Membership
Membership to SURF is free and is open to all community and voluntary sector organisations. To apply simply complete the application from and return it together with your supporting documents. Assistance is available from the staff by contacting the office. Once it is received, a member of staff will check it and contact you if anything is missing or unclear. It will then be submitted at the next meeting of the Board or the Membership & Communications sub-group for approval. If your application is approved we will send you your Welcome Pack and if it is unsuccessful we will contact you to discuss the reasons why.
What will your group get from joining the Network?
- Information on the discussions and plans being made on the town's future and a voice in decision-making.
- Representatuon on the Local Strategic Partnership Assemble.
- An influence on how regeneration funds are spent in town.
- Increased knowledge of how decision-making works in Blackpool.
- Opportunities to meet, network and gain useful information and contacts from other like-minded organisations in the town.
- Help and assistance in applying for particular grant schemes.
- Opportunities to pool ideas, experience and resources.
- An opportunity to raise the profile of your organisation in new areas and amongst new groups.
- Access to some resources including our Community Development Officer.
- Access to some training opportunities to help you consult, involve and/or represent your members, users, customers or clients.
- Information, advice and notice of new funding opportunities that are relevant and useful to community and voluntary groups, provided by SURF and our member and partner organisations.
- Help and guidance on setting up and running your organisation and its activities.
- Free day time use of our meeting room and loan of equipment (including laptop, data projector, PA system, display boards, hearing loop and gazebo).
Above all, there is the ‘buzz’ and the satisfaction gained from taking part in activities that can make a long-term difference in Blackpool.
What does SURF want from you and your group?
SURF wants your help and input. We want to utilise your knowledge and common sense expertise for the common good. Your experiences of where you live, the things you do and the services you deliver can help inform decision-making in Blackpool.
Effective networking between community and voluntary groups will also strengthen the sector as a whole. We are asking you and your members to get involved – but at a level that you all feel comfortable with.