BME Focus Group

IDOP

VSRG

Keeping House

'development work that strengthens the ability of community organisations and groups to build their structures, systems, people and skills so they are better able to define and achieve their objectives and engage in consultation and planning, manage community projects and take part in partnerships and community enterprises. It includes aspects of training, organisational and personal development and resource building, organised and planned in a self-conscious manner, reflecting the principles of empowerment and equality (Skinner: Community Strengths 1997 )

The capacity building work stream of LinkAge is looking at ways in which organisations working with older people across Leeds can be strengthened and supported to develop the reputable services they provide. This includes:

Over the summer of 2007, the Capacity Building Fund distributed 26 grants, benefiting 41 organisations in all, including 9 BME groups. Grants of up to £2,000 for individual groups, or £5,000 for joint applications helped groups across the city to:

Improve communication: Purchasing office equipment such as computers, printers, telephone systems and photocopiersAccessing the internetBuilding websites

“The Leeds LinkAge Plus Capacity Building Fund Grant came to our rescue and we were able to complete our update of the whole communication system required by a very busy organisation – many thanks, indeed!”

 Increase the number of volunteers and develop skills:Accessing trainingVolunteer recruitment drives

“The Grant helped to promote the organisation and its services to potential volunteers and service users and will help in years to come”

 Develop services:Purchase equipmentUndertake consultation/feasibility studiesImprove working practices and systems

“It has led to informed communication between staff, volunteers and groups’ service users and a deeper understanding of the needs and requirements of the Chinese elders in terms of gaining access to services and general awareness of their availability”

Neighbourhood Network organisations in the North West identified a number of training issues and, using a grant from the capacity building fund, booked training in Marketing, Fundraising and Planning and Leadership. Through the LinkAge project, this was extended to groups throughout the city and 21 organisations took part. Further training will be available in Spring and publicised through the Leeds Older People’s Forum mail out and website.

At a Neighbourhood Network Away Day in October 2007, staff, volunteers and members were asked to consider which areas of capacity building they feel are priorities for their organisations, and what they feel makes their organisation special. This has been included in a report on the event to reinforce the unique and vital role which these groups play within the city.During Spring 2008 staff and management committees Neighbourhood Networks are being consulted about their support needs and concerns and appropriate training workshops are being arranged (see training above) Neighbourhood Network organisations have been consulted on their views on models of support, such as mentoring, benchmarking, etc. This will help to inform proposals for future support to voluntary sector organisations working with older people