Getting Support and Help

Recognising a community problem, generating local interest, developing a response and galvanising support – sounds so easy. If only…!

The reality reveals that it takes sheer hard work and tenacity to make things happen! Many in the community, including those that seek political office, do want to help improve communities and neighbourhoods. There seems to be no lack of individual will. The extra ingredient is getting people to share your vision and offer not only encouragement, but to actually get involved.

So let's take a step back; you have a community project that can improve the quality of life within your community. Where can you go for help and support? Strange as it seems, the first call is to your neighbours.

The problem(s) you want to see addressed – be it anti-social behaviour, cleaner and safer street, more activities for the young, better care of the elderly or disabled – are also the concerns of your friends and neighbours. You are not alone in your thinking or frustration at lack of action.

Arrange an informal chat, canvass local opinion, spread 'the word', meet your local councillor and/or MP (your library has all the details).

Use the internet to search for organisations/charities that specialise in the nature of your community problem or the people you are trying to help. There are many highly specialised organisations and voluntary bodies who can help you research the problem. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in working through bureaucracy and other obstructions.

Our links section above references a number of organisations that will help you.

If you know of others, let us know so we can add them to our list. You can also seek support and chat through your ideas via our infoXchange or visit our success stories.

TRAINING NEEDS

Whether your project requires volunteers or full-time employees, for it to be successful you will need to blend people's knowledge, skills and attitudes.

As the saying goes, Training is not an option – a luxury! When you are starting out fresh – either developing a community project or a new business, then you will need to build a team that works well together and shares a common purpose. Individual personalities, strengths and of course weaknesses (everybody has them!) need to be identified and developed.

The nature and purpose of your project will largely determine what training and personal development you/your team will need. It pays to assess your team's training needs when developing your project. Build essential training requirements into the project estimates and funding proposals. There may be grants available to help with your training plans.

Importantly, see training as an investment not a 'cost'.

Ask the following questions:

• What tasks will I (and others) have to do to carry out this project effectively?
• What equipment, including computers, etc, will we need to be successful?
• What other knowledge or skills do we need to have or acquire? About our services? Our customers? Health and Safety?
• What level of skill do we need? Basic? Advanced? Are there relevant vocational or qualifications?

You can then create a personal or project training and development plan. Organise your answers to the above to identify action:

• What do I/we need to learn?
• Why? To which objective(s) will this activity contribute?
• Why? What knowledge or skills will this activity develop?
• What do I have to do to achieve this?
• By When?
• What resources or support will I need?
• What will our/my success criteria be?

Obtaining Training Support

There are literally hundreds of organizations and individuals dedicated to providing training. Some are publicly funded/subsidised and often not-for-profit, others are commercial operations. The voluntary sector has a long track record in delivering training programmes.

A useful site for adult learners is www.waytolearn.co.uk/. You will also find a lot of helpful advice, tools and details of how to gain accreditation and recognition for your training efforts at the Investors in People site, www.iipuk.co.uk.

The Government's Learning and Skills Council (responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England) is another recent development in helping organizations/individuals identify and receive appropriate training and support. Visit www.lsc.gov.uk/NR/exeres/6258A575-A679-4A85-A593-0DE5349C72E4.htm.

Training 4 a Purpose!

Training is not an end in itself – it helps organizations to achieve their goals as well as providing personal development for individuals. A recent development is 'life-long learning where the Government is encouraging adults to continually develop their knowledge and skills – there are grants and other support available. Visit www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/ for detailed information and contacts. You/your organization will need to record your training plans and what you actually achieved. Training needs should be kept under continuous review to ensure skills and knowledge are up-to-date and relevant.

Check against the following:

• What did you plan?
• What did you do?
• How did it go? Always ask for feedback and course evaluations
• What did you learn from this?
• How has the new skills/knowledge been applied within the project or business?
• What further action is needed?

Train the Trainers

To help transfer skills and knowledge (and reduce costs), a useful technique is to train your people to train. All organisations have people who are keen to learn and who may have the communication skills to help colleagues. It makes sense to use that motivation to develop an in-house training resource where this is practical and efficient.