Press Release
For immediate release
Monday 20 January 2014

Our Place programme now open to applications
£4.3m in support and grants is available for communities driving change in their area

Locality in partnership with the Local Government Association,are ready and raring to support at least 100 Areas as they work towards making local services in their neighbourhoods, such as adult social care, health or employment,better for all. Open to applications from 20 January, groups can apply for direct support and grant funding.
Funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the£4.3m Our Place programme will benefit communities across England, including in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods, giving local citizens a say in tackling local issues and shaping the public services they want. Our Placegives greater control to the people who livein a neighbourhood, who know what they need and are determined to improve their area.

It is expected that there will be a surge of applications with already over 250organisations and individuals emailing Locality,so interested groups are encouraged to apply early. The support programme will comprise grants, direct support and shared learning activities, including a champions’ network, peer groups, webinars and other events.

Our Place is already starting to make a difference in 12 pioneer areas.In Poplar, East London,a partnership between Poplar Harca, a Housing Association, and a GP practice and the communityhas identified healthcare as a local priority and is now setting up a network of health volunteers to better support people with long term conditions. One Ilfracombe in Devon, working with Ilfracombe Town Council is bringing together the community and local partners to reshape public services to address issues of social isolation, tackle youth unemployment and attract new businesses.

“Locality promotes a culture of collaboration in communities, and these new funding opportunities mean that we can foster this approach more widely. We strongly believe that local people and local agencies have the insights, connections, passion and commitment to their neighbourhood to best decide what local services should look like and how public funds are spent. We’re committed to putting power back in the hands of the people where it belongs.”Steve Wyler, Locality’s CEO

The programme is supported by a team of delivery associates including the Community Development Foundation (CDF) as grant administrators and The National Association of Local Councils (NALC). Visit the My Community Rights website for information, resources, inspiration, advice and to apply for support and grants.

Camilla Sheldon, policy lead for Our Place at DCLG and Margaret Adjaye, Director of Programmes at Locality will be available to answer questions in a live Tweetchat #AskOurPlace on Tuesday 21January between 12pm and 1pm. Follow @CommunitiesUK and @mycommrights

Editors’ notes:

The programme is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Led by Locality in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA) and supported by a team of delivery associates: Community Development Foundation (CDF), the Office for Public Management (OPM), National Association of Local Councils (NALC), Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP, Young Foundation, Community Matters, Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), Pro Bono Economics and New Economy Manchester.

Stephen Williams MP, Communities Ministersaid: “The Our Place programme which opened for applications today will help local communities across the country take more control of their neighbourhoods to tackle local issues. Building on the great work emerging from the 12 Our Place Pioneers this is a fantastic opportunity to support at least another 100 areas and create real momentum in changing the way that public services are delivered. Locality, the LGA and their partners have a wealth of experience in working with communities and public service providers and I wholeheartedly encourage any group with an interest in changing their neighbourhood for the better to apply and take advantage of the support that is on offer.”

Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for residents to shape the services in their areas and play a part in their delivery. We are excited to see the different ideas communities and groups come up with and we look forward to working with them and seeing such projects develop.”

Alison Seabrooke, Chief Executive of the Community Development Foundation (CDF) said: “The Our Place programme is a fantastic opportunity for people to improve the services in their community, making sure that these services best meet the needs of local people. Getting resources into communities is a key driver for CDF, and we are looking forward to working with Locality and the Local Government Association to administer the grants for participating areas.”

Contact details:
For more press information or to request interviews please contact:
Clare Roebuck on 020 7336 9409/ or Jo Shardlow 079 1226 9677/

About Locality
Locality is the leading nationwide network of community enterprises, development trusts, settlements and social action centres. Locality’s membership has expertise in community asset ownership, community enterprise, collaborative working, community voice and advocacy.

Locality assists people to work together to create and capture local wealth for the benefit of communities –giving hands-on support and promoting peer-to-peer exchange.

Locality is running the Community Rights support service with resources, inspiration and advice on using the new Rights including neighbourhood planning, and is leading the Community Organisers programme mobilising people across England. It is also the UK expert on asset transfer, bringing land and building into community hands through the Asset Transfer Unit.

Locality was created through the merger of the Development Trusts Association and bassac and commenced formal operation in April 2011.

Find out more about Locality and becoming a member on Locality’s website.

Follow us: #ourplace@mycommrights and facebook.com/MyCommunityRights

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