Preston Community Network
About Preston Community Network
Preston Community Network (PCN) is an umbrella organisation which represents and assists a wide range of voluntary, community and faith groups which operate within the City of Preston.
PCN is a registered charity and after being formed in 2002, proved successful in uniting voluntary groups, playing vital part in setting up a range of bodies such as the Health and Wellbeing Forum and the Children's Trust Forum.
What ways can PCN help its members and the community in Preston?
If you have set up a small community group, perhaps even a single-issue group dedicated to saving and maintaining a small playground, a church hall or a facility such as a football pitch or swimming pool well used by the community, the next step can be a daunting prospect. Questions such as:
- Do I need to register as a charity?
- Do I need a written constitution and when do I need to fix a date for an AGM?
- What funding is available and how do I go about applying for it?
PCN will do its best to help, and if they don't know the answer to your query, they will do thier best to find out. They can also help simply by sharing information and resources. For instance, if they hear of any training courses either being staged by a member themselves, or by an external body or Government agency, PCN spread the word and get you registered.
And if you need a projector for a presentation, or a van to transport equipment to an event, let PCN know and they will put the word out. A fellow member may be able to help.
Just as importantly, they also have channels of access to bodies such as Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council.
If you are concerned about a particular issue, PCN can pass on your concerns, and can also lobby for members collectively via the same channels.
PCN Services
PCN are primarily an umbrella group of voluntary, faith and community groups operating in the city of Preston.
They aim to provide a broad range of support for their member groups, with the main areas they can help with the following:
- Sharing information on events, training courses, seminars and new services offered by our members.
- Providing a constantly updated, informative website detailing news and info, including a page offering exchanges of news and services which is updated daily.
- Distributing a quarterly electronic newsletter for all members the vast majority of the content of which is provided by those members.
- Organising regular meetings of members to share experiences, network and get to know each other.
- Assisting our members in any areas of concern they may have by lobbying local and regional councils or national organisations on their behalf and making use of the contacts we have within those organisations.
- Offering practical advice on any issues we can, such as writing publicity material and press releases, governance rules and general advice, or putting members in touch with experts who can provide such advice.