NCEN
Our Aims
- To make sure the views and needs of Newcastle’s communities are clearly expressed and heard at Newcastle Partnership meetings
- To set up robust channels of communication in order to hear the views of communities as well as letting them know what matters are under consideration and what issues need attention
- To develop and extend the network of networks in line with the values and standards set out below
Our Values
The CEN and the networks which make it up are signed up to, and work to implement, the values and standards of the National Occupational Standards (NOC) in Community Development Work. The NOS form the core of induction and training for Community Voices (CV’s).
What we do
The CEN and Regen Forum staff teams develop the Newcastle CEN through:
information – disseminating information to communities about the Newcastle Partnership and passing on community perspectives to the partnership
consultation – supporting communities participation in formal consultations
participation – recruiting and supporting community representatives for the partnership, known as CV’s
empowerment – contacting communities that are not connected and helping them get involved
Who We Are
The Newcastle Community Empowerment Network (CEN) was set up in 2001 to help build and support a community network of networks in the City, enabling communities to speak on their own behalf and impact on the strategic decision making processes in the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), in Newcastle this is called the Newcastle Partnership.
The Newcastle Partnership involves public sector (local authority, police and health), private sector (local business) and community and voluntary organisations. Communities have a seat on all of the boards which make up the Partnership and they are taken by community activists called “Community Voices” (CV’s).
The CEN Steering Group invites community groups to propose people to become CV’s and ensures that the selection covers the diversity of groups in Newcastle. CV’s (there are currently 25) receive training and support from CEN staff and meet each other at regular CV Gatherings.
