The Bournemouth Conversation - Report ISSUE1 · “the company of likeminded friendly, enthusiastic and helpful photographers “one particular volunteer is working since the service

The Bournemouth Conversation (Feb19): Event Report

Executive Summary 200 local people wanting to renew community “connectedness”, 89 extra-ordinary grass-roots projects and one evening of celebration and debate: these were the ingredients for the first Bournemouth Conversation at the Citygate centre on 20th February.

The event started by showcasing the local groups and activities that had been nominated by members of the public under the “Great Neighbourhoods” campaign in January. They ranged from individual streets of residents like the community on Hillbrow Road who have an annual Christmas Party for their street, to groups who were going through the same life experience like Southbourne Mum Runners and Bub2Fit, groups of over 200 young mums who go out running together for exercise, support and community. The audience heard about “happiness dogs”, group meetings to combat depression at the Wight Bear, haircuts for the homeless, places of acceptance that transform mental health situations like the Space Youth Project, and so on. Groups of ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things to enhance and transform their neighbours’ lives.

Then the evening moved on to the future – what are the issues facing our town, and what solutions do we know about (or indeed may already be doing!) that would help to resolve these. Issues discussed included the “hidden homeless”, getting information on help to those without technology, evening support for those who work, young people’s mental health, and so on. The core team are now looking to follow up on those ideas and how grass-roots groups can be brought back together to look at specific issues

The 4 most talked about issues were:

a) Loneliness and Isolation: the biggest issue across many sectors including parents and immigrants: ideas included better sharing of info on groups, creating more community events, and encouraging volunteering;

b) Communication: specifically, knowing what is going on locally; could there be local conversations, maps or databases; we need both social media and “non-tech” solutions

c) Young people: including the need for more community spaces for young people to meet, and the lack of counselling and support services for young people facing mental health issues and bullying; the need for family holidays/get-aways also featured

d) Homelessness & Housing: the lack of affordable housing, hidden homelessness, begging all featured; shared information such as Street Support was highlighted

This report will be considered by a core group from across the statutory, VCS and faith sectors, with the aim of identifying some quick wins (e.g. homelessness action briefings) and bringing others into the Conversation (e.g. Youth Conversation).

Bournemouth Conversation 2019

Background On Wednesday 20th February 2019, around 200 people representing over 80 organisations met to celebrate and discuss what is happening in the community and third sector across Bournemouth. It was a collaborative effort between Faithworks Wessex, Prama-Life, Bournemouth CVS, Bournemouth Council, Bournemouth University, DWP and Public Health Dorset,

The aim of the event was two-fold – firstly to identify, celebrate and showcase the extraordinary, grass-roots community groups who bring support to the people of Bournemouth in all sorts of often-unsung ways. And secondly, to highlight issues that the local community face, and to identify possible solutions that could be implemented across the community, public, private and voluntary sectors.

Attendees & Event Plan Attendees came from a broad range of organisations: the public sector (including for example the Police, Bournemouth Borough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions), Bournemouth University, church representatives and a wide section of charity and community groups covering issues such as isolation and loneliness, the environment, poverty, housing and rough sleeping. The Mayor of Bournemouth joined us as guest of honour and gave the opening address.

The event was split into two parts. Part 1 celebrated grass roots groups who are connecting people together in imaginative ways and thus strengthening local communities. Part 2 included a round table discussion looking at the issues in the town and what can be done to tackle them.

Part 1: Celebrating Community Action In January 2019 a “Great Neighbourhoods” campaign was launched. Nominations were invited from the public to celebrate community groups, local community businesses, and informal groups of residents from individual streets who work tirelessly in the local area to bring people together and break down social isolation.

These groups demonstrated some key shared characteristics:

- They are about transformation of community from the grass roots up

- They are informal: Just “over the road”…

- They help to eliminate isolation: “they know my name”

- They help people feel “connected”

- And they are about People being together, rather than individualism

In total 89 nominations were received. The aim was not to find the “best group” but to celebrate all the different ideas that others might emulate.

