A question I am often asked is, “So what is community engagement really…..?” And it’s the ‘really’ bit that is the most interesting part of the question because it means different things depending on who you speak to.

There are many definitions relating to community engagement, for example National Institute for Health Care Excellent say that community engagement:

“Ensures that local communities, community and voluntary sector organisations and statutory services work together to plan, design, develop, deliver and evaluate health and wellbeing initiatives.”

Herefordshire local authority states that:

“Community engagement is the active participation of local residents and community groups in the decisions that affect their lives.”

The common thread is the active involvement, working together to plan, organise, and deliver. It sounds easy but what makes it successful is the investment in the time it takes to build relationships, to build trust and to be accessible. Sadly, its this element which is often neglected.

I believe its as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4!

1. Communicate

Sounds easy, right? Wrong! Communication is about more listening, less speaking. Its getting to know the area, the people, the places. Being visible and present, feel it, breathe it.

2. Connect

Really connecting with people, not just building a data base, and gathering facts but truly connecting. Getting out there, taking part and being involved. Be honest and open in what you say, how you do things and your approach.

3. Collaborate

True partnerships are to be treasured and valued. Its all about working together in an honest and authentic way, its about being respectful, realising that you can learn so much from other people and that you don’t have all the answers!

4. Care

You really do need to care, it has to matter to you and to your organisation. Being kind, being approachable, and always being authentic.

So that’s my take on community engagement; it can be tough, hard, stressful and there may be knocks and disappointments along the way but its always worth it because if you’ve communicated, connected, collaborated and cared along the way, there is always a win to celebrate. It may not be the win you expected but there will be positives to enjoy and when you get it right its amazing, rewarding and simply brilliant!

Wendy Smith MBE