Case Study: Various Heritage and Historical Groups in Worthing

Several groups with similar interests in Worthing were seeking help with funding and attracting new recruits, but not wanting to compete with each other.

I worked in partnership with WNCA, and Worthing Museum invited all groups to an open forum where their suggestions and concerns were aired. Heritage Lottery attended and gave individual advice. Regular meetings have been facilitated by EESI and the groups are now formalising themselves as Worthing Heritage Alliance - voting in post holders, making an action plan, promoting events and attracting funders. The Musuem is hosting these.

I encountered problems by turning a negative attitude into a proactive approach.

The Alliance will become self sustaining by the end of 2010.

An action plan to raise the profile of Worthing as an area of heritage interest is now underway.

With my input they were able to be more strategic in their approach through our facilitating their partnerships.

They have learned that updating and maintaing an accurate membership list of contact details prior to becoming formalised is important. Not everyone wants to/has access to internet and email and expect postal mail.