In 2011 a pioneering project to bring community groups and businesses together launched in North Wales.
A partnership between North Wales’ county voluntary councils, the Business Supporting Communities (B2C) project was awarded £810,000 by the Big Lottery to create and maintain sustainable links between third sector groups and local businesses.
In the just two years B2C has helped more than 1746 voluntary organisations, 683 individuals and 382 businesses.
Unusually, for a project of this kind, that support is not about money, instead businesses donate time, expertise, practical and in-kind support.
This can and has involved professional master classes, mentoring, workshops, volunteering and helping with local schools and community areas.
Members of the B2C team are now strenuously urging community groups across North Wales to come forward and get involved.
“We have seen fantastic contributions from North Wales businesses, from legal advice to unwanted equipment; training sessions to volunteering,”said Lucy Kew, project officer for Conwy and Denbighshire.
“It is incredible, ensure your community group isn’t missing out.”
To mark its second anniversary the Daily Post takes a look at some of the projects B2C has helped put together.
Getting stuck in and helping the community in Flintshire and Wrexham
HSS Tool Hire swapped the shop floor for a community garden as they gave up their time to help a local housing association.
The volunteering day saw HSS employees working with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association to tidy up the Garden City Community Garden and two allotment plots in Flintshire, one of which will kick start a growing project for local young people.
Louise Blackwell, Community Development Officer for Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, said: “Young people from the area will be trained to look after the garden but this day has been really helpful to shore things up over winter.
“The garden isn’t just for Clwyd Alyn residents, it’s for the whole community to enjoy and it’s a focal point for bringing people together.”
Over in Wrexham Wickes, a trade quality DIY and home improvement products supplier, donated their time and numerous garden items to Darland School in Rossett.
Wickes’ Kevin Jones and his team of seven, encouraged both the youngsters and staff, to get involved in planting and landscaping.
“It’s great to be in a position to be able to help out, and as a firm Wickes supports volunteering.
Alison Roberts, project officer for Flintshire and Wrexham said: “Businesses in Flintshire and Wrexham have been very keen to get involved in this project.
“From people giving up their time to volunteer, to professionals offering their skills and expertise – it really is amazing to be part of.”
Bowled over by workshops in Gwynedd and Angelsey
When Peibio Bowling Club in Holyhead desperately needed work doing to their clubhouse, they turned to Business Supporting Communities (B2C) for help.
Peninsula Home Improvements has an established reputation for supporting projects and organisations in the community so when the meeting of the two parties was facilitated by B2C, the Gaerwen-based company was happy to help.
What began as a purely charitable project provided Peninsula with some additional paid work as well as enhancing the company’s standing in the local community.
And, for the bowling club, which now hopes to develop school clubs and youth outreach programmes, it provided some much needed renovations.
Sandra Lingwood, treasurer at the club, said: “Before the work was done, the windows and doors at the club were unsafe and had to be brought up to standard.
“Now they are safe and the club is secure, it has given us a firm base to build for the future.”
Over in Caernarfon Gamlins Solicitors offered their expertise free of charge at a professional workshop on trustees.
The workshop, by Vernon Oliver from Gamlins, was held at Seiont Manor who donated their lounge under the B2C Share Initiative.
Vernon discussed a wide variety of topics relating to trustee duties such as duty of care, compliance, and laws and regulations.
Edwyn Thomas, project officer for Gwynedd and Anglesey said: “Businesses that interact closely with their communities build stronger social networks, are more in tune with consumer needs and are more attractive to prospective employees and customers.”
Planters and knowledge in Conwy and Denbighshire
A poly tunnel has been given a new lease of life thanks to Rhesgoed Farm Shop.
The poly tunnel was donated to The Community Growing Project in Rhyl to grow flowers for planters in the west area of the town.
The tunnel is now installed at Rhyl Communities First and provides a base for the Community Growing Project.
Ray Worsnop, of not-for-profit social enterprise Rhyl Community Events and Market Company who set up the project, said: “The tunnel has been a hugely valuable asset for the project.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without it.
“Since we’ve had the tunnel we were able to get additional funding from the council.
“Residents are now maintaining those planters and five people have become regular volunteers with the project.”
Under the B2C Professionals ‘umbrella’ marketing consultant and former journalist Claire Savage from Accord PR offered her services on a pro bono basis to support community groups attending the campaigning knowledge sharing event.
Claire shared her knowledge and experience of marketing and journalism to help the 15 community groups in attendance develop their campaigning skills.
Sarah Thomas, B2C’s project manager said: “We are involved in matching relationships between businesses and organisations which compliment business values and support local organisations where help is really needed.”
“If businesses have any spare resources, looking to volunteer or share your expertise, we can save you time and make links for you in your local area. Why not contact your local Project Officer for more information today or visit www.b2cwales.co.uk”
There are many ways for businesses to get involved:
* GIVE unwanted equipment or share resources or facilities such as meeting rooms or training sessions with community groups
*SHARE your expertise with the voluntary sector, or become a mentor
*VOLUNTEER in the community, or help your workforce contribute to local charities
*OFFER exclusive rates to community organisations which B2C will market online to more than 1,200 organisations
For further information visit www.b2cwales.co.uk
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