Communit ies & Equ ality

Community Development

2011 – 2012

Index:

Community Development in Brighton & Hove …… 3 Bevendean .…………………………………………. 5 The Bristol Estate …………………………………… 7 Brunswick & Regency ……………………………… 9 Coldean ……………………………………………… 10 Hangleton …………………………………………… 12 The Knoll ……………………………………………. 14 Hollingbury ………………………………………….. 16 Hollingdean …………………………………………. 18 Moulsecoomb ………………………………………. 20 New Larchwood, Coldean …………………………. 22 Portland Road & Clarenden ……………………….. 24 Portslade …………………………………………….. 26 Queen’s Park & Craven Vale ……………………… 28 Tarner ………………………………………………... 30 Whitehawk …………………………………………... 31 Woodingdean ……………………………………….. 33 Recommendations …………………………………. 35 Appendix One: Combined numbers for the whole Community Development Commission…………… 36

Community Development in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove City Council’s community development commissioning programme for 2011-12 provided £400,000 for a flexible programme of community development activity to underpin community engagement in the city and enhance the lives of residents and communities in Brighton & Hove.

Community development work responds to local community priorities; it helps people to identify their needs and strengthen neighbourhood activity. There is a particular emphasis on supporting equality and diversity and working towards building cohesive communities.

The council aimed to commission a programme of community development activities that would enable communities to organise and respond to the problems and needs that they share. These activities:

• Celebrate diversity, improve inclusion and encompass positive action on equality issues • Support the development of strong community organisations and grass root community groups that are led by local needs and reflect the diversity of local cultures • Support the development of trust within and between different communities • Support the development of skills and confidence in communities • Enable neighbourhoods, community groups and infrastructure organisations to better share resources, work together and support each other

Photo: New Larchwood Allotment Open Day

The main aim of this work is that the lives of people and their communities are enhanced. There are two key outcomes:

Outcome 1: Ensure increased opportunities for individuals and communities to take control over the issues that affect their lives in order to: a) meet their needs b) contribute to their economic and social opportunities c) build active and inclusive communities based on mutual respect

Outcome 2: Support individuals and communities, including the seldom heard sections of the community to ensure they are provided with the information, advice and support needed to develop their confidence, skills, knowledge and ability to: a) participate in community life b) engage with services c) engage in local decision-making d) understand and engage with democratic processes e) come together to take action for themselves

Each neighbourhood received different amounts of funding and therefore had varying levels of community development (CD) support. The CD providers were The Hangleton & Knoll Project (HKP), Serendipity Enterprising Solutions (SES) and The Trust for Developing Communities (TDC).

Photo: The Whitehawk Red Tarts

Community Development was commissioned for the following areas in 2011/12: Bevendean (TDC) Moulsecoomb (TDC) The Bristol Estate (SES) New Larchwood (TDC) Brunswick & Regency (SES) Portland Road & Clarenden (TDC) Coldean (TDC) Portslade (TDC) Hangleton (HKP) Queens Park & Craven Vale (TDC) The Knoll (HKP) Tarner (TDC) Hollingbury (TDC) Whitehawk (SES) Hollingdean (TDC) Woodingdean (TDC)

Communities & Equality 4 Bevendean:

Action: Number of people involved in community To help different community groups get groups: together in a less formal way the CD worker supported the Action for Bevendean Community (ABC) organise a, ‘Community 600 Get Together’, a social gathering that promoted networking between the groups. The worker has also supported existing Numbers of groups such as the Bevendean Local Action 500 people Team (BLAT) and the Bevendean Garden managing and Group to increase their membership and attending local supported new volunteers to take on the 400 community roles needed in the groups, such as a new groups secretary for the ABC . Numbers of In order to try to engage with a wide cross new people 300 section of residents the worker has been recruited doing outreach in the streets, parks and to/involved playgrounds and attending public events. w ith groups Outcomes: 200 The worker has built trusting relationships with key local residents and has a good Numbers of understanding of local priorities. The community/publ ‘Community Get Together’ provided an 100 ic involved in or informal, social gathering that promoted attended ‘open’ networking between the groups. Public community awareness around potential future activities 0 events was raised, people’s views were gathered 1 and 6 new committee members were found

Action: To help different community groups get together in a less formal way the CD worker supported the Action for Bevendean Community (ABC) organise a, ‘Community Get Together’, a social gathering that promoted networking between the groups. The worker has also supported existing groups such as the Bevendean Local Action Team (BLAT) and the Bevendean Garden Group to increase their membership and supported new volunteers to take on the roles needed in the groups, such as a new secretary for the ABC . In order to try to engage with a wide cross section of residents the worker has been doing outreach in the streets, parks and playgrounds and attending public events. Outcomes: The worker has built trusting relationships with key local residents and has a good understanding of local priorities. The ‘Community Get Together’ provided an informal, social gathering that promoted networking between the groups. Public awareness around potential future activities was raised, people’s views were gathered and 6 new committee members were found.

Communities & Equality 5

Photo: Bevendean’s ‘BevFest’

Action: The worker has supported existing groups such as the BLAT, and supported new groups to get up and running, advertise, formalise and access funding and resources, including a Women’s Institute group and a community festival group called the ‘Bev Fest’. The worker has also been asked to support a new group called ‘Super Dads’. The worker is supporting members of the revived Family Outings group to become the new signatories for the group’s bank account, to apply for funding, and to run activities at a local community event to raise money for the group. Outcomes: Having nearly folded, the worker’s enthusiasm alongside the involvement of fresh residents have re-invigorated the Family Outings group, funding is coming in and the future is looking more positive.

