Following the success of 35 Connected Communities Centres opened across Cheshire East over the past four years, the council is now seeking applications for new centres for 'phase 2' of the project.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 22nd, with decisions to be communicated from Monday, August 15th and agreements to begin in September.

Connected Communities Centres were launched as part of a national pilot in 2017, aimed to 'deliver neighbourhoods differently'. The focus is on exploring what works best for local communities and how to maximise the facilities that are available in the borough to bring groups together, while adding value to residents.

Responsibilities and activities from Connected Communities Centres include:

• Developing networks of building and outdoor spaces;
• Providing opportunities for people to raise aspirations and develop skills;
• Developing places where community links are extended;
• Providing community activities which promote mental wellbeing;
• Offering services that increase independence for older people; and
• Extending community activities

The inception of these centres is also closely aligned with the council's 2021-2025 Connected Communities Strategy, setting out the approach to connecting communities in order to build a fairer, greener, and more open Cheshire East.

During this next phase of the project, the council is looking to establish links with new building owners, encouraging organisations of different sizes to join the franchise.

There are also lots of partnership and development opportunities between franchisees, residents and other stakeholders, and the chance to help increase the digital offer for Cheshire East residents.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said: "Phase 1 of our Connected Communities franchise opportunities proved such a success, with residents really embracing, and benefiting, from the fantastic community activities and support on offer in various venues across the borough.

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"This initiative is very much a partnership between the council and community, working together to ensure the right services, support and infrastructure are in the right places, so we want to extend this offer to more organisations to help reach more residents across Cheshire East.

"These centres could offer anything from coffee mornings, computer classes, learning a language to mental health support and more, so I'd urge any organisation to consider the many benefits of this opportunity and apply."

Interested organisations can find out more in a series of upcoming webinars, hosted on Eventbrite on Monday (July 11th)

To register and find out more about this franchise opportunity, and to sign up for an upcoming webinar or submit an application, https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/connected-communities/community_funds_and_grants/supporting-community-centres-village-halls-and-other-buildings-owned-by-non-profit-organisations.aspx