Back in 2022, Thrive Teesside created a Top Tips Guide to Local Decision-Making for the Stockton Poverty Truth Commission- offering key principles for building relationships where local people have genuine influence over the decisions that affect their lives.
As Tracey Herrington reflects, “Taking stock and reflecting on our learning to date, we’re always inspired by the community and their considerations on what good working relationships look like.”
At the heart of Thrive’s approach is the belief that meaningful and effective decision-making happens when different areas of expertise come together– lived, learned, and professional. This collaboration has the power to transform systems and improve the lives of people who have been left behind.
Our guide outlines clear, practical steps to make this vision a reality:
- Get to know your community. Build trust through existing relationships and give the process time.
- Work together. Collaboration with community activists, councillors, schools, churches, and service providers avoids duplication and widens reach.
- Create safe, accessible spaces for open conversation- whether that’s through events, public living rooms, or street kitchens.
- Listen before acting. People are tired of being told what’s best for them; genuine change begins with listening and learning together.
- Value community knowledge. Lived experience offers rich, informed insight into what works- and what doesn’t.
- Show appreciation. Cover childcare, transport, or offer vouchers to recognise people’s time and input.
Our message is clear: true progress starts when things are done with people, not to them.
You must be logged in to post a comment.