A Beacon for Our Community

Tameside was awarded Beacon status for "Getting Closer to Communities" – in March 2005, the only one in the region and the Council's fifth since they were launched in 2000.

The Beacon recognises not only the efforts of everyone in the Council to consult, inform and involve local people in services. It also recognises the work and achievements of the many community groups and volunteers in the borough.

"This is a Tameside award, not a Tameside Council award and we should be justly proud, especially considering we were one of only seven nationally and the only one in the North West to gain this Beacon. We're committed to regular consultation and we listen to, and act on, what people tell us," said Executive Member for Community Services Cllr Philip Wilkinson.

"Getting closer to our communities is at the heart of everything we do. We launched District Assemblies to give people a voice in their area. Our award-winning website, new customer service centres and in-touch centres in libraries have made our services far more accessible to local people and businesses," added Executive Council Leader Cllr Roy Oldham.

The judges praised the Council's support for the Tameside 3rd Sector Coalition which has given community groups a voice in a co-ordinated way. Regarding the general atmosphere of co-operation and 'co-production', a local business leader spoke of 'amazing changes - more achieved in the last five years than in the previous 40'.

Another example quoted was the use of arts and cultural policy to promote interfaith celebration and community cohesion. BME communities in Tameside are small - around four per cent - but there is strong interfaith activity.

They also recognized the 'bottom-up' approach of community work in the regeneration areas. The Council also helps co-ordinate strong and vibrant partnerships with over 70 organisations, businesses and community and volunteer groups belonging to the Tameside Strategic Partnership.

Getting Closer to Communities

• Beacons Getting Closer to Communities - Open Day Information
  - Open Day Postcard 320.72 KB
  - Booking Form Information 442.64 KB
  - Open Day - Press Release
  - Open Day Presentations
• The Bid 104.71 KB
• Case Studies
  
  
• Learning Visits

Contact Details:

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Beacon Co-ordinator Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne OL6 6DL  View local map
0161 342 2142
0161 342 2187