If you want to do more to help your community, then there is a course on offer to give you all the skills you need. The Leadership in the Community (LinC) programme is run by The Children’s Centre thanks to sponsorship from Friends Provident International (FPI) and is provided free of charge to participants. LinC is a 12-week course which aims to help people who are looking to make a make a positive, voluntary contribution to their community. Coaching and leadership skills all form part of the training course and the programme has a proven record of success since it began in 2008 and has already assisted a wide range of projects throughout the Island, each in its own way answering a real community need. These have included a setting up a new children’s play session, organising regular coffee mornings for people short of neighbourly support, and the refurbishment of a BMX track in Jurby. Janet Bailey, community development and parenting programme manager at The Children’s Centre, organises the LinC course. She said: “The Leadership in the Community programme is now in its fourth year and has allowed many participants to learn new skills which they have put to good use in the community. Many people want to take a more active role in the community, but lack the skills and confidence to make that first step. LinC allows them to overcome this barrier and go on to make a difference in the community.” Jonathan Hall, General Manager and director of Friends Provident International, said: “It’s good to see another LinC course starting soon. FPI has supported the scheme since it started and I’m always impressed to see the ideas that participants develop to benefit their communities during the 12 weeks they spend on the programme.” The next LinC course is open to anyone over the age of 16 and begins on Thursday 22nd September with sessions being held every Thursday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at The Children’s Centre, 94 Woodbourne Road, Douglas. To book a place or for further information contact Janet Bailey on 834762 or e mail janet@thechildrenscentre.org.im - ENDS -