Notes on the FORUM 18th September 2007, held at, and sponsored by, The Marlow Academy, Ramsgate.

A Thanet Voluntary & Community Sector Forum was held on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at the prestigious Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate. Chairman, Councillor Steve Ward welcomed everyone especially Councillor Jo Gideon TDC Cabinet member responsible for Health and Community. Steve explained the format of the event and introduced the Marlowe Academy Principle Ian Johnson who gave a quick welcome and wished everyone a successful Forum; over 50 members from across the Statutory and Voluntary/Community sectors gathered together to hear:-

Tricia McDade, Manager of the new Hereson Family and Community Centre, who gave an informative insight of what the Centre wants to achieve and the big impact it hopefully will make through providing family and children’s services with consultation rooms, offices, meeting rooms and facilities for a crèche and play area in the garden for children. KCC will also be operating some services from the Centre, while the NCH will be running the children’s services and the Trust will be working with the community. Time Banks UK which is a national umbrella charity linking and supporting Time Banks across the country will provide inspiration, guidance and practical help.

Thanet Voluntary and Community Sector Forum attendees then had an opportunity to update everyone on matters of advice and appeal with Mark Fenn Elements updating us about their web-site www.elementsprojects.co.uk which now includes information on their new grant income and full range of services. Mark also mentioned that there’s now a new and easy way to help charities and groups to raise valuable extra funds simply by shopping online, its completely FREE to register by visiting website www.easyfunding.org.uk

Nicola Wood from Quartet in the Community updated us about a launch event for Thanet Parents’ Forum called THE BIG PIP (Parent Information Point), on Saturday 29th September 2007 at the Broadstairs Campus of Canterbury Christ Church University Northwood Road Broadstairs CT10 2WA for further information call 07845 979024 or email Nicola@hartsdown.kent.sch.uk

Lynne Sutton from Thanet Community Development Trust gave an update about a programme called Brighter Futures which is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions to assist single parents living in deprived areas of Kent. For more information contact Karen McChesney at the Academy 01843 282480; the Trust is also asking voluntary or community groups to take part in an event called “Make a Difference” to be held at the Winter Gardens in Margate on Saturday October 20th; the aim is to raise the awareness of benefits of volunteering and the value volunteers bring to the community.

A networking buzz followed during the coffee break

Councillor Jo Gideon, TDC Cabinet member responsible for Health and Community, gave an overhead presentation on Applying for Grants - how to plan ahead including doing your research, checking who can apply and criteria, finding out when to apply, allowing plenty of time, showing evidence of need, matchfunding what level equal monetary provider CVG, plus viewing services, volunteer hours - and not to be put off (beware of new funding opportunities and where to look) access to funding contact details

THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL PROJECT & EVENT SPONSORSHIP 01843 577177
WWWTHANET.GOV.GRANTS LSP COAST FUNDING 01843 282470
SUSANFELLOWS@TCDT.ORG.UK

Jenny Witherden, Community Development Officer for The Safer Stronger Community Fund informed us on other funding sources detailed in the current issue ofThanet District Council’s Thanet Matters.
Dr Allan Sweeney & Mags McArdle who were due to start proceedings with a short introduction to IPACT 'Interventions for Preventative and Curative Therapies' were unable to attend.

Members who completed the evaluation forms responded positively to the event, and all felt it was informative, worth attending and excellent including the school dinner provided by the Marlowe Academy.

To find more about TVCSF contact Simon at The Community Resource Centre, 11 College Walk, Margate CT9 1PR. Tel No:01843 229855. The next Forum will be at the Marlowe Academy on 4th December 2007.

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