Community Councils  Change your world
Ever thought you were the kind of person to change the world? By making just a small improvement to your neighbourhood, you can do just that.
From brighter green spaces and safer streets, to buses that run on time, little things can make a huge difference to the health and happiness of your community.
That's why community councils exist. They give people the chance to make changes that matter in the local area. They have money available and a commitment to get things done. Best of all, they're open to everyone, no matter what age.
Community councils are part of the council and their decisions are made by local councillors, but they are heavily influenced by local people and local public opinion.
Just by getting involved, you can change your world for the better.
How community councils work
Community councils were originally set up to take decision making out of the town hall and put it back into the community. They encourage involvement from local people in council decision making and project funding to improve their area.
At their meetings, community councils cover anything from how to improve street cleaning or bid for new equipment for a play area, to local planning applications and updates on crime issues.
Decisions are made on a range of issues
More information can be found on how community councils work.
Help spend the money
Each of the eight community councils has money available to spend on community projects. But the money doesn't get spent unless people apply for it. If you have an idea for a community project that you need funding for, get in touch.
There are two sources of funding, the cleaner, greener, safer fund and the community fund.
The cleaner, greener, safer fund
The cleaner, greener, safer (CGS) programme offers around £3 million divided across the eight community council areas, for environmental and community improvements and any local person or community organisation can apply.
For further information on the CGS programme, funding guidelines and how to apply for funding, go to the cleaner, greener, safer pages.
The community fund
If you've got a great idea for a community project but need a bit of funding to get it off the ground, the community fund could be the place for you.
There are two community fund rounds each year, one in spring and one in autumn and each round is £15,000, so make sure it's your first stop if you need some financial help.
Generally, the money goes to community groups, but if a group of like minded neighbours has a plan, they're also free to apply.
The community fund provides grants from £100 to £1000 for projects from cultural celebrations to providing equipment for local sports teams.
More information can be found on the community fund page.
Snapping Southwark
The Faces of Southwark photographic competition 2008 (pdf 470kb) is a celebration of the community through photography. Entry to the competition is free. Download an entry and consent form on the Snapping Southwark page, and submit your photos by email.
Winning shots will be published in Southwark Life magazine and the winners will receive a fully paid commission with the magazine and have their work exhibited at The Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Deadline for photographic entries
Friday, February 29 2008 at 5pm
The competition is funded by Southwark Council and proudly supported by Dry, Don’t Panic, Dulwich Picture Gallery, House of Portfolios.
Contact us
Tim Murtagh
Tel: 020 7525 7187
Fax: 020 7525 7498
community.council@southwark.gov.uk
Southwark Town Hall
Room 34
West House
Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UB |