During the first year of the programme we are running three pilot projects to trial approaches that engage experts by experience in setting the strategy of a food poverty alliance and developing action plans. These are exploring different tools for community participation and empowerment, which will then be delivered in a further 12 areas over the following years. The pilots are running from March 2018 - March 2019 and receive support from programme staff and a strong process to evaluate what works well. Learn more and alliance resources.
Each year the network focuses action and financial support on a key issue of common concern and opportunity. The theme is chosen based on consultation with alliance members and announced at the start of each year. For 2018-2019 the focus is on action to maximise family income and six member alliances have received financial support for projects on this theme. We also host monthly webinars on related topics, which feature speakers from local alliances sharing details of their work in this area.
Key dates for 2019
January
14: Financial support open for applications on annual theme and engaging experts by experience
15: Webinar: Engaging experts by experience in your organisation's work
21: North East & Yorkshire Regional Learning Network (York)
24: Webinar: Supporting fair pay and the real Living Wage
25: Local evaluation methodology workshop (London)
30: London and South East Regional Learning Network (Islington, London)
31: North West Regional Learning Network (Preston)
February
15: Workshop on engaging experts by experience for member alliances (Birmingham)
March
1: DEADLINE for annual theme and engaging experts by experience financial support applications
27: East Midlands regional meeting with Food Power and Sustainable Food Cities - contact Simon for info
April
10: Community Researchers training (Manchester) - contact Ben for info
11: Empowering experts by experience network meeting (Manchester) - contact Ben for info
25: North West Regional Learning Network meeting (Blackpool) - contact Ben for info
End of April: Children's Future Food Inquiry Launch - more details
June
12: Food Power Conference (Newcastle) - contact Simon for info
13: Sustainable Food Cities Conference (Newcastle)
For further information about any of the key dates or events above, please contact Maddie Guerlain.
