Make the Difference

Provides consultancy, coaching, facilitation, action research and training to achieve strong, sustainable and cohesive communities and to enable everyone to reach their best potential. Stakeholders ranging from residents groups, organisations, statutory partners, volunteers and concerned individuals need to be involved in successful communities. To ensure this happens we have divided our approach into four key areas, outlined below.

 

Make the Difference – community engagement

Local Area Agreements and other initiatives mean working in different ways. Our particular strengths are in the areas of partnership working and innovative, participative methods of involving the community. Our model for cohesive community engagement is based on 7 leverage points:

We see the model as providing a framework to address the issues of developing local infrastructures that bring together key stakeholders to co-ordinate services and respond to local need. It’s a valuable resource to organisations addressing vital issues within the community; such as Town and Parish Councils, the Police, Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts

 

Make the Difference  – working with groups

Community Groups have the important function of providing focus for people’s interests and concerns, a meeting place to discuss ideas, take action, raise money and often they take on the delivery of services. We help groups be more effective. This includes developing vision, aims and objectives, skills for committee members, managing difficulties, strategic planning and successful fundraising.

 

Make the Difference – working with partnerships

Successful partnerships have in place a shared vision, a common understanding of the purpose and function of the partnership, good relationships and an agreed way to resolve conflicts and difficulties. We offer a range of services to help partnerships be more effective in the work that they do.  This includes facilitating development days, strategic planning, clarifying roles, skills profiles and putting in place effective communication strategies.

 

Make the Difference - individuals

We all want to make a difference in our own lives. This may mean having more fulfilling relationships, communicating more effectively, having the skills to deal with those areas in your life that are difficult, get promoted in work, do something different. We offer coaching, mentoring and other 1 to 1 sessions to enable individuals to be clear about their goals, what holds them back and to develop appropriate skills. This may involve building confidence and self-esteem as well as gaining skills in particular areas.