A charity based in Balloch has launched a new social enterprise hub in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park in partnership with the Social Enterprise Academy.

The Community Partnership brings together community groups in the national park and, as part of its new hub initiative, has appointed two new staff members and announced its first major event.

The Growing Enterprising Communities event on August 28 at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar is open to a wide range of people, including those working in learning centres, youth work, outdoor activities, libraries, as well as those addressing specific issues or running facilities like community and village halls.

Anne Sobey, development manager for the Community Partnership added: “Social enterprise is a dynamic and transformative way of communities doing business particularly if you are involved in development trusts, community councils, village hall committees, community action planning or if you are an existing or burgeoning social entrepreneur.

"The hub’s programme will provide the best opportunity to connect and learn with others who are creating positive social change across the national park.”

One of the key aims of the hub project is to establish a pool of Social Enterprise Academy associate learning facilitators in the national park area who will be able to facilitate face to face learning.

They will have the opportunity to shadow existing academy facilitators in delivery of the academy’s leadership and other social enterprise courses.

The facilitator learning programme is free and, once approved, learning facilitators will be paid a daily fee for their services.

Lara Moir who has been appointed as the new social enterprise hub's business development manager said: “Working closely with colleagues at the Social Enterprise Academy we are developing a range of tailor made learning programmes aimed at anyone who is active or thinking of leading social change in communities."

To reserve your spot at the Growing Enterprising Communities event or to register your interest as a facilitator contact Fiona Paul (hub learning coordinator) on 01389 727762 or by emailing fiona.paul@lochlomond-trossachs.org.