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COMMUNITY HUBS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2022

Welcome to the latest newsletter of the Community Hubs Project
 
This December edition is focused on the Warm Space initiative to show case some of the great work being done across the district to support people this winter.

Volunteers and community groups are once again organising themselves in brilliant and heart-warming ways to bring people together in a safe, warm and welcoming environment and, where needed, to signpost them to support.   

Creative Sustainability has been busy too, working in partnership with a range of different organisations to help develop a coordinated and resourced network of ‘Warm Spaces’ – places where people can go to have a hot drink, see a friendly face, take part in an activity, access free Wifi and or charging facilities and in some venues, enjoy a meal with others. 

To support the coordination efforts, local expertise and knowledge has been drawn from a number of organisations, including GL11 Community Hub in Cam, All Pulling Together in Stonehouse, Stroud Town Council and Wotton Town Council and The Keepers Community Hub in Wotton. 

As part of this work, we have developed an interactive map, a funding platform and a dedicated 'Warm Spaces' resources page on the Creative Sustainabilty website.  
 
MAP OF WARM SPACES
 
There are more than 40 venues running as Warm Spaces across the district. If you would like to be added to the map, please write to communityhubs@cscic.org. 


Stroud District Warm Spaces - Funding Platform

 

The funding platform aims to help small community groups and venues access funds quickly and equitably from any source such as private individuals, Local Authority, trusts and foundations in order to help pay for community support during the cost-of-living crisis.

Community groups are invited to register as a ‘collective’ on the platform and once they have been approved by Stroud District Council, will receive £200 from SDC to kick start their fundraising efforts and help pay for costs such as heating, staff, food or activities. 

Donors can see in real time exactly what groups are receiving, from whom, and how their funds are being spent. They can also top up when funds are low.  

If you are interested in registering on the platform, or would like to know more about how to donate, please email communityhubs@cscic.org

WARM SPACES RESOURCES

A resources page has been set up to support groups and venues host warm spaces.  The page includes guides on how to run a warm space, risk assessment templates, guidance on topics such as food hygiene and data protection and downloadable materials for signposting purposes. 

Volunteers have also been given free access to Stroud District Council’s e-learning platform and can choose from a range of courses such as Safeguarding and Health and Safety to help ensure best practice. 

To access the e-learning, please write to communityhubs@cscic.org
 

NEWS FROM THE NETWORK

Network of Stroud Hubs – NoSH 

One exciting initiative that has emerged in the last few months is the formation of a collective called NoSH – Network of Stroud (town) Hubs – that aims to share resources, develop new partnerships and collaborate on joint funding applications. NoSH is made up of 5 community groups including Paganhill, Trinity Rooms, Middle of the Hill, Top of Town and Uplands and the charity Marah.  

NoSH has recently been successful in applying for money via the County Council’s ‘Build Back Better’ funding and has just recruited a Food Management Coordinator – Annie Page. Annie will develop the food offer for families and people on low incomes across the town, coordinate logistics and work with local food producers and businesses to build a more resilient and locally sourced food system. Congratulations to Annie and NoSH. 


Christmas Fun with Paganhill Community Group

Christmas festivities included wreath making, a film night, and a visit from the bearded man himself. 


The Keepers Community Hub in Wotton
"Visitors can enjoy a hot lunch together every Tuesday on a "pay as you feel" basis. We have just started a minibus service to make sure everyone can get here. Any leftover food goes straight into our community freezer."
"We run a gardening club 2 mornings a week, where people can come and spend time with Amy - our well-being gardener. Anyone is free to come and dig, plant and enjoy the outdoor space".
On Christmas day, two Community Hubs - Trinity Rooms in Stroud and The Keepers in Wotton will be offering a Christmas meal, with quizzes, friendliness and fun. 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Gloucestershire Community Foundation - Cost of Living Crisis Fund is offering grants of up to £2,500 for voluntary and community sector organisations who are supporting their communties during the cost of living crisis. 

ASDA Foundation - Grants of up to £2000 designed to support local community groups following increases in their rent, utility bill and food costs as a result of the cost of living crisis. 

Gloucestershire Funders - This is a group of major funders who came together during the pandemic to simplify the application process for charities, people and groups. Barnwood Trust are currently acting as the central point of contact and applicants can submit their proposals thorughout the year. Gloucestershire Funders meet regularly and commit to responding to all applicants within one month of submission. 

COMING UP.....
 
Community Hub meet up: 

We had our first community hub meet up in November, hosted by the Keepers Community Hub in Wotton. People came from Coaley, Stonehouse, Nailsworth and Stroud and it was wonderful to meet face to face and find out more about what everyone does in their respective areas and share learning.

The next meet-up will take place in January, hosted by All Pulling Together in Stonehouse. Please contact communityhubs@cscic.org if you interested to come along. 
 

communityhubs@cscic.org






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Creative Sustainability · Fromehall Mill · Lodgemore Lane · Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3EH · United Kingdom

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