Community leadership

Building on the outreach and training that we deliver with neighbourhood community groups and the community of identity groups, we have identified that a key way to make change happen in communities is by enabling people to gain the skills to take active leadership roles, whilst developing their skills to empower others at the same time.

“The leadership course has provided me with a wonderfully valuable opportunity to stop and take stock of my own skills as a leader within my local community; which has in turn increased my confidence and reduced my stress making me more effective as a community leader and to those around me”

Our community leadership programme develops the capacity of current and potential community leaders, through a flexible programme that includes an accredited ten day course in community leadership (OCN 3 credits at levels 2 & 3).

The programme is aimed at people who are planning to take an active leading role in their local community, and who have a desire and commitment to be a strong voice to influence decisions that will ultimately make changes in their community.

Participants will:

  • Develop confidence in their role as a leader
  • Learn about what makes an effective leader

Explore and practise the skills involved including:

  • Influencing and persuading
  • Communication
  • Dealing with conflict
  • Planning for change
  • Motivating volunteers
  • Time and stress management

Community leaders who complete the course are matched with a trained mentor for a year, who will support them to embed their learning within their leadership role. Mentors help leaders to regularly plan their work, implement their plan, review achievements and plan for success.

“I thought the course was excellent…the teaching was great, the trainer is knowledgeable, clear, supportive and demonstrated all the best practice that she was teaching us…I am inspired and I feel that I am of much more use to the organisations I am working in as a result of this training.”

WTP also delivers a range of courses and workshops that support community leaders in their role on an ongoing basis. These are on a range of topics including:

  • Campaigning for change
  • Using social media to effect change
  • The Localism Bill
  • Understanding how the Council works

The local ‘Take Part Pathfinder’ project has ended, and all partners involved have been celebrating the ways in which it has touched the lives of local people and made them feel more engaged in their local community.

Do watch the video

And also have a look at the Take Part final report, where you will also find all the project partners listed click here for Take Part final report.  There are still some colourful newspaper versions of the report left to pick up around town as well as from the WTP office.