The Big Lottery-funded Village SOS scheme is being supported by Rocket Science and Forth Sector in Scotland.

Village SOS is a campaign that aims to inspire local community action, through supporting new, developing and existing community projects that benefit residents in rural communities throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Peer support from a Mentor

Communities involved with Village SOS can learn from other communities across the UK who have been through a successful development process. Village SOS will partner your community up with a VSOS Mentor drawn from these communities who has knowledge and skills relevant to your project. Mentors will provide between 3 and 6 days of support and are there to provide insights and support to your project from their experience.

Current Mentors have experience in:

Mediation
Planning
Funding
Governance
Networking
Public relations
Change management
Community events
Local Government
Human resources
Establishing community organisations and businesses
Community asset transfers
Community engagement
Sustainable development
Supporting volunteers
Community transport

Free consultancy support

Projects involved with Village SOS can receive around three days of free consultancy support to help them make progress.

Village SOS will help projects to develop a set of actions, in a bespoke plan of support to be delivered by Rocket Science, Forth Sector or other source of specialist support.

Rocket Science is an Edinburgh-based consultancy firm with strong ties to rural support networks in Scotland and expertise in rural development, business and strategic planning, facilitating consultation and community governance. Forth Sector Development are leaders in thinking and practice on social enterprises, business development, procurement, community benefit, and organisational transformation.

Support will be tailored to your needs and could include assistance in:

Developing clear plans and strategies
Engaging your community
Sourcing funding and specialist advice
Capacity building
Business development
Effective Governance

If it sounds like your community would benefit from participating in Village SOS then please get in touch with Claire or Tariq on 01324 692 000 or info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk to request an enquiry form.