Priority Action Groups

Redcar & Cleveland Community Network has been established to create a vehicle for people from the community and voluntary sector to get their voices heard. Established with funding from the Government’s Community Empowerment Fund which aims to make resources available to help local people effectively access decision-making structures within the borough particularly in regards to regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal initiatives. Over the next two years the network will:

Develop links with Redcar & Cleveland Partnership
Create opportunities for people to get their voices heard by decision-makers
Provide training and development opportunities for residents and other voluntary groups affiliated to the Community Network
Establish action groups on the five priorities identified by the Redcar & Cleveland Partnership: Community safety; Employment and employability; Environment; Health; Needs of children and young people
Produce relevant briefings and resource materials for local groups
Establish an active network in the borough that links voluntary and community groups together to create a voice across the sector

The main remit of the Community Network Team is to ensure that those most excluded from the decisions that affect them are more closely involved and consulted when regeneration and renewal initiatives are being developed. Our aim is to make sure that local people’s voices are heard clearly and that their experiences and ideas are placed at the centre of proposed changes and policy development. Those most often excluded include people from the following groups:

Young people and children
Faith groups
Black and ethnic minority groups
The disabled
Women
Older people
Unemployed
Lone parents
Local residents groups

The Community Network Team will actively target these groups to increase their level of participation. Many are already actively involved in improving their communities but find themselves outside of the key decision-making processes. This often results in them being consulted after decisions have been made. Through the Community Network we aim to reverse this situation.

The Community Network meets on a bi-monthly basis, usually at a different venue around the borough.