Key Fact: Key Fact: Successful funding Number of

applications: 6 community groups

worked with Total: £2,663 12

Action: With worker support to advertise and raise awareness about the new group and its activities, the Bevendean Community Garden has increased resident involvement in its weekly Work Sessions and Family Day. The group has been supported to access local support services and attend community events such as the Fun Day to promote its activities and increase resident awareness and involvement. Outcomes: The negative sentiment that existed in the community around the project, stemming from the lack of initial consultation last year, has shifted and residents are now positively involved.

Communities & Equality 6 The Bristol Estate:

Action: The Bristol Estate Community Association Community Interest Company (BECA CIC) committee and the CD worker have put some effort into sorting out key roles and responsibilities. The new Secretary and Treasurer now understand their roles and are taking over responsibility in the group. Outcomes: Members of the community are now working in an organised and supportive way which has resulted in more effective working on behalf of local residents’ groups.

Action: The 'Greening the Estate’ project has brought together previously unconnected groups. Sharing ideas and skills, they have come up with a plan for the outdoor spaces on the estate, working in partnership with city council housing officers, City Parks, and the Community Payback Team. Outcomes: This has had a positive effect on the estate, especially by bringing people together to meet their shared priorities and overcoming previous tensions.

Action: A successful children and young people’s event took place which brought new organisations and services to the Bristol Estate for the first time, putting on fun and entertaining activities for children and young people. Outcomes: The event created a space where residents of different cultures and nationalities could come together, with BME residents and families with English as a second language taking part in the event. Following resident concern that there was not enough to do on the estate for children and young people, the event also gave an opportunity for these groups to

promote their services and Photo: Podcast training get to know local young people.

Communities & Equality 7 Project funding:

BHCC Commission £14,677 value

Value of £6,000 successful funding bids brought in Value of 'in £50,000 kind' support brought in

Action: An especially strong and close relationship with the city council and major contractor Mears has been nurtured. This has given residents the chance to suggest ways of minimising the major disruption that the building cladding project has caused. Outcomes: This has created a spirit of co-operation, with the service provider and the community association able to broker agreements and settle many practical issues arising from the work. The majority of these have been successfully resolved.

Action: The community café has been re-launched and opening hours have moved rapidly from one day a week to two successful, well attended & financially viable sessions. The café is now becoming a focus and catalyst for other community activity. It plans to host service providers who will drop in to provide advice and information to local residents in an informal and welcoming atmosphere. Outcomes: The café has been a vital element in several volunteers’ rehabilitation from major illness and trauma. It has provided a safe, secure environment for many isolated and vulnerable residents, where they can find practical help and advice, and meet other people.

Communities & Equality 8 Brunswick and Regency:

Action: Community Development Support work in Brunswick and Regency has continued to provide an important way of bringing together residents, volunteers, community groups and service providers who together provide a powerful means of representing local views on issues that impact on people in the area. A recent social media project has brought new projects and resources into the area. Outcomes: The value of this work has been demonstrated by very lively debates and discussions, the successful health open day and in views expressed by community activists who aim to continue the Neigbourhood Action Group when the current CD support ends. Having a strong group of people that can speak together has helped residents to communicate with local service providers and get involved in important issues that affect the lives of people in the area.

Numbers of people involved in Key Fact: community groups:

Oct 2011 – Mar 2012 Number of community groups 45 worked with:

40 Numbers (Sept 2011 – Mar 2012) of people 35 involved in 6 community 30 groups 25 Key Facts: 20 Numbers of BME 15 people 4 community events

10 involved in held community 74 members of the 5 groups public attended 0

Action: The main focus of the Brunswick and Regency Neighbourhood Action Group (BR NAG) has been the residents’ concerns and issues around the ongoing impact of the sale, consumption and use of alcohol in the local area, especially from the pubs and clubs in and around Western Road. The CD work has supported members of the BR NAG to express strong views in the recent Big Alcohol Debate. They met with health officials and the Head of Licensing in follow up meetings, which have been very positive and constructive. Outcomes: The result has been the policy decision to extend the Cumulative Impact Zone westwards into the area of residents’ concern. The BR NAG, with the support of community development, was able to build good working relations with council officers and other service providers. These have helped galvanise local community action and helped with the promotion of local community views and priorities within public service provision.

Communities & Equality 9 Coldean:

Action: The Stanmer and Coldean Local Action Team (SCLAT) has been going well and has recruited new committee members. The CD worker has given on-going support to the Chair who has developed good chairing skills and the committee, whose confidence has increased in running successful meetings, and contacting service providers. Outcomes: The resident Chair is running effective, well-attended meetings, with good people skills and is more confidence in contacting service providers to attend themed meetings. This is influencing how services are delivered in the area and developing a partnership between residents and service providers.

Action: A new TDC volunteer was given the opportunity to work with the women’s group with support from the CD worker. As a result of the volunteer and worker’s support to develop and fill in the funding application, the women’s group has been awarded £340. Outcomes: Through using creative ways, such as organising a wellbeing day with the community participation worker and local groups, the CD worker has encouraged women who have not been involved before to join in and try out new wellbeing taster sessions. This has resulted in Pilates being planned for the area with the Active for Life worker. The process of bidding for funding also helped the group to figure out their health priorities. They have now planned an ongoing programme of activities that brings people together, has a positive impact on their health and reduces social isolation. This funding is also supporting childcare costs so that more women are able to access the activities.

Key Fact: Number of Number of new community groups people joining worked with: community groups: (Sept 2011 – Mar 2012) (Sept 2011 – Mar 2012)

8 10

Action: The CD worker continues to support the development of the Youth Project. Its sessions are now well attended and take place on a regular basis. The group has been supported to look at how it can run more successfully and encourage more people to get involved. Outcomes: To build on the sustainability of the project, a group of local resident volunteers runs the busy younger people’s sessions and the project has managed to bring in a youth worker for the older young people’s sessions. The support of an experienced youth worker has helped the group go from strength to strength and they are now planning to put on more sessions.

