Running your group

This is a new group based in the Chichester District, started by adults with mental issues, for adults with mental health issues in Conservation work on the Downs. I met with the 'not yet formed committee' with start up advice. There was hesitancy in going down the committee route due to the weight of responsibilities on individuals.

The group was established after a natural disaster when the group had clear vision to help those in need. However after several years the committee's capacity to move the organisation forward was felt to be lacking, with time being the main factor.

This organisation provides extra curricular social and physical activities for young (primary school aged) children with learning difficulties. This organisation is the only one of its kind according to the committee and was set up as a direct result of their own children's needs. As a result the organisation is running at full capacity and many of the activities have waiting lists. The group has a constitution but currently no legal identity. Because of the potential personal liability of the trustees, the committee, in particular the chair, wanted to look into a more appropriate legal structure.

A cultural group from Haywards Heath has been running as an organisation for the last 2 years and now seek to formalise their constitution and broaden what they do. They have no previous knowledge of the Voluntary sector or the help and advice that is available.

The  development worker regularly attends Committee Meetings including agenda preparation and taking of minutes.