Community Led - It's #InOurNature

At the heart of this programme is a belief that it is only by working in partnership that we can really create a greener, healthier and more connected Manchester. We are ambitious and hopeful about this programme and it’s approach to putting residents and communities in the lead.

This is not a new idea - there is a long global history of communities leading change and varied levels of success in initiatives that seek to see local people driving their own community’s development as co-creators rather than as beneficiaries. And there is nothing remarkable or innovative about community-led work to most community changemakers.

What we think is unique about this programme is the range of partners we are bringing together, underpinned by an openness to learn about what works to support us all to mobilise our collective and diverse strengths, experiences and energies.

We are bringing together residents, climate experts and neighbourhood teams, offering support to get new groups and ideas off the ground and lots of ways to engage with and shout about the activity that results. We hope that together we can ignite a community led network of climate active neighbourhoods.

We are looking for residents who have experience in taking action in their communities, and those who have no experience at all but are interested in getting involved, to join us. 

Amity CIC have found that when people are supported to work well together and to understand their capacity for creativity, collaboration and wellbeing they realise their potential as changemakers - whether they have a professional role or are resident in a community. Amity’s programmes are regularly over subscribed which tells us there is appetite from many people for support to be more active in their communities and to collaborate with others in improving their neighbourhoods. For In Our Nature Amity will be working alongside the rest of the team in the delivery of the programme. Specifically, Amity will be facilitating three elements intended to support residents and communities to take the lead:

Inspired Community Action Programme

We know that there is huge potential in our communities for taking action on the climate emergency and as we test our partnership approach we will be supporting groups in 6 communities to work together well in shaping, taking and inspiring the action that works for their neighbourhood. This will be through a group development programme called Inspired Community Action.

Resident Board / Collective

This facilitated group will be made up of representatives from each of the 6 groups and will be a space to gain clarity on the whole programme. It is intended to keep partners accountable to the vision, desires and frustrations of residents. How the group functions, what it’s called and how it keeps partners accountable will be decided by the group.

Network

Everyone from the 6 community groups will get together at various points throughout the programme to get to know each other and share experiences for support and inspiration. This network and it’s ultimate purpose will be decided by those taking part.

If you live in Moss Side, Hulme, Rusholme, Newton Heath and Miles Platting, Levenshulme or the Northern Quarter and would like to partner with us please let us know here.