The nominated groups were divided into a number of groups based on the activity they do or issue they are passionate about. The categories (and subcategories) identified are given in table 1.

2The Bournemouth Conversation 20 June 2019


Table 1: Nomination Categories & Sub Categories

The groups came from all over the town as this map shows

The Conversation facilitators took time to meet organisations from each of the subcategories and listen to the quotes from those who nominated them, as follows:

Category Sub Category Number of Nominations

Geographical Neighbours Building Community 8

Open Spaces 9

Enabling Others 5

Shared Life Experience Reducing Loneliness 8

Reducing Homelessness 6

Young People, Children & Parents

7

Health & Memory 5

Culture, Safety & Support 6

Shared Interest Arts & Creativity 5

Gardening 5

Other Leisure Activities 7

Community Spaces Café’s & Bars 8

Churches 4

Community Centres 6

Nominees What people said…• Hillbrow Road BH6• Littledown Neighbourhood Watch• West Howe Together• A Little Group of Kindness• Ashling Crescent Great Get Together• Queens Park Forum• East Cliff and Springbourne

neighbourhood• The Lions Club of Bournemouth

“we can ask for help, pass on unwanted items…“residents looking out for neighbours“group of local mums“we can’t change the larger problems in this world, but [we can] make life more bearable for people in need locally“Boxing Day tug of war“better understand what local residents consider to be acceptable and desirable“concentrate on matters that really matter“… the good guys

13/05/2019: slide 10 Bournemouth Conversation 2019

Category 1aGeographical Neighbours: Building Community



Nominees What people said…• SOBO Facebook Group• Bournemouth Soup• The Family Network Bournemouth• Transition Bournemouth• Sustainable Dorset

“real desire for the community to cherish it“supporting individuals to realise dreams“Brings together small, independent businesses to offer them training etc.“create a better, more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly place for us all to live“switches concentration from the effects we are experiencing to the basis cause


Category 1cGeographical Neighbours: Enabling others

Nominees What people said…• BH11 Loneliness & Support Group• St Alban's Medical Centre Practice

Health Champions• Southbourne Practice Champions• Faithworks Community Meal• Branksome Heights Care Home• Winton Community Shed• FACE• Tappers Funeral Service

“meet up with other members with same problems“set up a home visiting service“enable the surgery to better connect with the community we serve“looking forward to going along every month“community free of charge Come Dine with Us“having tasks and things to do meant that they did not struggle with their usual anxiety“increase in confidence, new friendships and a greater sense of belonging to a community“changed so many lives; set up wonderful free meals

13/05/2019: slide 11 11

Category 2aShared Life Experience : Reducing loneliness



Nominees What people said…• Helping hands• Hope AOK Rucksack Appeal• Hope HTS • Fade barbershop• Hot for homeless• Second Chance

“chance to chat, always with compassion, giving dignity at all times“clothes for an interview or funeral“move on to live in their own independent housing and reaching their true potential“Haircuts for the homeless“Hot food“work with people that have found it difficult to get support


Category 2bShared Life Experience : Reducing Homelessness

Nominees What people said…• 21st Bournemouth Scout Group• The Chatterboxes• Space Youth Bournemouth• The Stourvale YMCAB Holiday Club

5-10 years• PACE• Bub2Fit - Lulu Holloway• Joy and Jingles

“fulfilling their potential, increasing their confidence in themselves“challenging negative stereotypes whilst creating a community which is equal for all“has saved my life - my mental health has improved so much“continuity of structure in a child’s life [in the holidays] as with school“learning opportunities in schools so that every student can ask their biggest questions“started with pier to pier walking group“Bringing generations together for smiles & friendship


Category 2cShared Life Experience : YP, Children & Parents

Nominees What people said…• Diabetes Support Group - West

Howe • The Banks and Bearwood Medical

Practice Champions• Kinson Memory Lane Group• Songs for the Mind group• Memory Lane group

