Frome Town Council Supports Community Development

Frome Town Council hosts a wealth of support for community organisations; local community groups, charities, CICs (community interest companies), and parent/teacher associations.

Councillor Peter Macfadyen explains, ‘We know that many of the statutory services in Frome such as social care, support for older people and mental health are becoming more and more stretched.  As a result, local groups in Frome are picking up a fast-growing demand for their services.

“We have, over the last five years developed a range of ways of supporting these groups to cope with this increase in demand and to enable them to be financial sustainable as the funding they have traditionally had from central and local government is withdrawn.

“We want to do more than simply increase the amount of funding available for local organisations.  The support we offer, as well as funding, includes fundraising advice and support, training on a host of hot topics including data protection, first aid and the roles and responsibilities of trustees, and individual support for new groups looking to form in Frome.”

One of the community groups supported by Frome Town Council is the Toy Library. Relaunched at the end of last year, it provides play opportunities for families in Frome. As well as lending out toys to families, sessions are run at Portway Church Hall, where the room is filled with all manner of toys, crafts and activities. It is described as a wonderful way for children and parents to socialise and engage in play together. Councillor Kate Bielby,( pictured) said, “This is an excellent example of where local knowledge and connectivity with community groups by Frome Town Council can combine to save great projects like this one that are so valuable to young families.”

At the recent Town Matters council meeting, the audience heard about Rosie Schura and Willow Harwood.  They were managing a waiting list for their regular singing sessions for toddlers and their parents in a Frome nursing home. The couple came to the town council in August last year for support and advice on fundraising. After an initial meeting with community projects officer, Kate Hellard, they went on to set up a new organisation in order to fundraise to increase the number of sessions they can provide in Frome.

Rosie and Willow said, “We’ve found the service really supportive and motivating.” They have benefited from individual support, training sessions on setting up an organisation and fundraising and opportunities to meet others working in the voluntary sector in Frome. The duo have now established a new organisation Play It Forward CIC and are looking ahead to increase the number of singing session they deliver in Frome nursing homes, amongst other initiatives.

To find out more about how Frome Town Council can support your organisation go to www.frometown council.gov.uk/your-community/organisation-support/ or contact Kate Hellard by emailing             hellardk@frometown council .gov.uk