The Solutions Network has nearly twenty years’ experience working with communities and voluntary organisations.

We are best know for our work in Bromsgrove and Redditch, where we are known as Bromsgrove and Redditch Network (BARN). We are the local Council for Voluntary Service, and also run an accredited Volunteer Centre (the only one in North Worcestershire). We provide a range of community development, training and project management services.

As the Council for Voluntary Service for the area BARN is well respected, supporting a large range of community groups and charities to work together for their communities. We hold regular Network meetings that are well-attended, and provide a forum for community groups to share information and good practice. BARN is the conduit the voluntary sector uses to feed back to Bromsgrove and Redditch councils under a Service Level Agreement, and BARN sits on the local strategic partnerships and other related groups. We share information and funding opportunities around the Network, and support local groups in fundraising, governance, collaborative working and general advice.

As the local Volunteer Centre we encourage people to volunteer in their communities, and match volunteers with organisations that would value their contribution. We have offered training to organisations to help with recruiting, manging and retaining volunteers, and workshops for volunteers to make the most of their experience

BARN was instrumental in developing the plan with the community that was successful in attracting £1 million from the Big Local Trust for community development of the Church Hill neighbourhood of Redditch. The project is run by residents, and we continue to act as the project’s “Locally Trusted Organisation”, holding the funding for the community. We have also managed grant schemes such as the Community First grants from the Community Development Foundation.

Please email us at office@thesolutionsnetwork.org.uk or phone 01527 60282 to find out what we can do for you.