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Local Networks!

Local Networks!

Local Networks!

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Hello I’m Joe, I took up the role of Local Network Co-ordinator with the Frontline Network after several different roles in the charity sector, including roles in frontline homelessness services, criminal justice charities and youth services.

At the Frontline Network, we work at a National and a local level to support paid frontline staff working with people experiencing homelessness, across the UK. At a National level, we provide funding, community and resources. Locally, we work with formal partners across the UK who provide regular opportunities to bring together frontline staff in their areas, to network, share expertise/best practice and link to decision makers to influence change. Our partners run a mix of thematic networks (such as Mayday Trust’s Personal Transitions Service Frontline Network and the Pan-London Migrant Frontline Network) and geographical networks (such as the Plymouth Frontline Network). Their event themes and activities are steered by what staff tell them they want and need.

We want to extend these opportunities out to areas where we do not have formal partners.  As the Frontline Network’s Local Network Coordinator, I am working with interested organisations and frontline staff to set up networks in their areas. Covid has obviously impacted some of this network development. We have not been able to travel around the country and have been focused on other areas of our work to support frontline staff, who are working hard to support people they work with to help navigate the pandemic.

However, we are really keen to hear from frontline workers/organisations, who want a local network in their area. Local networks can be geographical or thematic in nature and I can provide capacity and support to organisations to set up a network and run these events, that are beneficial for local frontline staff. Event approaches can vary but these networks can offer formal training, presentations and updates from services as well as spaces for staff to network and share what is happening. The focus and format of these events is led by what frontline staff tell us they want and feedback, it’s not about us it’s about you.

As part of our offer we provide the funding to cover the cost of running these events. This can be used to help bring in external facilitators and trainers or to cover venue hire and refreshments (when we are allowed to meet in person again!)

We have recently started running local events for staff in Southend and are in the process of setting up events in Leicester.

If you would like us to help to set up a local network in your area, or have any questions- please get in touch with me joseph.coules@stmartinscharity.org.uk

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