15/06/2012

Ashington Selected for 5 Community Organisers

Ashington has been selected as the first town in the north east of England to take part in a national community support programme. Ashington Community Development Trust has been selected by Locality as the first organisation in Northumberland and now in the region to be recruiting, hosting and supporting Community Organisers.

This is a national programme which will train 5,000 ‘community organisers’, individuals working in local communities to bring people together, listen to ideas, build networks and support people to tackle the local issues which are important to them.

Kevin Lille, Business Development Officer at Ashington Community Development Trust, said: “We’re really pleased that Ashington is going to be part of the Community Organisers scheme. To be able to offer training and employment to local people who will then be able to support the community during this period of high unemployment, particularly in this area, is great news. There are so many people out there who are dedicated, motivated and really care about making our area a better place.”

Jess Steele from Locality, the organisation running the Community Organisers programme, said: “We selected Ashington Community Development Trust because of the strong relationships they have with their local community and their fantastic track record. I know they’ll choose some excellent community organisers for Ashington and offer them the best possible support.”

Ashington Community Development Trust will host 5 community organisers while they undergo their training with Locality’s national training partner Re:generate. The community organisers will work in a local neighbourhood cho-sen by the Ashington Community Development Trust in consultation with local partners, where they will put their training into practice and develop their skills.