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.
From July 2026, Preston Community Network are now operating as part of Preston City Council’s Community Engagement Team.
We are delighted to be part of the team which we have worked with closely and very successfully for more than three years and we are sure this will be beneficial to our members.
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:
Through our website, and our hugely successful weekly newsletter, we share information on news, events, training courses, funding opportunities and vacancies for the sector.
We organise regular networking meeting of members to share experiences, network, and connect with other like-minded groups within the city.
We offer practical advice on any issues we can, such as writing publicity material, social media and press releases, governance rules and general advice, or putting members in touch with experts who can provide such advice.
We provide training sessions for members, giving them a chance to gain knowledge on a variety of topics.
We also have our online training suite, which is updated regularly – providing information and guides on topics such as governance and bid writing.
We assist 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.
This allows the charitable sector in Preston to make sure they have their voices heard.
