Demonstrating Engaged Communities:
Sparkplug Projects in North Somerset CDRP
What they did
North Somerset CDRP successfully bid for £8000 funding form Government Office South West which was match funded by the Partnership. With a total budget of only £16,000 North Somerset was able to fund 9 separate initiatives, each one conceived and run by members of the community. Each of these initiatives became known as Sparkplug projects. They were successfully run under the project management oversight of the partnership’s Community Development Worker (a full-time post).
What it involved
As grassroots projects, they successfully engaged the community in solving problems. Each had genuine community ownership and was well-respected in their individual areas. In addition to demonstrating what can be achieved by community efforts, these projects helped build more effective links between the CDRP and the community. The Community Development Worker was not only able to support individuals turn their ideas into real initiatives, but was also able to help new community groups establish themselves as part of the process.
What impact it had
All of the Sparkplugs are continuing to contribute to their local communities. The success of the initiative has raised the profile of community engagement in the area.
