuel-energy-advice

Citizen's Advice will be helping people save energy during Big Energy Saving Week 2014. Follow #BESW14 on Twitter for tips!
 
Click here to watch the animation for Big Energy Saving Week from Citizen's Advice on You Tube.
 
 








Friday, 17 October 2014

Housing Needs Survey Underway in Enborne


Housing Needs Survey Underway in Enborne

CCB, in partnership with Enborne Parish Council, is currently undertaking a housing needs survey of all residents in the West Berkshire village. The survey will help identify whether there is a need for affordable homes for local people living or working in Enborne

Arlene Kersley, CCB’s Rural Housing Enabler, said: "These surveys give the Parish Council an overview of housing needs in the parish, and enable local residents to give their views about how the lack of affordable homes may be affecting them".

"Affordable housing is recognised as a critical problem in villages, but it remains a contentious one. It is crucial that residents of Enborne complete the survey as it will enable Enborne Parish Council to make informed decisions about housing for local people. I urge people in Enborne to use the opportunity to have their say".

Arlene added: "Anyone who needs to live in Enborne due to family or work commitments can contact me so I can supply them with a survey form".

The survey closes on 17th November 2014. A report on the analysis of the survey will be delivered to the Parish Council in December.

For further information, please contact Arlene Kersley. Email: arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk
Address: Abbey House, 1650 Arlington Business Park, Theale, RG7 4SA. Office Tel: 0118 961 2000 Mobile Tel: 0789 409 9384.

Friday, 15 August 2014

Shared Lives Carers Required


Do you have the time, energy, motivation and a spare room to be able to support a vulnerable adult in your home? 

ategi are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to become Shared Lives Carers. Earn up to £324 per week per person you support. An understanding of supporting vulnerable adults with dementia, learning disabilities, mental health or physical or sensory disabilities desirable but not essential. 

ategi provide full training, ongoing support and good rates of pay when you are matched with someone who suits your circumstances & lives or stays with you.

For further information or an application pack please contact us by calling or sending us an email: 01494 568 888 or adminbucks@ategi.co.uk 
www.ategi.org.uk ’supporting people to live their lives’

Thursday, 14 August 2014

HEATING OIL: SUMMER TOP 10 TIPS


Heating Oil: Summer Top 10 Tips

These ten top tips come from CCB's national body ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), and are designed to help people who heat their homes with oil. The tips include advice on looking after your oil tank, guarding against theft, dealing with suppliers and joining an oil buying club. See www.acre.org.uk for full details.

1. Check your stock of oil - have you got any room for a summer top-up? However, do not fill your fuel tank completely full during hot weather. Fuel must have room to expand.

2. Consider your future oil requirements now, and look to buy as much as possible during the summer months when prices are nearly always lower than in winter.

3. If you want to check that you are dealing with a bona fide distributor who adheres to the FPS Code of Practice, then email or ring the FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) or use the ‘Find Your Local Distributor’ facility on the FPS website, www.oilsave.org.uk,  where you will also find advice about ordering oil and switching supplier.

4. Consider joining a local oil-buying group. Buying together makes for more efficient oil deliveries and therefore lower prices. To find your nearest local oil buying group and for more information on oil clubs, see www.acre.org.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk

5. If you have difficulty in paying for your whole order in advance, look into cost-effective ways to help you to do this. Your local credit union may be able to help, and some oil buying schemes have a Pay-As-You-Go option. 

6. If you are struggling to pay for fuel, check that you are receiving all the help that you are entitled to. Your local Citizens’ Advice centre can help you with this.

7. Check that your oil tank is as secure as possible against oil theft.  Measures you can take include installing a tank lock, an alarm that goes off if fuel drains away quickly, CCTV and security lights. Further advice is available on www.oilsave.org.uk 

8. Make sure that your insurance policy covers your oil tank – most home insurance policies do not include this in the standard cover. You need to be covered for loss of fuel through theft and oil spills, and the environmental clean-up of your property and any adjacent land in the event of a leak.

9. Inspect your tank regularly and have it serviced annually by a qualified oil-fired heating engineer. For more information see www.oftec.org.uk.

10. A key way to reduce your heating bills is to make sure that your home is highly energy efficient.  A Green Deal Assessment will identify the best steps to take, such as replacing your boiler or installing loft or wall insulation. Green Deal financing is also available to help cover the costs of the improvements. To find a list of assessors see  www.gdorb.decc.gov.uk.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal Programme


Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal Programme 

The Vodafone Rural Open Sure Programme will give up to 100 rural communities across the UK, with little or no mobile coverage, the opportunity to apply to have Vodafone 3G mobile coverage in their area. 

