DRAFT PRESS RELEASE

 

SURREY VOLUNTARY GROUPS GET THEIR SAY ON FUNDING ADVICE

 

Surrey local authorities and voluntary organisations have joined forces to enhance the way all-important funding advice is given to more than 3,000 small voluntary and community organisations in the county.

 

This work, part of the county’s response to a national initiative called ChangeUp, is being managed by a small working group of local authority and local Councils of voluntary service representatives. It is chaired by Jean Roberts-Jones, Chief Executive of Surrey Community Action.

 

Jean Roberts-Jones says ‘Being able to access funding for their organisation is a key activity for voluntary and community groups. Although there are many sources of funds, finding out about them and those that are most suitable for a specific project is not always easy. We are intent on finding out how we can improve this vital service across Surrey.’

 

The most immediate indication of this work is consultation and a survey of both providers and users of funding advice, now underway. This work is being funded by Surrey County Council.

 

Jean Roberts-Jones says ‘We are approaching a number of organisations inviting them to participate, but are keen to make this as inclusive as possible. We would like to hear from any voluntary or community organisation in Surrey, however small or large, who can spend just a few minutes answering a short questionnaire.’

 

As an incentive to participate, a cash award of £250 will be given to a front-line voluntary or community group that takes part, drawn at random from all those completing the survey.

 

Those interested in taking part should contact Sarah Linington at Surrey Community Action on 01483 459292, extension 213 (email sarahl@surreyca.org.uk). Alternatively, the consultant selected to conduct the survey can be contacted directly by email to roger.staker@peoplefirst.co.uk .

 

 

 

 

NOTE TO EDITORS

 

ChangeUp is a government programme of investment in the support infrastructure for voluntary and community organisations. Surrey is benefiting from investment in this infrastructure over the next 3 years. The government’s aim is to engage the voluntary and community sector in the planning and delivery of public services.

 

Surrey Community Action is a county-wide voluntary and community sector infrastructure body, providing a Surrey focus for the sector and a range of support services.