Take Part

Take Part Hertfordshire is a nationally funded two-year programme that commenced in 2009. As part of the national learning framework, it aims to enable groups and individuals to get more involved in local communities,  decision making processes and have a stronger voice. 

Take Part Hertfordshire is all about empowering people who may feel they do not have a voice but want to be heard and to get involved. The programme made a huge difference to the lives of those people who are now better equipped to take part in their communities.

There are two project areas within Hertfordshire, each with a different focus:

• Demographic: focuses on black and minority ethnic (BAME) groups in Stevenage.
• Geographic: focuses on the Cowley Hill ward in Borehamwood

This programme is managed by the Hertfordshire County Council with delivery arrangements unique to each area but both involving the voluntary sector organisations that employs the project’s two part-time Project Officers. Take Part Stevenage is managed by Stevenage Borough Council and is delivered through Stevenage World Forum who hosts the Project Officer. They work alongside BME communities across the district with over 100 people participating in the programme.

Over the two years, more than 20 activities were organised including:

• Visits to the Houses of Parliament and council offices.
• Opportunities to shadow a local councillor.
• Skills-development and training courses such as Leadership & Influence; Giving presentations; Mentoring.

What did the programme achieve?

Comments from Take Part Stevenage participants:

“I was encouraged to get involved to understand the importance of what equality and diversity means within communities and places.”
“I feel empowered to continue with my new skills.”
“I have made many new friends through the Take Part project which has enabled me to understand other cultures and also to understand myself and I have gained confidence too.”