Communities & Equality 10

Photo: Wolsey Road Park after revamp Action: The community garden project is going well. The Community Garden Project is made up of representatives from the local youth project, who are planning to get children and young people involved in planting; the Stanmer and Coldean Local Action Team, who want to put an end to anti-social behaviour on the field; the Residents Association, who have been helping with the design and planning of the garden and the Friends of Coldean Parks group, which is now focusing on developing the play space for toddlers. The project has developed a garden design from their links with Patcham School, with children taking part in a competition. Outcomes: With the worker’s support, the group has submitted an application to the Estates Development Budget for play equipment to improve the play environment. As a result of the worker’s facilitating the meetings of the group, it continues to develop the park plans and has developed a list of potential funders with the resident chair. Previously lots of individuals and groups were going on about “something needs to be done with Haig Park”. They have now come together as a united community to take collective action and make something happen that they’re all involved with, approve of and can be proud of.

Communities & Equality 11 Hangleton:

Action: The Hangleton & Knoll Project’s (HK Project) community development workers carried out a huge local consultation exercise about residents’ skills and hopes to improve the area, including lots of door knocking. The Community Consultation Report has now been published and was presented to the local Community Action Group and has been shared with community groups and partner organisations. Outcomes: There is now an active database, so that residents who took part in the process get regular updates on activities they can get involved with.

Number of people involved in community groups in Hangleton & Knoll: (Oct 2011 - Mar 2012) Action: The worker organised some training around 600 Child Protection for the Hangleton Fun For Numbers of Families committee. They have used these new people new skills and knowledge to update their 500 involved with groups policies. They held a successful AGM and have been busy fundraising to put on low 400 cost subsidised family outings for the local Numbers of community, including trips to Drusilla’s Zoo, people from an Aladdin Pantomime and the London 300 BM E communities Museum. The group have also started involved in informal coffee mornings. community Outcomes: 200 groups Numbers of The group has organised several popular people and inclusive family outings for the local 100 managing community, including trips to Drusilla’s Zoo, and attending local an Aladdin Pantomime and the London community Museum. Residents are using the coffee 0 groups mornings to drop in, get involved and share their ideas for future trips and outings.

Action: The worker organised some training around Child Protection for the Hangleton Fun For Families committee. They have used these new skills and knowledge to update their policies. They Key Facts: held a successful AGM and have been busy fundraising to put on (Hangleton & Knoll ) low cost subsidised family outings for the local community, including trips to Drusilla’s Zoo, an Aladdin Pantomime and the 16 successful London Museum. The group have also started informal coffee mornings. funding bids Outcomes: The group has organised several popular and inclusive family Total: £28,530 outings for the local community, including trips to Drusilla’s Zoo, an Aladdin Pantomime and the London Museum. Residents are using the coffee mornings to drop in, get involved and share their ideas for future trips and outings.

Communities & Equality 12 Action: Responding to a request from the North Hangleton Residents’ Association, the worker and the council’s Community Participation Officer set up and spread the word about a police and housing surgery at Hangleton Community Centre. Outcomes: The police reported that they had received significant intelligence from this surgery and that residents who attended felt there was a need to keep the surgeries going.

Action: Looking back at the Community Consultation process, the H&K Project identified some missed engagement opportunities. They realised that there was neither a sexuality question nor a way for transgendered people to self-identify, so they had no way to identify and get together with the LGBT Community. Outcomes: In response, the project developed an LGBT pilot, including a public meeting about residents celebrating LGBT events such as Pride and LGBT History Month. This has led to the workers supporting a growing neighbourhood LGBT project, the first of its kind in the city.

Photo: Hangleton & Knoll Community Action

Action: The Multi-Cultural Women’s Group supports health and wellbeing. An initial consultation in 2009 identified isolation and a lack of opportunities to get involved in health activities as priority issues. Referral routes have been set up with Hove Poly Clinic and several BME Women have been put in touch with the group by the local Occupational Therapist following treatment. Mill View hospital also recommends the project to patients, supporting recovery in the community. Outcomes: In March 2012 a Health Impact Evaluation with the Multi-Cultural Women’s Group found that 77% of women who attend the group regularly felt their mental health and wellbeing had improved as a direct result of participating in these community activities.

Communities & Equality 13 The Knoll

Action: The Friends of Knoll Park has picked up momentum since the festive wreath making workshop. A 12 month calendar of workshops has been put together in partnership with the council’s Park Ranger. The group has also got together with the Access to Nature Officer at Sussex Wildlife Trust to develop several mini workshops. Outcomes: More local residents are becoming interested and involved in the park, with the workshops attracting a mixture of young people, older people and families.

Key Facts: Key Fact: (for Hangleton & Knoll) (for Hangleton & Knoll)

35 community events held 15 community Events attended by 26 groups have been service providers supported, including

Events attended by 2,518 1 BME group people

Action: The Hangleton & Knoll Community Action Group continues to thrive, holding busy themed meetings to address local issues and wish lists. They have a new secretary who is being mentored in her new role. She is a Hangleton resident which has helped even out the balance in residents getting involved from across both estates. Outcomes: The recruitment of a volunteer resident as secretary for the group is a major achievement for the group as the previous minute taker was a paid worker due to the complexity and content of the meetings. The group has a real air of self-reliance and resilience, and a strong sense of direction.

Action: The Pilates committee are managing their group well. The committee is strong and they are already planning for the year ahead and future additional classes. Outcomes: The sessions are now becoming oversubscribed due to them being accessible and low cost. The growth of this group is a real triumph for the residents who have various health challenges. They have grown in confidence, due to training & learning opportunities organised by the worker.

