Helping self help - communities doing it for ourselves!
There has been much talk over recent years around a desire to empower local communities: and much debate as to how genuine such claims have been!
Now in the middle of a severe recession, with public services soon to be slashed in terms of what is provided and what can be funded - resilient and resourceful communities are essential.
Despite the fine words regularly spoken, less and less real support to enable such communities to thrive has been offered.
Society at large thirsts for things to be done for us when we want, and to be discarded when finished with.
Now that resources in every sense are scarce, there needs to be a resurgence in the awareness, skills and creativity - of finding different ways to do things that supports us all!
ADEPT has developed a package of support to develop Peer Groups within communities who can offer informal and unintrusive practical support to the unwaged and their families and friends in selected neighbourhoods.
The development of a city-wide network of unwaged peer support will enable individuals to both identify for themselves practical solutions to problems, and give them the confidence to tackle them in a collective manner.
The members of the Network will receive a focused programme of OCN accredited training in facilitation / buddying techniques, communication and working as part of a group. This is intended to give them the confidence and skills to approach other potential members and to promote the ideas behind self-help and resilience.
Role of the network members:
- identify and encourage others to become a part of the group
- identify activities and potential activities that might encourage others to join and demonstrate the value of independence and self-reliance
- learn who potential partners might be, including local businesses, learn from other self-help groups both within the city, neighbouring areas and in other places throughout the country.
- Local activities might include developing facilities, or helping develop local action groups, acting as an introductory service between local communities and services - bringing services to the potential clients and that might include health, economic services, skills and training etc
ADEPT is keen to secure ongoing funds to develop such networks throughout, so if you are interested in working with us to secure funds, and/or to resource such a development in your area, contact Denise.