The Salford Apprentice is externally funded and run by Community Pride Unit/Church Action on Poverty. Joyce Kay is a Community Link Worker and one of the co-leaders on the course.
“A few years ago there had been a study on community governance and one of the findings was that large sections of society were not being represented when it came to decisions made in their communities” explained Joyce.
“The people who did have roles on decision making panels also said that they generally had very little training so it was decided to design a programme to equip those who wouldn’t normally have a voice with the skills to take on a role in the community – joining the PTA or local Residents Association etc. The aim of the course is to train people up, to give them the skills and confidence to have a voice in the community.”
Tracy Townson is unemployed at the moment but works in a voluntary capacity at a job focus group, assisting people in the community who are looking for work or need a CV.
“My aim is to bring more 18 to 24 year olds to the group.” said Tracy, who has chosen to support the local youth in her area, and is hoping to set up a help group in the near future in order that young people can have a base and a focus in which to develop.
“I was attracted to the Salford Apprentice course because I was unaware who was making the big decisions in my area and I’m very keen to find a way of making a difference myself in the local community, and I also want to support others in doing the same.” Tracy explained.
She feels that this course offers an excellent opportunity to find the answers she is seeking and to develop her own skills as a community activist.
Dependent on funding, a new course will be commencing Autumn 2012
For more details contact http://www.communitypride.org.uk/?p=129
