Take Part Exeter was a two-year (2009-2011) Pathfinder programme based at Exeter CVS, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and managed by the Community Development Foundation (CDF). The Exeter Pathfinder was one of 18 Pathfinders nationwide, and was delivered in partnership between Exeter CVS, Devon County Council and Exeter City Council.

The project team delivered a range of new active citizenship learning programmes specifically tailored to the Take Part remit. Take Part Exeter had three primary aims:

• To build the skills and confidence of local people so that they can ‘take part’ as active citizens in their community, in civic roles, and in local decision-making
• To support the community involvement and civic participation of citizens from more disadvantaged groups and communities
• To increase the number of people equipped to press for change in support of community leadership

Take Part Exeter worked to achieve these aims by offering citizens of Exeter free access to:

• Information about Opportunities
• Active Learning for Active Communities
• Active Learning for Community Leadership
• Active Learning for Civic Participation
• Active Learning for Empowerment and Qualifications

Diversity - Percentage of learners from different groups:
Female: 74% (379)
Non-white: 22% (88)
Disabled: 14% (54)
Age 18 – 25: 10% (40)
Age 66+: 4% (15)
Non-heterosexual: 12% (45)

Take Part Exeter Partners:
(italics indicate statutory agency)

• Exeter City Council
• Devon County Council
• Devon and Cornwall Constabulary
• Devon Youth Justice team
• Magistrates team
• Police Authority
• Devon and Cornwall Housing Association
• Devon Faith and Belief Forum
• Devon United Women
• Exeter Women’s Aid (now SAFE)
• Fawcett Devon
• Hikmat (BME Elders project)
• Multilingua
• Parliamentary Outreach Programme
• Rejuve-nation
• Single Parent Action Network (SPAN)
• St Sidwell’s Centre
• Exeter Sure Start