Bev describes her work as Outreach officer to BBC Three Counties Radio listeners.

Bev describes her work as Outreach officer to BBC Three Counties Radio listeners.

Outreach Worker

A snapshot of our Outreach Service

My diary by Beverley Trevitt, Outreach Officer

June 26th 

Grant application received from a new community group looking to set up a sporting activity for disabled children. 

Grant application assessed.  Additional information required -

  1. Is there a need for the project? 
  2. Does the group have own bank account?
  3. Application form needs to be signed and dated.
  4. Advise group on other potential grant programmes.

Visit organised for Monday 30th June

It is very important to visit new groups to create a good working relationship.  Getting to know them and understand what they are trying to achieve is key to providing a good support service.  Groups frequently tell me how valuable they find this.  They appreciate the effort I make in getting to know them.

June 30th: Successful visit to group

  1. Established need for project
  2. Gained background info on committee members 
  3. Highlighted 2 potential local funders to whom they could apply
  4. Discussed project costs – costs for participants maybe too high as the club will be working in areas of high need.  Suggested applying for grants to enable them to offer subsidised places in order to encourage participation
  5. Monitoring of grants explained
  6. Full report prepared for grants committee meeting on the 9th of July

 Meeting groups, like the example given, enables the Foundation to make a fully informed decision on the grant application.  During this visit I have helped a group to understand the funding process, identified other sources of funding, explained monitoring procedures and ensured relevant policies are in place.

 I find it rewarding having the opportunity to provide support for new groups, to help them to create a solid foundation in which, they can deliver a successful project; in helping them to develop this concrete structure it will also aid towards the groups sustainability.

July 9th: Grants Committee Meeting

The Grants Committee met today to consider a total of 29 Small Grant applications.  The application for the sporting activity was considered and a grant of £1000 was approved.

"The Best Bit"

Once a grant has been awarded, I will re-visit to see how the project is progressing and to offer further support. For me it is a real privilege to witness the impact these projects have on local communities, and to know that the grant and support offered has contributed towards this.