South West Wales’ second Regional Funding Fair, jointly hosted by local authorities and third sector partners at Ffos Las Racecourse, has once again provided community groups and voluntary organisations with direct access to valuable information on funding matters and was a key opportunity to promote the highly successful joint working that has taken place in the region over the last three years.
This event, which was part funded through the EU’s Convergence programme through the Welsh Assembly Government, was timely given concerns over the future of public services funding and, building on the foundations of the first Regional Funding Fair in 2008, demonstrates the region’s strong commitment to collaboration on funding issues.
Cllr. John Allen-Mirehouse, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, Pembrokeshire County Council said:
“The four South West Wales local authorities support the fair because we know charities, community groups and voluntary organisations play a vital role in the economic regeneration of our region, particularly during this time of financial turbulence. Local authorities across South West Wales have a strong track record of collaboration but collaborative events such as this are particularly important as they demonstrate the ability of the public and voluntary sectors to come together jointly to deliver.”
“Two years ago the first Funding Fair was a hugely successful day, enabling people from across the region to benefit from the funding advice and guidance available. However, there were still lessons to be learnt from the feedback and as a result, this year’s event which attracted 1,300 people, had a far greater focus on face to face engagement with individuals and community.”
Carol Green, Director Swansea Council for Voluntary Service said:
“During the event national and regional funders, as well as a many other organisations, support groups, trusts and statutory bodies were available to discuss specific funding requirements, to provide immediate access to information on funding matters and to assist groups to develop their ideas.”
“The four Councils for Voluntary Services supporting the fair knew the event was also a great opportunity to bring all providers under one roof and promote networking as a way of maximising resources and simplifying support for the community and individuals of the region. We are very grateful to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Welsh European Funding Office for providing support for this event through the European Convergence programme. ’
