CONSULTATION

Key to the successful creation of accessibility and ICT engagement strategies for the e-Neighbourhoods Programme is the knowledge and understanding of existing provision, technological infrastructure, connectivity requirements and identifying issues and barriers faced by local people.

Extensive Community Consultation has been undertaken in order to meet and network with organisations & individuals who work at the front-line of community provision giving advice, guidance and support to local Communities including minority or excluded groups. This consultation informed the scope of Community Feasibility Studies carried out in the 11 Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) http://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk Wards of the City.

All Programme staff continue to form partnerships and work collaboratively with the Community and Voluntary Sector particularly the Community Development Network (CDN) and the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

Community Feasibility studies were carried out by local organisations with a community or voluntary role and excellent networks throughout the communities in the scope of the study. In fostering this local approach the Programme continues to actively support local Capacity Building Initiatives.

A collaborative approach was used between Comecon http://www.comecon.co.uk & Hendon 2000 to carry out Community consultation to report on:

o Existing ICT Provision
o ICT Awareness, Skills, Competencies & Barriers
o Internet Usage & Interest in On-line Service Delivery
o Training Requirements
o Awareness of ICT/Council Initiatives
o Recommendations for engagement/future project development

Mapping the provision allowed the e-Neighbourhoods Programme to identify gaps and overlaps of ICT provision and use this information to inform further development of the Community EVH Strategy, Community e-Champions Project and the Communities of Interest Project in the context of the Community Access Strategy.