This email looks better with images enabled.
|
|
To view this email online,
|
|
|
|
Harborough District Communities News
| The aim of this newsletter from Harborough District Council (HDC) Communities Engagement Team is to keep you informed and up to date with community development activities at the council and elsewhere and to share information, resources and success stories between you to support communities, build networks and relationships, and share ideas and good practice. We'll keep you informed about any upcoming events inside and outside the council.
In this newsletter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Since the new year began, we have been focusing on the year ahead, reflecting on the Harborough District Community Awards and already getting the wheels in motion for the 2025 awards. We held an online parish liaison meeting, asking parishes which areas of our corporate plan were most important to them, with a range of responses across the district. This supplemented the online consultation about the plan.
|
|
|
|
|
We've been out talking to residents in the district who were affected by the floods (Pictured: Becky Nixon, Community Engagement Officer, with colleagues in Great Glen) and gathering evidence about what happened to share with relevant organisations, and providing information to residents. See below about the role of flood wardens, if recent events have encouraged you to get involved in your community around flooding.
|
|
|
We are planning grants surgeries, including in response to requests from specific parishes, and more visits to organisations across the district. If you would like us to visit your organisation or parish council, please get in touch at communities@harborough.gov.uk
Becca Powell, Youth Engagement Officer, has been busy focusing on plans for the first Youth Council meeting that took place on Thursday 30 January, with around 30 young people signed up from across the district.
Katie Fox, who was one of our grants officers has moved into a new role as supporting Section 106 funding - well done Katie! We are still working closely with her and taking a collaborative approach across grant funding. Katie is now at grants@harborough.gov.uk.
We are recruiting for a new grants officer to work with Claire Betts, who you can contact at communitygrants@harborough.gov with any questions or queries. |
|
|
Further Community Grant awards made |
|
|
Harborough District Council's Cabinet Sub-Committee Grants awarded further community grants in December.
Projects included an outdoor classroom, building improvements, new musical instruments and stands, and computer equipment. |
|
|
Community Grant round two closing 9 February
Community Grant funding is for capital projects across the Harborough District. Capital funding is for projects that create lasting assets, such as improvements to buildings, facilities, or purchasing and installing equipment.
The current window closes on 9 February 2025. Constituted community organisations, town and parish councils or meetings are welcome to apply. There is updated guidance for round two as well as revised allocations for towns and parishes based on the spending in the first round. We have introduced a pro forma for Parish Councils / Meetings to complete alongside their letter or email of support to confirm the amount they support and the funding round that the project should be submitted to.
Grants surgeries for round three of Community GrantRound three of the Community Grant is open between 24 March and 18 May 2025, with decisions made at the Cabinet Sub-Committee Grants on 24 June.
Four grants surgeries have been arranged for anyone to talk to us about a potential project, and where parish and town councils and parish meetings can talk to us about how they can encourage applications from their areas. Feedback was positive from previous surgeries as it gives people the chance to talk to a grants officer face-to-face. The surgery dates and locations are:
- 5 March - 9.30-12.30 - Kibworth Community Hub
- 6 March - 13.00-16.00 - Broughton Astley Village Hall
- 3 April - 13.00-16.00 - Churchgate Community Centre, Lutterworth
- 4 April - 9.30-12.30 - The Council Chamber, The Symington Buliding, Market Harborough
Please book in advance.
Talk to us about your application!
It would be helpful for us to know what applications are in the pipeline, we can connect you with others if appropriate and give you advice about your project, send us an email. If you don't have a definite plan we can help you think about some options, and we can also advise Parish Councils / Meetings on consulting with the community to bring forward ideas. |
|
Tell us about your Community Grant project
| Other funding at Harborough District Council
If you make an application for the Community Grant, our grants officers will check to see whether there is any other funding that may be available to you. This may include the grants below, which you can also apply for directly. Section 106
This is funding that is agreed when there is a development of over 10 houses, so there are various amounts and spend by dates depending on where the development is in the district. See the list of which areas have funding allocated. Environmental Grant
This is for capital projects that will have a positive effect on the environment. Match funding of 10% is required. The next round opens 3 March 2025 and closes 25 April 2025.
Information about other funders and funding resources is further down this newsletter. |
|
|
Youth Council first meeting in January |
|
|
We are excited to have held the first meeting and get young people aged between 11 and 18 involved in shaping the Harborough District Youth Council.
There has been lots of interest and sign-ups from young people from different parts of the district. The first meeting was held in the Council Chamber in Market Harborough, but we will aim to rotate meeting venues across the district. |
|
|
We looked at Harborough District Council's corporate plan consultation, and young people told us what is most important to them and what they would like to see happen in the district. Their views will be included in council discussions along with other consultation feedback, so young people will have their voices heard right from the first meeting.
Young Person's Champion, Cllr Buddy Anderson, attended and talked about his role in linking the Youth Council into wider council activities. We also introduced young people to the role of Harborough District Council, and how this fits with the county and town and parish councils.
The next meeting will hear from the chair of a youth council in another district and start to think about some of the practicalities about how it will work, as well as getting feedback on discussions from the themed groups that were held last week and identifying specific projects to take forward from the priorities that the young people chose.
If you are a young person interested in the Youth Council, or know of any young people you think might be interested in attending future meetings or if you have any questions or queries for Youth Engagement Officer, Becca Powell, you can reach her at youthvoice@harborough.gov.uk. |
|
|
HDC delivering health and wellbeing activities in partnership across the districtAre you interested in increasing health and wellbeing activities with people in your group or area?
The Active Harborough Team sit within community partnerships at Harborough District Council, with an aim to promote participation and opportunities in physical activity, sport and healthy lifestyles throughout the district. They support people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through a range of initiatives, working with community partners to do so. |
|
|
Initiatives include Steady Steps (Falls Prevention), Chatty Chairs, Escape Pain, Cardiac Rehab, Active Travel, Workplace Health, Health Walks and the 12 week supported leisure scheme. These are core programmes the team delivers but they also support partners such as VASL, Parish Councils and Everyone Active with ad-hoc physical activity delivery and/or support.
|
|
|
Different activities will be featured in future editions of this newsletter to highlight the impact of their work, not only in improving physical health but bringing people together to reduce isolation and loneliness.
The team is always interested in working in new areas and partnerships. There is more information on our programmes online, or to get in touch with the team, at activetogether@harborough.gov.uk or complete their contact form and one of the team will be in touch to support people's physical activity requirements.
| |
|
|
Community spotlight: sharing your stories |
|
|
This section shares successes and good practice across the district to inspire others. If you would like to feature, you can complete this form or contact us on the addresses below.
In this edition we have Harborough District Community Awards winners Broughton Astley Volunteer Group, and Natasha Callis from HCYC's Speakout magazine. |
|
|
Community Awards winner - Broughton Astley Volunteer GroupWinner of the Voluntary and Community Group of the Year, Broughton Astley Volunteer Group (BAVG) was set up in March 2020 in response to the needs of villagers shielding or self-isolating during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We were particularly interested in talking to them because of their success in running an entirely volunteer-led group, which impressed the Community Awards panel.
Coordinated by two part-time volunteers, Jenny and Nicky, BAVG now offers its community the chance to recover and reconnect through social community groups. The group has grown considerably since it began, with the wide range of activities offered including kurling, community gardening, coffee mornings, lunches hosted by the local school, day trips, Christmas lunch, community carols and Boccia. There are over 60 volunteers who run these activities and deliver newsletters around the parish. |
|
|
What do you think have been the factors that have made a solely volunteer-led organisation successful?
When the charity was set up during the pandemic, there was a real need within the village for support for local residents. Despite the size of Broughton Astley, there is a village feel within the community and residents feel a responsibility and human desire to help each other. The work the charity did seemed to bring this out in people and became seen as an organisation that cared about the village. Some of the volunteers who first got involved are still helping out today and many others have joined over time, as they became aware of the progress that has been achieved. |
|
|
What do you think inspires people to get involved, stay involved and take some ownership of tasks?
We are very transparent in what we do, in particular by using our newsletter to communicate with the village and actively encourage people to join us. We also have a variety of activities that cover a wide spectrum which gives different volunteer opportunities. After four years operation we have a reputation for providing well-established groups and successful community events like the carol concerts. Everything we do gives back to the community. We have always been inclusive and provide volunteering opportunities to suit each individual and allow them to become more confident. We provide the support behind the scenes for all our groups and encourage our volunteers to be involved to a level they feel comfortable with.
|
|
|
Success stories - can you tell us about the changes you've seen in people who have been involved with BAVG?
