Partnerships
Community Development Strategy
The Southern Area Community Development Strategy is led by a steering group chaired by the Director of Social Services. It includes representation from the Boards, the Trusts, the Southern Health and Social Care Council and representatives of the community sector. The strategy has three key elements:
- Investment in a Community Development Team in each Community Trust.
- Community Sector Training – structured ways to increase capacity, expertise and knowledge of health and social services by the community sector.
- Statutory Sector Training – training of staff in Trusts and the Board to assist them to support and respond to community development.
What is it all about?
At its simplest community development is the process of assisting people to improve their own communities and their health and social wellbeing by undertaking action together.
The southern area community development strategy is led by a steering group which is chaired by the Director of Social Services.
It includes representation from the Board, Trusts, Health and Social Care Council and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
The strategy has four main elements:
- A strategic overview and ownership of community development approaches in health and wellbeing as described in the strategy document.
- Investment in a Community Development Unit / Team in each of the Trusts.
- Training for staff to increase their knowledge, skills and ownership of community development.
- Community Sector Training- involves training the community in child protection and in community development approaches to health and wellbeing.
What does the partnership do?
The partnership is committed to tackling health and social inequalities, promoting social justice, and better health and wellbeing outcomes for the community. The partnership approach acknowledges that no one agency or community can make the necessary changes alone and that we need to work together for positive change.
This work is led by Martin O'Neill.
Who's Involved?
Publications