“develop a network including health professionals who can advise them in a friendly and informal atmosphere“set up groups to support carers“The groups also provide essential respite“might not say a word until a familiar song starts“folk go home happy and smiling


Category 2dShared Life Experience : Health & Memory



Nominees What people said…• Indian Cultural Association Dorset• BH Aspire Empowerment Centre• Bournemouth Chinese School • Safe and Sound• Bournemouth Town Pastors• North Bournemouth Crime

Prevention Panel

“pass on the best of their inherited traditions“support the young people to be able to achieve at their full potential“recognize their culture and carry on in the future without losing their heritage“we each are given a place and purpose and are empowered to grow into our dreams no matter our circumstances“the compassionate heartbeat of Saturday nights“award winning community safety projects


Category 2eShared Life Experience : Culture, Safety, Support

Nominees What people said…• Bournemouth Musical Theatre • Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe• Boscombe Community Fair• Bournemouth Arts by the Sea

festival• Dorset Scrapstore

“enable members of our community to grow and flourish, building confidence“working discretely to improve the quality of daily life“Artists get inspired to show their work“designed to be accessible and has an underlying commitment to diversity“believes in a world where manufacturing waste doesn’t go to landfill


Category 3aShared Interests : Arts & Creativity

Nominees What people said…• The Growth Project , BCHA• Townsend Community Growers• Slades Farm Community Garden• Grounded Enterprises• Bournemouth Parks in Mind

“the feedback has been amazing as well as 100% attendance“individual growing beds for people to learn and grow their own food“heavily used oasis in a large urban area“teaches people to grow so they can 'feed their family, feed their friends and feed their community“tea drinking and warm welcome are reason enough to join in, let alone the improvements to the parks


Category 3bShared Interests : Gardening



Nominees What people said…• Caring Canines• Southbourne Mum Runners• Fernheath Community Sports

Association• Kinson Photo Club • Bournemouth Books on Wheels• GoodGym Bournemouth• CYC : Community Yoga Collective

“Happiness Dogs“the group has grown to over 200 members“the company of likeminded friendly, enthusiastic and helpful photographers“one particular volunteer is working since the service started“is there nothing that this group cannot do“believe in a hand up rather than a hand out


Category 3cShared Interests : Other leisure activities

Nominees What people said…• St Francis Community Café • Chaplins Cellar Bar & Garden • The Wight Bear• Darcys Bar and Kitchen• Joy Café• Boscanova• Mad Cucumber• Food by Elisa, Tony and Wioletta

“From the friendships made to the Friday sharing of food bank parcels done discreetly between friends in need“you realise that you have entered something special - sense of community that can't be man-made - support when I was going through a very difficult time“know all their customers“a lush little cafe with a big heart“Excellent coffee, great food, community hub.“Every time we go there we come out happier


Category 4aCommunity Spaces: Cafes & Bars

Nominees What people said…• Moordown Baptist Church• Citygate Church• Immanuel Church, Southbourne • Hope In The Community

“Always relevant, always prepared to make time for people.“it has changed my life for the better“reaching out to those who would otherwise be lonely or isolated in the community“fighting loneliness in older people


Category 4bCommunity Spaces: Churches



Clearly this is only the tip of the iceberg with many more such groups impacting different parts of town. What was clear was that community organisations in Bournemouth area present and operating across the whole area. They cover a vast range of issues and engage people across the generations in a wide variety of ways.

Part 2: Bournemouth ‘Hot Topics’ Following the celebration of what is happening, delegates were divided into groups based on the tables they were sitting at. Each of the 24 tables was asked to consider the following same three questions and to record and report back their responses to the group. The questions were:

• What needs exist in the community that could realistically be addressed?

• For those needs, what are the solutions and what projects help?

• What can the people at the table offer to help tackle the problem?

To the question of existing need within the local community, 94 issues were raised, identifying a wide range of areas that people feel can, and could, be addressed.