Vodafone’s initial Rural Open Sure Signal trial, which started in 2012, has seen the connection of 12 rural communities across the UK, from Walls in the Shetland Islands to Newton St Cyres in Devon.  The communities connected so far have been enjoying our mobile coverage to stay in touch with friends and families, whilst businesses - from GPs to a mussel farmer - now have mobile coverage to help make their businesses work better. Due to the success of the trial, for both consumers and small enterprises, we’ve decided to extend the programme to 100 further rural communities across the UK.

What is the Rural Open Sure Signal programme?
In rural and remote locations across the UK, the economic case for traditional networks can be challenging.  This may be due to the geography of the area or difficulties with siting masts in places such as national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.  

Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal programme uses ‘femtocell’ technology to provide a Vodafone 3G signal in areas where traditional mobile coverage has been unable to reach. 

About the size of a domestic broadband box  and in a range of colours (white/grey/brown), the units use existing broadband services to deliver the mobile signal needed to provide 3G coverage, where before there was little or none. The units can be installed on any number of buildings including village halls, pubs, shops and homes across the community to ensure widespread mobile coverage. 

What do the communities need to do?
We are encouraging communities to nominate a Village Champion to lead the application process and ensure that the community has a number of things in place before submitting their application form.  These include ensuring the community has at least a 4MB broadband connection, which is essential as Rural Open Sure Signal units work from a broadband connection, to identifying 5-10 properties across the community, often on buildings on a hill or in a ‘community hub’, on which to site our boxes.  Application forms and full information on the programme can be found on our dedicated webpages at www.vodafone.co.uk/rural.

What’s next?
Once the Village Champions have completed the applications we have ask them to send them to us as soon as they can before the application closure date of 14 October 2014 so that we can announce the successful communities in the autumn.

For more information on the Rural Open Sure Signal programme visit  www.vodafone.co.uk/rural

Final Round of ESF Community Grants Programme


 
Final Round of ESF Community Grants Programme

£203,512 STILL AVAILABLE!

Are you a charity community group or a not-for-profit organisation?

Do you support disadvantaged people over the age of 19 to access further learning opportunities or progress to employment?

Did you have an income of less than £300,000 in the last financial year and employ no more than the equivalent of 9 full-time staff?

Do you work with people living in the Thames Valley – Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Slough?

If so, you could apply for a grant of up to £15,000 to fund a project working with at least one of these priority groups:
• lone parents
• women
• people with health/disability issues
• older people (50 yrs plus) 
• people from ethnic minorities and diverse communities

The aim of the project must be to assist unemployed or economically inactive people into employment or further education.  The type of activities which can be funded include:
• Initial help with basic skills.
• Taster work experience including voluntary work.
• Training advice and guidance.
• Job search assistance.
• Confidence building and personal development.
• Supporting individuals to overcome barriers to learning and/or employment

The deadline for this final round is 12 noon on the 1st September.  Applications must be sent by post or delivered in person to OCVA, The Old Court House, Floyds Row, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1SS

For an application form and guidelines, please go to http://www.ocva.org.uk/news/european-social-fund-community-grants-programme







Community magazine Summer 2014


Community Summer 2014
The summer edition of CCB's Community magazine is available from the Resources pages on the CCB website. Alternatively click here to download your copy. 

This edition includes information on:

  • Rural housing and neighbourhood planning
  • CCB Oil Club
  • Berkshire Association of Local Councils
  • Village hall renovation projects
  • Fuel Poverty
  • Community-led planning

Community Homes: Models for Development


Community Homes: Models for Development

On Tuesday 23rd September 2014 CCB is running a free one-day event for West Berkshire parish councillors, local authority members and local landowners on the different approaches that can be taken to get the housing that is right for your community. 

Delegates will learn about what‘s new in development policy for community housing, including:

  • How your community can get the right sort of homes to meet the needs of local people
  • How landowners can bring forward land for community housing without throwing the baby out with the bathwater
  • What Cross-subsidy on rural exception sites means
  • Community Land Trusts and Community Right to Build
  • Self-Build Projects: different solutions for different needs
  • Co-housing projects

Places are limited, so register for your place soon at: https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/qhyl9wk1egeq2e/

10am to 3pm, Tuesday 23rd September 2014
Council Chamber, West Berkshire District Council, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD

For more information call Arlene Kersley at CCB on: 0118 961 2000 or email: arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk 

Please click here to download the draft flyer and agenda.

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

ACRE calls for key outcomes from Green Deal inquiry

Leading rural network ACRE has called for five key outcomes from a Commons inquiry into the delivery of the Government’s energy-saving initiatives for homes.

Nick Chase, Director of Policy and Research at ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), spoke out after giving evidence based on a survey of ACRE’s Network of England’s 38 rural community councils to the Committee’s Green Deal Watching Brief inquiry.

Mr Chase said: "Green Deal has been very hard to sell to rural households. Our recent England-wide survey has suggested that the concept of the scheme is difficult for people to understand. People are concerned about the high cost of the loan, the uncertainty of how much pay-back in energy savings they will receive and the fact that the ‘debt’ of the loan stays with the property until repaid and this could affect the resale value of the house."

To read more click here

Friday, 11 July 2014

Beech Hill Parish Council needs a clerk


Beech Hill Parish Council is looking for a Parish Clerk for 4 hours a week.  This small, active council meets on alternative months in the village.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday 16 September.  The Clerk would work from home and a laptop computer is supplied.  The salary is on the NALC/SLCC scales and depending on qualifications and experience.

For further information, please contact Janet Haines, Locum Clerk on 0118 978 8947 or clerk@beechhillvillage.co.uk

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Increased cashback from the Green Deal Home Improvement Scheme

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) in England & Wales assists householders financially to carry out improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties in order to reduce heating bills. The GDHIF scheme is not means tested or restricted by area or property type; therefore it is open to everyone.

From June 2014 the cashback offer has increased to up to £6K for solid wall insulation, and up to £1k for 2 eligible energy savings measures.


For more information see:
https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/get-money-back-from-the-green-deal-home-improvement-fund

For a quick guide on the cashback – http://www.nia-uk.org/downloads/Final_Consumer_Quick_Guide_WEB.pdf

 

 

Thursday, 3 July 2014


Using Social Media to Promote Your Hall

 A training session on using social media to promote your hall was held at Tidmarsh village hall on 11th June. 15 village and community hall volunteers heard talks from Nigel Morgan from Morgan PR and Wendy Dacey, Community Buildings adviser at CCB, on ways to promote their halls and the activities which take place inside.

Nigel explained the benefits of Twitter and Face book and how they can be used to make more people aware of their local hall and what’s happening inside. One or two halls already had Facebook accounts but learned how to use them more effectively, and the benefits of Twitter meant that a much wider audience could be reached than by traditional marketing methods.

However, there was still scope for other marketing strategies and something as simple as a sign outside the building with information as to how to book a session is important. It’s good practice for halls to have websites to showcase what goes on in their buildings and there is still a place for a regular column in the local village newsletter to outline village activities.

The course was well received and feedback included ‘The course’s basic message is do it! I will!’


CCB is grateful to Comic Relief’s Communities Fund for providing a grant to run the meeting and further training will take place in the autumn. 

For more information, please contact Wendy Dacey on 0118 961 2000 or by email at wendy.dacey@ccberks.org.uk


Rural Housing Week: 30th June to 6th July 2014

An offer from Arlene Kersley, CCB's Rural Housing Enabler

I’m not going to proselytise here; by now our communities must know that poor access to affordable housing in Berkshire’s rural villages is real concern for young people . I do urge you to take the time to read the latest report from the National Housing Federation: Rural Housing – Countryside in crisis. See the link below: 
http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/pub.housing.org.uk/Rural_housing_-_Countryside_in_crisis.pdf

My one complaint about the report is that the maps have failed to identify any of Berkshire as rural! Did you know that in Berkshire there are 85 parishes that are identified in statute as Designated Rural Areas for housing purposes? This designation affords special protection to affordable homes in those parishes. 

The CCB Rural Housing Enabler (yours truly) will talk to your parish council, neighbourhood plan group or community group, about how your community is affected by high house prices. The RHE can help your community identify local need for affordable homes and if necessary help you get a small number of homes built just to meet the needs of your community.

Our work is funded from a dedicated Partnership of Local Authorities (RBWM and West Berkshire) and their housing partners. There is no cost to the community to have the RHE come and talk to you, or to have a housing need survey done for your parish.

Call me if you would like more information. Arlene Kersley, Rural Housing Enabler for Berkshire, 0118 961 2000 or email at arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk

Community Shares

Community Shares refers to the sale of shares in enterprises serving a community purpose. This type of investment has been used to finance shops, pubs, community buildings, renewable energy initiatives, local food schemes, along with a host of other community based ventures. 

The Community Shares Unit is supported by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) until March 2015 and is delivered in partnership by Co-operatives UK and Locality. Modelled on the highly successful Asset Transfer Unit within Locality, the new unit works with partners to develop standards of good practice, encourage policy reforms and raise awareness to support the growth of community shares.

If this sounds like an interesting concept to you, why not find out more? 

