Starting Up New Community Groups

Community groups take many different forms. A community group could be a community business such as an after school club. A community group could exist to run a community project such as a local gala. A community group could be a group of local people who come together regularly to take part in an activity together such as a walking group.

It is important to consider the purpose of a group before deciding on a structure. A rambling group with 12 - 15 members, which holds no funds, and where all responsibilities are shared, can operate without a formal structure. However an organisation such as an after school club which employs staff, occupies a building, owns equipment, and has substantial financial assets will need a formal structure. Community Learning and Development can support groups to decide how to proceed with their idea.