A year older, a year wiser?

Hello PLANS readers

Since I last wrote, I have celebrated reaching my 28th year which got me thinking about the last 12 months. There has been a lot of change; changes in the way the Council delivers and looks at its services as well as how we, as residents, help our communities grow and thrive.

Some of the Council's universal services have seen a redesign in the last 18 months; this is to help meet the deficit in funding that Local Authorities across the country are facing. In North Somerset, that included the Youth Service which has seen a redesign into a targeted service.

However 12 months on, and thanks to voluntary youth club management committees and Local Commissioning Networks, there continues to be a great offer for young people who like to go to youth club in the week. Currently, you can find open access youth provision in over 15 areas of North Somerset!

These youth club sessions help make up the hundreds of other positive opportunities for children and young people alike, from zero right through to adulthood. 

It is positive to see the Local Commissioning Networks are developing well too. The networks are made up of some really committed volunteers and I am sure your local residents are already appreciating the work of the network.

Most networks are commissioning needs led services or are ready to tender for them. Many networks have found additional, external funding for activities; and some looking at the needs of their whole community not just children and young people.

 

This is not to say that we are out of the woods just yet, and I like to use the analogy of climbing a mountain range (this is the bit when you may want to sit back and shut your eyes!). We are about half way up, we have weathered the storms and blizzards, we have seen the beautiful view but we also know that we are yet to reach the summit.

North Somerset Council has a commitment to help LCNs reach this summit; and to reach the summit in a way which means you won’t have to rush back down for supplies!

Funding may seem scarce, but by being part of a needs led, multi-partnership network really does stand your community and network in the best possible position for future funding and sustainability. There is a raft of charities, trusts and grant giving bodies out there.

I hope you are finding the PLANS blog useful, please keep in touch. Keep your eyes peeled for funding opportunities and events.

Happy reading!