Welcome to the Winter edition of news to keep you up to date with what’s happening with BigLocal SW11.
There’s lots happening now and plenty of ways to get involved, read on to find out more…
New Chair
Stephen Holsgrove (Head of Thames Christian College) has been unanimously elected as the Chair of BigLocal SW11 replacing Robert Musgrave MBE, who had served the Partnership since its inception and who had decided to stand down. Stephen said: “I am delighted to be given the support and trust of my colleagues and wish to record our indebtedness to Robert for his outstanding work during our formative years – he will be a difficult act to follow!I am particularly pleased to be asked to take on my role at a time when BigLocal SW11 is starting to make a real difference, but I am aware of the challenges ahead. Quite simply I am determined to see that every pound of BigLocal money is put to the best possible use in improving opportunities for people in our community, without duplicating what is, or should be provided by others.” BigLocal SW11’s current plan and key objectives can be seen at http://www.biglocalsw11.co.uk/
Achievements so far…
We wanted to let you know about some of the things that have happened through BigLocal SW11 lately…
Support Worker
David Stone joined BigLocal SW11 as our support worker in 2015.
Research
David has been able to do research to give us information to base our decision on. He has:
updated our Area Profile which showed significant changes from the 2011 Census regarding inward migration and the rise in rented properties in the patch;
produced a Community Directory showing who is doing what and where, in the area;
produced a Business Directory which has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the local economy and develop potential engagement with local businesses ;
Building Futures
Building Futures is the enterprise area of BigLocal SW11. We have a costed three year plan to tackle barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential, particularly with respect to Training, Volunteering and Employment.
As part of this we have:
run a skills, training & jobs fair which attracted 12 service providers and 77 local people;
introduced a ‘pilot’ Advisory Service which supported 15 people, of which 4 gained employment!
delivered the first of a planned series of ‘Battersea Together’ events, which attracted 44 people from 35 local organisations, which identified areas of potential cooperation and/or partnership working;
Intergenerational Project
Delivered the WoW Intergeneration project which saw 6 events and engagement with 30 older people
Small Grants
Managed a Small Grants Scheme which saw £6,000 awarded to 9 organisations in our patch;
(A youth climbing project funded by BLSW11 and organised by St Peter’s Church)
Falcon Road Festival
We developed a partnership with the London Fire Service, Christchurch School, LB Wandsworth and the Residents Associations for the Kambala and Falcon estates, to oversee, manage and fund the highly successful Falcon Road Heritage Festival…..
Upcoming events
Battersea Together—from Words to Action!
23rd February 2017
In February 2016 44 people from 35 organisations in Battersea met in York Garden’s Library to discuss areas of common interest/concern!
In answer to the question ‘What prevents people in Battersea from reaching their full potential” the grouphighlighted the most significant themes as being – Mental Health, Lacking a Voice, Confidence and Affordable Housing.
The 2nd Battersea Together event this February will revisit these and other barriers to participation with the aim of developing concrete solutions, hopefully through partnership working!
Planning for The Falcon Road Festival for 2017 has begun! A community based event, we aim to build on this years brilliant festival to engage more, deliver more and have even more fun!
A dedicated web site to promote and inform people about the Festivals being developed and further details will be sent to you in the new year.
Future plans
We’ll continue with:
Building Futures Advisory Service
WoW Intergenerational project
Falcon Road Festival
We’ll be starting a:
Community Fitness programme
‘In Work Poverty’ programme proposal
Mentoring programme
Volunteering programme
Community Leaders Exchange Programme
Upcoming dates for your diary: February 23rd 2017 – Battersea Together — from Words to Action! July 1st 2017 – Falcon Road Festival To get in touch, please: Visit Providence House, 12-2pm each Thursday Call us: 020 7228 0433 Email us: [email protected]biglocalsw11.co.uk Visit our website: www.biglocalsw11.co.uk And follow us on social media: /BigLocalSW11 /BigLocalForSW11