RISS - connecting rural communities

RISS - connecting rural communities is a BIG Lottery Funded project that is working with rural Voluntary and Community Sector groups to deliver support, guidance and information in rural areas of West Yorkshire. We will also be working to make sure that the rural voluntary and community sector is viewed and appreciated as a valuable partner in the delivery of services to rural communities and to make sure decision making organisations understand the needs of the rural voluntary and community sector. We will work with the decision making organisations to modify and develop plans to make certain they utilise the skills, knowledge and experience of rural voluntary and community sector groups and guarantee their plans reflect rural issues in West Yorkshire.

The project covers all of rural West Yorkshire and we have partners in each of the five districts. If you would like to know more about what is going on in your area please click on the tab at the top of this page.

The Voluntary and Community Sector is being asked how to do more for less

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Nick Hird, Minister for Civil Society has written an open letter to the Voluntary and Community Sector. They are asking the Sector for suggestions on how we can deliver services for less and help contribute to cutting the budget deficit. The Government attaches a high priority to cutting the deficit and as well as cost cutting measures they want to learn about more efficient ways of delivering services. The open letter is an opportunity to voice your opinion on the effects of the cuts on the Voluntary and Community Sector and share examples of best practice and how things can be delivered more efficiently. As a sector we have an excellent record of delivering services that reflect the needs our local communities but we rarely shout about the work we do and the benefit to the people we serve and the wider community. I implore you to take this chance to shout about your work and project.