Stuart is a local resident who is totally committed to improving his local community; he has over the years become actively involved in a range of local networks, consultations and partnerships, he is currently Chair of the Community Forum. He has a strong belief that local people should be listened to and supported to help them actively participate in the development of local initiatives that aim to meet their needs.
Stuart has attended a range of courses delivered locally by numerous providers and believes that they have enhanced his skills and knowledge enabling him to become a more effective community representative. He particularly highlights his learning from the Community Development course delivered by Community Skills in Redcar, he sees this as particularly relevant to his work, and consequently went on to achieve NVQ level 3.
He also completed the National Open College Network ‘Managing Community and Voluntary Organisations’ level 3 Award, delivered by Skillshare; this award broadened his skills in management and organisation. The range of courses attended by Stuart have given him a strong core base of knowledge and local residents know that if they approach Stuart for advice concerning community issues then they will receive knowledgeable and reliable information.
Stuart believes it is important to recognise the ‘added value’ that attending courses gives, they introduce those who attend into new networks which provide an excellent way to share knowledge and experiences. As he points out, attending a course broadens your horizons while enjoying the learning experience.
His participation in learning has given him the desire to build on his skills and knowledge and he has seriously considered standing for the local council. He is currently on the Adult Learners Forum for Adult Education and he has been invited to participate in a National Adult Learners Forum. For Stuart his involvement with this programme has led to him increasing his skills and knowledge in local democracy and participation and he in turn passes this knowledge onto others.
Stuart always tries to encourage people to attend courses; he believes that they are enjoyable, delivered in a friendly way by the whole team and most importantly are able to give people the confidence and encouragement to become active in their own communities.
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