| Small
Group Project - Special Event -
Fri 26 Sept 2003
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Sandy
sitting with VIPs |
The
highlight of the year for the Small Group Project is its
annual event to which all the groups that we have worked
with are invited. This year it took place at Bradbury
House, Glossop on Friday, September 26th.
It was attended
by over 50 people and 27 different groups were represented.
Several made presentations about their organisations.
A selection of
workshops was tailored to small-group needs. Finally there
was a chance to air views on how the High Peak CVS can help
groups.
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Presentations
The day began with
presentations from some of the groups about their work. Those
in the audience considered this really interesting and inspiring.
It made people aware of the diversity of the groups’ activities
and the passion and commitment with which they carry them out.
The presentations were
given by the following:-
David Woodward
of Footsteps, who explained how far this Whaley Bridge
community drop-in had come in a short space of time, offering
a warm welcome to all as well as other facilities such as computing
classes.
Esther Jones
of the One World Festival gave a colourful pictorial
history of this very successful annual event held at New Mills.
Through music, dance, speakers and various stalls it has a focus
on world peace and inclusivity.
Kath Davidson
of the Anster Young Peoples’ Project gave a moving
account of how this project is giving several young people affected
by drug problems an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe
and supportive environment.
Ann Howarth
of Jericho Project explained about the work this community
project is taking forward in the Gamesley area of Glossop. She
highlighted some of the difficulties that they have encountered,
particularly with regard to funding. The community catering business
run by Jericho was providing the buffet for the meeting. (Which
incidentally was considered delicious by everyone!)
Peter Aldred
of Gamesley Villa told how this project is giving the
children and young people of Gamesley a new focus for their energies.
In just a few months they have secured funding for lots of equipment
and kit. They are now thinking of starting up a girls’ football
team.
Gail Barlow
of Ants & Bees shared with the meeting a vision for
a new group for children and young people. Using a creative form
of drama and poetry she hopes to focus and raise awareness of
environmental issues.
Danny Jenkins
of Heartlink explained the support that the project offers
to people who have heart problems. He stressed that people of
any age are affected and the opportunity to discuss their fears
and concerns with others is very valuable to them.
Jim Seddon
of Access Glossop was a representative of one of the
four Access Groups that were present. All the four High Peak Access
Groups had representation at the Event. Jim described the work
of the Glossop group and particularly the surveys of eating establishments
that they are carrying out at present. It is the group’s
intention to publish a Guide to Accessible Eating Out in Glossop
in the near future.
Louise Glasscoe,
Pat Thompson and Maureen Law of High Peak Writers treated
the audience to some of their poetry. The group use their creativity
to address issues and explore their feelings with regard to mental
health.
Workshops
Participants were offered
a choice of workshops in the morning and in the afternoon. These
were Presentation skills, Publicity, Book-keeping, Recruiting
Volunteers, Equal Opps Policy and Power Chi Yoga. Feedback from
the participants was very positive. Everyone found the workshops
both informative and enjoyable.
Other Workshops:
Presentation skills (Derek Shields) - How
to be a star.
Developing an Equal Opps Policy (Neil Moulden)
- Making sure everyone can be involved in your group.
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Getting
to know each other
Appropriate workshops
are a great way for groups to learn how to develop their organisation
but often when asked which was the best part of Events such as
this, we are told it was the chance to meet and talk to other
groups. With this in mind we scheduled in lots of time for networking.
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Opportunity
to exchange ideas with other groups over coffee
Several groups brought
their own displays or leaflets to show others about their work.
During the lunch break – whilst enjoying the buffet provided
by Jericho Community Catering – there was the opportunity
to view these and to meet like-minded people and learn from each
other. It’s also good to know that the problems small groups
face are experienced by others. Sometimes, they have found a way
to address them that they can pass on!
It was great for Sandy
and Andréa to have so many of the ‘small groups’
together for this Special Event. They were also very grateful
to their colleagues at High Peak CVS for all the effort they put
in to making the day a success. Also invaluable was help of colleagues
from other agencies and volunteers who form the Advisory Group
for the Small Group Project. Thanks also go to the Learning and
Skills Council who fund much of the training element of the Small
Group Project. We were pleased to be able to have Glen Wilson
from LSC with us on the day.
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It's
your CVS - have your say - open discussion led by Chief Executive
Kevin Skingsley
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