Empowerment Programme

The Community Matters Empowerment Programme Re:Source aims to improve community resourcefulness and build Smarter Communities which are more effective, confident and sustainable.

We know that neighbourhoods face complex challenges, especially during these unprecedented times, and we feel that any solution to these problems must place community organisations at their heart.

Throughout this programme, we hope to demonstrate and actively promote the contribution of community organisations in underpinning thriving neighbourhoods.

In April 2009, the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) awarded Community Matters along with 21 other charities, a three-year grant from the Empowerment Fund in order to explore themes set out in the 2008 White Paper: Communities in Control: Real People, Real Power.

The white paper reinforced the important role that community empowerment and cohesion must play in building strong communities and we seek to continue this through our innovative programme of activities.

Activities fall under five SMART themes. These are:

Strengthening Neighbourhoods

• Exploratory research into the contribution and impact of community anchor organisations in raising social capital amongst deprived communities.

Making Better Connections

• National advocacy with key Government and other stakeholders on the value of civil society, its relevance to current agendas and the conditions needed for it to thrive.

Advocacy

• Guidance to small and medium sized community organisations in maximising their role as effective advocates for their communities.

Resilience

• An early warning campaign to encourage community organisations to avoid upcoming crises and help reduce unnecessary closure of community resources.

Transparency and Best Practice

• Wider implementation of Community Matters VISIBLE standards for community organisations to improve their impact and sustainability.

More information about the Community Matters Re:Source Programme will be available soon both on the website and in the next edition of Community Matters Magazine.

For further information, please contact Monika Hofman, Empowerment Programme Officer via email: monika.hofman@communitymatters.org.uk or telephone 0207 520 2792

To find out more about the DCLG Empowerment Fund Programme please go to: http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/thirdsector/theempowermentfund/grants/.