Community researchers rewarded

Thu 5th November 2009 11.53AM

A PRESENTATION ceremony organised by Mind the Gap, the Warrington Wolves Foundation and Warrington Council recognised 22 local residents who have completed their training as community researchers. The event also marked the contribution they have made by conducting research projects in the community as part of their training. Certificates were presented to the new team of community researchers by Cllr Liz Smith, executive board member for neighbourhoods and communities; Jane Critchley, neighbourhood manager at the council and Ben Westwood of the Wolves. The council has been working with Mind the Gap to train local residents as community researchers.

These researchers then work with residents in their local area to establish the key issues for people in their neighbourhoods. Their findings inform the development of local area plans which identify the priorities in the area and then seek to deliver projects that will meet these priorities. Each volunteer attended a five day training session during the summer which gave them skills in interview techniques and different ways of identifying the local issues that matter most to people.