Communities & Equality 14

Photo: Opening of the Smart Court in Knoll Park

Action: A wide range of volunteering opportunities is available to all local residents. The H&K Project gets to know those most at risk of exclusion and provides additional support to allow people to take advantage of all volunteering opportunities available. Two volunteer drop-ins have been set up that broker opportunities and actively seek interested residents, to meet community groups’ demand for volunteers. All volunteers with The H&K Project receive training, supervision and on-going attention to their skills development.

Outcomes: For local residents, volunteering in their area gives them a sense of pride and ownership of their community. It also increases skills that they can then offer back into the community and helps them to meet new people. Without the dedication and energy of such volunteers, there would not be the wealth of groups and services running in the area.

Communities & Equality 15

Hollingbury:

Action: The worker has supported the chair of the Hollingbury LAT to make the group more effective at setting priorities, understanding what they want to do and why they exist, and getting their message out into the community. They are exploring the ins and outs of constituting the group and setting up their own bank account. Outcomes: The LAT is more established now, allowing for better liaison with service providers in the area and two-way communication with local groups and residents.

Action: A lot of the worker’s energy has been put into supporting the development of the bilingual women’s group who have been planning activities, applying for funding and developing a plain English constitution. The group have met up with some local services, such as Neighbourhood Policing. A key highlight was the group putting together a presentation at the Reducing Inequality through Engagement Showcase event, which went down really well with the crowd. Outcomes: The group’s presentation at the event was a great achievement and boost to their confidence. The process of planning and taking part in these activities has built the self-belief of several of the women, both in language and in meeting together around common interests and building new skills. Joy from the group said

Photo: Hollingbury Bilingual Women’s Group cookery project “Women's group makes you more confident, not shy anymore....be more confident to take the bus....We used to be scared... now really good with women's group.”

Communities & Equality 16

Action: The worker brought the HAPPI (Hollingbury Active Parents for Park Improvements) group together with the council’s parks team so they could help the team understand the needs of the local community, including what equipment was needed by local children to enhance their play experience. They also worked together with a wide number of residents to plant bulbs and trees in the park. Outcomes: Local residents feel they have more ownership of the park, thanks to their involvement in planning its development. The equipment was chosen by local children and parents, parents lead on the whole process of fundraising, working with the contractor and building on their working relationship with the council. The park is now well used and enjoyed by local children and parents.

Key Fact: Key Fact:

£s brought in Number of new

from funding bids community groups worked with: etc: £6,000 4

Action: The Hollingberries 50+ group is very active and now has a local resident who supports the planning and coordination of the group, allowing the worker to take a step back from supporting the group with the day-to-day practicalities. This group is also looking at constituting itself and setting up its own bank account. The members of the group all have a say in which activities they will get up and going. They set a programme each term and the resident coordinator liaises with the service providers about the nuts and bolts of running sessions and outings. Outcomes: The regular quiz days give the worker a chance to speak to them about any ideas for new activities as well as providing a social opportunity for older people to get together and make friends, reducing the sense of isolation for some people.

Communities & Equality 17 Hollingdean:

Action: Having analysed the results of a broad community consultation on residents’ priorities for the neighbourhood, the CD worker organised Hollingdean’s Community Conference, giving a chance for residents to find out the results of the community survey and about current projects that residents were involved with. Residents took part in workshops to discuss the three main priorities and issues of concern and to figure out solutions by working together. Outcomes: A Residents’ Action Group of around twenty local people has grown out of this conference. They are forming a plan of action for addressing the survey priorities, including planning community events such as ‘T in the Park’.

Photo: Outside Hollingdean Community Centre Action: Following on from a successful community funding bid the skate park contract was awarded earlier in the year following some intensive community development work with local residents and contractors. The worker set up meetings with representatives from the company and some of the local skaters who approved the very small changes they had made to the design. The design was put up on facebook which brought positive comments from the wider skating community. Outcomes: The skate park has now been built and is the city’s first bowl skate park. It is very well used by local children, young people and some parents!

Key Fact: 19 community Key Fact: events held £19,799 raised in Attended by funding bids 405 people

Communities & Equality 18 Action: The Residents’ Action Group is co-ordinating a number of ‘greening projects’ in Hollingdean, including tree planting in Hollingdean Terrace, the ‘Green Roof Project’ and starting a food-growing project, ‘Real Food Hollingdean’, about encouraging residents to grow food in their gardens. The worker has been instrumental in bringing key partners together. Outcomes: Both the tree planting and the ‘Green Roof Project’ have faced lots of delays in implementation due to partnership practicalities with the council, but ‘greening’ work is happening in Hollingdean.

Action: The Chinese parent & toddler group ran a celebration event for Chinese New Year, open to all residents. It included dragon puppet making (Year of the Dragon) and dumpling making workshop with everyone then sitting down to enjoy the food. Outcomes: Open events such as this have brought new people into the centre, who would not usually attend meetings and led to them finding out about other local community activities. This, along with the newsletter and website, have meant that more, often seldom heard members of the community have stayed informed and got involved in community activities.

Photo: Chinese New Year in Hollingdean Action: The Residents’ Action Group is co-ordinating a number of ‘greening projects’ in Hollingdean, including tree planting in Hollingdean Terrace, the ‘Green Roof Project’ and starting a food-growing project, ‘Real Food Hollingdean’, about encouraging residents to grow food in their gardens. The worker has been instrumental in bringing key partners together. Outcomes: Both the tree planting and the ‘Green Roof Project’ have faced lots of delays in implementation due to partnership practicalities with the council, but ‘greening’ work is happening in Hollingdean.

