Following the approval of the full UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, Fylde Council have commissioned Selnet Ltd to deliver a Feasibility and Baseline Study to better understand the Community, Voluntary, Faith and Social Enterprise (CVFSE) sectors in Fylde.
The Council deeply appreciates the valuable contributions that these sectors play in supporting Fylde’s communities and the local economy, but there are also many unknowns. The Study will commence this month with Selnet contacting local groups and organisations to start to develop a greater picture of these sectors.
The main objectives of the Study, fully funded through the UKSPF, are:
- To recognise the individual organisations and groups working to support Fylde’s communities.
- Develop a portfolio of organisations operating across Fylde who are providing support services to both individuals and groups.
- To understand the types of support services being delivered and an indication of how many people are accessing these services.
- To identify gaps in provision, skills, capacity as well as any funding limitations and opportunities to understand how these organisations can be further supported in the future.
- The Study will provide a robust evidence base that will enable the Council and other partners to utilise when compiling future funding bids to support the local economy in its widest sense.
Chief Executive Officer of Selnet Ltd Liz Tapner, recipient of the 2019 Social Enterprise UK award for ‘Most influential woman in the UK’s social enterprise scene’, said: “It’s going to be fantastic to recognise and highlight the work of Fylde’s community and voluntary organisations, faith groups and social enterprises! We know how socially and economically important this sector is and are looking forward to building this exciting portfolio. Selnet will be gathering information, getting in touch, and talking with representatives across Fylde to identify and map Fylde’s CVFSE organisations.
We will be raising awareness of the impacts of their work – and any limitations holding them back. If you spend time within Fylde CVFSE organisations, we look forward to speaking with you soon – and you are welcome to get in touch with us through hello@selnet-uk.com for more information.”
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Fylde Council work hard to support the wide variety of community, voluntary, faith and social enterprises that we are aware of. This type of study has never been undertaken in Fylde before. We anticipate the results will shine a light on the whole of the sector and the great work they are doing to support our communities and the local economy, from delivering courses in basic skills to community transport and food banks.”
The final report expected in Autumn 2023 will provide a robust evidence base to inform future funding rounds and provide new opportunities for this critical sector, including the ability to access a network of like-minded organisations, share knowledge and expertise.
If you are a community, voluntary, faith or social enterprise in Fylde and would like to get involved in the Study, please contact the Community Team at Fylde Council at community@fylde.gov.uk. We would love to hear from you.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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