Minutes  -  Faith forum

 

16th June  2004  at 4.30pm at HVA

 

Present:  Jimmy Tang - Barge Restaurant, Syd Broxton - Methodist Church, Anne Marie Cagliarini - Racial Equality Council, Kath Parkes – HVA, Linda Hosty – TocH,  Marion Hayes – Open Door Project, Martyn Newman – Churches Together in Merseyside, Moira Dickinson – Kings Cross Project

 

Apologies

John Devine - Northwest Dev Agency, Greg Lamkin – St Ambrose, Paul Skirrow – St Michaels, Rev David Felix – All Saints Church Daresbury, Rev Margaret Eaton – Wicksten Drive Christian Centre, Ray Jones – St Mary’s, Ultan Russell – Diocese of Liverpool Officer

 

1.             Welcome

Kath welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.  It was advised that the meeting had been called to explain about a new grant which is available to faith communities but also to look at the structure and the future benefits of continuing with the group.

 

2.             Operation Eden

Moira explained that her post focuses on funding advice for faith communities.  Reference was made to John Devines report which confirms that 45000 volunteers are working in faith communities in the North West, contributing a massive amount to community development.  She explained that there has never been a better time for faith communities to get involved in fund raising.  Moira then continued to give a brief outline of the Operation Eden project which aims to encourage partnership working specifically around environmental issues.  It is a small grants programme offering up to £4000 per project.  The panel meets on a quarterly basis.  Tom Veitch is the programme coordinator and can be reached at Church House in Liverpool on 0151 705 2130.

 

Martyn Newman was on the steering group for the project and continued to explain that there are three objectives to the project:

 

w         The coordinators of the project aim to encourage faith communities to express their concerns about the environment

w         Small grants will be made available.  Although the funders will be looking for matching or part matching they will consider volunteer time and each bid will be assessed on an individual basis.

w         Training will be offered to increase awareness of environmental issues.

 

A word or caution was expressed by Martyn as this fund is only available to faith communities within the Archdiocese of Liverpool which effectively excludes Runcorn parishes.  This does not mean that Runcorn communities cannot access other funding or even work in partnership with Widnes based groups to look at projects or initiatives.  Martyn will send copies of documents for circulation.

 

Heritage Lottery are undersubscribed in the Halton area and are actively encouraging groups to apply for funding.  They are holding a workshop in July.  Moira will send details to Kath and this information will be sent out to members.  Their Young Roots small grants programme is particularly applicable.

 

3.             Structure

 

A discussion took place about the possible structure and remit of the group.  It was explained that the aim of this group is not to replace any existing structures for community worship but rather to look more at a support role for faith communities to assist them in their continuing work within the community.  It is recognized that faith communities are very important in this work and that their input and support is crucial to the regeneration and development of the borough.  This cooperation and partnership working will offers benefits such as:

 

w         Advice and support on new and existing funding streams

w         Sharing of information and experiences

w         Development of partnership working

w         A mechanism for partners/agencies to conduct wide spread consultation

w         An opportunity to get YOUR message to colleagues in the borough very quickly

 

Martyn Newman suggested that contact could be made with Sefton who have an active faith network.  By developing their structure they are even able to consider offering their services for community development work.  Kath will make contact with a view to a representative coming to talk to the group.  Carolyn Spittal is the best contact.

 

Churches Together in Runcorn are looking at a possible Community Cafι for young people but they are having difficulty with time, cooperation of partners and funding.  A more structure faith forum/network would offer an ideal opportunity to share these difficulties and offer support and advice.

 

Wirral churches have employed a dedicated worker to gather ideas from grass roots level and feed in the priorities of the neighbourhood so the opportunities are widespread.

 

Moira kindly agreed to assist any groups with funding advice if she is able to help and gave details of where to reach her as follows:

 

Widnes 0151 420 4905 on Tuesdays kingscrossproject@dialpipex.com                    Liverpool 0151 722 6590 on Thursday and Friday   office@merseysynod.dabsol.co.uk

 

Kath explained that Halton Together has recently funded a small group in fundraising and the group will shortly be offering their services to the borough to assist with specific funding advice.  When dates are finalized, information will be posted to the website www.haltontogether.org.uk

 

Martyn agreed to send information about other documents relating to partnership working with faith communities

 

No meeting date was set as Kath will contact Sefton and suggest some dates later.