Community Economic Development - Information


	Information If the information below does not answer you questions, click here and fill out the form on the contact page. What is Community Economic Development? What areas are covered by the CED project? What are the ERDF? Key issues of the CED project Does your community group/organisation, local business, have an idea to start up a new group? What is Community Economic Development? Community Economic Development (CED) is a European Union funded programme aimed at helping communities have a bigger say in the development of their own area. The framework for action is to encourage and support a wide range of initiatives to help enhance the capacity of the communities to influence their physical, social and economic well being in a sustainable way. Back To Top What areas are covered by the CED project? Due to the CED project being funded by the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), there are only certain areas of East Lothian that are covered; Prestonpans, Tranent North, Elphinstone, Wallyford and Whitecraig. Back To Top What are the ERDF? The ERDF was formed by the European Union to assist the development of disadvantaged areas. These areas are charicterised by relatively high unemployment levels, economic inactivity, welfare dependency, long term illness, and low income and skill levels. CED is committed to developing these communities. Back To Top Key issues of the CED project. Inclusion and Partnership The CED Officer has developed relationships with other inclusion projects (e.g. Tranent Social Inclusion Project) to enable access to the widest possible support. These relationships have allowed for CED projects to be developed to assist groups and individuals facing barriers to opportunities – age, race, gender, disability, etc Capacity Building A strong emphasis has been placed on capacity building for residents, communities and voluntary bodies to encourage a high degree of participation in the strengthening of the communities. Community Empowerment The CED Officer has been employed to develop the communities’ influence within their region and to deliver and own projects and initiatives Local Management Structures As part of the CED project training will be given to community groups which need assistance, e.g. treasurer skills, public speaking, etc. The CED Officer is also available to advise groups on how to write a constitution and general advice on how to run an organisation. Funding/Economic advice One of the main problems for community groups is funding. This is why the CED Officer has a range of information about funding initiatives and contact details. Back To Top Does your community group/organisation, local business, have an idea to start up a new group? The CED Officer can help. Provision provided: How to write a constitution Funding issues Training Management Committee training How to establish a new group Advice on Disclosure checks How to become a charity Community projects Economic issues: e.g. Credit Unions Community and personal development Improving community/ public environments Back To Top