Activity in 2009
The Fair Share has supported various third sector organisations and community groups/partnerships over the past 4 years.
The hard work of all the volunteers and organisations involved is reflected in the successful projects completed to date and those that are currently in process.
The year 2009 shows already signs of a good year for communities and third sector organisations supported by the Fair Share Community Development Worker.
- YMCA Darlington received Fair Share starter funding in 2007 to lever a significant amount to build an extension on the existing building. The community building is now completed and a launch is set to take place this year.
- Evolution in Church Row was supported by Fair Share funding to open up a brand new IT suite, interactive white boards in meeting rooms and install a state of the art advertisement screen that is situated in the reception area ready for community groups to advertise their events and services.
The Big One for 2009
SCOUTS – Widdowfield Street
The Fair Share Facility Strategy from 2005 clearly highlighted the need for various communities living in Northgate to have a community building. The Fair Share Community Development worker was set the task to support the Northgate communities to fulfil this need. The worker approached the leading people of the Scouts hut with the outcome that various community volunteers, ward Councillors and third sector organisations work on the essential foundation-work before going into the next step to access funding. The aim of the project is to expand, restore and refurbish the building to provide a welcoming community building for all.
Fair Share History
2007 was a significant year that harvested all the fruits from the work invested in the years before completion of projects.
- St Hilda’s community building in the Central ward has been allocated funding to build a ramp for easier access.
- Pensbury Street received (after a long struggle since early 2000) a major start funding from Fair Share that helped to lever the rest of the monies needed to make essential restoration work to a dilapidated play area.
- Fair Share funded the Park Project Worker, who was employed by Groundwork West Durham and Darlington, for the North Lodge Park.
- Work of the Fair Share Community Development Worker to encourage social and racial tolerance included Multi Cultural/ethnic football cup and International Days at the Forum Music Centre Borough Road Central Ward. Both projects have become annual events.
- The Central Ward had a Community Directory delivered which informed residents of services and community groups that meet regularly.
- Top Deck, a youth club, located in the Central Ward received funding to employ a youth sessional worker.
- The Gypsy and Traveller’s communities worked together with the Central Ward Community Development Worker to access Fair Share funding to run a Homework Club at Honeypot Lane.
2008 started great, reflecting the excellent work that has been invested by very determined and hard working volunteers of the Darlington Social Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired people.
- They re-launched their Club after a threat to have it closed down due to lack of information of how to access funding and professional community support. With a new group of volunteers and users of the club they have received Fair Share funding for essential building work and running costs. They have now doubled their membership and have been awarded with two Darlington Awards, one from the Volunteer Sector and another one from the Council.
- The Toy library situated in Northgate has received funding for a three years period to support delivery of toys.
- The Fair Share Community Development Worker supported Darlington Art’s Centre by designing and delivering focus groups to enhance services.
- The Fair Share Community Development Worker supported the Baptist Church at Corporation Road to access funding for essential fabric work at the church.