Could you be a Littlemoor advisor? (From Dorset Echo)

Could you be a Littlemoor advisor?

3:34pm Monday 17th October 2011 in Community

Synergy and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council are working together to deliver a new and exciting project for the Littlemoor Community called Littlemoor Young Advisors.

Young Advisors are young people typically aged between 15 and 21 who show community leaders and decision makers how to engage young people in community life, local decision making and improving services.

The young people will be fully trained and will guide local authorities, housing associations and other local partners about what it is like for a young person to live, work, learn and play in their neighbourhood.

They are currently recruiting young people to become the first group of Young Advisors There will be a fun team building day at Top Club on 26th October between 10am and 4pm when they hope to welcome as many young people as possible.

If you know anyone who is interested or wants to know more they can ring or text Kate Chandler, the project co-ordinator, on 07876 391665 The results of the recent survey carried out by the Littlemoor Community Action Group have just been published.

The survey, which had two main questions:- where would residents of Littlemoor prefer to go to take part in leisure activities and which of these activities would they like to take part in?

The popularity of venues offered fell into three very distinct groups. The most favoured was a purpose built building on the land between the church and the library (93%). The library itself was second with the church as third preferred option. Fewer people wanted to use the existing community hall (67%). Only 45% or less would use the Youth Club, Bincombe Court or the Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Overall more people wanted a venue within sight of the shopping precinct rather than elsewhere on the estate.

The question about which activities were preferred was divide into age category and I haven’t the space to list every one but overall an all day coffee bar (50%)was the top request followed closely by a Citizens Advice Bureau (46%) and Keep Fit Classes (46%).

Between 30 and 40% wanted handicraft groups, opportunities to socialize, further education, gardening classes/garden sharing, internet advice or art groups.

It is worth noting that more than 20 of these activities requested by at least 20% of households would be required at least once a week. In addition more continuous activities like the all day coffee bar would need dedicated spaces. Clearly the venues already on the estate could not cope with the increased use. More public spaces are need if this community is to come together through working and playing together.

In the past year The Big Lottery Fund has promised £1m to make improvements. It has not yet been decided how this money will be spent, this is up to every person living on Littlemoor. It is likely some will go towards funding activities throughout the estate, but these will have to have somewhere to be held.

The survey clearly confirms the LCAG belief that a new community building will be needed to allow several activities to take place at the same time. Then more people will be able to meet, get to know one another and make new friends. Bringing our community together like this will make life more enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.

Hallowe’en is almost upon us and for those who want to bring out their broomsticks and polish up their cauldrons there is a Party to celebrate on the 29th October at the community centre.

This event will be in two parts. From 6.30 to 8.30pm a children’s party will be underway (parents can stay if they wish) with a disco, buffet food, refreshments and prizes for the best fancy dress boy and girl with spot prizes throughout the event.

The second part will be from 9pm until late and this will be for families and adults. There will be a disco, buffet and prizes for the best fancy dress male and female. Soft drinks will be on sale but people are allowed to bring their own alcohol after 9pm if they wish.

Both parties are FREE Entry and are run by the LCAG in association with Synergy Housing and all money raised will go towards the maintenance of the community centre.

Posters with all future events will be on notice boards around the estate but I’ll remind you of events as we get closer to the dates.

And a reminder for Bingo fans that fortnightly sessions are held at the community centre. The next one will be on the 4th November. Doors open 7pm, “eyes down” 8pm.