Serving communities
across Bedfordshire and Luton
Latest News
Leader bid successful (28 May 2008)
We were delighted to hear at the end of May 2008 that the Greensand Ridge
Local Action Group's Leader bid to the Rural Development Programme for England,
which was led by BRCC, has been approved by EEDA. This will bring in up to 3
million pounds over the next five years or so for our Local Development
Strategy for the area. The Greensand Ridge is one of Bedfordshire's finest
stretches of countryside, encompassing most of its woodland, many of its most
picturesque landscapes, and a range of visitor attractions, with a common theme
of heritage and wildlife. In the face of housing growth all around, the Ridge
area must protect its distinct environment, while also creating jobs in order to
reduce out-commuting and reverse the decline in rural services.
The strategy's objectives include:
- Increasing opportunities for green tourism and leisure
activities
- Helping farmers and foresters to diversify into new
markets
- Growing the market for locally sourced food and drink
products
- Supporting small business growth and community enterprise
For more information please visit the BRAF website
Free building work for community projects
Do you know of anyone needing building or refurbishing
work done? Playground, ramps to allow wheelchair access to footpaths, repainting
a community space etc? E.ON Engineering is looking for a community
project for their new batch of technician apprentices to work on in August,
prior to starting their formal training in September. They are
seeking a challenging project with a definite conclusion that they can be proud
of. Salaries will be covered by their Corporate Social Responsibility budget
but the host would need to supervise the daytime activities in question.
For more information contact Dr Jim Cooper, Head of Projects (Europe NSW)
Department E.ON Engineering, 02476 192 388 or email Jim.cooper@eon-engineering-uk.com
Wheels to Work
Wheels to Work is an approach that helps predominantly young, unemployed
and disadvantaged people get to work or training. Click this internal link to find out more.
Nourishing Neighbourhoods
On 1 Feb 2008, BRCC and its partners started work delivering 'Nourishing Neighbourhoods'
- a 3 year, 150,000 pound food based community health project. The aim
of the project is to support the most disadvantaged communities across Luton,
Dunstable and Houghton Regis,so that they can enjoy and benefit from increased
physical and mental health and general well being.
Are you seeking a challenge?
Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureau
is looking for volunteers who would like the opportunity to learn new skills and
develop existing ones. Located at offices in Biggleswade, Ampthill and
Chicksands, CAB advisers interview clients face to face and on the telephone.
They advise on a wide range of issues including debt, benefits, housing,
employment and family matters. Advisers receive free formal accredited training
with all expenses paid. As well as advice-giving, the service has volunteering
roles in support of fundraising, publicity and recruitment.
All sorts of people volunteer for the CAB, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied - and you never stop learning.
If you would like to join a friendly team, please contact
Jenny Hedges, Bureau Manager on 01462 819570.
The Disability Resource Centre
Do you live, work or study in
Mid or South Bedfordshire and have a disability, act as a Family Carer or have
an interest in disability issues? From 20th February 2008 until 19th March 2008
you will be able to comment on how Mid and South Bedfordshire District Councils
serve you. The Disability Resource Centre is facilitating a questionnaire which
aims to obtain views about local services and how they might be improved in
future.
For advance information please call 01582 470900, e-mail information@drcbeds.org.uk or visit our
website, which will
have further information.
Step Forward Carbon Heros
Is your community taking action to cut carbon
emissions? Do you need funding to make your big ideas happen? If so, take part
in Cut your Carbon and win a share of 2.5 million pounds for your
community. The first funding round is now open and more information can be
found in the following link step forward (32KB)
Playing Fields Toolkit
Rural Action East and its regional network of Rural Community Councils
have developed a new toolkit to help communities that own or manage
open green spaces for use by their residents.
If you would like to learn
more about this new resource then follow the link, which will have further
information: Playing Fields Toolkit (35KB)