NETWORKING EVENT 12 MARCH 2009 Chirnside Community Centre was a hub of activity on Thursday 12 March hosting the “Berwickshire Networking Event” which was organised by BAVS in partnership with SBC Community Learning and Development. It provided the opportunity for local voluntary and community groups to interact with others face-to-face, exchange ideas and gain more information on issues that affected them. The event welcomed approximately 80 people into an informal and relaxed market-place environment. A wide range of organisations displayed information leaflets promoting their services and were on hand to offer useful advice to individuals. Information ranged from: funding, insurance, energy efficiencies, environmental issues, community safety, volunteering, migrant workers, community transport, learning disabilities and health. The organisations involved included: Scottish Borders Council, Energy Saving Trust, Berwickshire Housing Association, Migrant Support, Interest Link, NHS Borders, First Responders, BAVS, Berwickshire Wheels, Lothian and Borders Police, Volunteer Centre Borders, BCCF Environmental, Keegan and Pennykidd, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. In addition, there was a general information stand in the middle of the hall where organisations unable to attend the event, had the opportunity to display their information. Next to this seating enabled people to rest, look over leaflets and enjoy their lunch and refreshments. Donald Gaddes, an active member of the BAVS management committee, opened the event, welcoming everyone and introducing the programme of workshops that were to follow. The 5 workshops were quoted as being “helpful and informative” and were well attended throughout the afternoon. The informal atmosphere of the workshops encouraged good question and answer sessions afterwards. The subject areas covered were: Ø Opportunities and Challenges for Migrant Workers in Berwickshire Ø Volunteering in the Borders Ø Energy Saving Advice and Support for Community Groups Ø Small Grant Schemes available for Community Groups Ø Rural Priorities Fund “The event was first class and from my perspective achieved more than I had envisaged, with some very useful presentations and some excellent contacts which I would not have made so easily.” Peter Maclean, Development Manager, Berwickshire Housing Association Limited
“The venue had a genuine buzz of networking and meeting new contacts about it. It was a very well organised and efficiently run event. Hopefully its success means that it is likely to become a fixture in the Berwickshire calendar.” Janice Pace, Development Worker, Volunteer Centre Borders
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