Community Involvement Update on achievements and impact of Community Involvement Officer

Business Plan Priorities Developing links with community groups and individuals Promoting community involvement in local events Breaking down barriers and building trust among community members

Developing links – Community Litter Picking 3 community volunteers/ co-ordinators recruited from Chalk, Chalky Bank, Chalk Litter Pick on 5 June – 52 participants of all ages Community Litter Picks arranged throughout August Support pack for local co-ordinators – maps, risk-assessment and register

Chalk Community Litter Pick

Developing Links - Churches North Kent Community Church The Redeemed Christian Church of God Gravesham Churches Together Important and valuable link to our minority communities and also provide committed volunteers and help for council events

North Kent Community Church helping clear Lord Street Car Park

Community Involvement in Local Events Gravesham in Bloom – Schools, community groups Windmill Tavern – Gravesham In Bloom, Christmas on the Hill Big Lunch – 7 Avenues Residents Association practical support on road closures, risk assessments Black History Month – Gravesham African & Caribbean Group Christmas – Windmill Gardens, Advent,

Building trust between communities Black History Month – African and Caribbean Forum Local Churches Cohesion + Sahayak, Red Cross – new migrant communities Working with Kent Police Prevent Officer

Impact Gravesham in Bloom Community competition entrants - 21 Scarecrows, 6 Painted Boards, 17 Front Garden entrants, 30 community volunteers from North Kent Community Church to help with Lord Street Car Park clear up School involvement – Cecil Road Primary pupils, staff, family and friends planted, knitted and decorated the school grounds, St John’s Secondary School 7 year 12 students for 1 week helped with weeding, painting and planting Knitters – Urban knitters supported plus new recruits from 2 local groups Schools in Bloom, Its Your Neighbourhood - plans for entrance in 2016

Cecil Road Primary School Children, families and staff planted, knitted and decorated school grounds using the Gravesham In Bloom seaside theme. Keen to entre Schools in Bloom in 2016.

Weeding – St John’s Catholic Comprehensive Year 12 Volunteers. Piloting community volunteering for all year 12 students look to expand next year

Knitting for Gravesham in Bloom

Impact Community litter picking – 56 participated in Chalk community litter pick, 3 local co- ordinators recruited, following up 4 new enquiries from local volunteers, 3 summer litter picking events planned

Current Activity Ebbsfleet United – community art project, community football officer, community day Community Engagement Strategy Gravesend Clock Tower – community engagement support Woodland’s Park African Caribbean Forum – Black History month and heritage lottery fund application Christmas on the Hill

Challenges Recruiting volunteers Recruiting community champions/ lead volunteer – taking on responsibilities Public liability insurance, health and safety – needs someone to be in charge take responsibility Reducing officer reliance – building capacity