Projects - H
Heritage Skills Training and Business Development
The project employed a Heritage Skills audit manager to undertake a comprehensive audit of heritage and traditional countryside skills, with particular reference to North Devon. The audit identified how these skills can provide education and training, and build self-confidence for disadvantaged individuals. The project operated two pilot schemes in boat building and gardening. These schemes involved students from Bideford College learning vocational, work place related skills. Their attendance at college went up to 98% and some students carried on to carpentry apprenticeships.
High Bickington Project 2000
Local Member of Parliament, John Burnett, formally launched the High Bickington Parish Plan on 23rd August 2003 at the Village Fete. The Plan brings together almost three years of detailed "Community Led" discussions and extensive work alongside local authorities, agencies, voluntary groups and residents.
The project will employ a Development Manager, based in the village. She/he will work for the local partnership (High Bickington Project 2000) as well as other stakeholders to develop an agreed work programme including:
- Refining the designs already carried out.
- Clarifying legal and management issues.
- Submitting appropriate planning applications.
- Identifying constitutional methods.
- Negotiating parameters (and costs) for inclusion of land and buildings at Little Bickington Farm.
- Preparing financial models and business plans to include both costs and asset values.
- Identifying and pursuing potential funding.
- Setting up and implementing agreed development work with an estimated value of over £7m.
- Establishing and maintaing a communication strategy with all stakeholders.
Home Start - North Devon
The aim of this project is to expand the services currently offered in Barnstaple by Home-Start into the rural areas of North Devon District, including Ilfracombe, South Molton, Combe Martin, Lynton and Lynmouth, by promoting the role of Home-Start, recruiting and training volunteers and offering support to families in need.
Isolation is a real issue in North Devon and it affects families on many different levels. This project aims to address those issues by helping individuals gain access to support services and facilities within their areas, and improve their emotional health and self-esteem.
Home Start - Torridge
Home-Start Torridge proposes a project to expand family support services and volunteering opportunities into rural areas such as Holsworthy and areas of high coastal deprivation such as Westward Ho! and Appledore East. Much of the present activity at Home-Start Torridge focuses on Bideford, the new project however will expand their service to cover the whole of Torridge.
The project will create the post of a Rural Organiser and to hold a volunteer recruitment campaign and volunteer preparation course in Holsworthy. The first course will start in September 2005. Furthermore on-going training will be provided for volunteers throughout the year in Holsworthy.
