Brokering capacity building support for Blackridge community groups

In a collaborative effort to support local community groups, the Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL) recently ran a "capacity building roadshow" event in the Blackridge community. The event was prompted by insights from the Blackridge Community Fund Panel and Foundation Scotland, and co-designed with VSGWL.

Blackridge, a former mining village in West Lothian, is home to a tight-knit community with several dedicated volunteer-led groups having significant impacts on community life. Most of them have also received funding over the years from the Blackridge Community Fund, which is administered by Foundation Scotland, with a Panel of local residents making award decisions.  From fireworks to food vouchers, planters to painting groups, and everything in between, community groups and community funding make a huge difference in Blackridge.  

But a recent survey by Foundation Scotland, triggered by insights from the Blackridge Community Fund Panel, revealed that community groups needed additional advice, insights, and information on managing their organisations and activities more effectively.  

Foundation Scotland initiated discussions with Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian (VSGWL), who were enthusiastic about finding new ways to reach out to community groups in some of West Lothian’s semi-rural areas.  VSGWL is the “Third Sector Interface” for West Lothian dedicated to supporting and developing volunteer community groups, charities and social enterprises in the area.  

Foundation Scotland and VSGWL worked jointly to shape the event, and the 7th November saw the VSGWL team providing an opening presentation and then breaking into small groups to delve deeper into specific subjects such as constitutions, policies, safeguarding, accounts and financial practice, banking, volunteering, and funding/fundraising.  

The event was well-attended, with over 20 Blackridge volunteers participating. VSGWL has arranged follow-up sessions with different groups to address their specific needs and help them sustain and increase their success in serving the Blackridge community.

"This has been a great example of joint working amongst Foundation Scotland, a local Fund Panel, and a local third sector interface to celebrate and support the fantastic work of volunteer-led community groups," said Malcolm Jack, Foundation Scotland's Community Funds Manager who oversees the Blackridge Community Fund.  "VSGWL have been really open to pioneering a new way of delivering capacity building support, and of course they brought a huge wealth of knowledge to the session itself.  Their support undoubtedly complements the funding support that the Blackridge Community Fund is able to provide."

Stuart Barrie, VSGWL’s Operations Manager spearheaded the event planning and delivery on the night:  

“It’s been a really positive experience working with Foundation Scotland and supporting local groups.  The partnership allowed us to be creative and innovative in how we help people, taking our support models to their locations.  This new model is something we’ll look at doing again in different communities too.  On the night we met some fantastic people and heard about the difference they made in their communities too. It was quite inspiring to hear the dedication that people pour into where they live. It really does make such a positive difference.”

The next application deadline for the Blackridge Community Fund is 5th December 2024, with new application deadlines in 2025 to be advertised shortly.  

Applications to enhance the quality of life for Blackridge residents, contribute to a vibrant, healthy, successful and sustainable Blackridge community, or promote community spirit and encourage community activity within Blackridge, are all welcome.  Groups located or headquartered outside Blackridge may apply but must demonstrate Blackridge community consultation, demand and/or partnerships and a clear benefit for Blackridge residents or the community.  

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a great evening of support and community.