Group & Individual Facilitation & Instruction : Creating Connections - Building Sustainable Empowered Communities

Examples of how Creating Connections has helped build Sustainable Empowered Communities

Group & Individual Facilitation & Instruction

My work acts as a catalyst for realising ideas through facilitation, support and mentoring. I specialise in working with people in a variety of situations including outdoor/ active experiences.

Facilitate organisational planning and team building weekends for The Melting Pot's Core Development Team

I am working with a diverse group of volunteers from Edinburgh to turn a BIG idea into reality. Since January 06 we have been gathering, planning, and delivering on core objectives to build our new social enterprise.

Jan 06 onwards Testimony

Facilitate dialogue sessions at 'Women as Social Entrepreneurs Cafe Culture' Day for SALP (Scottish Adult Learning Project)

Held several dialogue sessions with women of all ages on: “How to connect with and support ‘under the radar’ agents of social change. Who are the everyday heroes that fall between the headlines? And how can women social entrepreneurs lead a peaceful, grassroots re-direction of society?”

September 2006 Testimony

women in discussion at the Women as Social Entrepreneurs Day conference

Trouble shooter, facilitator and catalyst of local action group (World-wise/ WDM Scotland)

Facilitated an open community meeting of residents in Ullapool to explore, motivate and harness their interest in effective action – who have now campaigned successfully to make Ullapool a Fair Trade village.

January 06 Testimony

Coaching and mentor for World-wise tutor

Provide 1-2-1 mentoring support to assist a new tutor in their course delivery and confidence.

January 06 Testimonial

Delivery and facilitation of a programme of local campaigning for a group of adults through an Active Global Citizenship (WDM Scotland/ World-wise) programme

Facilitator of a group to design and implement a campaign on a Trade Justice Issue (Make Poverty History), and to support their participation at a national conference. This was the second of two 10 week term sessions for adults with diverse knowledge in Trade Justice issues, based in Stirling. The group identified an issue they wished to campaign on and worked together to successfully organise their own campaigning event involving a public event and schools outreach.

Jan – April 2005 and with continuing ad hoc support Testimony

WorldWise campaigners and their educational t-shirts a successful local public awareness raising campaign in Stirling through World Wise WorldWise Stirling group at their public campaign table

Personal Tutor for 7 MSc students for the Centre for Human Ecology

Over 3 years (and 2 intakes) I was contracted as a personal tutor - providing support for 7 MSc students throughout the duration of the course, and their thesis stages - helping them refine their choice, and supporting them on their emotional and intellectual journey.

Oct 2003-June 2006

students and friends at the CHE graduation day 2006

Associate Outdoor Instructor for Craigmillar Adventure Project (CAPRO)

Designed, developed and organised the delivery of outdoor education based programs to give safe instruction to individuals and groups. Offer support and encouragement to clients (young people and adults from different backgrounds, cultures and abilities). Course delivery ranges from ½ day – term long programmes and includes attain feedback.

Co-tutor, organise and deliver training in a National Governing Body award for adults (BELA course).

Help source other freelancers to assist in the program, give feedback and forward information to shape services.

Instruction in Mountaineering, Climbing, Team Building, Orienteering, Blokarting; and assisting other instructors in Kayaking, Archery, Ropes Courses, Gorge Walking, Conservation activities.

2003-present Testimony

Adults on the British Expedition Leaders Award women's group on reunion barge with CAPRO

Expedition organiser and trainer– Sikh women’s group

Work with Sikh SanJog and the local Duke of Edinburgh Award Unit to provide training and support to a group of young Sikh women and their mothers for a memorable summer of personal growth and adventure. To quote one mother: "I've never laughed so much - it was brilliant!"

Summer 2004 Testimony

Sikh sanjog on their expeditions Sikh Sanjog participants enjoying the sunshine and their lunch Sikh Sanjog reach the top of The Pentland hills rest stop on the Sikh sanjog expeditions

Community Engagement consultant for North Lanarkshire Council

Met and liaised with the local Community Learning and Development Officer and Bellshill Community Council Forum to evaluate the local forum's learning and development needs. Identified difficulties experienced in being effective in their actions and the Community Planning Process, researched and provided sources of help and training to help them overcome some of these barriers.

Jan-May 05

Expedition organiser, Edinburgh Duke of Edinburgh Award Unit

Freelance Instructor and expedition supervisor for Friends of the Award in Edinburgh and the Lothians over many years, working with 14-25 year olds and their support staff. Instruct, support and help organise Award expeditions: route planning, logistics, equipment and insurance cover.

1995-2004 Testimony

Freelance Outdoor and Environmental Education Instructor for a variety of clients:

Primarily working with a diverse range of 14 - 20 year olds through

the City of Edinburgh Councils' Go4It and Play4It (8-13 years) school holiday programmes (2003 - 5)
Adventure Edinburgh (2004-5)
Canalside Activity Centre, London (2004)
Vetaid / Woodcraft Folk
The Green Team

youth practicing navigation Adults practicing navigation techniques on CEC Adult Eduation course youth abseiling VETAID & Woodcraft Folk environmental games