1. Lynette McKechnie, Peoples Gateway
Involving Local People, Sustaining Involvement & Building Community ‘Buy-In’
Pauline Smith, Manager
&
Lynette McKechnie, Peoples Gateway
Co-ordinator

2. What does involvement mean to Connect CT?
Local people delivering, taking part and leading in local services
Local people learning new skills or using existing skills to benefit them and others in the community
Local people supporting each other
Local people understanding the power that they and the community have in shaping their own future

3. How do we involve local people?
4 facilities based in the heart of the community; each one different but compliment each other
From day 1 of opening each of the facilities local volunteers were in charge of services; Each activity has at least 1 volunteer some are fully volunteer run
Paid staff came eventually with many of the volunteers becoming paid
We operate over 80 different services per week with over 3000 people participating each week.

4. Just some of the types of volunteering
Young helpers

5. BUT it’s not just about volunteering….
Community ‘Buy In’ is through taking part
KEY ELEMENTS OF COMMUNITY BUY IN:
We work throughout the generations; people need to see what’s in it for them
There is no eligibility criteria for any services; open door
We host showcase events; wider impact and attracts new clients
Delivered by local people; reduces the ‘not for the likes of me’ attitude that sometimes exists
Something for everyone; designed by and for the people that live in the area
We talk to people! All staff and volunteers understand how all services are linked together and nobody has just one job

6. Taking part…..over 3000 per week
Dance Group; for young people but parents involved in costume making, attending showcase events
Services for people with disabilities
Incl. social groups, sports
Adult Services
Incl. Job Club, café, sports,
social nights
Elderly Services
Incl.Lunch Club, Walking
Youth Services;
Incl. clubs, sports, training
We utilise the power of the current participation
to encourage others to join.
Lunch Club; for elderly residents but we market the youth and adult service throughout so they encourage their children/grandchildren
Job Club; for the whole community and we promote all activities and opps through it.

7. The Peoples Gateway is aimed at, working with and for the benefit of local people and their community; offering a combined support service that will help people make positive steps for themselves, their family and the community – whatever their needs.
Providing a first point of contact to CONNECT local people to opportunities

8. Job Clubs First point of contact…. Advice Guidance I.T Support
Access to Training
CV Writing
Networking
Volunteering opportunities
Link to the wider Connect services available

9. Communications & Beliefs
I.T Classes with John Wheatley College
Heart Start
Food Hygiene
Emergency First Aid
NPA Volunteering
Child Care
MIDAS Training
Photography
Breast Feeding Awareness
Child Protection

10. Help & Support
Advice
Support
Training
Employment

11. Stats Number of referrals from DWP – 453
Number of self referrals – 259
Number of job club members – 703
Number of members that have secured volunteer work – 64
Number of members that have secured employment – 102
Number of members took part in training - 83
Number of CV’s Completed -300+
 Since starting, the job club has been a resounding success, with over 700 people now registered. The project is proving that demand is there! 

12. Constant evolution and reinventing of services
Embracing new people; what are your ideas
An understanding that there isn’t one person that has all the ideas
Open communication
Friendly environment that people can get involved easily in

13. Encouragement
The trust has always encouraged volunteers to realise their potential and share new ideas for new services that can really make a difference to the community

14. Always Moving Forward
Relevant training and even some training that might not seem relevant at the time. Always try new things!
Monitoring of progress. Showing people how they have progressed.
Providing tools & resources – but not lots of plans or form filling. It’s an organic process.
Preparation for work. Never stand still….don’t get complacent
Continuous personal development & support – a person-centered approach
Positive Psychology; Futures toolkit

15. You want something done? Don’t just complain, help change things
Straight to the point….
You want something done?
Do it yourself…..
Make it happen!
Don’t just complain, help change things
Connect CT is the support mechanism for local people to make things happen

16. Progression; we don’t want people volunteering indefinitely – creating paid employment or helping people move into employment elsewhere
Friendly and approachable; diverse range of support staff
Not frighten of change; we take chances on people and on new services
We invest in people; support and development
We don’t do everything for people; we help people do things for themselves. Empowerment of people
Never stand still; services are constant evolving
WE DON’T COMPLICATE THINGS…..WE MAKE IT FUN!!