A lady first came to one of our coffee mornings in November 2021 and was very isolated, lonely and nervous about going out. For quite a number of visits, she appeared lacking in confidence, with her head down and her hat pulled firmly on to hide her face. Over time, we have watched her make friends and laugh. She now has her head held high and it has been a pleasure to watch her transformation. |
|
|
There was also a young woman who had lost her job during the Covid pandemic and was struggling with the confidence to get back into the workplace. We offered her a role helping out at our coffee morning for six months, during which she became more sociable and confident. This eventually gave her the ability to return to full-time work and feel more motivated.
A number of recently widowed men and women have expressed to us that the charity has made a huge difference to their daily routines, whether that be simply for making friends over a coffee, joining a sports group or becoming a volunteer. One lady in particular, who started volunteering not long after her husband passed away, said that we “saved her" and she didn't know what she would have done without our support. |
|
|
What does getting the award mean to you?
We are really proud to receive the award from Harborough District Council. We are very lucky that our residents often tell us how much they appreciate what we do, but to receive recognition from larger organisations for what we achieve as a very small charity is fantastic. |
|
|
Our hard work is recognised for providing opportunities to get people together to prevent loneliness and isolation and to make individuals feel they are valued members of the community.
Contact BAVG for more information on their activities. |
|
|
Natasha Callis, Community Awards Young Person of the Year |
|
|
We are delighted to feature Natasha, our Young Person of the Year (11–18 years) award winner, as she shares her inspiring journey, achievements, and aspirations with us.
Natasha has been a contributing writer for Speak Out Magazine over the past year, embracing her passion for journalism. She jumped at the opportunity to see her work in print and has relished the experience. Initially writing about sports—a lifelong passion—Natasha has expanded her repertoire to include other topics. Among her favourite pieces is an article about transitioning after GCSEs, a heartfelt piece aimed at supporting others during what can be an overwhelming time. |
|
|
Beyond her love for writing, Natasha has been coaching netball in Market Harborough for over four years. She is deeply committed to encouraging teenage girls to remain involved in sports, a time when many girls often stop participating. Natasha not only played for Leicestershire but also coaches both beginners and seasoned players. She finds joy in mentoring younger girls and inspiring them to pursue their love of the game.
When asked about her proudest achievements, Natasha highlighted several milestones, including becoming a Leicestershire Sports Partnership Primary Sports Leader at just 11 years old, winning an East Midlands Under-11 Netball Tournament with Market Harborough, and celebrating her recent GCSE successes.
Natasha attributes her accomplishments to the unwavering support of her family and friends, as well as her own determination and proactive attitude. She believes in seizing opportunities, setting goals, and embracing challenges with a positive mindset. Reflecting on setbacks, Natasha shared how she learned resilience after not making the Leicestershire Netball team in year seven. Undeterred, she honed her skills and made the team two years later. |
|
|
Natasha’s passion for women’s sports shines through in everything she does. When she noticed the lack of coverage for the Netball Super League results in a national newspaper, she took action, contacting the editor and using social media to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women’s sports. Natasha even discussed the issue on BBC Radio Leicester and uses her Instagram platform to continue advocating for equal coverage.
|
|
|
|
Getting involved
If Natasha’s story has inspired you and you’d like to know more or get involved with Speak Out magazine, or know any young people you think might be interested, please follow this link
Young people (11-18) may also be interested in getting involved in our Youth Council.
There are other volunteering opportunities open to young people, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire provides information and support to get involved, and can advertise opportunities for groups. |
|
|
Funding and resources from other organisations |
|
|
|
This section contains a selection of grants outside HDC that community groups can apply for. Focus on capital grants
While HDC provides community grants and other capital funding, groups often need to find other funding to complete projects. Here are some suggestions of other funders that groups may be able to apply for.