The 94 issues have been categorised into 13 areas as can be seen in table 2 and chart 1. It is important to note that the categorisation of responses is not an exact science. A number of the responses given could have been placed in more than one category – for example one need identified was to ‘provide housing for homeless young people’. This has been assigned to the homeless grouping, although clearly it could have been categorised under the ‘young people’ grouping. Full details of the responses given and which categories they have been put under are shown in Appendix 1.

Finally, this is a high level report on the outputs from the event. No opinion as to the viability or possibility of the outcomes is made. It aims to pick out general themes together with elements of detail that reflect the themes. Not every view expressed is reported.

Nominees What people said…• Townsend Community Association• Fernheath play• Ensbury Park Community Assoc.• West Howe Community Enterprises• Beaufort Community Centre• EnPals - Ensbury Park Supporters

Group

“Subsidised community day trips; fridge project; hive of activity“make new friends and have lots of safe play also takes pressure off a busy household “enjoy the comradeship developed over the years“run a local charity shop 'Inspiring Change’“Instead of seeing negative situations, they are trying to build a youth project“recognises how unique the library is, as a meeting and community place for the local residents from every generation


Category 4cCommunity Spaces: Community Centres



Table 2: Number of Issues Identified

Chart 1: Breakdown of Reponses to ‘What Needs Exist that Could Realistically be Addressed’

Looking at the chart, what is clear is that three main issues dominated the discussions, with over half of the responses relating to loneliness and community, communication and

Issue CategoryNumber of Times

Raised

Loneliness & Community 18

Communication

16

Young People 13

Homeless & Housing 10

Community Spaces 7

Mental Health Issues 5

Funding & resources 5

Employment 4

Volunteering 4

Waste Management 3

Transport 3

Learning Disabilities 2

Other 4

Loneliness & CommunityCommunicationYoung PeopleHomeless & HousingCommunity SpacesMental Health IssuesFunding & resourcesEmploymentVolunteeringWaste ManagementTransportLearning DisabilitiesOther



young people. Homelessness and Housing came in a close fourth with other issues following on.

Each table was asked “what would you do to help?” In the large majority of cases it has been difficult to link suggestions made with the specific delegates and many of the ‘offers’ appear to be suggestions for what could be done. Where a clear link can be determined, these have been identified.

The following sections take the main topics in turn, looking in more detail at the issue and the potential solutions to the issues.

Loneliness & Community

Issues relating to loneliness and community were the most commonly cited, mentioned by 18 tables, although this could arguably be higher as some of the issues allocated to the other groupings are cross cutting with this issue. One group suggested that “loneliness is going to be a bigger killer than heart disease”.

Loneliness and issues of social isolation were seen as cross cutting across many sectors of society. Whilst a number of the groups recognised a general lack of social cohesion among neighbourhoods, some specific community sectors were mentioned, including:

• The young

• The elderly

• Parents (mothers in particular)

• Those with additional needs

• Immigrants, and within this group Asian communities were specifically mentioned.

It was clear that a lack of ‘sense of belonging’, general community involvement and people not knowing their neighbours is a key issue among attendees. Another issue raised was that church leaders need help in order to identify where support is needed.

Of all of the issues covered in this report, Isolation and Community generated the broadest range of ideas as to how this might be addressed. Better information sharing, advertising and improved communication (also an issue in itself – see below) were identified by a number of groups with suggestions including the creation of directories, databases and websites all cited as a means of getting people more involved in what is happening in their local area.

Ideas for events which bring people together were provided by a number of groups, especially those revolving around food such as community lunches, ‘come dine with me’ style events, street parties and ‘tea parties’. Other ideas included ‘cultural and national days, evenings hosted by different families, joint walks/ gardening, dog walking etc.

Another common theme was a need to encourage people to volunteer in their local community and work with local charities. One group suggested that people should take “the next step from having ideas about what is needed, to setting up and taking responsibility to gather like-minded people to provide these solutions”. Befriending projects and ‘buddy’ projects were also cited by a number of groups.



