Third Sector Forum Update – Community Engagement Budget Consultation

Who are we and what do we do? Me! – Community Engagement Manager Annabel Southern – Community Engagement Officer Simon Morton – Community Engagement Officer Marcus Beasley – Community Development Officer We are: Responsible for the corporate Community Engagement work Responsible for managing the day to day operations of the Fairness Commission The conduit between the rest of the Council and the VCFS Sector (in the main) We are not: ×A neighbourhoods team in the traditional sense ×A community development team – our Community Development work is very targeted and light-touch Community Engagement Team

Current Projects Council Couch – On-tour for the second year running, engaged with 50% more people than last year, very well received. Fairness Commission Projects including: Summits Farm Shop DAA Loneliness Project Fairtrade Community Connectors Junior Savers – Ensuring all year 6 pupils get a free £10 to start their savings career via the Credit Union. Work to support Children’s Services Intergenerational Listening Events – Small targeted events which aim to bring 60+ and year olds together to discuss issues which affect them all. Budget Consultation

Blackpool Council are currently consulting on the 2015/16 Budget, where again massive savings have to be made – we want as many people as possible to have their say so spread the word! There is a video available on our website which explains the current situation There is a questionnaire people can fill in on line and There are a number of workshop events across the town including drop in sessions at a local level budget.aspx