The Take Part Pathfinder Programme

The Take Part Pathfinder Programme

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is funding a three year programme which aims to increase the number and diversity of people 'taking part' in civil and civic roles, decision-making and community leadership, and to identify and reduce barriers to participation. The programme will work in particular with those in the community currently under-represented.

What is Take Part?

Take Part is a National Network, set up in 2005, based on the values of Social justice, Participation, Equality, Diversity and Co-operation. Seven different hubs across England form the Network.

The aim of Take Part is to provide programmes of active learning and information that enable people to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to become empowered citizens - citizens who are able to make an active contribution to their communities and influence public policies and services.

Pathfinder in Salford

 In the North West, the first Take Part pathfinder programme is lead by Manchester Metropolitan University and Community Pride and it is focused on Salford with agreement and support from Salford City Council.

The programme presents a good opportunity to build on existing good work through partnerships of local authority, third sector organisations, business, Local Strategic Partners, groups and individuals to work together at a community level on the task of finding effective ways of empowering citizens with knowledge, skills and confidence to increase engagement in civil, civic and democratic activity.

The Take Part in Salford Pathfinder programme is flexible so that agencies, organisations and residents in Salford can shape it. The programme covers a range of active learning for active citizenship opportunities including:

• Schools of Participation
• Gender and participation training
• Deaf link and DeafBlind work
• Tailored short term training programmes such as confidence building,
• public speaking and advocacy
• Community Leadership training
• Active learning for those who want to support others to become active citizens
• Training for Trainers
• Training for staff of LSP partners
• Information about the availability of opportunities for influence and lay governance roles across the public sector in the locality
• Academic accreditation