Trehopkins OAP Group had been struggling to run their hall for years. In 2020, they asked us to help them engage the community to find out who might be interested in helping to run it as a community venue.

Citrus Arts Ltd., a locally based community arts organisation, expressed an interest in getting involved. We began to support both organisations to establish how the governance of the hall would work. Citrus Arts needed to understand the liabilities attached to managing a building as well as the potential benefits it might bring. Also Trehopkins OAP Group needed reassurance that they were not about to be taken over and lose their building.

To do this, we signed the organisations up to the DTA Wales Enterprising Solutions programme. They supported community engagement, helped write a business plan, and finalised decisions around governance. Trehopkins OAP Group’s governance became strengthened with two directors of Citrus Arts becoming trustees as well as two local councillors, which addressed diversity and succession concerns. Citrus Arts’ directors gained a clearer plan for the way forward, and now have a permanent home in the hall, which gives them an office and arts space. Both of these developments were invaluable in lockdown.

Community engagement was carried out which meant they could find out what support local residents needed. Then they designed activities for families and older people which kept everyone engaged in lockdown.

A volunteer at the hall said:

“When I’ve been delivering the boxes people already know who we are and what we’re doing. The future of the hall has become something which the wider community now feels a part of.”

Make your organisation’s plans happen

Get in contact with our Community Advice Team for support with your organisation’s projects. You could find funding, get training, and receive advice on running your outfit more effectively.
Contact
T: 01443 846200.
E: info@interlinkrct.org.uk