Overdue: 125 days
Public benefits
1. The advancement of citizenship or community development: The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include giving a common voice for the enhancement of regeneration and development for the people and village of Gilford. This is achieved through the Forum acting as an umbrella organisation, creating a platform for networking and
inter-group communication among user and constituted groups, enabling the identification of matters and issues of common interest in the area, lobbying and working with statutory agencies, and with funders to attract revenue and progress projects designed to improve rural regeneration, community participation, the improved appearance and enhance visual image of Gilford village, and the facilities and living conditions of those living within the wider Gilford area. Providing leadership to organisations within the Forum and representation to break down barriers and develop a sustainable community. Demonstrating the benefit through promoting and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisations, the measured alleviation of deprivation and poverty within the wider Gilford area, and feedback from within the organisations, the people of Gilford and the agencies and bodies that the forum work with. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose also include promoting community groups' access to a community centre to improve physical and mental wellbeing among the residents of Gilford, and tackling social exclusion and isolation within the community. Groups and organisations can meet in the centre and have their activities promoted within the community and among residents who also use the centre; encouraging active participation along with volunteering activity within the different voluntary sector groups. These benefits will be demonstrated through increased awareness among the community, resulting in an increase in the number of residents attending the community centre and participating in the voluntary and community organisations and groups, and projects/programmes being offered within the area. Along with an increase in community spirit and active participation of volunteering within community groups; and feedback from both local people and visitors regarding improvements made within the area. 2. The advancement of education: The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include raising awareness and educating all constituted community organisations in the Gilford area represented on the Forum. The representatives will then be able to cascade information to their own groups. The community organisations can also avail of training opportunities in relation to their aims and objectives. These benefits will be demonstrated through increased knowledge at grass root level and the ability for the groups to succeed independently. Neither purpose will lead to harm. For both of the purposes, the charity’s beneficiaries are people living in the wider Gilford area. In relation to the purposes, the only private benefit flowing from this purpose is the Forum’s programme of ongoing training that a trustee may attend in relation to good governance, finance etc. Through this training, trustees gain skills and expertise which are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Gilford Community Forum is an umbrella organisation set up to represent the community groups and organisations in the wider Gilford area, and to give a common voice in issues that affect that community as a whole. Providing leadership and representation, whilst working alongside, liaising and/or lobbying with statutory bodies and other agencies to
address said issues and to ensure the views of the community organisations taken into account at all levels. Provides inter-group communication enabling the identification of matters of common interest and need within the area. This interaction and networking enables a greater awareness of community activity and acts as a conduit for feeding information from various bodies and organisations into the grassroots community groups, and from individual groups into the local residents. Attracts revenue and funding from various sources based on the common needs and interests of the community organisations and the people of the Gilford wider area, to help urban regeneration, alleviate deprivation, increase community activities and participation, education and training, research and investigation, marketing or the organisation of community events which may benefit the whole community in an inclusive manner. Encourages and supports any activity or user groups in the area that benefit the community generally; aiding in promoting, creating awareness and general publicity in order to achieve the best outcome and active participation. Financial support is given to user groups who are too small to support themselves and pay rental costs to the community centre, thus enabling them to continue to benefit the wider community, tackling social isolation and increase volunteer activity within the area. The Forum also liaises and works with groups from other areas sharing and gaining knowledge on anything which can better inform our community and community groups on issues that impact on the wellbeing and environment of the local community.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
Who the charity helps
- General public
- Voluntary and community sector
How the charity works
- Community development
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Education/training
- Rural development
