Are you a local community group or charity and wish to benefit from sharing experiences and ideas with other local groups?
The Hailsham Community Forum is always looking for community groups, associations and charities in the area to exchange ideas, learn from each other, network and collaborate.
They have speakers from voluntary services organisations, grants advisors and other charities. The group continues to build communication networks and create a louder voice with other voluntary and statutory groups.
The long-term benefits of joining the Forum could be cost savings through group negotiating power with printers, suppliers, donations and local businesses, sharing resources like gazebos and tables and more.
Several groups have already benefited from the forum by taking stalls at the Hailsham Street Market, collaborating to fundraise together and collectively promoting and raising awareness of their organisations.
The Forum meets monthly and is made up of around 30 community organisations including Hailsham Active, Hailsham Harriers, Computers For Charities, Hailsham Bonfire Society, Hailsham Lions, Hailsham Choral Society, the Now! Charity, Demelza Hospice Care For Children, Hailsham Allotment Society, Hailsham & District Flower Club, Healthy Walks Group and Hailsham Foodbank. They have recently introduced a regular newsletter and speakers.
“The Hailsham Community Forum has grown since its launch with new groups being represented every month,” said Deputy Town Clerk and Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira.
“We are looking for additional members that can include local community groups, voluntary organisations, charities, parent/teacher groups and residents’ associations among others, to share information on developments of interest including new funding opportunities, in addition to enabling partnership working with other organisations.”
Forum organiser Jenny Seale said: “These community meetings are a good opportunity to network, seek help on fundraising, project work and other matters and feed off each other’s ideas. The Forum brings together voluntary groups and helps give us an insight into the needs of the local community.”
“At the last meeting we welcomed Michael Tyrell of Simply Beautiful Print who came and gave a talk to members about their quality printing of promotional material that groups use to encourage participation in their fundraising events. Members can now benefit from a favourable discount.”
The next forum meeting will take place at 6.30pm on Monday 8th October at the Hailsham Parish Church lounge. Additional meetings have been scheduled for Tuesday 6th November and Wednesday 12th December (Christmas Celebration).
At the October Forum, members will be commencing preparations for their annual ‘What Can I Join In Hailsham’ event which will be held on Saturday 26th January 2019 in St Mary’s Church and lounge from 10am to 2pm.
In November, Ditzy Media will be attending to talk to the group about workshops that can be offered to members on how to take advantage of social media to promote their groups and events.
In December, the Forum will be celebrating its achievements this year by way of a festive party and thanking all those that give their time so generously to help local charities and groups provide funds or enjoyment for the local community.
If you are interested in attending any of the Hailsham Community Forum meetings, contact the Town Council on 01323 841702 or by email: enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
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Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk