TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Network

making great things happen

Every community has people using their time, energy, motivation and skills to make great things happen in their community.

Usually they are in third sector community organisations – as trustees, management committee members, social entrepreneurs or organisers. They may be in paid or volunteer roles.

There is evidence that the groups, activities and projects community groups organise have a real impact on relationships, community space and our health and wellbeing.

Community Anchors are the support system for community organisations and for the people involved in running them.

SUPPORTING local groups

Community Anchors are established local organisations who share their experience, contacts, knowledge, resources and expertise with other local organisations.

Community Anchors listen to those working in communities and share information. They bring people together and help create plans. They help organisations develop, collaborate and influence the decisions that affect their communities.

Like TSL Kirklees, Anchors work in enabling and co-productive ways with those in communities who are organising groups and activities, building on strengths and alliances.

Co-production is a key value. See the Parable of the Blobs and Squares video to understand our values and approach.

community anchors in action

Growing Focal Video

Community Anchor in action – case study 1

Community Anchor in action – case study 2

Community Anchor in action – case study 3

LS2Y as a Community Anchor supporting Kickstart CIC

Thornton Lodge Action Group as a Community Anchor

The Rural Anchor website developed by Denby Dale Centre in their Community Anchor role.

The new Valleys Anchor CIC is now up and running.

Community anchors have supported the development of Kirklees Council’s Livewell Community Directory pilot in Batley, Spen and Rural areas.

Community Anchors Network meetings:

• 19 July 2023 – Community Anchor Network

Get in touch to find out more.

Get support, Connect and unite

Community Anchor Support includes training, learning, advice on governance, information about funding, communications expertise or anything which helps community groups work in effective, inclusive and accountable ways. Anchors can help organisations to reach local people as volunteers or those in need of support.

Community Anchors Connect community organisations to other local groups and activities, to buildings, spaces and services such as Social Prescribing or other Health Services. Anchors can also connect to decision-makers including local grant-makers, politicians and Council contacts.

Community Anchors Unite community organisations, bringing people together to share plans and ideas, have a strong voice on community concerns and work together on more ambitious community projects.

TSL kirklees Community anchor network

Third Sector Leaders Kirklees coordinates and develops the Community Anchor Network.

TSL provides the systems, structures and support that help Anchors work together, helping them to make best use of resources and evidence their impact.

TSL works closely with Community Anchors and with Council and Health services (particularly Social Prescribing) to ensure an inclusive, joined up, effective, accountable Community Anchor Network.

Understanding community anchors

These short documents, PowerPoints and videos explain the model and approach to Community Anchors in Kirklees.

This model is evolving. Get in touch for more details. Current documentation is below

Introducing Community Anchors Video

Introducing Community Anchors PowerPoint

Expectations of Community Anchor organisations

Quarterly report template for Community Anchors

Organisation list template for Community Anchors

Community Anchor Plan template

Community activity and SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

Getting involved in community groups and activities can seriously improve your health and wellbeing!

Social Prescribing services take referrals from GPs and self-referrals too. They work with individuals who have health support needs, helping them to find the right organisation or activity to join in their community.

Community activity, alongside medication and clinical support, can help people manage all kinds of physical and mental health conditions.

Social Prescribing Link Workers spend time getting to know people, exploring options, providing encouragement and building confidence to take the first step into a community activity.

Community Anchors and Social Prescribing services work together, ensuring Kirklees communities have accessible community activity which supports health and wellbeing.

The health data informing priorities for Primary Care Networks in Kirklees is available here.

Find your local Social Prescribing Link Worker and more about the service on the Kirklees Council website.

FInd your community anchor

There are 5 Lead Community Anchors – and a growing network of Local Community Anchors.

You can find your Community Anchor in the FAQs below.

Useful Links

• Contact TSL Kirklees for support
• Contact Kirklees Council’s Third Sector Team
• TSL Kirklees Community Anchor contacts:
  • TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Lead – Ibrar Hussain
  • Huddersfield
  • Dewsbury & Mirfield
  • Batley & Spen
  • Denby Dale & Kirkburton
  • Holme & Colne Valleys

Resources

• May 2022 Update PowerPoint
• Introducing Community Anchors Video
• Introducing Community Anchors PowerPoint
• Growing Focal Video
• Community Anchor in action – case study 1
• Community Anchor in action – case study 2
• Community Anchor in action – case study 3
• Download a community anchor postcard
• Download a community anchor presentation