W3RT CVS is passionate about supporting individuals with a passion for the community to develop their project and to allow them to support our communities. One example of this was with Teepee Productions, a newly formed CIC whose directors were introduced to us following their award of £1,000 from the Watford Mayor’s Small Grants Fund in July 2023. This funding was awarded to them to allow them to take their stage show ‘Fluff’ on a community tour around Watford.

Due to not having any legal status of their own at the time, they were unable to be paid the funding directly. As a result and through W3RT CVS’ position in the community as a well-respected infrastructure organisation, we were paid the money Teepee Productions were awarded and then to manage this funding for them through a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). These agreements allowed the directors of Fluff to carry out their activities without the need for a formal legal structure of their own.

Over the next few weeks and having signed the Agreement, we worked with the directors to make sure that their community tour was as successful as possible, especially considering that all proceeds from ticket sales were being donated to charities tackling dementia, the central theme of the performance. In particular, we:

• Managing the funding awarded to Teepee Productions, ensuring all invoices were paid
• Facilitating introductions to local charities, councillors and individuals who could raise awareness of Fluff in the community
• Supporting the development of Teepee Productions CIC, a CIC set up to enable them to develop future projects and to apply for funding in the future without the need for a partnership agreement with W3RT CVS.

Following this support, Fluff took to the stage in October 2023 with two performances as part of their community tour. These two shows brought wonderful feedback from audiences and raised awareness and funding for the three charities the shows were supporting (Breakthrough, Alzheimer's Society and Herts Musical Memories).

Thanking W3RT CVS for their support through the process, Tayla Kenyon one of the directors of Teepee Productions and star of Fluff said that ‘W3RT were amazing in helping us with the project, Alex Murray, in particular. He supported us throughout the journey, guiding us, helping us to market the show and setting up our CIC- Teepee Productions.’ In addition, she added ‘W3RT also connected us with many dementia charities and resources in and around Watford’.

Following their successful community tour of Watford, Teepee Productions now plan on taking Fluff on a wider regional tour as well as the possibility of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. To do so they have launched a Go Fund Me and you can donate to them by clicking here.

W3RT CVS provides a range of free support to voluntary and community organisation in the Watford and Three Rivers area thanks to funding from Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council. You can find out more about our services by clicking here and if you or your organisation would like support, get in touch by emailing [email protected].