Having a Voice
Unlocking the talent of our communities - an overview
On 5 March 2008 Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced plans for a new White Paper focused on empowering citizens.
"The Empowerment White Paper, to be published in the Summer, will set out how the untapped talent of communities can be unleashed to ensure everyone has a greater say in improvements to public services, local accountability and opportunities for enterprise."
What can we do?
Community Power Workshop
NCDN will be running an event on Friday 11th July to contribute to Northumberland communities having a say, using the newly published and downloadable Community Power Pack. The flyer for the event will be circulated shortly.
Other ways you can get involved include
- send an email to unlockingtalent@communities.gsi.gov.uk
- write to the Community Empowerment White Paper Unit, Communities and Local Government, Zone 5/C6, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DU
- visit: haveyoursay.communities.gov.uk/forums/ and take part in the online discussion.
Networking for Change
NCDN is running a project called Networking for Change to give people who are active in their community the chance to explore issues along with others who are interested, to help them become advocates for their community in consultations and in taking on representative roles.
From time to time NCDN will post breifings and strategy documents on this page and will encourage local people to comment when there are consultations.
Recently produced strategies to download include:
For further information follow this link to the equality and diversity section of the website
Northumberland 14-19 strategy Final Version - March 2008.doc
For further information about plans for 14-19 year olds in the county, contact Robin Casson of the County Council RCasson@northumberland.gov.uk or Tony Sacco of the LSC tony.sacco@lsc.gov.uk or Rob Strettle (NSP) RStrettle@northumberland.gov.uk
So far, action learning discussions have taken place within our learning clusters around the county and there have also been some county-wide seminars to explore topical issues. These have included topics such as:
- 1st October 2007 - The proposed unitary authority’s ‘Characteristic’ Communities for Northumberland
An update from David Francis (VCS rep on the Northumberland Strategic Partnership Executive) and chance to comment on the County Council’s plans for reorganisation - 4th December 2007 - VCS organisations working with communities of interest or identity looking at the idea of 'Association' communities as proposed in plans for the new unitary authority - with Bob baker who is helping to oversee the transitional arrangements.
- In February we encouraged NCDN supporters to help identify priorities for supporting local communities.
- If you would like to take part in future consultation workshops, or would like more information about 'Planning for Real' please fill in the slip below and return by email julia@ncdn.org or fax 01670 517176 or FREEPOST RRHY-SCZR-UXSE, NCDN, Pegswood Depot, Front Street, Pegswood, Morpeth NE61 6RG
Name: Organisation (if any):
Address:
Postcode:
Email:
Minicom:
I am interested in joining a local Networking for Change group
I am interested in NCDN offering a 'Planning for Real' activity in my local rural community.
