RAF Shawbury supports Shropshire’s voluntary sector

RAF Shawbury has demonstrated that the flagship Government policy ‘Big Society’, created to empower people and encourage them to get involved in their local community, can work in Shropshire.

RAF Shawbury has supported Shropshire’s voluntary and community sector groups and organisations by holding a training day on Leadership Skills and Team Building for the Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly.

The training day took place on 10 February 2011 and included both physical and mental exercises designed to promote team working and to highlight and improve leadership skills. Activities included high ropes course, climbing and shooting.

Julia Baron, Chair of the VCS Assembly said:

“We have all had a brilliant time and really enjoyed learning more about ourselves and others. The day has made us think about how we can better use our leadership skills to overcome obstacles and find the solutions we need to implement Big Society in Shropshire.”

Sonia Roberts, Vice Chair of the VCS Assembly also commented on the day:

“This is the start of work to ensure that VCS Assembly representatives are physically and mentally fit to face the challenges that the future will undoubtedly hold. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together to exercise our minds and bodies. Leadership and team building skills will be important as we work to implement the Decentralisation and Localism Bill and other new national policies and initiatives.”

Councillor Martin Bennett, councillor champion for the Shropshire VCS, added:

“Voluntary and community groups will be vital to the way Big Society will work in Shropshire, and the key to encouraging and enabling people to become more involved in their communities. I am pleased that RAF Shawbury has been able to become a part of this by offering this training.”

The day was designed specifically for key representatives of the Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly who work to facilitate networks of local voluntary and community groups and organisations. The Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Assembly enables VCS organisations to come together to discuss common issues, develop shared strategies and plans and support each other in delivering services within in the county. The Assembly supports joint working with local partnership such as the Shropshire Partnership and also with individual public sector bodies such as Shropshire Council and Shropshire County Primary Care Trust.

Any voluntary or community organisation working in Shropshire can become an Assembly member. All members are regularly kept up to date with developments through a website, information bulletins and the Assembly newsletter.

If you lead a voluntary or community group and want to find out more about becoming an Assembly member contact Sarah Dodds or Elaine Griffiths, VCS Assembly Coordinators based within Shropshire Council’s partnership team,
on 01743 252740.