How do we help groups in Lancashire?
How do we help groups in Lancashire?
No two projects or community groups are ever the same. We determine in early project discussions with the group what our involvement will be. Our assistance is tailored to the individual group, based on the need for the project and the support that's necessary to accomplish it. This may be as simple as signposting to other agencies (such as funders) or where it is appropriate, leading the group through the entire project development process.
- Providing advice on project feasibility and potential for growth
- Helping groups decide what their community wants to happen through public consultation
- Using our network of contacts from within the County Council and externally to help move projects forward
- Assistance with designing, planning and developing projects from the initial planning stages through to project completion
- Providing advice on the opportunities for funding from sources within the County Council and other sources
We have developed an extensive Community Projects Guide which provides in-depth advice and information for groups planning environmental improvement projects in Lancashire, as well as a School Grounds Development Guide designed for use by schools. Please use the links below to access the guides.
Providing advice on project feasibility and potential for growth
Over the years, Lancashire County Council has assisted many groups (possibly hundreds) with community projects. We have built up a wealth of experience and are in a good position to advise what works well and not so well, whilst welcoming new and exciting projects. If you'd like to discuss your project idea and how you might develop your project then please get in touch.
Helping groups decide what their community wants to happen through public consultation
We may be able to offer your group guidance on setting up an effective community consultation exercise. It is important that the community is behind your project from the very beginning. Holding a public consultation event not only helps to convey understanding of what you are hoping to achieve, but also helps to generate ideas and raise important issues from different members of the community that you might not have thought of. It is important that you approach a consultation event by preparing carefully, asking the right questions and doing your research.
Assistance with designing, planning and developing projects from the initial planning stages through to project completion
We are here to help in an advisory and professional capacity, with emphasis placed firmly on groups being given the help they need to complete projects themselves. The support we can offer is wide ranging and we encourage groups to get in touch with us if they need advice at any stage in the project development process. For example, where we think that a detailed plan may help an organisation to achieve its aims, we may be able to offer design assistance.
Providing advice on the opportunities for funding from sources within the County Council and elsewhere
The funding world is diverse, with constantly changing deadlines and criteria. Even in uncertain financial times, it is usually possible for good projects to find resources from the array of funders that still exist and want to fund the right project that fits their criteria. Sometimes groups need help to develop their funding strategies, so as part of our service in Lancashire we keep up to date with the latest developments, helping groups get the funding they need. During initial project discussions we may be able to signpost groups to the most suitable funders and offer advice about what the funders are looking for.
The County Council has several sources of funding that may be appropriate for your project. Please view our Grants and Funding page for more information.