Guide to help residents have bigger say published

Date published: 08/11/2006

A new manual to boost opportunities for people to learn about how to make a difference to their communities has been published.

The Take Part Framework offers practical information and advice on how to develop learning opportunities in citizenship for adults from a diverse range of backgrounds – from people with learning difficulties to refugees.

Launched by Baroness Andrews, Minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the manual sets out the guiding principles and values for educating citizens to enable them to influence decision making and shape public services in their communities. It also provides practical advice on learning methods, and lots of examples of Take Part learning in action.

The Framework, which is available as an online resource, will support the proposals set out in the Local Government White Paper published last month.  These include plans to place a duty on local authorities to encourage residents to be involved in the local decision making process. Take Part learning programmes will help residents play their full part as active citizens in their communities, by providing them with the information, skills and confidence they need.

Take Part learning for adults follows the implementation of the citizenship education curriculum in schools and the citizenship programme for 16 to 19 year olds by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Launching the Framework Baroness Andrews said: "The Government is committed to helping local people have a stronger voice so they can shape their services to address local needs and problems.  This dynamic Framework sets out how we can enable more people to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to have their say in the decisions that have such a profound effect on their lives and their communities.  The practical advice and guidance it offers will help to breathe life into our democratic decision making."

The Framework has been developed by the DCLG and draws on the experience and lessons learnt from the activities of seven learning hubs across the country, which were originally supported by the Home Office as part of the Active Learning for Active Citizenship programme in 2004.  The seven hubs have now formed the Take Part network which will advise and offer support to providers of active citizenship learning.

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BACKGROUND

The Take Part Framework is an online resource and the web address is www.takepart.org

The Active Learning for Active Citizenship pilot programme ran from June 2004 to March 2006 included
Greater Manchester as one of the seven regional hubs.

Take Part is part of Together We Can, the Government’s campaign to empower people, as citizens, to have a say in the shaping of public services, locally, regionally and nationally. Visit www.togetherwecan.info for more information.