2009 has been a difficult year for many of the community projects in Burngreave. The funding cuts from Burngreave New Deal for Communities left some groups struggling to survive. In addition, the introduction of Community Assemblies will mean the area no longer has an Area Panel working directly for its benefit.
In this difficult period, it is increasingly important that groups and individuals in Burngreave share information and work together to highlight the needs of the area, build capacity, and help improve local services.
Burngreave Community Action Forum has traditionally been a focus for work to achieve these goals. However, BCAF itself has been hit hard by the cuts in funding and, with the changed circumstances across the area, it is clear that the Forum now has a new and daunting set of challenges to face.
If BCAF is to continue in its role, it must be able to change and adapt to meet these new circumstances. On Thursday 21st May, local organisations were invited to attend special meeting of the Coordinating Committee.
The conclusions from this meeting were that immediate and decisive action was needed to set out a new direction for the organisation; namely that:
BCAF must have a structure and legal status that allows it to attract funding and function as a viable organisation. The first step in doing this will be to register the Forum as limited company, giving it the ability to carry out functions such as employing staff and allowing it to operate as an independent body. To enable this to take place, a new constitution for the organisation will need to be drawn up and agreed.
In addition, the purpose and aims of BCAF must be clearly defined. Since regaining a staff team at the beginning of 2008, much good work has been one by the Forum. However, with reduced resources, it will be necessary to be clear on the precise role that BCAF should play in Burngreave.
The meeting concluded BCAF’s focus should be on the following areas of work:
Building Networks
Ensuring that groups and individuals across Burngreave are kept informed of developments and opportunities, are able to communicate with each other and know where to go for help.
Campaigning and Advocacy
Ensuring that the voice of Burngreave residents and groups is listened to and providing support and information to help issues to be raised; co-ordination of campaigns and petitions following the cuts to BNDfC funding was an example of this work.
Empowerment and Support
Enabling residents to come together and organise around particular issues: for instance, BCAF’s work in bringing together a group of volunteers to run Abbeyfield Festival in 2009.
A small working group has been formed to draft some proposals for action that reflect this new direction for BCAF.
These proposals will be submitted for wider discussion and agreement at the next Quarterly Forum Meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday 20th June, 12pm-3pm, Burngreave Vestry Hall. We hope to see you there!
BCAF Quarterly Forum Meeting
Pitsmoor Methodist Church, Burngreave Road, 12 – 3pm
For more information contact:
BCAF, 82 Spital Hill, Sheffield S4 7LG
Check BCAF's website for the latest information: http://www.bcaf.org.uk/
