Reaching Jaywick Creativity and Community Action Planning in England’s most Deprived Neighbourhood.

CoastNet – Working to improve the quality of life in coastal communities Reaching Jaywick – 3 ½ year Big Lottery Reaching Communities Programme funded project started April 2010 Project Outcomes – Support community activities in Jaywick – Improve enjoyment of open spaces including Jaywick beach – Providing creative opportunities to gain skills and learning – Developing a community led improvement plan What is Reaching Jaywick

Jaywick: A Community in Context Historically a vibrant and strong spirited seaside holidaying community, developed in the 1930s… Image: Holidaymakers at Jaywick Beach, 1935

Jaywick: A Community in Context …yet now the most deprived community in England (English IMD, 2010) Poor quality housing – last remaining plotlands development A community ‘in the wrong place’ – high risk of coastal flooding Long- term (50 year) strategy unclear Short-term (up to 10 years) strategy to tackle poverty and poor quality environment Image: Jaywick after 1953 floods

Walk, talk and tours- from forums to sitting rooms The CoastNet approach to successful community engagement: Time (building relationships) Listening – talking – responding Gathering (community ideas + shaping actions) Action (making things happen - needs based) Reflection  Supporting – attending – being visible - collaborating Gaining acceptance – building relationships – developing trust

Taking Part – Being a Part Connecting people and places Events – activities – opportunities for all Wide range of community events arts – sports –learning – entertainment – lifestyle Community-wide Working one to one with individual local people Creating partnerships Open and approachable

Community Activities & Events Jaylympics Big Draw CreativeNet Clacton Carnival Beach Volleyball Walking groups Film screenings Beach Cleans Tea Dances

Community Activities & Events

Regular Activities: CreativeNet Creative Net Opportunity to explore individual and community creativity in its widest sense Bringing people together Build confidence Opportunities for new experiences Providing Skills & Training

Regular Activities: CreativeNet Different People & Places CreativeNet - monthly at Jaywick Martello Tower C-Net creative camps - for young people and parents/carers C-Net Studio Sessions C-Net Weekly Afterschool club - at Frobisher Primary School

Regular Activities: CreativeNet Arts Awards – years – National Pilot scheme (7- 11 years) Children‘s University – Learning destination Coming soon – FilmClub

Creating a Connected Community Building a network of individuals Creating – linking – strengthening Capacity building (individuals and partnerships) Open – approachable – safe space  Developing a positive approach for envisioning possibilities and future scenarios… …through this process we are strengthening foundations to engage the community in planning processes Creating and Strengthening the Community Net

Creating a Connected Community Creating and Strengthening the Community Net

Building Aspirations Kingston University Landscape Interface Studio Aberdeen University

Community Planning Process Lots of talk about community-led regeneration… … this requires a plan of action Small scale actions for community to undertake themselves Step-by-step guidance Fostering a volunteer culture Living resource – to evolve and develop

Community Planning Process

Catalyst – Ideas to Action Visualisation as stimulus for creating priorities Ideas, small yet significant – generated and galvanised ‘The greatest resource a community has is itself’ – Local resident