Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
How local people are being paid to spread the word about local issues and collect information in order to make their areas even better.
Citation preview
Big LocalGood Practice in Action…
Walkie Talkies™
GROUNDWORK KENT & MEDWAY
Walkie Talkies™
“Walkie Talkies™
Began in 2005 in Swanscombe Kent.
A simple idea that works!
Local people walking and talking to residents about things that matter to them.
Why we think it works
• It’s truly local• People trust their Walkie Talkies™
• It is independent and seen to be independent
• It has good mechanisms to let information flow in both directions
• Sustainable• Provides good value for money• Inclusive
Who is a Walkie Talkie™
Local people
Local networks
Swanscombe and Greenhithe
From this….
To this….
How to do it…
• Community development work
• Local networks
• Local people
• Local partnerships
• Training
• Links to other Walkie Talkies™ to share best practice and learning
What makes it work• The Quality of the project is only
as good as our Contacts and the People we employ
• Walkie Talkies are recruited directly from the local community
• Have good local knowledge and social networks
• Are passionate about making a positive difference in their town
At Windmill Community Allotments
How we connect• Word of mouth• Via social hubs used by ordinary
people• In school playgrounds, cafes,
allotments, hairdressers, community centres, sheltered housing, coffee mornings, shopping centres, major local events, on the streets… anywhere people go
• Providing accurate, useful and impartial information
The Tivoli Centre
The group were delighted to be asked their opinions
about their town
Working closely with the Seafront Design Team
What a Walkie Talkie™ does..• Training to empower individuals to act
as community advocates / get factual information from briefing sessions
• Working day – the team go where and when they are needed (regular routes)
• Feedback – via local steering groups / community forums
• Uniform – wear a distinctive uniform with logo, easily identified, builds trust
Walkie Talkies and Big Local
• Walkie Talkies were already working on Tree Estate when Big Local was announced.
• Relationship with local people and agencies already established.
• Trust was already there
What we have been doing..
• Garden Party for Older Residents• Community Fun Days• Allotment Open days• Coffee mornings at the Community
Centre• Regular visits to local groups,
schools, children's centre, shops• Face to face conversations• Attended summer fetes at local
school and park.
Cont…
• Working with our Youth Officer to engage the Young People.
• Looking at recruiting Young people to be Walkie Talkies.
• Regular meetings with Princes Community Forum.
• Door to door consultations on Big Local
• Always ready to listen
What we found…From 270 direct responses through face to
face consultation and questionnairesPriorities identified by the community:• Youth; community activities; activities to
engage young children and teenagers.• Community Safety; more police on the beat;
cctv; tackle ASB; speeding cars/motorcycles; youths loitering.
• Health and Wellbeing; exercise classes; job advice; life skills training
• Environment; More planting to brighten area; better maintenance of alleyways/green areas; tidy up gardens /properties; better / more frequent bus service
• Community “Hubs”; renovate Tree CC and develop a community centre for Phoenix
CONTACT DETAILS
Groundwork Kent & Medway
48 Canterbury Street
Gillingham ME7 5UN
01634 [email protected]
www.groundwork-km.org.uk
