Bridges Community Centre – writing a case for support & editing a business plan
“Anita has always been a great supporter and friend of Bridges Community Centre. We are delighted that she now uses the Centre as her work base and have often sought her advice on marketing issues which she has given freely. She also was responsible for writing the business plan for one of our successful Big Lottery funded projects and produced a document which we still refer to and use for guidance.
For our Community Asset Transfer application, she quickly grasped what was required, undertook the necessary research and produced an impressive document in timely fashion. We are in the process of submitting this application to the Council with what we believe to be a very strong case for support, thanks largely to Anita’s efforts.” Mark Walton, Director, Bridges Community Centre.
Bridges Community Centre is a charity whose mission is to build bridges between people and connect individuals with local services, enabling people to be healthy, happy, fulfilled and involved. The management and trustees needed to persuade Monmouthshire County Council to transfer their building to the charity on a long leasehold basis. The council asked for a business plan and case for support, aligning what the charity does with county wide priorities.
Initially, the staff and trustees attempted this task by committee which “not surprisingly, was unsuccessful,” as Mark Walton, Centre Director, says, so they asked Anita if she could help “as we knew she understood the issues involved.”
Anita discussed the charity’s position in some depth with Mark, finding out about its activities and impact, and the council’s needs and interests. She carried out further research into the Council’s priorities, gathering information to support Bridges’ case.
Within two days she had written a case for support, and edited the business plan, both of which will now be submitted to the Council.