Trowbridge YAG Information Evening Wednesday 7 th November 2012

What is YAG? Youth Advisory Group to the Trowbridge community area. Improving positive activities for the youth of Trowbridge Planning and shaping local services Working with the local Area Board and Trowbridge Council to put forward the views of the young people of Trowbridge

So... What Have We Done? Listened to people who use the Skate Park and lobbied to have lighting installed Raised the profile of concerns that young people have about the Town Park at night Reduced fare train tickets to Bath for young people - £1.50 return! Improving alleyways in Trowbridge that had broken lighting or were overgrown And there’s so much more...

Rachel Efemey - Trowbridge Community Area Manager Trowbridge Area Board

Area Boards Overview 18 Area Boards across Wiltshire 98 Councillors - Elected unitary councillors in the community area are the voting members. 9 Councillors form the Trowbridge Area Board Other representatives include Parish & Town councils, Fire, Police, NHS, Community Area Partnerships, CAYPIG

What the Area Board Does Councillors – community leaders, champion local issues, make decisions on policy and resources, shape service delivery, allocate funding for community priorities Council Services – accountable to Area Boards on local service issues, bound by legal and financial constraints, but aim to be locally responsive and flexible Partners inc Community Area Partnerships – engaged in local issues, theme groups, consultations and events, identify community priorities, raise external funding for delivery

Area Board Meetings Area Boards meet approx every 2 months Meetings are held across the County at 7pm and open to all Agendas are set up to 2 months in advance Agendas items come from a range of different sources including issues raised via the Area Board issues system

Community Area Grants Each Board has a budget - Trowbridge Area Board has approx £75k per annum Deadlines for applications are 6 weeks prior to the Area Board meeting date Decisions are made at the Area Board meetings Application pack on line: Small grants of up to £350 available to non constituted groups

Community Area Grants Criteria Up to £5,000 available for your community project. Funding linked to local priorities Up to and including £1,000 may be available for small projects, where there will be no need for you to find matched funding Up to 50% of the total cost of a project, where the total cost is more than £1,000 Support for organisations making applications - simple application process

Youth Funding The TAB has funding specifically for young peoples projects £200 to take part in activities, buy equipment or any other project ideas that will enhance informal learning in their local community Groups must have access to a bank account of a constituted organisation to pay the grant into Grants available until 1 st March 2013 or all the funds have been spent You will know within 4 weeks if your application has been successful A simple application form available from the Area Manager

Your local issues A simple process that ensures issues are properly considered

KEEPING IN TOUCH The Area Manager has a community area network a database of individuals/organisations who wish to keep up to date with local information Regular updates/newsletters sent out with news from the Area Board, the Council and other partners Coming soon A community web site for the Trowbridge Community Area. We are looking for local community reporters

Find out more

Our Current Involvements Providing an input on the proposed New Town Hall Arts scheme. Seeking to improve and modernise Trowbridge Town Park. Ensuring young people are involved in Trowbridge Community Campus. Supporting young people from Seymour to update the park. Campaigning for a half-pipe for Studley Green

Anything Else? Friendly, fun atmosphere. Everybody’s views and ideas are welcome! Discuss important issues with people your own age. Looks good for job and higher education applications Make things happen for young people – music events? No fee and we have biscuits!

TOWN