Communities United Project (CUP)
"The main challenge is making sure you get the balance right,” explains Paul Lewis, one of the two founders of the Communities United Project (CUP), based in Kirklees. “You need to stay true to what you set out to do, whilst being as effective as possible.”
In 1998 Paul Lewis and Lesley Steel set out to provide activities for young people living in disadvantaged areas that would strengthen links between them and their wider community. Twelve years on they are directors of an organisation with 14 staff members and a strong track record of success. CUP builds on young people’s interests, offering formal and informal training in sports leadership, music, art, Djing and volunteering. CUP helps individuals to gain more control over their lives. They bring communities together to build strong and positive relationships, offering activities and opportunities where many others fear to tread.
WYCAS training is helping Paul and Lesley to identify which of their activities offers the best value for money. As Paul explains, “It’s been there on our to-do list for ages, but as the recession hit it became more important.” They have been working with Alison Wolfenden, the WYCAS Community Accountant for Kirklees to assess the cost effectiveness of what they do.
Ruthlessness
Paul admits that becoming “a bit more ruthless financially” has caused them some anguish. “We’re not a business, we didn’t set up to be a business, we set up to be a hands-on accessible service for local people.” They have resolved this dilemma by seeing their new approach as the best way to ensure that their vital services survive the harsh new funding environment. They are linking effectiveness directly to the ethos and values that have been built into the project from its inception.
WYCAS has worked with CUP since those very early days, helping them to establish financial systems and keeping them informed of financial regulations and requirements. Paul remembers that, “Back then we had no back office function, so it was great to know we could pick up the phone and get that reassurance.” CUP now employs a financial assistant and management accountant, but they still value the independent, objective advice that WYCAS can offer them as they face up to the future.
CUP works with two target groups:
• Young people aged 8 to 16
• Adult volunteers (over 16s)
CUP believes that it’s vital to offer young people positive activities and experiences between the ages of 8 and 16. This is a crucial time to boost young people’s ambitions and expectations about their life choices. CUP offers them alternatives to crime, substance abuse and anti-social behaviour.
CUP relies on volunteers to help deliver its services. Volunteers tend to be the parents, siblings, friends or neighbours of the young people that they work with. They receive support to develop the skills and confidence to provide activities for young people in their communities.
CUP develops projects that last. Encouraging community members to participate and own the activities makes them more sustainable.