COMMUNITIES AT HEART - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“Putting the Heart back into your Community” Mission Statement Communities @ Heart believes in equality for all within our society. A place where everyone has the same opportunities, access to information, can have their say and contribute to the welfare and well-being of their fellow human beings. A place where we are considerate of others and willing to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves through sharing wealth, skills and experience in order to better our society as a whole. To promote a healthier and safer society which respects all life and the planet? Introduction ‘Communities at Heart’ is a radically new and transformational initiative which will inspire and empower individuals and regenerate communities locally, nationally and ultimately internationally. The Offer Communities at Heart will connect individual members of communities, encouraging them to grow and flourish by exchanging ideas and increasing their knowledge and skills. It will also enable community organisations and support services to develop by sharing information and best practice and working in partnership. Target markets for Communities at Heart include individuals, community organisations, educational establishments, public sector agencies and various other stakeholders and sponsors. The Communities at Heart website will be the engine room and ‘heart’ of this initiative providing the focus for all access to and exchange of Communities at Heart and community information. Individuals will be able to log in free of charge and create their own personalised profile. Groups and organisations will be invited to join by subscription to create their own personal Communities at Heart web space and showcase their work through an Open Source approach to project development. Colourful, fun and contemporary graphics will invite users to explore a ‘street’ with a number of buildings and spaces offering a one-stop shop for information, resources and knowledge, covering every aspect of life within communities from health and faith to enterprise, learning, culture and fun. The Communities at Heart website will also offer community TV and radio, an area for referendum and debate, a ‘Spotlight on’ section to highlight issues and showcase projects, a ‘Community Speak’ network, a ‘Your Community’ section (connecting any part of the site visited to a user’s local community) as well as fun and educational downloads (e.g. community issue based films, radio and creative productions).

The web-based activity will be supported by a professional consultancy and project management service providing expert guidance, information and training through a dedicated Community at Heart advisory team. A Communities at Heart Charitable Trust will also promote and raise funds for projects, including flagship community development projects initiated by the Communities at Heart team. Do have a look round the showcase website at www.communitiesatheartpilot.co.uk Thank you

Copyright and Trade Mark – Steve Carley Contact Steve Carley 07712654841 01233 811602 [email protected] www.thebeatproject.org.uk