What We Do
Gateshead Community Network
Is based in GVOC and has been established for 6 years, the staff team work to support community and individual's involvement in the Network, Gateshead Strategic Partnership and its themed partnerships which are:Children & Young People: Safer Stronger Communities and Culture: Adult Social Care and Health: Economy, Housing and Transport.
The team also support members who attend the Area Forums which have recently been established throughout the borough ( please see the Area Forum page for further information).
We do this by providing up to date information, training for new and existing members, co-ordination of Network and Steering Group meetings and support for all representatives (local people).
The team continually strive to increase Network membership and the number of representatives to discuss local people's issues from around the borough at the Network's focus groups which mirror the various themed partnerships.
We also support and administer the Small Grants Fund, which is aimed at new and emerging groups across Gateshead (for further information please go to funding page).
Steering Group
Is made up of members of the Network who have become more involved in the day to day business of the Network and meet monthly they are the decision makers of the Network. The Steering Group have an agreed vision, values and purpose.
VISION
Supporting local people in Gateshead to have a voice in the planning, delivery and decision making of all services for the public.
VALUES
We value difference, respect diversity, seek to promote equality and redress inequalities
We acknowledge the impact that poverty has on people and services
We encourage and enable positive participation and communication
We foster sharing and co-operation, are reflective and open to growth and change
Working to make services more accessible and responsive to the needs of communities
Helping partners develop effective methods of communication and ensuring this is a two way process
Taking up the challenge of fully participating in decision making structures
PURPOSE
To promote the improvement of services to the public by:
Providing a mechanism for community views to be gathered and shared with service providers
Providing opportunities for those least engaged in the organised voluntary sector to give their views
Developing the confidence and ability of community members to facilitate understanding and involvement in community
REPRESENTATIVES
Members of the Network who have shown an interest in local issues and attend the relevant partnership meetings. All representatives receive training, support and out of pocket expenses.
