The following are examples of how ECEN has made a real difference in Enfield:

• Investing in the skills, knowledge and resourcefulness of Enfield's voluntary, community and faith sector
• Increasing the skills base of local voluntary, community and faith organisations by provding an accredited course in Community Empowerment and Leadership, as well as through other training courses
• Providing support and training to ECEN elected representatives
• Introducing new and effective methods of consultation to the borough of Enfield
• Bringing groups and community leaders together, resulting in joint project proposals
• Forging links between key drug and alcohol agencies, the local VCS and other key partners
• Initiating discussions with partners on social policy relating to new migrant communities
• Influencing Enfield's Local Area Agreement
• Taking a lead role in shaping Enfield's Older People's Strategy
• Bringing about changes in provision for carers
• Raising awareness of Section 106 planning legislation, which allows Enfield Council to enter into a legally-binding agreement with land developers who in return agree to contribute to community facilities
• Securing funding streams for Enfield's voluntary, community and faith sector through the Safer and Stronger Communities Board
• Influencing Enfield's Children and Young People's Plan and ensuring it is accessible to professionals, young people and parents/carers alike (click here for a full report of how ECEN had an impact on the Children and Young People's Plan)
• Through its 2009 Health Conference, ECEN facilitated the involvement of VCS organisations, particularly those working with vulnerable people, in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (click here to read more)

This list is not exhaustive.  ECEN and its representatives have contributed a good deal more towards making Enfield a better place to live than is reported here.  Well done to all the representatives who have had a real influence on decision making at local level.

Do you have a success story to tell about how the ECEN has had an impact?  If so, contact ecen@ecen.org.uk or use the Discussion Forum.