In a bid to enhance community wellbeing and reduce social isolation, a charity in Peterborough has launched a new service that invites the local population to shape its offerings. Family Action, which operates a community center on the Welland housing estate, is initiating this project to address various needs of residents and gather their input on potential community events and activities. The aim is to create a vibrant space where individuals can come together, share ideas, and improve their quality of life.
Charis Newman, a representative of Family Action, expressed the organization’s commitment to making this service responsive to the specific desires of community members. She emphasized the importance of local input, stating, “We want people to come forward and say, ‘we want this,’ we really are open to suggestions.” This inclusive approach signifies the charity’s dedication to designing programs that resonate with the unique circumstances and aspirations of residents in Welland.
Set to commence on June 4, the charity’s initiative will feature a weekly coffee morning held every Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 PM. These gatherings are designed not only as social events but also as opportunities for residents to seek advice on a range of topics, from writing a CV to filling out forms. Moreover, attendees are encouraged to voice what they feel the community is lacking, ensuring that the services offered are aligned with their genuine needs.
Newman underlined the goal of connecting with families in Welland, a locality recognized as one of the city’s most deprived regions. She acknowledged the challenge of establishing trust within the community, noting that many residents tend to feel insular and may find it difficult to reach out and connect with others. “If we just get a few people to start with, they can see how friendly we all are, and how much we want to help,” she remarked. This sentiment reflects an understanding of the barriers that often hinder community engagement, but also conveys a hope that initial small gatherings can foster broader connections.
The Family Action community center is already integral to the Welland area, providing essential services like a pre-school and a weekly community fridge. Helen Terrington, another representative of the charity, pointed out that the center is somewhat tucked away, which can make it challenging for people to know about its existence. Therefore, one of the key objectives is not just to enhance service offerings but to ensure that the community is well-informed about the resources available to them.
In addition to encouraging community feedback, Family Action is also looking to attract volunteers to help support the new service. Terrington noted a keen interest in discovering the diverse skills that community members possess. Whether it’s craft workshops or yoga instruction, there is a wide spectrum of possibilities that could enrich the community hub. This invitation for volunteers showcases the charity’s vision of creating a well-rounded, participative environment that benefits everyone involved.
As the initiative unfolds, Family Action hopes to build momentum through these coffee mornings and gain the trust of local residents. By fostering an atmosphere of openness and collaboration, the charity aspires to establish a supportive network that addresses both social and practical needs. This new wellbeing service represents more than just a program; it is a stepping stone towards cultivating a stronger, more connected community that thrives through cooperation and shared experiences.
In summary, Family Action’s community-oriented approach epitomizes the values of inclusivity and responsiveness, paving the way for a refreshed sense of community spirit in Welland, Peterborough. The initiative not only aims to address immediate social isolation issues but also seeks to empower residents by actively involving them in the decision-making processes, thus inspiring a robust and engaged community.