Extra Mile is a learning development programme that aims to develop the creativity and community engagement skills of frontline public and voluntary sector practitioners. Initiated by Huddersfield South and Central PCT’s, it has been most recently commissioned by Kirklees Adults Services and Kirklees Neighbourhood Renewal.

Each Extra Mile programme spans approximately 12-15 weeks and combines up front theoretical learning, the practical application of that learning through the delivery of a locality based engagement process, with mentor support, and the opportunity to draw out key learning through programmed reflective practice sessions.

Participants from the previous Extra Mile programme said:

• "Most definitely have been given the ability to work without constraints relating to outcomes, areas of work, funding and justifications. This has enabled me to think "out of the box", and has also given me a new view of the way that I let these constraints limit me in my work"
  
  
• "Think big, engage people through means that interest them first and then they are more receptive"
  
  
• "This has given us a real insight into how residents live and there is a realization that life is really complex. It does affect what we do – it makes us think "why would they come to an event?" and that’s a good starting point"
  
  
• "Getting to know communities is the first step to engagement. I need to look at ideas from different angles, I don’t reflect enough in depth. Quality is better than quantity"