Take Part Signs Up 500 For Local Programme

31 May 2012, 16:00

A two-year project's now reached 500 residents across Hertsmere become aware of services available to them.

Take Part - is a two-year programme, initially began by Hertsmere Council and now supported by a Big Local lottery grant - and other public bodies to get us all involved more with what's happening around us.

The programme is about as wide ranging as you can imagine - from arranging visits to see local MPs, trips to the County Council's HQ to see how local democracy works, police and fire visits - to directing people to local charity and support services.

As the scheme expands into Bushey from Borehamwood, Heather Walsh from Community Action Hertsmere told Heart: "We really want more people now to understand across Hertfordshire that Take Part can help first understand how local services work - how our councils are run, the police, MPs and how it all interacts with the voluntary sector and charities.

From there - it's much easier then to see how to influence what happens in their neighbourhood, as they then become aware of who they need to speak to - and how."

Heather added; "But it's much more than that - we encourage everyone to be invovled, especially those who lack confidence. Single people, couples, parents, young people and older residents can all benefit.

Many residents just are simply not aware of the opportunties out there - we can help them build their confidence and in some places where we speak to people in difficult social settings, some can lack motivation - we can help there too."

Want to find out more - including pictures, an event calendar and information on the "multi purpose daycare centre" attending a training session at the training ground of Arsenal Football Club - can all be found HERE