SGCS Model of Engagement:
Stage 1 – Identify the Problem Faced by Communities
A problem or issue facing the community (such as
homelessness, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse etc) must first be
identified. This is done through a needs analysis and a range of seminars and
consultations held with local communities, statutory bodies and local
stakeholders. SGCS’s outreach workers also play a huge part, by actively
engaging with the target participants such as homeless people or rough
sleepers. The feedback from the outreach workers contributes towards the design
of new programmes and solutions. The aim is to obtain a detailed understanding
of the root causes of the problem(s) afflicting the local community.
Stage 2 – Taking Ownership of the Problem
SGCS has been advocating since 1999, with great
success, that systemic problems faced by local communities can only be
addressed with joint collaboration and effort with three key stakeholders
recognising that they all have a crucial part to play. These are: 1) Local
community; 2) Local authorities/Public Sector; 3) Private Sector.
SGCS works closely with these stakeholders to
pro-actively tackle local community issues as oppose to re-active problem
solving. This style of engagement encourages ownership and helps to solve
systemic local community issues before they occur. This helps to empower
communities by giving communities more responsibility and control in developing
community projects and initiatives.
Stage 3 – Devising Solutions
The 3 stakeholders must work together to devise
solutions, building on each other’s areas of expertise, credibility, and
influence. These solutions could either address the problems directly or
indirectly, through various social housing, employment, training and capacity
building projects. The target groups and aims of the solutions/programmes must
be carefully identified. SGCS plays an important role in bringing together and
co-ordinating these activities to produce collaborative relationships aimed at
creating working solutions which tackle the root causes of the challenges faced
by these communities. SGCS has designed and successfully executed a range of
programmes since 1999.
|