Action: The worker helped a theatre group, Karavan Ensemble, to successfully apply to Awards for All for a grant of just over £7,000 to put on a performance called Winter Lights in Hollingdean. The project included 6 open access workshops including creative recycling, music, performance, light sculptures and memories. Outcomes: This was a ‘hands on’ project for local young people and older people. The project culminated in a street procession leading to the hall for an exhibition of work and a seasonal feast. Over 150 people of all ages took part in the celebration, improving inter- generational relations.

Communities & Equality 19 Moulsecoomb:

. Action: The Clickers’ Photography Club have gone from strength to strength. The worker helped the group to put on a thought provoking exhibition of photographic work during mental health week at the Brighthelm Centre, as part of their ‘Reflections’ mental health project. Each photograph was accompanied by an audio tape of the photographer’s experience of mental health. Clickers’ went on to exhibit their ‘Reflections’ project at the Reducing Inequality Through Engagement Showcase event at the Brighton Dome in February. Outcomes: Many of the group have experienced mental and physical health issues and they really believe that expression through photography has helped them to regain the confidence and self-esteem they once had.

Action: The CD worker has guided the Moulsecoomb Bangladeshi Women’s Group through the whole process of recruiting their own English teacher, which was quite a learning curve! The group also found a female yoga teacher and they still go swimming regularly. One of the members received training sourced by the worker so the group can manage their accounts more effectively. Outcomes: The recruitment process was very empowering for the group and has made all the difference with the quality of the English class. By working with Active for Life, St George’s Hall and other local groups directly the women have built better relationships with their community

Photo: Cooking at the Moulsecoomb Bangladeshi Women’s Group

Communities & Equality 20

Numbers of people involved in community Action: groups: (Oct 2011 – Mar 2012) The Moulsecoomb LAT continues to attract local community groups 250 Numbers of and service providers to its new people meetings. The worker has involved with community encouraged the group to 200 groups communicate with local residents more widely through the newsletter and website. Email Numbers of digests are also sent out to 150 people from members of the community who BM E communitie do not attend the LAT. The s involved in worker helps the committee to 100 community prioritise topics and speakers that groups local residents are interested in. Numbers of Outcomes: people 50 involved in The LAT successful administered local Healthy Neighbourhood Funding community (HNF) for the first time, through groups which fourteen local community 0 groups were funded.

Action: The Mad Hatters & Lunch Club members are getting more confident in writing small funding applications, thanks to the help of the worker, and have had recent success with HNF. The group has put on a successful Christmas lunch for over 85 people, been on a Christmas ‘Turkey and Tinsel trip’, organised a 5 day trip to Yorkshire and enjoyed an outing to the Kent country-side. The group advertises what they do through posters, flyers, the bi-annual MLAT newsletter and by word of mouth. Outcomes: Thanks to more organised fundraising and improved planning and administration, the group has succeeded in getting more people involved and has organised more events and trips. Thanks to building links with Age UK, people from a greater mix of backgrounds now attend the activities. This group helps to bring a diverse range of people together reducing social isolation and creating better community cohesion.

Key Fact: Key Fact:

People attending Number of new

community events: community groups 5,983 worked with: 8

Communities & Equality 21 New Larchwood

Action: A wide range of older people’s activities and groups continues at New Larchwood, such as the art group, healthy eating cookery and a wellbeing event. With advice and support from the CD worker, the activities group is getting to grips with the money side of the project by learning about book keeping and grant applications, and finding out about funding opportunities. Outcomes: With increasing confidence, the activities’ group continues to take more responsibility for planning and coordinating different activities. These activities give older people the chance to get involved in new activities offering stimulating health, mental and physical wellbeing and social benefits.

Photo: New Larchwood outing

Action: The worker has developed the café group so that they now open 4 mornings a week, only taking a break during festive seasons. The addition of Monday mornings is welcomed as a source of refreshment and shelter by frail GP Surgery users who have had their appointments delayed or re-scheduled. The increase in opening hours is due to a new intake in volunteers. Outcomes: The café is a focus for older people to come together, to socialise and to talk about issues that concern them such as unemployment within their families, energy use and rising costs. They have more opportunities to be heard and the worker is able to consult with them on issues of concern.

Communities & Equality 22

Number of people involved in community groups and Action: activities (Sept 2011 – Mar 2012) : Student volunteers, recruited with input from the worker, have been invaluable in assisting with Numbers of activities, including organising 180 people board games and boccia, and managing interviewing older people about 160 and their experiences. attending Outcomes: 140 local This has given people from community different backgrounds the groups 120 opportunity to mix across Numbers of generations, and to tackle the new people 100 sense of isolation many older recruited people feel. to/involved 80 with groups Key Fact: 60 Number of new 40 Numbers of community groups people worked with: 20 involved in or attended 7 0 community events

Action: The development work with New Larchwood seeks creative ways to promote health. For example the activities group was able to organise a wellbeing day. The gentle exercise group organised a taster session to promote membership and raise awareness of the benefits, including mobility and falls prevention, as well as a social opportunities. The worker got the group together with Active For Life and taster sessions were held including pilates, and gentler therapies such as sewing. Healthy eating was promoted with fresh salad on the menu. Photo: New Larchwood Men’s Health Group Outcomes: Older people at New Larchwood “I felt very welcome and relaxed. There is a lot have been vocal about how much happening. The activities looked very they enjoy the environment in which beneficial. A nice, relaxing venue for the they live, and how much the community to come together (in) and a healthy activities have contributed to their way forward as we get older. More please, well-being. similar events!”

Communities & Equality 23 Portland Road and Clarendon:

Action: Relationships and partnership working around Stoneham Park continue to get stronger. The worker has supported key stakeholders in the park such as YMCA, PCCS (Poets Corner Community Society), West Hove Forum, the Children’s Centre, the council’s Parks and Rangers teams attend and act upon ideas that come up at SPARKS meetings. SPARKS is also now reaching out to more local community members. Outcomes: This has led to various joint projects such as the council’s parks team working with SPARKS on the growing project and PCCS working with SPARKS on their Christmas event.

