regional networks

Regional issues are diverse, but can include those where decisions or policies are, or can be, made by regional bodies or in regional strategies. Key areas include planning, health, environment, transport, economic development and housing. Many front-line organisations may not realise that decisions made at a regional level may impact on their organisation, or may impact on decisions taken at a local level which in turn affect themselves. Increasing awareness to assist front-line organisations in their planning, governance and ability to fit strategically into regional and regionally influenced local developments is a key driver behind developing thematic regional networks. Sitting alongside this is a need to enable front line organisations and networks to be able to advocate their issues and needs to regional policy makers.

There are a number of regional networks in Yorkshire and the Humber, all of which focus on a particular specialism. For contact details for regional VCS networks in Yorkshire and the Humber please download a copy of the Regional Infrastructure and Networks Guide.


REGIONAL NETWORK CASE STUDIES

Introducing Housing Action Yorkshire and the Humber (HAYH)

HAYH, which now has over 40 members, was launched in June 2006 HAYH, is a network of voluntary sector agencies in the region who provide homelessness services. HAYH seeks to respond on behalf of the homelessness wing of the VCS to the increasingly regional policy agenda. Funding through the Network Capacity Building Scheme has enabled HAYH to move forward in it’s development. HAYH is providing opportunities for information sharing and networking to the sector. HAYH’s other key function is to provide a regional response. Progress on this has begun through a collective response to the regional Spatial Strategy and combining forces to lobby the government on local reference rents and housing benefit shortfall.
“My knowledge and awareness has probably increased tenfold through finding out about policy and practice in other areas.” Niall Holland (CHAS)

For more information visit:HAYH

The Northern Network of Travelling People

Established in 2003 to raise the aspirations of Gypsies and Travellers, increase participation in public and civil life and advocate on behalf of Gypsies and Travellers, the Northern Network survived on a small grant for the first two years of it’s existence.
Support from the Network Capacity Building Scheme, which almost doubled the membership of the network, enabled the network to reach out to many Gypsies and Travellers. A “gathering” was held in June 2006 which enabled Gypsies and Travellers, most of whom had never been involved in anything like this, to begin what is a real development process for the community. The Northern Network’s website was also enhanced to act as a means share information between Gypsies and Travellers and provide updates for other agencies.
The Northern Network has successfully won an award for almost £400,000 from the Home Office Ethnic Minorities Innovation Fund. The resources and support made available through ChangeUp enabled the dedicated and committed team, who are largely Gypsies and Travellers themselves, to take the Network forward in a way that seemed impossible 2 years ago.

Visit www.northern-network.co.uk for further information.

“ChangeUp has been tremendous for the Gypsy and Traveller community, particularly the focus on filling gaps in infrastructure. Having this money definitely helped us to apply for, and win, the EMIF money. It is a shame that Gypsy and Traveller communities elsewhere in the country did not have the same level of support” Helen Jones, Northern Network of Travelling People.