Fast Forward is the first Community Strategy for Wakefield District and has been developed by the Wakefield District Partnership.

The Strategy document sets out the framework, which all strategies and plans of the key agencies and organisations working across the District, will fit in to. It has been developed working with local people, in particular young people who are the future of the District.

The Community Strategy is a process that aims to secure the future well being of people who live and work in this area. It represents a shared commitment of all the key organisations in the District to work together towards a long-term vision of Wakefield District in 25 years time and to deal with the key challenges that face us. The main elements of the Strategy are:

Vision
This Strategy includes a Vision, which is a description of what we all want this area to be like in 25 years time. It is meant to be an ambitious vision, something to strive for and because of this it includes many of the things local people care about most of all.

Challenges
The vision sets our sights more clearly on what we want to achieve and it also helps us to identify the key challenges we need to overcome. This Strategy sets out five challenges we need to address if we are to achieve the vision.

Principles
By clearly setting out the challenges we need to deal with, we are able to focus our efforts better on those things that matter most. This is important, but also the way we go about dealing with these challenges is equally important. Because of this, the Strategy also includes a series of principles that are relevant to all the challenges. These principles relate more to how we do things rather than what we do - such as involving local people, and making sure that our actions promote social cohesion and sustainability.

Measuring Progress
We need to make sure that whatever actions we take they are making the right impact against each of the challenges and moving us in the right direction towards our vision. This Strategy explains how we will use a range of measures that will help all of us to know where we are, what is working, what isn't and what needs to change.

Local Planning
This Strategy is for the whole of the District and sets out ideas and actions across all areas. In doing so it also provides a basis for people to come together and to plan the future of their own particular communities or neighbourhoods in the District.

You can download a copy of the Fast Forward document by clicking on the Community Strategy link on the menu on the left. If you would like us to send you a copy of the document or a Braille, audio, large print or Urdu version please contact the WDP Support Team, Room 10, Town Hall, Wakefield. Tel 01924 305745 or e-mail lsp@wakefieldlsp.org.uk