In terms of specific offers by delegates, as mentioned, in most cases it is unclear who offered to do what although a number of specific offers did appear to emerge. For instance, the Police Service have offered to promote groups and support events, for example on their Facebook pages and Makermarket.net. St Francis also offered their venue for community activities and Bournemouth Chamber for Trade and Commerce said that they run seminars and training.

Other actions offered which could not be linked directly to a delegate included ‘music making’, ‘spreading the word’, encouraging others to volunteer, sharing information, providing budgeting support and setting up a ‘little group of kindness’.

Communication

Communication and related issues were mentioned 16 times, notably the general need for communication about projects. The importance of information sharing events like the Bournemouth Conversation was recognised, but there was a strong picture of the need to make people aware of what is going on generally.

Whilst the importance of technology for communicating about events and projects was clearly a key theme, three groups highlighted the need to make sure that those who are not ‘tech savvy’, as one group put it, are not forgotten. Targeting other specific groups was mentioned including those with disabilities and those who frequently dial 999.

The need for effective communication was also highlighted – communication that actually engages people and enables them to join in new activities.

In terms of potential solutions to improve communications, a broad range of options were identified. Directories/central lists, magazines, maps and databases were mentioned by several groups and the need to expand the use of social media and online courses/one stop shops also came out as a high priority.

Projects linking directly together was mentioned together with ‘group to group’ or localised ‘conversations’, and even joint AGMs being put forward as ideas.

Commitment to action from around the table was less specific. It was reported that Shelter has links with over 1000 people in the area who could be linked with community project. Representatives from the Immanuel church suggested that their facility could be used more as a venue, and using organisations such as Faithworks, Bournemouth University or BCP Council as conduits for communication could be helpful, recognising that this is a large shared responsibility.

Young People

Issues relating to young people was clearly a key issue among delegates, being mentioned by 13 tables, but it was also an issue mentioned in relation to some of the other topics, such as community spaces and mental health.

Seven of the groups identified a lack of clubs/places to go and things to do for young people, and was the most frequently mentioned issue. A number of organisations were identified as providing places to go, ranging from mentoring services to church groups to sports groups (full details in the appendices) across the area. There were suggestions



that the Cafe in Knyveton Gardens should re-open as well as using St Clements Church hall as a community space.

As with a number of the other issues raised, communication solutions were suggested including the use of social media and a directory of services for getting services known.

A lack of counselling and support services for young people, including those who are being bullied was cited by three groups. More training, funding and anti-bullying campaigns were all suggested as potential solutions.

The final element in this sector is providing holidays and get-aways for families. QPIPS (Mark Anderson), A Little Group of Kindness and Picnics in the Park were all identified as local solutions.

Homeless & Housing

Ten groups mentioned homelessness and housing as a priority area. Key themes coming out of the discussions included:

1. A general lack of affordable housing

2. The problem of ‘hidden homelessness’ – e.g. sofa surfers or people in B&B accommodation

3. Issues relating to ‘professional beggars’

4. The need for groups involved in dealing with issues relating to homelessness to work together more and to share resources.

No easy solutions for creating more homes were identified, although ideas included merging churches to release buildings for the homeless community, lobbying government for more funding, identifying empty homes and hotels to provide spaces, as well as building container homes, and promoting a ‘Housing First’ style project where everyone is entitled to a house (it was stated that this is a project that runs on the continent).

Sharing information through the promotion of ‘www.streetsupport.net/bournemouth’ and social media was identified as a useful solution for awareness raising. One person volunteered to run a weekend event called ‘solving homelessness in 24 hours’.

Two other ideas mentioned included the ‘Dave Wells’ properties for charities to let and sub-let or that local landlords could be persuaded to let empty rooms on a short term basis.

Community Spaces

Another key area identified was the need for more community spaces. This was specifically mentioned by seven groups and links closely with the ‘top’ topic area of Loneliness and Community. A common theme was a general lack of community spaces across the area, but also identifying that a number of community spaces are under-utilised. One group identified a need for a ‘Church’ community group but not based on religion and evening community centres.

