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It is a process by which the whole community can voice their opinions on what actions they wish to see taken in their local area in the future. When the plan is completed it may highlight actions that can be taken by community members, be used to influence councils and service providers, and act as evidence of need when applying for funding.

Community Action Plans guide community action to meet local needs, help prioritise use of resources and can provide important information to help influence the policies, decisions and actions of others.

· Be comprehensive, considering social, economic and environmental issues of concern to the community
· Involve the whole community, everyone should have a chance to have their say and get involved in producing the Parish Plan or Healthcheck
· Be based upon information provided by community participation, survey and research.
· Be focused on action, with a clear statement of who? what? why? and how?

Community Action Plans can be produced by any size of community. Neighbourhoods in the more urban unparished parts of Surrey could use the process described in this toolkit to create their own community action plan. A plan will take you on average between 12 – 18 months to complete.

Why produce a Community Action Plan?

Community Action Plans, with your enthusiasm and determination, can make things happen in your community. The benefits of producing a Community Action Plan are many, they can help you:
· Give all local people, not just the confident, the chance to develop a vision for their community, identifying positive and negative issues
· Guide your local action to meet needs and prioritise Town and Parish Council resources and effort
· Develop increased local voluntary action
· Influence others
· Gain funding for local initiatives by demonstrating you have been through a needs assessment with full community participation
· Develop community spirit, getting people involved and talking to each other
· Strengthen the Town or Parish Councils relationship with all sections of the community
· Reinvigorate local democracy by stimulating interest in community affairs

Our support for Community Action Plans

To view a guide for support available from Surrey Community Action click here

Community Action Planners Network

A network of people working on or with Parish Plans and Healthchecks sharing experiences, advice and resources. To Join the Commuinty Action Plan Network click here for application form. For more information please contact Pari Dhillon on 01483 459292 x 241

Resources for Community Action Plans are available click here