The Neighbourhood Action Network (NAN) was a programme designed to encourage and accelerate innovation in neighbourhood working, using action learning, action research and experimentation. It ran from April 2007 until March 2009. NAN had a consortium of 15 partners from local authorities and national organisations with an interest in the empowerment agenda.

Our aim was to maximise the chances for people in neighbourhoods and local communities to be involved in local decision making and action that will improve their quality of life.
The programme of work had three main elements:

• Practical Projects - learning from practical work on the ground is an essential part of our approach. The project workstreams included devolving funds to localities, neighbourliness and belonging and organisational culture
• Research and Policy Development - findings from practical projects fed into broader research and policy development activities, including work for Communities and Local Government on developing guidance for new policy initiatives, and a forthcoming paper looking at how councils and councillors can use social networking websites, text messaging and googlemapping to talk to communities
• Events - a programme of themed events to shared insights and promoted peer learning

For further information about the Neighbourhood Action Network please contact Saffron Woodcraft, saffron.woodcraft@youngfoundation.org