Third Sector Infrastructure Support Contract 01/07/09 to 31/03/10

Currently held by Cumbria CVS

Who will benefit

Services will be targeted at:

§  third sector organisations based/working in the priority wards, and/or

§  third sector organisations providing support services to vulnerable individuals or groups.

(see definitions below)

This means providing infrastructure support to appropriate organisations to address anti poverty issues

Contract Outcomes

Activities will focus on achieving two key outcomes:

1.  Improved viability of third sector organisations, resulting in:

Ø  the availability of good quality services in priority wards

Ø  the availability of good quality services aimed at vulnerable individuals or groups

2.  A variety of well supported volunteering opportunities that:

Ø  improve skills

Ø  provide pathways to work and/or training

Ø  strengthen community cohesion

Ø  support the provision of services in priority wards and to vulnerable individuals and groups

Ø  increase the engagement of people living in priority wards/from vulnerable groups in volunteering activities

Activity to support Outcome 1

§  Supporting third sector organisations to plan for future sustainability

§  Working with third sector organisations to improve income generation

§  Providing guidance on tendering for services – particularly targeting organisations that:

Ø  currently have contracts or grants for which they may have to tender in future

Ø  are considering consortium bids or collaborative working

§  Working with third sector organisations to identify ways to improve efficiency, including the sharing of services/facilities and looking at opportunities for collaboration and merger

Priority will be given to organisations that don’t have access to alternative sources of appropriate support.

Activity to support Outcome 2

§  Promotion of volunteering in a different way and to different audiences

§  Identification and placement of volunteers from priority wards/vulnerable groups

§  Working with organisations to implement good practice in relation to attracting and supporting volunteers from priority wards/vulnerable groups

§  Assisting organisations working in priority wards/with vulnerable individuals or groups to recruit, train and support volunteers

DEFINITIONS

Priority wards:

Allerdale: Ewanrigg, Ellenborough, Moss Bay, St. Michaels

Barrow: Central, Ormsgill, Hindpool, Barrow Island, Walney North, Newbarns, Risedale, Roosecote

Carlisle: Belle Vue, Botcherby, Upperby, Morton

Copeland: Sandwith, Mirehouse, Harbour, Cleator Moor South, Distington, Frizington

Vulnerable individuals: People who are in poverty, trying to get out of poverty or trying to stay out of poverty

Vulnerable groups: e.g. unemployed people, people on low incomes, people at risk of losing their jobs, people with dementia and their families, carers of disabled family members, people with learning disabilities

Services for vulnerable people or groups: This means services that help people when they are in poverty, to get out of poverty or to stay out of poverty. Examples are Credit Unions, Debt & Money Advice Services, Advocacy Services and Advice Services that assist in income maximisation such as benefit advice.

For further information please contact:

Georgina Ternent

Programme Manager Third Sector Development & Support

2