Cathy Miles Community Development Manager (Hubs & People) Supporting Local communities to develop their own solutions. cathym@sdcvs.org.uk

https://gresleyoldhall.wordpress.com/ No understanding by the community of what the wider community wanted or needed Small group of people involved / cliques People not happy with how the local community building were being used Gresley Old Hall

What we did Events & activities to get people speaking to each other (and us) Residents, Agencies (Adult Care, Childrens, District Council, County Council), Existing group / committee, Children, Adults Building trust - spending time with the community, listening and observing, setting up new social media, encouraging connections and communication. Speaking to agencies about need, review data People volunteered to get involved (friends of group) and steer the project Put on tasters

What people said…. More events and activities for children and teenagers More sport and general activities for adults and children More community events Music / Arts and Crafts lessons – for adults and children Support for parents Community meals / Lunches Community groups / social groups that aren’t run by churches More non-academic activities Opportunities to learn new skills – make accessible for everyone Better advertising of activities and opportunities

What people wanted to work on Sports and physical activities Activities for young people Mother and toddlers group Groups to combat social isolation / social gatherings/ Learning / New skills development sessions

What’s changed Activity More people involved in community planning (1200+) More people regularly active (568 in yr 1) Improved relationships Unexpected outcomes Community café Gardening group Extra funding Changing attitudes (professionals) “As a result of coming here I am aware that I have been improving generally in my health both physically and mentally and I put this down to constructive work and having my medication of the therapeutic dose- thank you!” – grow outside regular participant

Grow Outside & Dance Classes

Music Time (pre-schoolers) &Indoor Bowling at Gresley

Learning All communities are different – one approach does not suit all Agencies don’t know best, but best when all agencies are engaged Intelligence better than data (real stories) but a place for both Perceived v’s real issues – head on exploration with communities (challenge myths) Trust, Time to bring about change - It takes both Working with (not to or for the community) Money helps (but not as much as you might think!) Multi layered/staged approach Tasters work – non traditional activities to get people moving