Working in Neighbourhoods: Your FAQs

The Working in Neighbourhoods programme has been running throughout the North West since April 2009. To give you a better picture of the what, who, why and where, we're answering some of your frequently asked questions (FAQs)

FAQs

How can I take part on the course?

During the course of this year Neighbourhoods NW had up to 400 free places to give away thanks to funding from the NW Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NWIEP). Up until the end of June 2010 North West Local Authority employees and the residents they work with can take part on the course for free.

To take part all we ask is that your Local Authority hosts the course. This includes getting a group of 8-12 officers and active residents together on the dates agreed with our team, providing a venue and refreshments. Neighbourhoods NW provides qualified trainers to deliver the programme as well as all workbooks, resources and certification.

If you're not able to get a group together, why not access one of our open courses.

What does the course involve?

The course consists of ten units which are delivered over a period of five days either as a continuous block or as separate days, according to the participating organisation's preferences. Learners complete a workbook as they progress through the course which is assessed by the trainer each day. Once learners have successfully completed all ten units, they have achieved the award. Learners who miss part of the course can receive unit accreditation for those elements that they have covered. The units are:

1 Roles and Boundaries
2 Organisational skills
3 Communication Skills and information management
4 Leadership skills
5 Community Engagement
6 Partnership Working
7 Managing Expectations
8 Effective Meetings and presentation skills
9 Working with young people
10 Working with older people

The programme is classroom based using varied delivery methods including exercises, group work, and scenario exploration, all offering opportunities for participation. A resource book is provided to each learner to support their learning.

What's in it for me?

The programme provides a foundation of skills and essential knowledge including practical techniques, opportunities to build networks and relationships and also helps to increase confidence in the neighbourhood working environment.

Who's can participate in the course?

Anybody active in neighbourhoods from; frontline practitioners, active residents, Elected Members, project teams, neighbourhood wardens, community development officers, health workers, enforcement officers, community groups, tenants and residents associations, youth offending teams, drug and alcohol action teams, charity workers, volunteers, environmental teams...and many more.

Can we have a mixed group of residents, practitioners and partners?

You get the most out of the programme when you have a mixed group of practitioners, residents and partner teams.

Do I have to book five consecutive days for the programme to run over?

The programme is delivered over a period of five days either as a continuous block or as separate days, according to your needs.

Will I have to take an exam?

The programme consists of a Workbook that you complete during the course, so no homework or final exam is involved. On satisfactory completion of the course you will receive the level 2 Certificate in Working in Neighbourhoods. This is a nationally recognised qualification accredited by the awarding body NCFE.

I've worked in the community for years - would it still be relevant?

No matter what your experience, taking part in a programme run for a mixed group of residents and practitioners can be really rewarding. Feedback so far has been that even the most experienced practitioners have learnt something new from the group they're learning with.

Do I need any prior qualifications or skills?

This programme is designed to be a foundation of essential skills and knowledge and as such there is no requirement for any prior qualifications or skills. It is worth noting that the programme does include some basic written work in the completion of the workbooks so any support for learners with literacy needs would have to be assessed and discussed prior to starting the programme.

So...if you're interested in hosting a programme in your locality contact us.