Big Pickersleigh Project
Divided into four key areas, the Big
Pickersleigh Project aims to increase the ambition and aspiration
of people in Pickersleigh by building confidence and helping to
establish the area as a balanced sustainable community, thus making
a real difference to the quality of life for residents.
Some of the key achievements from the project:
- Identified areas where crime could be an issue, otherwise known
as ‘desire lines’ and worked with relevant groups to improve
lighting, trim hedges and reduce the opportunity for crime to take
place
- Carried out quarterly walkabouts with housing officers at
Festival Housing to check the quality of the area and identify
any improvement needs
- Supported teenage mums to live healthier lifestyles and gain
access to training opportunities
- Recruited an ‘Outreach worker’ to support young people in need
of guidance
- Established specialist Citizens Advice Bureau sessions for
those living in the Pickersleigh area
- Identified community champions who will help shape future work
and develop projects in the ward and provided training
opportunities
- Organised regular community litter pick days
- Set up a community grants scheme to help groups help
themselves
- Tackled fuel poverty by supporting vulnerable residents to gain
access to funding streams.
In 2011 – 12 The Big Pickersleigh Project aims to:
- Work with a local convenience store to improve quality, range
and display of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Develop a media campaign to allay fears and improve
understanding of actual crime rates
- Establish a neighbourhood watch scheme and the use of
crimestoppers in Pickersleigh
- Better meet the needs of middle aged men by providing
pro-active opportunities for socialising and personal
development
- Promote opportunities for volunteering and encourage
individuals to support their local community
- Foster a mentoring scheme within the ward so that young people
have a suitable ‘buddy’ they can go to for support and advice
- Continue to support community champions so they have the
confidence to deliver projects and support others within the
area.
