Take Part is a distinctive approach to learning that enables people to make an active contribution to their communities and influence public policies and services. In 2009-11 Stoke on Trent City Council had funding from the national Take Part programme. They commissioned the Creative Communities Unit at Staffordshire University to design and run two short courses for local residents.
Speaking Up supported people to get the skills and confidence to find out what was going on in their area and how public decisions are made, to vote and to connect with other people.
Taking Part trained people in skills for community leadership, enabling them to plan projects.
As a result of this training, five people stood for election as Councillors for the first time.
Penny Vincent and three of the successful students told us about this work and how politics affects our communities.
The final report of the national programme is available from the Community Development Foundation.