Action: Number of community groups worked with: The West Hove Newsletter (Oct 2011 – Mar 2012) group, including West Hove Forum members and local residents, has received training around producing 1 community newsletters, organised by the CD worker. Outcomes: 7 The residents have developed the skills and confidence to promote the West Hove Forum, let residents know about neighbourhood groups and activities and raise awareness about current 18 local issues and priorities.

Numbers of community groups Key Facts: Number of successful w orked w ith funding bids: 6 Numbers of new groups w orked w ith Amount raised: Numbers of BME community £10,457 groups w orked w ith

Communities & Equality 24 Action: Community development work has helped to guide the West Hove Forum towards independence and democratic decision making as well as linking it into citywide structures. The forum lets local community groups know about current funding & training opportunities and events. It uses a variety of communications methods including social media to get more local residents involved and to be as inclusive as possible. The forum invites service providers to come and showcase their work, increasing local awareness of opportunities. Outcomes: Local links have been built with residents resulting in service improvements and better use of resources. Services have become more actively involved in the community through these initial links with the forum. The council’s parks team, for example, engage in other community meetings and support the work of groups such as events in the park organised by SPARKS (Stoneham Park Association of Residents and Kids). Through getting to know traders on Portland Road, links are being developed with members of the BME communities in the area and they are being encouraged to engage with the forum and other community events.

Photo: Parkour at Stoneham Park

Communities & Equality 25 Portslade:

Action: Following Portslade Community Forum’s (PCF) launch of The Freedom Club for the Over 50’s, the CD worker’s support has led to the group now practically running itself independently from Portslade Community Forum. A particularly exciting project has been the Old Spice Cookery project, which has been successful in engaging isolated older men. Outcomes: This project has been particularly important as it has addressed the issue of a lack of social and educational opportunities for older people in Portslade. It has been particularly successful in engaging older men, who are often particularly isolated, in learning new cookery skills.

Action: Through regular publicity and well attended open days, the Foreganics Community Conservation and Growing Project is used regularly by an ever increasing group of local people and service providers. These include the council’s Access to Nature, The YMCA with children excluded from school, Forest Rangers and the Belgrave Day Care Centre for adults with learning difficulties. The worker has been instrumental in supporting the group to bring key partners together and help the group to move forward. Outcomes: This project has created local links with diverse cultures, such as a group of refugees from Zimbabwe, celebrates diversity and breaks down social barriers. Regular open days allow the opportunity for different generations, cultures and abilities to socialise and Photo: Portslade Easthill Park stag mansion learn from each other.

Communities & Equality 26 Number of people involved in community Action: groups: The Portslade Youth Forum (PYF) (Oct 2011 – Mar 2012) members are building on their enthusiasm to get involved in all aspects of the community. With CD worker encouragement, a PYF rep 250 now attends both Portslade LAT and Numbers of Portslade Community Forum new people committees. A community issue is the involved with need to bridge the perceived divide 200 community between young and older people, so groups the youth forum has linked up with older people’s groups such as the Freedom Club and Sundowners. 150 Outcomes: Numbers of Regular intergenerational social people from events have taken place and have BM E been enjoyed by young and old, communities 100 creating better relationships and involved in understanding between the different community generations. groups 50 Numbers of Key Facts: people Number of successful involved in funding bids: 15 local 0 community Amount raised: groups £176,000

Action: The PCF organised GAGI (Get Active Get Involved) Week, giving local people, regardless of age, background or ability, the opportunity to come together and try out new activities and meet other residents. Events throughout the week included Portslade Community Forum’s Open Day and AGM. Outcomes: GAGI attracted over 800 local residents and gave them the opportunity to find out about how to get more involved in local representation and decision making.

Action: The Sundowners Over 50’s group provides a varied weekly outings and activities programme. As a result of the worker helping the group to identify priorities such as the desire to develop new skills, the need for support for carers and more social interaction with other over 50s groups, the Sundowners has built links with other groups. Outcomes: Linking together enables increased understanding of support available to carers through the Carers Centre and more opportunities to make friends, reduce isolation and access services through links with groups such as the Freedom Club.

Communities & Equality 27 Queens Park & Craven Vale:

Action: The worker has supported the Craven Vale Community Association to develop ideas and make long term plans for becoming more inclusive and attractive to residents. This was initiated as the committee has found it difficult to encourage residents to use the centre. The worker has supported one of the committee members to attend a food hygiene course, and successfully supported the group to apply for a grant from the Food Partnership of £830 for equipment for the new kitchen. The worker is currently helping the group to complete a larger grant application for the building work to be carried out. The worker has provided information to the Queens Park Community Association (QPCA) committee about a disused area on the estate, which the council may give to the community to use. Outcomes: As a result, a total redesign of the kitchen in The Vale Community Centre has been planned. This will allow the committee to run a midweek community café, and start a FareShare food bank. The association are keen for both of these to start and to increase the use of the community centre after hearing about the success at The Haven. As a result of the worker’s support to the CVCA organising the Walk on the Wildside event, local residents have been encouraged to use the woods more, and the project has increased the natural biodiversity of this woodland. The QPCA committee have decided that they would like to carry out a consultation event in the summer to find out what the community would like to use the unused area for. They have requested that the worker supports them to organise and advertise the event. Local residents have been encouraged to use the woods more, and the project has increased the natural biodiversity of this woodland.

Photo: Craven Vale woods

Communities & Equality 28

Action: The Craven Vale Gardening Group continues to have regular sessions and have planted over 40 trees around the estate. A resident who is new to the group has organised the planting of trees at the back of her flats in a communal garden. Outcomes: This resident now has the confidence and motivation to encourage other residents in her block to become involved in planting more in the communal area, and to paint a mural with children from the block.

