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Executive Summary
This report evaluates the views and perspectives of delegates at Trafford Hall’s Consultation
Day. The information provides insight into the issues facing disadvantaged communities, which
will be used to shape future training programmes. Our research is based on feedback from 42
grass-roots social activists from around the UK, and the information gathered during the event
is written up in this report. The most urgent and reoccurring themes include:
•
Widespread financial exclusion; a need to address a shortfall of money management
skills and resilience in the face of economic pressures, particularly among young
people.
•
Issues surrounding the introduction of Universal Credit; many benefit recipients will
struggle to budget as they are not used to being paid monthly, the new system may
cause more tenants to face eviction and rent arrears as payments will no longer go
directly to landlords, and those without internet access could struggle to complete
online applications.
•
The need to approach the issue fuel poverty holistically rather than as a single issue;
looking at the wider causes and implications.
•
The need to engage young people through healthy eating projects and initiatives;
food can be an effective engagement tool and can be utilised to help address a
range of other issues.
•
The shortfall of skills and confidence needed to design, set up and run a community
projects. More support is needed to help motivated community activists turn
project ideas into a reality.
•
The need for training around developing soft skills such as communication,
presentation and networking.
Delegates’ feedback about training currently offered at Trafford Hall highlighted the benefits of
training residentially; our courses provide delegates with the opportunity to network with other
like-minded people, and holding courses over a 2 day period allows a broader depth to be
covered.
The information gathered throughout the event is crucial to our understanding of the issues
facing disadvantaged communities and vital will be for developing further training programmes.