There is a lot of talk at the moment about participation, engagement, involvement, communities influencing service delivery and policies, getting involved in decision making, being active citizens ….. but how much influence do we actually have and how do we start to explore what that means in real terms?

In September 2005 Dosti initiated some research to find out what makes networks influential, what has an impact on Partnerships in Dudley, and how networks can best equip themselves to maximise on opportunities to influence.

Dosti has been finding out how happy the people of Dudley Borough are, and looking for ideas for what might make people happier. We have been talking to people outside Dudley who are thinking seriously about people's happiness, or wellbeing.

Dosti is the network though which community, voluntary and faith organisations in the Borough work with others in the Dudley Community Partnership.