Specialist advisors on social enterprise development

Who we are

Geof Cox

Dr. Guy Turnbull

Susan Priestley

Keith Richardson

Communications Consultant

Qualifications

B.Sc (Hons); Diploma of the Market Research Society; Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing; Graduate of Common Purpose. Author of" Frequent Movers, Looking For Love", published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation / York Publishing, and a number of other papers on social exclusion and community economic development. Associate Member of the Market Research Society; Associate of the Community Development Foundation; Member of the Social Research Association; Member of the UK Evaluation Society .

Skills and Experience

As Information Officer then Campaigns Officer for Northern MIND (1985-89) co-ordinated a unique report on the state of mental health care in the Northern Region. With support from Joyce Quin MP, the report was launched in the House of Commons by Lord Ennals and local MPs with an accompanying Early Day Motion which made mental health care headline news. This work was followed up by a blueprint for mental health care presented in articles for Social Work Today and the Bulletin of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Co-ordination of National MIND's Better Life campaign. Campaign for Newcastle Mental Health Trust to reduce the stigma faced by service users. This involved an intensive media campaign which gained national press coverage, the production of a garden at the Gateshead Garden Festival,, the marketing of St Nicholas Hospital's canteen as a public restaurant and other campaigning activities. Director of Communicate (1989-98) a company specialising in arts, health and community consultation and development. Education & Training Manager for Earth Balance (1998-99) and subsequently Co-ordinator of Community Balance.

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Examples of Relevant Experience

Frequent Moving and Social Exclusion   Research study into causes of social exclusion funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, focused on why people in the West End of Newcastle move frequently and the consequences for service providers, including health.   Results: A research report published by York Publishing.   South Tyneside Great North Forest Consultation   Community consultation on how to involve local people in the development of the Great North Forest, one of 11 community forest developments throughout England.   Results: The setting up of STAG, one of the most active local environmental groups in England. The study was featured as an example of good practice by the Community Development Foundation.   West End Health Resource Centre Community Consultation   Innovative consultation process that created a community blueprint for the Resource Centre.   Result: The Centre was recently cited as an example of good practice in a Government White Paper on primary health care.   Development of Community Action Plan for Arthur's Hill   Assisting local people to develop their own Community Action Plan through an extensive participation and capacity building exercise, which included workshops attracting over 200 people.   Result: Development of Action Plan, including a number of innovative economic projects, and the Action for Arthur's Hill Group. This Group has raised over £450,000 and also won inclusion of the area in Newcastle's New Deal for Communities.   County Durham Advocacy Strategy   Creation of a strategy for developing advocacy services based on a series of seminars with service users and professionals, some of which attracted over 100 people, and raising funds for a network of Self Advocacy groups.   Results: In addition to a long-term strategy, a number of advocacy initiatives were set up and over £60,000 raised.   Dawdon Community Centre Feasibility Study   The study included extensive community consultation and the development of a business plan for a centre with a number of health elements, including a nursery and part-time GP surgery.   Result: Reinvigoration of local community groups and a successful funding bid to the National Charity's Lottery Board and other sources for over £500,000.

Keith Richardson

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