The Clothworkers' FoundationMore information - ongoing |
|
|
Capital funding (no given value), which fits one or more of their programme areas: Communities experiencing racial inequalities; disabilities; domestic and sexual abuse; economic disadvantage; homelessness; LGBT+ communities; older/young people facing disadvantage; prison and rehabilitation; substance misuse and addiction.
|
|
|
Morrisons Foundation
More information – ongoing
Up to £10,000 granted for capital spend/direct project delivery, benefitting the local community. Prioritises applications from smaller charities with an income of less than £1m. Screwfix Foundation
More information - ongoing - next deadline 10 February 2025
Grants of up to £5,000, prioritising projects which will create a longer-term difference to people in need, such as financial hardship, sickness, distress or other disadvantages. Funding to support projects that relate to the repair, maintenance, improvement or construction of homes, community and other buildings. Bernard Sunley Foundation
More information - ongoing
Grants for capital projects for the building or refurbishment of community buildings/outdoor spaces, as well as for new minibuses/other vehicles which provide a vital service to those most in need in the local community. Projects that cost £100,000 or less can only receive a maximum of £5,000. Asda Foundation - Outdoor Community Spaces Fund
More information - closing date is 11 February 2025 - although they have said that the application window may close early if the total budget is reached
Outdoor Community Spaces Fund: grants range from £500 to £3,000 to be used to improve or transform outdoor community spaces where people can meet and be together, and build pride in their local areas. B&Q Foundation
More information – anticipated to open again in February 2025
Grants to improve or develop spaces that benefit local communities e.g. decorate, renovate, or create indoor or outdoor spaces to support people in need, such as experiencing homelessness, in financial hardship, impacted by health, disability, or other disadvantage or distress. Grants are awarded up to £10,000 for building or indoor projects, and up to £5,000 for garden projects.
|
|
|
Various funding opportunitiesWe select a few opportunities each month that link with the enquiries we get or our work with partners. Let us know if are any particular opportunities or themes that you would like us to focus on. National Churches Trust Medium Grants
More information – closes 15 April 2025 |
|
|
Grants for Christian places of worship of between £3,000 and £10,000 towards urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. Also project development and investigative work to support churches preparing for a major project.
We have a document that outlines other grants for churches and other places of worship, contact us at communitygrants@harborough.gov.uk |
|
|
Core and project funding from Severn Trent Community Fund
More information on both core funding and project funding Core funding
Funding of £5,000 - £20,000 for one year with two funding windows - May and November. Each window will be open for one month.
For smaller organisations with an annual income of £250k or less. Covers running costs such as management and administration, general office costs (rent and utilities), accountancy and audit, fundraising, communications and governance/compliance costs. Available to groups which deliver a vital service for local residents and need urgent support to continue their existing delivery of improving wider community wellbeing, especially the most vulnerable. The types of organisations supported are generally emergency relief services (e.g. foodbanks), health and medical support, housing and homelessness support, support for vulnerable populations and organisations that give employment and income assistance.
New project funding (capital or revenue) - ongoing Funds new projects that link to three key elements of community wellbeing - people, place and environment. Elements included could be labour, running costs, skills training, administration costs, capital costs of improving a site or building. Grants of up to £100,000 open to registered charities/companies
Leicestershire Ukrainian Community Grant 2024-25More information - current round closes 26 Feb 2025
Voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to deliver community-based projects, services and activities specifically targeted at improving the opportunities, wellbeing and social integration of Ukrainian families in Leicestershire. The focus is to support projects and activities directly delivered to Ukrainian guests, along with support for people and households who host Ukrainian arrivals in Leicestershire.
The Royal Countryside Fund - Supporting Rural CommunitiesMore information - expressions of interest deadline 21 February 2025
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £25,000 over a period of 24 months to deliver activities along the themes of: keeping young people in the countryside; powering up rural communities; increasing environmental sustainability; building emergency resilience in rural areas. |
|
|
Getting support
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire
We were pleased to have support from Voluntary Action LeicesterShire at our Grants Surgery in Lutterworth - they provide a range of support to groups including organisational development, funding and volunteering support. They also have various email newsletters. You can get in touch via their Helpline.
Lists of funding opportunitiesThe following organisations also provide free funding resources that may be useful to groups: |
|
|
VAL Volunteering Network and Learn Event in LutterworthVoluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) runs quarterly Network and Learn Events for Volunteer Managers in Leicestershire, looking at volunteer recruitment, management and retention. They are currently planning an event to be held in Harborough District in late March and they are just confirming a venue in Lutterworth.