Number of people involved in community groups: Action: (Oct 2011 – Mar 2012) The Haven Activities Association are now

running FareShare mornings at The Haven. The worker helped residents to set up 250 Numbers of systems to manage the food deliveries, new people involved with design advertising to bring in a broad range community of residents, and to monitor and feedback to 200 groups FareShare how many people are getting food that they could not afford before the project 150 Numbers of started. people from Outcomes: BM E The project has created opportunities for the communitie 100 s involved in CD worker to meet with residents that are community less likely to get involved in community groups activities to talk with them about their Numbers of 50 people priorities. The worker lets them know about involved in community groups and local services and local gives out information about local and city 0 community groups wide events.

Action: The Queens Park and Craven Vale Newsletter has been produced by residents who attended a newsletter training Key Facts: course organised by the worker. The newsletter was the first in the area to be written and distributed by local residents. Numbers of new Outcomes: people recruited The training group included a wide section of the to/involved with community. Several of the participants had never written groups: anything that has been published or read by others. The group have said how proud they are of their achievement, and of taking on ownership of the newsletter. All the 97 participants felt that they learnt new skills.

Communities & Equality 29 Tarner:

Action: Community development is in its early stages in this area. The worker has focussed on the sustainability of key local representative groups, which have become disorganised as a result of some key residents moving on. The worker has brought together service providers such as the Carers Centre, Active for Life, Communities Against Drugs to work in partnership to address the key issues identified by residents. Outcome: The work has encouraged an increased level of attendance at meetings and residents are showing greater engagement in the identification of and action on local priorities.

Action: Two ‘planning aid’ events have been held to explore the changes to planning for the local communities. Residents and community groups were encouraged to come together to think about the possibilities of creating a Neighbourhood Plan and getting involved in the development of the City Plan. Outcomes: Local residents getting involved at the planning stage of the decision-making process ensures that local knowledge and priorities are reflected in planning decisions.

Action: The worker has set up a local Communities First Panel that will facilitate the distribution of over £50k into the community over the next three years. This group now has 8 members who are looking into the wider community priorities for the area. Outcomes: It is intended that local residents allocating this funding will encourage greater involvement in the community. It will provide opportunities for local groups to run activities that respond to community priorities for the area.

Key Fact: Key Fact: 40 residents involved in or £51,708 raised in funding bids attended ‘open’ community events

Action: With the worker’s input, the Health Action Group has increased awareness of health- related funding opportunities, with two new projects getting off the ground as a result of residents finding out what possibilities exist to put ideas into practice. The review of the Health Action Plan has led to the group designing an older people’s celebration day and to the engagement of local services such as the Carers Centre and Active for Life to support local initiatives. Outcomes: New projects include a fitness machine for residents at Patching Lodge as a social activity to address isolation in Albion Hill, and improvements to community space at Hereford Court to provide a reflective, peaceful environment.

Communities & Equality 30 Whitehawk:

Action: A community consultation, supported by the CD worker, has led to the development of a resident-led Neighbourhood Forum. The Forum has gone from strength to strength and has been chosen by Brighton & Hove City Council to be one of the two Neighbourhood Council pilots. The themed sub-committees continue to provide focus for the different interests within the community and attract new residents. Outcomes: This has attracted a range of young people, BME people and older people as well as the ‘hard to reach’ group of working residents. It has provided an opportunity for active voluntary and community groups to come together, share ideas and raise issues. This has led to a number of community led solutions such as running the Community Festival, development and naming of the new play areas, and over a £1000 distributed to local groups. The sharing of information and the building of relationships through the sub- committees have also helped existing services to work more closely together and respond to community priorities. The primary school is now using the Crew Club’s outdoor sports facilities regularly, while the Manor Gym and Crew Club have got together to deliver health and sports work.

Photo: Whitehawk Festival July 2011

Communities & Equality 31 Action: The worker and some local residents got together and set up the Hawks Community Café, a new social enterprise. The café is used for training run by the Crew Club, aimed at young people not in employment, education or training. This is funded out of the sales of hot food, with the café being run by local volunteers who earn credits for the number of hours put into the project. Between September and December alone, volunteers earned credits worth £1000 which went back into local community groups. Outcomes: As a result of Hawks Café’s initial success, local groups are able to put more into the wider community while volunteers are receiving support and training. The café has also led to some residents developing vocational and personal skills that help their ambitions and chances of getting paid employment.

Key Fact: £68,300 Funding brought into the local community

Key Fact: £68,300 Funding brought into the local community

Photo: Whitehawk Easter Egg Rolling competition winners

Action: A number of training courses have been run, arranged and facilitated by the CD worker to help local residents get more active in their community. These have included a six week course on the creation of video podcasts, how to use local radio for community communication, a half day session on volunteering, an introduction to Facebook as a method of engaging the wider community, and the management of websites. Outcomes: The opportunities to use local radio as a means of communicating with residents have led to engagement with, and the inclusion of, a diverse range of residents. These include those with visual impairments, literacy challenges, or who speak English as a second language.

Communities & Equality 32 Woodingdean:

Action: The Woodingdean Community Association (WCA) and the CD worker have put a lot of effort into revamping the group with clear roles and responsibilities. The community association administered Healthy Neighbourhood Funding (HNF) for the first time and the worker helped them establish the processes required for a small grant pot and encouraged new groups and projects to develop and bid for it. Outcomes: The WCA has become more inclusive, with community centre user groups and other interested groups having a say in how the centre is run. The WCA has looked after its own funding for the first time, and it has built stronger links with other local community groups. Now more of the community know what happens at the centre and how to get involved.

