creating sustainable and fair food systems    

Engagement Matters - Bringing people together to make more meaningful decisions through better participation.

Our work is based on an understanding that lasting and meaningful change is more likely when the people who will be affected by that change participate in deciding what that change should be.  This underlying principle acknowledges that people are experts in their own lives whether they be: neighbours living in the same part of town; members of a community or community of interest; individuals facing similar challenges; colleagues working together in an organisation; or users of the same services.

Food Matters uses an approach based on Participatory Appraisal – a wide range of highly accessible visual tools and activities aimed at facilitating and encouraging participation and the active involvement of people, particularly those who often get ignored.  Our processes are inclusive, mutually respectful and often fun.  They result in transparent and robust decision-making, appropriate and sustainable action planning and a strong sense of participant ownership and empowerment.

The Engagement Matters team is made up of highly experienced and motivated facilitators and development workers with wide ranging experience in the developing world and the UK.  Our expertise includes: community engagement; organisational development; project evaluation; public consultation; workshop facilitation; training; and work in schools.  We have previously worked across many disciplines and sectors including: environment and development; food and health; community cohesion and meaningful interaction; community safety; rural exclusion; and the perspectives and concerns of the elderly.

Please contact Victoria 01273 431707 to discuss our facilitation services.

Food Matters also offers a range of training programmes.

Fab! - food and wellbeing training
FAB! is a flexible programme of workshops, training and resources for delivery in a variety of community settings. It provides tools, skills and knowledge to help manage mood and behaviour through improved diet.
Download more details as PDF >>

Foodworks!
A 2-day workshop in participation skills for people involved in food, health and community work.
Download more details as PDF >>

For more information, please contact Victoria:
Email: victoria@foodmatters.org
Phone: 01273 431 707