This free event is a celebration of a successful Community Development Programme of Support. Commissioned by Angus Council in collaboration with Angus Rural Partnership, it is being held on Wednesday 25th October at the Reid Hall in Forfar from 9:30am - 3pm.

The programme will support community groups to:

• Successfully form a sustainable group
• Plan their projects
• Apply for funding
• Deliver their aspirations

From getting projects off the ground, to taking ownership of land or buildings that will lead to transformational community-driven initiatives, the conference is open all community groups and organisations within Angus. This is the perfect opportunity to come together to exchange knowledge and to establish connections with fellow delegates and national stakeholders.

Full details of the conference and how to reserve a place can be found on the Community Development Programme of Support webpage or via the Vibrant Communities Facebook page.

Phil Prentice, chief officer for The Scotland Town Partnership will host the conference, where attendees will have the chance to hear from a range of speakers who will present exemplar ideas and highlight support and funding guidance to inspire groups and organisations to take their project to the next level.

Speakers include The National Community Lottery Fund, Development Trust of Scotland, Huntly Development Trust, the Scottish Community Development Centre, alongside many more local and national organisations.

Councillor Mark McDonald, convener of the Angus Council Communities Committee, said: “I encourage as many groups and organisations to come along to the Angus Community Development Conference. This gathering exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovative thinking in shaping a brighter future for our residents. Together, we will explore solutions, forge connections, and inspire initiatives that will leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities of Angus.”

Audrey Michie, service leader of Vibrant Communities, added: “A wealth of valuable information and inspiring examples of Community Development can be found in Angus and throughout Scotland. This conference aims to spotlight these successes, providing communities with the essential support and resources needed to plan and deliver their community aspirations.”

The Angus Community Development Conference has received £5,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and a match fund from the Angus Rural Partnership, which has also supported the Angus Community Development Programme of support.