Getting closer to communities

22 March 2005

The 'Getting Closer to Communities' Beacon Status award acknowledges the council's work across a range of areas. These include: involving the community in decision making, developing the capacity of the community and voluntary sector to be able to provide services and representing the population of Croydon.

The main elements recognised by the award are:

Vision and strategy - community involvement is a priority in the Community Strategy, and the Community Involvement Strategy Group co-ordinates activity in this area.
Croydon Strategic Partnerships - comprises an extensive network of inclusion mechanisms e.g. Neighbourhood Partnerships, Tenants and Leaseholders Panel, Community Network, Theme Partnerships and Partnership Board.
Innovative consultation - via a wide range of media such as children and young people's consultation, Croydon Reports, Open House, NW Croydon Community News, and TalkAbout Croydon.
Active citizens programmes - such as training for Community Champions, Young Champions, Croydon Champions, Young Citizen awards, 'Friends of' groups and school governors.
Capacity building programmes - for community and voluntary organisations such as grants, support for external fundraising and accommodation, capacity checking, and corporate social responsibility.
Community development programmes such as Neighbourhood Action Plans, Community Action Plans, SRB, Healthy Living Centres, etc.

For further details please contact David Freeman, details at foot of the page.