We love this story about South Brent Parish Council helping the local Scout Group. Local councils are integral to their local communities, and will often find ways to support organisations operating in the area to benefit the residents. This can be a powerful way of developing the council’s relationship with the community it serves, and help to raise the council’s profile. Working with youth organisations can also help young people understand the role of the council and perhaps spark an early interest in local democracy!
South Brent Scout Group were in urgent need of a new set of tents, as their previous set were ruined by the bad weather last year. Following an unsuccessful application to the National Lottery Awards for All fund, they applied to South Brent Parish Council for help.
The type of bell tents required are very expensive, costing approximately £1,100 for a complete package, and the Group were in need of 5 tents, given the numbers of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers in the Group.
At the end of the financial year, there was an underspend in the Parish Council’s Local Projects budget, so they were able to offer a significant grant to purchase three bell tents.
Initially, the group have purchased two tents, one 4 metre and the other a 5 metre to evaluate which best suits their needs.
Pictured (above) from left to right are South Brent Scout Group Leader Tim Haley, Scout Seb Jamin (who had written a letter of thanks to the Parish Council, on behalf of the Group), and Councillor Glyn Richards, South Brent Parish Council Chairman. The photograph was taken on the occasion of the whole Group renewing their Scout Promise on Friday 19 April 2024
Financial donations are not the only way that councils can help community groups; there are other alternatives such as:
If you are keen to support local groups, but not sure how it would be best to do this or whether you have a power to help, then you can always contact our Advice Service for guidance and we’ll be happy to help.