New Funding Available – Mental Health

Berkshire Community Foundation invites local community groups to apply for funding for projects addressing the effects of mental health issues within Berkshire.  The 2017 Year of Mental Health is a community led and organised initiative which aims to help reduce stigma about mental health and raise vital funds to improve local opportunities. Berkshire Community Foundation has partnered with Brighter Berkshire to raise £200,000 to fund local projects / voluntary organisations supporting those with mental health issues.

The 2017 Year of Mental Health funding round will be open to applications from 22 September to 30 October 2017, for minor projects (up to £10,000) and major projects (up to £20,000).  The two stage process will lead to a shortlist of six projects being selected, to present at a ‘Pitch to the Panel’ event in March 2018.

In the first instance, applicants are being asked to submit an online Expression of Interest form along with their organisation’s latest Accounts, Constitution and Policies by 30 October 2017. Expressions of Interest will be considered by a BCF Panel, with those organisations/projects which meet with the criteria most strongly being invited to fill in an online application form to be completed by 1 December 2017.

Shortlisted groups will be notified in January 2018 about presenting their project to a BCF panel on 7 March 2018.  Applications not shortlisted for the ‘Pitch to the Panel’ event may be considered under alternative funding streams.

More information along with the Expression of Interest form can be found on our website.


CCB’s News

CCB APPOINTS RICHARD BENYON MP AS NEW PRESIDENT

The Community Council for Berkshire (CCB) is delighted to announce the appointment of our new President Richard Benyon MP.

Born, raised and educated in West Berkshire, Richard Benyon is involved with a large number of local organisations. Richard has a strong history of supporting rural communities in West Berkshire and in government, under David Cameron, worked as Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries at DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Richard says ‘I am delighted to be more involved with the CCB and look forward to the opportunity to support the excellent work it does in communities across Berkshire.’

CCB is an independent local charity with over 43 years of experience in community development work. CCB works across the county of Berkshire to bring people together to build strong, sustainable communities that are able to take control of their own futures.

Tim Parry, Chief Officer of the Community Council for Berkshire said, “Staff and Trustees at CCB have always been grateful for the interest that Richard has shown in our work over the years and we look forward to working more closely with him in the future.”

Richard Benyon’s first official role as President will be to chair CCB’s Annual General Meeting taking place on the evening of 19th October at Shaw House, Newbury.

Come Join our Team!

Come join our team. The Community Council for Berkshire (CCB) is looking to recruit new Trustees onto our Board.

CCB is an independent charity with over 40 years’ experience in community development work. CCB is the Rural Community Council for Berkshire and works to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire. Our core mission is to inspire communities in Berkshire to thrive. Our vision is for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures.

Your skills and experience will be put to use to make a lasting difference in the communities in which you work or live. Perhaps you have some time on your hands due to retirement or other circumstances, or have ideas and skills that would bring benefits to local communities. We are seeking a range of Trustee skills and experience to fulfil roles on our Board so whether you have plenty of time and energy to commit or you have other obligations but can attend an evening meeting once a quarter and help make key decisions we would love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, expand your network, meet new people and open doors to possible new career paths!

Honorary Treasurer
Are you a number cruncher? Do you have a head for figures and a heart open to volunteering for a local independent charity?

CCB is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer, following the retirement of the current post holder. This is a key voluntary position and the post holder will also sit as a Trustee/Director (see below) on CCB’s Board.

Ideally the post holder will have a professional qualification in accountancy or finance but a sound financial knowledge and experience would suffice.

The Hon Treasurer will be a point of contact for expert financial guidance for our other Trustees and Chief Operations Officer. You will need to be available for occasional discussions via telephone or face-to-face. For a full job description please e-mail admin@ccberks.org.uk

Trustee
Non-remunerated post, however out of pocket expenses are payable.
Appointment initially for three years and up to a maximum of six years.

CCB is seeking to recruit new Trustees to our Board. We are looking for people who have an interest in our work and, ideally, particular experience or knowledge in one or more of the following fields: Governance/Trustee Responsibilities, Campaigning, Charity Law, Health & Safety knowledge or Marketing & Sales experience.

Trustees need to have an interest and enthusiasm for working to improve community life in Berkshire and the ideal person will also have strong networks or alliances within the County. Post holders will be expected to attend 4 (mostly evening) Board Meetings per year. In addition there may be a small number of other meetings to attend including the Annual General Meeting and a Board/Staff Away Day.

For further details please e-mail admin@ccberks.org.uk.

Please take a moment to read what the CCB team were busy getting up to in 2016-17. Many of our projects continue with earnest in 2017-18 and if you would like any information or to learn more about any of them please get in touch with the team on 0118 9612000 and admin@ccberks.org.uk. Please click here to read a copy.