Interlinks initiative joins up the voluntary sector across Cornwall
19/08/2008
Transforming the delivery of public services
Interlinks, a local network backed by the Cornwall Infrastructure Partnership (CIP), has been the catalyst for a transformation in the area, enabling third sector organisations to network and deliver public services following a grant of £103,000 from Capacitybuilders.
Background to the work
Interlinks started in 1997, with a focus in West Cornwall. Funding from Capacitybuilders has enabled it to employ two additional Development Workers and operate countywide.
Since 2005, Interlinks membership has increased from 1,000 to 2,500 members.
Promoting collaboration between frontline organisations
Through a range of services that includes training, networking events, and funding support, Interlinks has enabled frontline organisations that had previously been working in isolation to collaborate, innovate, and think more strategically.
Developing a voice in Local Strategic Partnerships
Regular ‘locality’ meetings provide opportunities for frontline organisations to meet with public sector partners.
This gives them a voice in Local Strategic Partnerships and enables them to work with public sector partners to deliver Local Area Agreements, thereby offering joined up support to disadvantaged people across Cornwall.
Increased opportunities
“Interlinks can be regarded as a network of opportunities,” says Beccy Trehair, Interlinks Senior Development Manager.
Setting the standard
Interlinks has also developed a “Capability Model”, whose standards are recognised by partners, local authorities, commissioning and funding bodies.
Demonstrating knowledge and experience
It is designed to allow frontline organisations to demonstrate that they have the required experience to make them suitable to bid for funding and contracts to deliver public services.
Addressing local needs
A typical Interlinks member, Trinity Methodist Church, has developed ‘The Centre’ - a community facility that addresses a range of needs in Newlyn, a small town situated south of Penzance.
Wide scope of services on offer
The Centre hosts a broad range of activities from advice services on drugs, alcohol and sexual health for young people, through to a gardening club that has become a hit with many of Newlyn's older residents.
Linking communities up with the world of IT
Using wireless technology and laptop computers, The Centre also offers a flexible environment for IT training. Half of Newlyn's 4,000 residents now use The Centre on a regular basis.
Collaborating and sharing learning and experience
As the venue for local Interlinks meetings, The Centre has become a hotbed of collaboration.
“Local groups come in and explain to others what they are currently doing, and what they plan to do in the future and people regularly stay back to discuss how they can work together,” Julyan Drew, Trinity’s Minister and chair of The Centre’s Development Group, explains.
Service delivery
The Centre has recently started to deliver services on behalf of the public sector.
Reaching out across the community
It has become a designated ‘Children’s Centre’ offering family support services and benefits advice to the local community.
Julyan explains Interlinks role: “They helped in the consultation process with the community. Working within the Interlinks framework added credibility to our funding proposal.”
Working in partnership with the public sector
Through Interlinks involvement in the Local Area Agreement, the third sector has had the opportunity to organise itself as an effective partner to the public sector.
Getting the third sector's voice heard
According to Beccy Trehair: “Without Capacitybuilders funding the Local Area Agreement would look very different, as the voice of the third sector would not have been heard.”
