District council to host free event advising voluntary and community groups on the latest regulations on applying for funding
Charities and community groups across east Devon are being offered advice on obtaining funding and other important information, at a free conference in Sidmouth next month.
The event on Friday September 28, called ‘Working together for the future of East Devon’ is being organised by the district council, which says it recognises the importance of voluntary organisations to people’s well-being and quality of life.
It will also be a chance for the charities and other groups to network with one another and perhaps form new partnerships.
One of the key aims of the conference is to make sure they understand the new rules and guidance on applications for funding.
Jenny Fish from the Big Lottery Fund in the south west will give a talk updating attendees on the regulations in relation to her organisation and Awards For All.
A representative from Action East Devon, part of the Council for Voluntary Service, will speak on the opportunities for obtaining money through crowdfunding.
There will also be speakers from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, and Hospiscare.
East Devon district council hopes the conference will give delegates valuable information, and also improve communication between the local authority and the charity/voluntary sector.
Councillor Jill Elson, who is hosting the event at Knowle, said: “I am well aware how charities have to be more professional due to legislation, and most importantly how vital volunteers are for many residents within East Devon.”
Jill herself is a volunteer, who founded the Exmouth and District Community Transport Group. She also volunteers for Exmouth Lympstone Hospiscare and is a school governor of Exmouth Community College.
The conference is free, but people attending are asked to bring items of non-perishable food, such as packets of dried food or tinned goods, which will be collected by Seaton Foodbank and later handed out to needy families in the area.
Places are limited to one per organisation/group and must be booked in advance. To find out more or book a place please e-mail jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk or phone (01395) 517569 with your name and contact details and the name of the organisation you are representing before 14 September 2018.
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