They will be promoting the new VAL Volunteering Website, which is free to use, and helps connect volunteer involving organisations with potential volunteers. Organisations can add their opportunities to this website and be available for members of the public to view and apply online.
There is a VAL newsletter that goes out monthly, with various local updates, which will give you information about VAL's events. You can also keep an eye on their events page, and we will include final details of their event in this newsletter at the end of February.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flooding response - what can you do? |
|
|
As many of you will be aware, there has been flooding across the district in recent weeks, the main areas affected were Great Glen, Broughton Astley, Scraptoft, and Fleckney.
|
|
|
Get further information about what to do
Harborough District Council has advice and guidance about what to do to reduce the risk of flooding and what to do if it happens. HDC has offered sandbag stores in localities to ensure residents have quick access during flooding events, and we have taken away bulky items from flooded properties free of charge.
The Met Office also has resources around community resilience, including a training programme aimed at those working or volunteering in the community. Become a flood warden
The flooding incidents have sparked interest in flood wardens and revisiting or creating flood plans, and community groups can coordinate and encourage these. See below for what is now happening in Market Harborough.
A flood warden acts as a vital link between residents and agencies like the Environment Agency, councils, and emergency services, helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from floods. They raise awareness of flood risks, encourage preparation, assist vulnerable individuals, and report issues like blocked drains. Flood Wardens also provide local information to agencies during emergencies to ensure effective responses, and foster local partnerships to improve flood resilience.
LLR Prepared, the website for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Resilience Forum, has information on becoming a flood warden. You can contact them at llrprepared@leics.gov.uk
|
|
|
Setting up a Flood Warden scheme in Market HarboroughBased on information and photo provided by Bruce Durham, Harborough Town Flood Warden |
|
|
There were no Flood Wardens covering Market Harborough two years ago, but with flooding still an issue in the town, there are now twenty volunteer wardens who are reducing the flood risk to the community through action to prevent floods from happening and following up with help and intelligence if they do occur.
|
|
|
Wardens are part of Harborough Town Hub CIC's Harborough Flood Action Group and the four Neighbourhood Forums in the town.
As a result of community involvement there is now: Three Flood Hubs using Whatsapp in town hotspots, plus two in villages, who build self-help networks and collect cause and effect evidence to help to find solutions. Two Screen Teams managing trash screens, which prevent debris, such as leaves, litter, branches, and other materials, from entering and clogging the drainage system. A Draft Flood Action Plan to manage the flood risk and enable solutions using local knowledge, skills and capacity. The capacity to help and share solutions with communities in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and promote best practice through LLR Prepared
There is no authority responsible for all causes of flooding. There a number of different flood risk management authorities in Market Harborough who specialise in different types of flooding from rivers, road drains, council assets, and sewers. Communities have a key role to play in adopting and instigating best practice and supporting other agencies so that we all work together to reduce flood risk.
For more information about Market Harborough action about flooding and to volunteer, email hthubcommunity@gmail.com
|
|
|
Market Harborough Building Society Charity Connect |
|
|
Market Harborough Building Society is inviting charities to connect, share ideas and form partnerships to benefit the local community with partners Voluntary Action South Leicestershire and Harborough District Council.
|
|
|
Event details
Theme: Bring a charity friend and grow the conversation. Date: Friday 14 March 2025
Location: Newcombe House, The Point, Market Harborough LE16 7QU Timings
Arrival: 9.15am – 9.50am Welcome: 10:00am
Speaker: 10.15am Refreshments: 10.45pm – 12.00pm
Lucy and Ruth from Bodie Hodges Foundation will join the event. Starting in 2013, they have been supporting families bereaved of a child of any age and promoting organ donation. They will share their experiences and knowledge on how they raise their funds.
Followed by tea, coffee and pastries whilst networking with other charity colleagues. Everyone is welcome and they would love for you to bring a new colleague from another local good cause to help us grow our community.
To RSVP, please email thrive@mhbs.co.uk with your name, organisation and your guests’ details. |
|
|
Charity - business partnerships in the Harborough District |
|
|
Are you a community group that works in partnership with a business or a business who works in partnership with a community group?
We are planning on doing some work to encourage business - community group partnerships to benefit community groups, companies, their staff, and the wider district, and we would love to hear what already works. You can email us at communities@harborough.gov.uk or fill in our case study form to tell us more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
