Leeds
- Worked with 3 neighbourhood networks
- Trained and mentored 3 Community Builders
- Supported the pilot of Small Sparks / matching fund processes“Nurture Development have both inspired and challenged us in our attempts to take a more asset based approach in Leeds.
- Their support has been invaluable in helping us to reflect on our practice and encouraging us when we have hit a stumbling block”.
- “Being part of a Learning Site has taught me not to underestimate the time that is needed to make connections.
- The big difference has definitely been triggered by Community Builders and Connectors having conversations.
- It takes time. You can’t use a conventional project management approach. There is not a way to anticipate what is going to come out of this”.
What We Learnt Together
Emma Carter (Commissioning Manager – Enterprise Contracts & Business Development Adult Social Care. Leeds City Council):
- “Nurture Development have both inspired and challenged us in our attempts to take a more asset based approach in Leeds.
- Their support has been invaluable in helping us to reflect on our practice and encouraging us when we have hit a stumbling block”.
- “Being part of a Learning Site has taught me not to underestimate the time that is needed to make connections.
- The big difference has definitely been triggered by Community Builders and Connectors having conversations.
- It takes time. You can’t use a conventional project management approach. There is not a way to anticipate what is going to come out of this”.
What People Did Themselves
Middleton:
Leeds City Council Community Builder met with Robin, member of ‘Middleton Elderly Aid’, and supported him to start a local group where he teaches others to build walking sticks.
This has enabled him to get to know many others and forge friendships while following his passion.
Hare Hills area:
A local resident told a Community Builder about her passion for poetry.
As a result, poet Michelle Scally Clarke led some sessions attended by people of different ages and nationalities.
More information on http://bit.ly/11rUGuv
Outputs
- Trained 3 Neighbourhood Networks Scheme workers as Community Builders.
- Recruited more than 20 Community Connectors.
- 14 new groups formed.
Leeds City Council video for Connecting Communities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOZ4KtFEQ5M