Community grants available to groups in Exeter for events, projects etc.
Deadline for applications: 2 July 2010.  Decisions will be made public at the ‘Exeter Decides’ event on 17 July.  

Download an application pack here.  For more information and details on how to apply for this and other PACT grants see www.exeter.gov.uk/communitygrants email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01392 265531.

A small but important example of Community Activists influencing local decisions occurred this week, with the local 'Save Our Toilets' campaign, facilitated by the local paper Express & Echo, being credited with the reversal of a council decision to close several local facilities.

Exeter CVS and Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum have been successful in becoming the Regional Take part Champions and Development Fund managers for the South West region. This means we will be promoting activities to promote local involvement in democracy and active citizenship in 6 Local Authority areas across the region.

Members of the public have been asked what they would do if they were in Exeter City Council's shoes and needed to cut its budget by £1million.

The council held a budget simulation event where people were invited to have a go at two tasks in which they decided where the council should be spending its money or making cutbacks.  Full story in the Express&Echo.

There is a similar budget simulation exercise on the council's website at www.exeter.gov.uk/budget2010. It is available until December 24. People's views will help to inform the council's decisions in January.

The event and the internet simulator have attracted some criticism but has also been defended by councillors and those attending the event as a simple and accessible way to better understand the difficulties faced in budgeting decisions.

4 December 2009

Do you want to make your voice heard by people in power?

Do you want to influence decisions made by the council, UK government, the health service or other bodies that affect your community?

Have you started to campaign for change and want advice on how to get to the next level?

If so, the Sheila McKechnie Foundation campaign workshop is for you.

Download course information.

23 October 11:00-13:00.

An invitation to voluntary sector organisations: Find out how your organisation can get involved with the work of Parliament by attending a free workshop.

Download course information.

Fri 18 Sep 2009, 09:30-16:30 at Wonford Community Centre, Exeter

Fawcett Devon and Take Part Exeter organise an inspirational day for women in Exeter and Devon who want to have a voice and turn their ideas into action. There displays, stalls and information packs and a choice of four workshops, delivered in the morning and in the afternoon.

We are looking for volunteers living in Exeter, from different backgrounds and with a range of experiences. You should be committed to ‘active citizenship’ and to working constructively with public authorities.

Would you like to organise an event as part of National Big Lunch day? ECC can help fund you.

Imagine a summer's day on which millions of us, throughout the UK, sit down to have lunch together, with our neighbours in the middle of our streets, around our tower blocks and on every patch of common ground.

On Thursday 4 June 2009 nearly 500,000 people over the age of 18 in Devon will get the chance to go to the polls to determine who will lead Devon County Council and be responsible for key local services.

In the first few months of the project we have achieved the following:

We have sucessfully supported 53 people from Exeter communities through learning, building their skills and knowledge to be active and effective. The groups we have worked with have included parents from Beacon Heath Sure Start Centre, and Whipton Sure Start Centre, a BME group and a mix of representatives from Voluntary organisations.  Our training topics have included: Take Part Tasters, Active Listening and Representation Skills.

The first part of the seminar explored the key question of why people take part, with some outspoken 'active citizens' sharing their experiences and views with a cross-section of public service providers and organisations interested in community engagement.

Monday 15th June 2009
9.30 to 1pm at Exeter CVS, King William Street, Exeter

A free half day course for people involved in working in working with community and neighbourhood groups.

To book a place or for further information, please contact David Waddilove at Exeter CVS on 01392 202055 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

As spaces are limited early booking is recommended!