Photo: Woodingdean Conference

Action: The worker helped with the development of terms of reference to cement a strong partnership between Open House older people’s lunch & social club and the Woodingdean Community Association (WCA). Outcomes: This has enabled the group to become more independent and to continue its activities despite the loss of support from Age Concern.

Communities & Equality 33 Action: As a result of the ‘Healthy Village’ project run in the previous period, a number of activities culminated with the launch of Healthy Neighbourhood Funding to local groups at the conference. The CD work has supported the production of a plan of other potential health projects arising from community feedback and in conjunction with the website and communication database. Interested volunteers will be contacted and supported to develop them. Outcomes: A new group has been funded to address isolation for older people and will launch with an event partnered by Brighton & Hove City Council’s library services by holding a reminiscence event around ‘old kitchens’. In addition to this a new football team has been supported for under 6‘s and 7‘s. A facility that has never before been available in the area. The HNF funding and work with the WCA is supporting the sustainability and independence of the Open House over 50‘s group.

Key Facts: Key Fact:

15 community There were 3 events were held successful funding bids

£113,200 was 685 people attended raised

Action: A lot of work has been put into making community communications more effective, including the production of the local newsletter and website, resulting in greater awareness of activities, events and opportunities across the neighbourhood. Outcomes: Local residents now have a better idea of how to get involved in a wide range of groups and activities, challenging the perception expressed at the 2010 conference: ‘There’s nothing happening in Woodingdean”

Action: The worker has coordinated meetings of the Bexhill Skate Park Steering Group, making sure group members and stakeholders know what’s going on, ensuring roles and accountability have been clear and open. Outcomes: The young people have stayed committed to the skate park project and have been fully involved in the procurement process. They helped design the park and choose the contractor to build it.

Communities & Equality 34

CDC Recommendations: 2012 - 2014

1. A range of data exists to support the identification and engagement of diverse populations such as LGBT people, people with mental health issues, single parents, including fathers, those suffering from economic disadvantage, and BME people, including ‘White Other’ (eg Eastern Europeans). Using this data could help to improve service delivery by better understanding the priorities for these diverse communities.

2. There is a need for all service providers to use a wide range of engagement and development approaches to ensure that identified priorities reflect the nature of all local communities.

3. Service provider approaches to neighbourhood working need to have a basic level of consistency across community development areas.

4. A clear process for partnership working with residents in relation to monitoring, evaluation and work planning would support the effective delivery of community development.

5. Community development work would benefit from a clearer strategic link with the City Engagement Partnership (CEP).

6. Community development providers need to have a clear approach to supporting and signposting residents to volunteering, training & learning and employment opportunities.

7. Community development providers should demonstrate a clear commitment to developing the sustainability and independence of groups and organisations.

Community development workers are often faced with residents with complex needs such as mental health issues and alcohol dependency. This highlights the importance of training and partnership working to ensure safety and good practice when working with vulnerable people. The Communities & Equality team will work with the Learning and Development team to explore learning and training opportunities.

Communities & Equality 35 Appendix One: Combined numbers for the whole Community Development Commission

Value For Money 2011-12

£130,790

£400,000 Council Commissioning Funds

Funding generated by CD supported projects In-kind funding

£509,131

The ratio of people who are involved in community groups from BME communities April 2008 to March 2012:

The ratio of people who are involved in community groups from BME communities April 2008 to March 2012

3000

2500 Numbers of people from BME 2000 communities involved in community groups 1500 Numbers of people managing 1000 and attending local community groups 500

0

10 11 12 t 08 09 10 t t ch ch 11 ar M Sep o Mar to Sep t 0 to Sep to 1 11 11 l 08 to 9 to Mar l ri 0 10 i p r 08 to March Oct A e April 09 to erSept 09 April er Apr ob ct Octob Octob O

Communities & Equality 36 The ratio of groups worked with that have a BME focus April 2008 to March 2012

The ratio of groups worked with that have a BME focus April 2008 to March 2012

250

200

Numbers of local BME groups 150 worked with in community Numbers of community groups 100 worked with

50

0

8 2 0 1 09 10 10 1 t 11 pt pt pt p e e rch rch S S a a March 09 o o Se o Se to Mar 1 t t o o M to M 1 10 1 11 il 08 to il 09 t 10 ct r r 08 t 09 t pr er pril pril O Ap A A ber A o ctob Octobe O Oct

Numbers of groups worked with April 2008 to March 2012

Numbers of groups worked with from April 2008 to March 2012

300

250 Numbers of new community 200 groups started or newly worked with 150 Numbers of community groups 100 worked with

50

0

8 0 1 0 1 t t 09 t 1 p h p ar 12 rc e M Se Sept 10 o o Ma o t t o t 8 to March 09 0 to March 11 0 8 1 0 l 09 t l ct 11 ri r 0 ri p e p er 1 pril 11 to SO A b April 09 tober Sep A b A to cto cto O Oc O

Communities & Equality 37 Fundraising Support April 2008 to March 2012

Fundraising Support April 2008 to March 2012

90 80 70 Numbers of ‘funding 60 applications’ local groups are 50 supported to make 40 Numbers of community groups 30 funding bids that are successful (that worker supported) 20 10 0

0 09 1 11 12 pt 08 rch pt 11 Se Sept 09 Sept 10 Se

Oct 11 to Mar April 08 to April 09 to April 10 to April 11 to ctober 08 to March O October 09 to MarchOctober 10 to Ma

For more information about Community Development in Brighton & Hove, please contact the Communities & Equality team:

Sam Warren, City Neighbourhood Co-ordinator [email protected] Tel: (01273) 296821

Giles Hippisley, Community Engagement Officer [email protected] Tel: (01273) 296809

Communities & Equality 38