All across our communities in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside there is incredible work taking place by small and micro community organisations that makes a big difference every day. These groups are often run by dedicated volunteers, operating on limited resources, and with minimal funding, yet they play a crucial role in addressing local needs, providing much-needed support for their community.
National data from Small Charity Week shows that despite making up 96% of the sector, small charities receive just 4p from every pound of Government funding given to charities. (*UK Civil Society Almanac 2024)
Small Charity Week is a campaign that amplifies and supports the amazing work of small charities across the UK. Here at Action Together we offer a multitude of support to small and micro community organisations, recognising the essential role they play in strengthening the local voluntary sector.
The local picture
Did you know that across our boroughs of Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside small and micro organisations make up the majority of the voluntary sector?
84% of our Action Together members are classed as small or micro organisations. These organisations most commonly deliver activities to support people’s health and wellbeing in local communities, as well as education, training, arts and cultural activities. That’s made up of:
- 56% Micro (Income under £10,000 per year)
- 28% Small (Income £10,000 - £100,000 per year)
Action Together supports these groups and organisations to develop, grow and make a bigger impact in their communities:
- Capacity Building: We work in neighbourhoods to build deep relationships with local groups and strengthen what they do. We provide advice, practical training and development support to community organisations, enabling them to become resilient, successful and sustainable.
- Investment: We secure investment that supports local action, removes barriers and works to ensure that investment reaches the community organisations and projects that need it.
- Volunteering: We are the accredited Volunteer Centre for Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, connecting and supporting volunteers with local volunteer opportunities, helping people give their time and support to charities in their community.
Organisation Health Checks
Our online Organisation Health Checks are designed to support groups and organisations to reflect, and review how their organisation is performing.
They are a practical, development tool which allows groups, along with help from one of our experienced Community Development Workers, to identify strengths, as well as areas for development.
Member Resources
We have a dedicated members-only section of our website featuring toolkits and training resources, exclusively for our members, and covering topics regularly identified by our members as important areas for development.
You'll find guidance and helpful downloads on everything from finance, funding and marketing, to governance, policies and strategic planning.
These toolkits are only available to Action Together members. To start your free membership, please visit www.actiontogether.org.uk/become-member
When you've signed in to your Member Dashboard on our website, head down to 'Member Resources' to search to access all the downloads, toolkits and resources.
Support with Funding
We help small and micro community groups from the first spark of an idea, through to finding, and securing funding.
With regionally designed, locality funds in our communities in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside we're dedicated to supporting small and micro community groups to thrive. Our locality grants include One Oldham Fund, Rochdale Communities Fund and Tameside Communities Fund.
We can help organisations navigate local funding opportunities, strengthen their governance, and access practical advice tailored to their needs. Discover all the ways we can support groups to secure funding here: www.actiontogether.org.uk/support-secure-funding
Capacity Building
We support groups and organisations of all sizes to make connections, develop, grow and make a bigger impact in their communities.
Our place-based work in neighbourhoods allows us to build deep relationships with local groups and strengthen what they do. Our Development Teams have a wealth of experience and they can support with advice, practical training and development support, enabling community groups to become resilient, successful and sustainable.
Supporting connection with our Networks
We host a range of networks to support connection, collaboration, shared learning and joint action across voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations in our communities.
From Community Explorer Forums and Neighbourhood Networks, to thematic spaces focused on shared interests and causes our networks offer a platform to share insights and explore opportunities for partnership working to shape local responses that reflect real community needs.
Bespoke Training and Events
We know that training can be costly - and for small and micro voluntary and community organisations, it’s often something that tight budgets and limited resources just don’t stretch to. That’s why we offer our members access to a free, training programme, designed specifically to support the sector.
Our training and workshops cover essential topics designed to empower and equip our member organisations them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive and make a positive impact.
Volunteer Recruitment and Management Support
Action Together’s Volunteering Team are here to offer support to groups working with volunteers across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside. Our aim is to help ensure that volunteering is an inclusive, high quality and rewarding experience, and that those working with volunteers have the resources and support they need to make this possible.
We can guide you through each step of the volunteering journey, from recruiting volunteers, to supporting with induction and training programmes, to retaining your volunteers, and looking at ways to recognise and celebrate their important contributions. We have resources available below to assist you in your work as a volunteer manager, and our team are available to provide you with 1:1 support to help develop and improve your volunteering programme.
Get in touch!
For more information, call us on: 0161 339 2345
email us at: development@actiontogether.org.uk