The partner organisations needed to respond to local residents’ requests for practical teaching about gardening and home maintenance, basic skills such as numeracy and literacy, and an increased knowledge of the regeneration of East Manchester.

The project needed to build on the area’s comprehensive environmental improvement programme and provide expanded local learning opportunities around these topics. The project needed to lever people into the regeneration of the area.

Requests by residents in East Manchester for short courses in gardening and DIY have led to a programme of practical classes, with embedded basic skills, that have increased residents’ confidence, enabled them to progress to more formal learning, and encouraged them to get involved in the regeneration of their area. More than 60 residents have taken part in Home Front courses.

Approach Home Front has been led from the start by a steering group with strong local representation. It brings together a series of ‘tasters’ and short courses designed to be attractive to residents who might be put off by formal education.

The practical nature of the courses has enabled residents not only to better maintain their own homes, but to contribute to the improvement of their neighbourhoods and take greater pride in where they live.

More than 60 residents have taken part in Home Front courses. Individual members were enthusiastic about the scheme and ensured it was well managed.

Plans are to use mainstream funding to provide similar courses elsewhere that act as tasters for formal courses in construction and related skills. The project encouraged involvement in the wider regeneration of neighbourhoods, rather than just personal learning.

A long term scheme to bridge local residents and regeneration programmes is the aim. Individual members were enthusiastic and ensured it was well managed. There are discussions to formalise links with local colleges wishing to adopt the Home Front model.

The Voluntary Sector Training Consortium, project partner, now includes basic skills within courses. Continual development of innovative projects is needed to sustain resident engagement.

The community, residents and the environment

Partners:

Funding:

Budget: £44,678

Adactus Housing Association
nicky.garbutt@adactushousing.co.uk

//2007

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation