May 25, 2023

Community Connectors, Connecting Communities, Connected Communities…

Different projects, from different third sector organisations but with one shared idea: that we’re all stronger together.

This is a year of huge changes. And opportunities.

Opportunities to effect change in partnership with the communities and community groups we work alongside, to support those under-represented communities – whether they’re geographical, of interest or identity – to connect to the services, decision-makers, funders and to other charitable organisations and groups doing complimentary work.

At CLIC’s (Cumbria Learning and Improvement Collaborative) LOC in the Lakes event in Carlisle on May 16 (LOC stands for Learning Organisation Collaborative) one of the speakers said something which really resonated:

‘It’s not communities that are hard to reach, it’s services.’

 

This is at the heart of our Community Connectors project. We aim to work with under-represented communities and community groups to connect to those ‘hard to reach’ services and decision-makers. Lots of third sector organisations, community groups and their representatives know who to talk to and where they can make themselves heard. The Community Connectors project exists to support those who face barriers to participating, who don’t know who to speak to, or where they can raise the issues which affect them.

We support community group members who would like to speak for their community with free training and support, funded by our project. These ‘Community Connectors’ take part in an initial workshop in community engagement skills, followed by further training and support depending on their need, but all focussed on building confidence to represent their group and connecting them to organisations and networks.

Some people need ‘light touch’ support, for others we can work with them on presentations, and accompany them where possible.

We’ve already supported Community Connectors on climate change, young people, on behalf of those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, poverty and addiction, and connected groups to networks and representatives from the local authority, the NHS, on mental health, and community group networks, as well as linking them with other groups.

If you’d like to find out more, check out our new video:

 

If your group has members who are passionate who are about their community, would like to speak for the group and want some confidence-boosting training in how to connect, please do get it touch.

We’re holding a free two-part, online initial workshop on Thursday, June 8 and Thursday, June 16, both from 4.30pm to 6pm. To book click here

For others – such as councillors, service-providers, funders, and organisation leads – if you’d like to find out more, please contact one of the area engagement workers where you’re based.

 

Kate Rees
Area Engagement Worker, Carlisle and Eden