Click here to see their video on YouTube. 

New Law will support Volunteers

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced that in future “Good Samaritans and community heroes” will have the law on their side.
The government is taking action to support the millions of people who volunteer and carry out good deeds every year. An important part of this is to make sure they are not put off from participating by worries about risk and liability if something goes wrong. 
Changes are being made to counteract the growing perception that people risk being successfully sued if they do something for the common good – like leading a school trip, organising a village fete, clearing snow from a path in front of their home or helping in an emergency situation. 
The measures will also provide greater protection to small business owners who face challenges from irresponsible employees even if they have taken a responsible approach to safety training and procedures. 

The law will be changed so that judges will have to give weight to 3 additional factors when deciding negligence cases. 
They are:
* If the person was doing something for ‘the benefit of society’ – to give weight to the fact people were doing a good deed like volunteering, running an event or trip, or helping out by clearing snow
* If they had been acting in a ‘generally responsible way’ – to make sure the court will give consideration to the fact people may have taken care when organising an activity but an accident has happened
* If they were ‘acting in emergency’ – if they stepped in to help someone in danger but something went wrong.
Commenting on the proposals, SLCC Chief Executive, Howard Midworth, said: “The Society is supportive of the continuing efforts of government to remove the fear of being sued and to reduce the impact of the claims culture that can sometimes prevent local communities and volunteers undertaking actions for the benefit of the community.” 

www.gov.uk/government/news/grayling-law-must-protect-everyday-heroes

Thanks to the Society of Local Council Clerks for this article. 

Monday, 23 June 2014



Training: Project Management for Community Projects



Thursday 10th July, 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Council Chamber, West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5LD.

Come and learn about the various aspects of managing community projects that commonly result in the success or failure of a project.

This training will enable you to: 
1. Embark on community projects with increased confidence
2. Improve your chances of delivering successful community projects
3. Avoid common pitfalls in project management

You may also wish to come along to share some of your experiences in running community projects. If so, you are welcome to join us. 

The evening will be run by Bob Lyon from Frilsham's Future and Tessa Hall from CCB

Please contact Tessa via e-mail: tessa.hall@ccberks.org.uk or phone: 07966 236408 for more information.

To book please click on this link and fill in the booking form-  https://ccberks.wufoo.com/forms/project-management-for-community-projects/  

Friday, 20 June 2014


Hoarding Disorders UK launch support group in West Berkshire.


Hoarding Disorders UK CIC (a community interest company) was launched in Newbury on 22nd May by Jo Cooke and Amanda Peet to combat the increasing problem of hoarding.  

Hoarding Disorders UK holds free support group meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at Broadway House, The Broadway, Newbury. Anyone suffering from hoarding disorders or their families is welcome to attend. The venue for the support group has been provided by Greenham Common Trust.

With 2.5% of the population estimated to suffer with the condition, which has recently been recognised as a mental illness, it’s thought that there could be more than 3,500 households in the West Berkshire area who need help.

Amanda and Jo believe the key to helping people who suffer from varying levels of hoarding disorder, ranging from people who are chronically disorganised to extreme hoarders, is patience and non-judgement.

Jo said: “Often, people find themselves in a situation that’s not of their own making. It can be that someone in their family has died, leaving them lots of stuff, or it could be a traumatic event such as grief, loss or divorce that a person can’t cope with, which manifests itself in hoarding. I am working with a gentleman whose late wife was a hoarder.  His wife’s compulsive shopping impacted on the couple’s finances and the spare room was lost to the accumulation of clothes and meant friends couldn’t stay. When the boiler broke down, he was so embarrassed at the state of the house that the boiler was never fixed.

“He now realises that hoarding is a mental health disorder and it has helped him in his grief to understand that his wife did not choose to compulsively buy and hoard.  I have been helping him clear his house bit by bit. Having lived with the hoard for over 20 years, it was important to work at a pace that suited him.  We are gradually organising the house so that he can regain some space for himself and transform what felt like a storage unit into a home.”

An expert in decluttering and an accredited member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO), Jo points out that “clutterbugs” and hoarders are very different.  Having 40 handbags does not necessarily make you a hoarder.

The plan for Hoarding Disorders UK is to expand the support group and its services to the whole of the UK.

More information can be found at http://hoardingdisordersuk.org/ and donations to continue the work are welcome at www.findmeagrant.org

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services 2015


Do you know an inspiring voluntary group? Nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2015 are open and you have until 30 September 2014 to submit your nomination.

The award is the equivalent to an MBE and winning groups may also be invited to a Royal Garden Party. So if you know a group that your community couldn't do without, nominate them here.

Winners of the Award for 2014 can be found here.