Past participants from the Leadership in the Community programme (LinC) recently celebrated their achievements at a special evening at The Children's Centre in Douglas.
The LinC programme, which is funded by Friends Provident International, promotes community involvement by offering 12-week part-time training courses teaching leadership skills to volunteers, who wish to make a contribution to benefit their own community.
Chief Minister Tony Brown attended the awards evening along with Jonathan Hall, general manager and director of Friends Provident International.
The Chief Minister and Jonathan Hall talked to participants who have recently completed the scheme, and some who are about to begin the next LinC programme.
Mr Brown praised The Children's Centre for organising the programme, and Friends Provident International for funding it.
He said that leaders, and individuals with leadership skills, are important in any community but especially in the Isle of Man where greater significance is placed upon community values.
Jonathan Hall echoed the Chief Minister's comments about the importance of leadership in the community: "Friends Provident International was very keen to sponsor the LinC programme for three reasons.
"Firstly, it's about leadership, and anyone can be a leader in their own environment. Secondly, it's about personal development and giving people the opportunity to develop as individuals and fulfil their potential.
"Thirdly, as a company we value community and recognise the importance of giving something back to the community we live in."
Giving something back to the community was a major motivation for most of the participants in the LinC programme, and a major reason for Friends Provident International wanting to sponsor it.
John Knight, Chief Executive at The Children's Centre, spoke of the benefits of the LinC programme across the Island's community and thanked Friends Provident International for its support in funding the scheme.
Graduates from the last LinC scheme were presented with certificates by the Chief Minister.
The LinC programme began in 2008 and graduates may go on to join existing community groups or set up new ones. The next programme begins on 21st April in Ramsey and runs for 12 weeks. A pilot scheme for young people is also being planned for the summer holidays this year.
For more information about LinC, go to www.thechildrenscentre.org.im or contact the programme coordinator Janet Bailey: call (01624) 676076 or email janetbailey@thechildrenscentre.org.im.
Pictured: Chief Minister Tony Brown, fourth from left, presents LinC certificates to (l-r) Allie Brophy-Reynolds, Jen Buist, Gordon Buist, Paul Wright and Darren Bostock.
On the far right is The Children's Centre Chief Executive John Knight. Second from right is Jonathan Hall, director and general manager of Friends Provident International. Third from right is LinCprogramme co-ordinator Janet Bailey.
