ESC: People Know How

PEOPLE KNOW HOW was established in 2013 for charitable purposes. We are committed to addressing marginalisation and have an ethos that is driven to make a positive difference. We have developed innovative methods to engage and empower people to improve their lives. Our work has one key strategic aim: to promote positive social change. OUR AIMS • to advance health & well-being; • to advance citizenship & community development; • to empower people to mobilise their assets and fulfill their potential. OUR MISSION To empower individuals to be socially innovative in their communities, by helping them transform their ideas into action. We do this by providing the skills, tools, resources and framework they need to deliver positive social change. OUR VISION Communities where people have the opportunity to reach their full potential using their strengths and assets. OUR VALUES • We value people’s potential; • We invest in creative and dynamic processes; • We commit to meaningful action; • We strive for innovative solutions; • We collaborate with purpose. We combine an international reach, receiving volunteers and interns from all around the world; with a focus on engaging with local people and local issues. We have always believed that people know how to identify their needs, strengths and assets to find solutions that will help them fulfill their potential and solve social issues. Everything we do is in partnership and we believe that the best results come from working together. OUR APPROACH Over the last 6 years, we have developed and refined a model for social innovation which we have used to create projects and services which promote positive social change. Each of our projects moves through a cycle of 4 key phases: 1. Ask We begin every project by asking the people we work with to share their ideas, needs, strengths and assets. We believe that 'people know how' to identify their needs and the solutions that will help them fulfill their potential and solve social issues. Often, people don’t realise that they know how and that’s where we come in – unlocking ideas for a better future. 2. Research We review literature, including research papers and best practice guidance to inform people’s ideas and ensure there is an evidence base before proceeding with a project. 3. Do We run projects and deliver activities, putting ideas into practice. We have developed a number of monitoring and evaluation tools which are built into our activities so that we are constantly gathering data to assess our progress and performance. 4. Share We share the approaches and impact of our work to recognise and celebrate the positive outcomes, whilst identifying where improvements can be made. We then ask people for feedback on what we have shared, thus creating a cycle which drives continuous improvement. OUR PEOPLE As well as our core staff team, we rely on our fantastic team of Volunteers, Interns and Placement students (Our VIPs) to support our work. We currently have 107 VIPs working with us, from a number of countries. We are invested in our people and ensure our team are equipped with the latest and best training. We are committed to ensuring that our VIPs gain as much from the volunteering experience as we gain from their efforts and we have enshrined this approach in our People Pledge. We practice good internal governance and we have developed a series of policies and procedures to protect our staff, VIPs and the people we work with. OUR PROJECTS Positive Transitions We support young people to overcome disadvantage and make a positive start to their secondary school career. We aim to support them to feel understood and valued so that they may realise their potential. The Positive Transitions Service includes: Art & Music Therapy; Parental Engagement; Family Support; Groups and Befriending. We were recently recognised with the Quality in Befriending Award, marking the quality of our service and the talent of our team. Re:Connect We consulted on how improved digital skills would help promote social inclusion. The findings informed the design and delivery of a program of ‘digital drop-ins’ throughout Edinburgh. We prototyped this approach with local service partners. It is successful in getting people more interested in how the internet can help them make better social connections to improve their mental well-being. We are in the process of developing a Digital Befriending Service to extend the scope of our work. Shaping Your Future In 2017 the City of Edinburgh Council commissioned us to consult the North East locality to inform their Locality Improvement Plan. At the end of the consultation, we didn’t want to leave. We have continued the work of really getting to know this community. Many residents aspire to become more involved but do not feel that they have yet been presented with the opportunity. Our project involves empowering local residents to be more active in local planning and decision making.