Community Development Workers (CDW's) are a large and invaluable resource for the DRE programme.  In the West Midlands there are 54 whole time equivalent CDW's in post.  CDW's are having a positive impact on services' ability to reach all of their local population.  The CDW's role may vary according to local community need, but four key functions define it

• Change agent - by identifying gaps in services and developing innovative practice
• Service developer - by promoting joint working, education and training
• Capacity builder in BME communities
• Access facilitator - to services through community resources and by overcoming language and cultural barriers

A CDW network meeting supported by the DRE programme is held bi-monthly.

Please see the National Mental Health Equalities website at  www.mentalhealthequalities.org.uk to find out what CDWs are doing nationally.