Preston Community Network 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 back 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.
New Lottery funding was secured early in 2021 and after a period when for various reasons, many of which were pandemic related, the organisation was largely dormant, PCN came back into action in September, 2021.
A host of new members have since been recruited, and a very successful relaunch event took place in November 2021 in the lovely setting of St Cuthbert’s Church Hall on Lytham Road, Fulwood.
So, what ways can PCN help its members and the community in Preston?
Probably the most important is as a central point of support for our members.
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.
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?
For these sort of questions we will do our best to help, and if we don’t know the answer to your query, we will do our best to find out.
We can also help simply by sharing information and resources.
For instance, if we hear of any training courses either being staged by a member themselves, or by an external body or Government agency, we’ll 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 us know and we’ll put the word out. A fellow member may be able to help.
Just as importantly, we also have channels of access to bodies such as Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council.
If you are concerned about a particular issue, we can pass on your concerns, and we can also lobby for members collectively via the same channels.
Our Services
We are primarily an umbrella group of voluntary, faith and community groups operating in the city of Preston.
We aim to provide a broad range of support for our member groups, with the main areas we can help being the following:
1. Sharing information on events, training courses, seminars and new services offered by our members.
2. Providing a constantly updated, informative website detailing news and info, including a page offering exchanges of news and services which is updated daily.
3. Distributing a quarterly electronic newsletter for all members the vast majority of the content of which is provided by those members.
4. Organising regular meetings of members to share experiences, network and get to know each other.
5. 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.
6. 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.
