The popular foundation course, run in partnership by ng homes and Glasgow University, is now open for applications.

Preparations for the next Activate course are ramping up, with a daytime session due to start late September/early October 2023. Classes will be held in the community in the Possilpark or Springburn area.

The course encourages and enables participants to think more deeply about the work they are doing and challenge their own views and the views of others in order for them to be more effective in working for the communities where they live and work.

The areas covered by the course include the values and principles of community development, anti-discriminatory practice, power and participation, local and global links, group work, learning for change, monitoring and evaluation.

Activate also helps to strengthen local networks with participants getting a chance to listen to each other and see different ways of working together. Key features include building on the experience of volunteers and activists to develop community capacity and strengthen local networks through raising awareness of different ways to effect community change.

Activate is open to anyone over 16 years of age and there is no upper age limit. Participants will learn about community work and local/global issues through discussion and group work.

Catherine Rossine, ng homes chair, said: “The Activate course is a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and to think about thing from new perspectives. Each session is unique, and I would really encourage anyone considering taking part to get in touch and to take part.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the upcoming session should contact Paula Mailey, Community Development Team Leader on 0141 560 6000 or email pmailey@nghomes.net.