The project launched in October 2024, employing 2 part time project workers based in these communities with a view to supporting the work already being done by the existing community workers while building capacity, confidence and trust between these communities.

The basis of the project is Community Empowerment using participatory budgeting (PB) as the vehicle to engage the community in the design and delivery of community led programming.

PB is a democratic process in which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. It gives people real power over real money. It invites activity based ideas and bids and supports their development ready for local residents to have their say and vote for the ideas they feel best meet the needs of the community.

The project will bring together local representatives from each community in forming a Resident Action Group, this group will help shape and lead the PB process setting the criteria and guidance for bids and ideas. The project will also support the community workers to develop a Strategic plan for their respective estates and a shared action plan for the area.

Key activities, events and progress so far:

Building cross-community relationships
The Resident Action Group (RAG) was created, consisting of members from each community focused on strengthening relationships. Meetings are held once a month with the group alternating between each community centre.

Idea bid forms and workshops
Designed and developed an idea bid form suitable for both adults and children (user friendly) to submit an idea that could better their community. 
Encouraged community participation through a series of workshops to develop their ideas into a viable project. 

Community Events  
Community voting nights were a fun and casual event, local people came along and voted for the programme that they would like to see happen in their community. The community vote night aimed to promote community engagement and participation. The voting event provided a platform for residents to come together, discuss key issues and make a choice that could benefit their community.