Solutions included allowing the use of community rooms for free, Housing Associations and BCP Council to host more spaces and that local groups could collaborate and rent



spaces together? One group asked if a directory of shared/ available spaces could be made available and were signposted to Bournemouth CVS’s Places to Meet Guide.

One group identified that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner make grants of up to £3,000 if an initiative will work to make an area safer. Other more specific ideas/offers of support included from the East Way Clinic, Parks Foundation, the Beaufort Community Centre in Southborne, the ‘Access Dorset’ venue and ‘The Bridge’.

Mental Health Issues

Issues around mental health were raised as a specific issue by four groups although further mentions of the issue were raised in relation to homelessness and employment, young people and isolation highlighting it as cross topic issue.

The key issue raised was a lack of support for those struggling to maintain mental wellbeing. Ideas for dealing with this included having more support groups, buddy projects and mentoring, networking, together with adopting early intervention and preventative measures for young people.

Funding & Resources

As well as a general lack of funding which was highlighted, specific areas of need included that for operating expenditure to cover salaries etc, rather than for new start up projects which is easier to find funding for. One group identified the need for more food at the foodbanks and a shortage of funding from the councils for gardens.

Ideas to help included, looking at ways to get more volunteers (e.g. linking closer with CVS and Michael House or Probation Services); and linking in with the local Chamber of Commerce.

Employment

The need for employment opportunities and support for people trying to get into employment was identified as a key issue by four of the tables. Focus appears to be on specific groups of people – for example young disabled people, ex-offenders, people with mental illness, carers to name a few. It was identified that special schools tend not to provide regular ‘GCSE’ type qualifications which can be a barrier to employment.

A key theme coming through for tackling the issue related to partnership working, including with big businesses to provide mentoring and interview skills, training with BCHA, link into chamber of commerce, #InspireDorset, Crumbs, Cherry Tree nursery.

Citygate church is looking at creating an IT suite to provide support in this area and offered space and resources. It was thought that some organisations in the room could provide free WiFi and PCs.

Volunteering

Volunteering issues were mentioned specifically by 4 groups directly, and indirectly by other groups in relation to other issues identified (e.g. funding and resources).

The difficulty in attracting volunteers, and trustees was common across the Conversation.



Whilst most of views expressed were general in nature, the particular need for volunteers on Parent Teacher Associations was specifically mentioned.

Advertising and awareness raising of opportunities were key suggestions, with corporate volunteers, YMCA, European Solidarity Corps, BCVS, social media, the National Citizen Service and local residents all being mentioned as routes for advertising and recruitment.

Waste Management

Three groups mentioned specific problems of fly tipping and poor waste management in the local area.

A large number of ideas to alleviate the issue were identified, including local council skip days, repair cafés, give and take days. A need for greater enforcement was also cited – for example with the use of cameras.

One project in Poole was mentioned – The ‘Footprints’ team based at Parkstone United Reformed Church collects old furniture for ex-offenders to upcycle. This links with the Employment issue discussed above.

The need to encourage people to ‘love where they live’ seemed to be a theme of the groups mentioning this as an issue.

Transport

The transport issues identified were – a lack of community transport, high cost of public transport and a lack of bus services.

Potential solutions identified included growing the SEDCAT service through increasing volunteering opportunities and training. Promotion of car-pooling apps, and coordination of the use of un-used vehicles and promotion of the Council cycle scheme which is to be launched in 2019.

Learning Disabilities

The need for services and support for people with learning disabilities was specifically mentioned by two groups. One group identified a need for transition services for young people aged 25-35 with the other identifying the need to help with social inclusion among this population group.

Solutions identified included the provision of more community groups and promotion of the work of groups such as ‘Inspire Dorset’.

Other

Four other local issues that delegates considered could be addressed were:

1 – A lack of innovation across the sector. More group meetings and networking was identified as one idea to help with this, especially those where they are professionally facilitated.

2 – A need for support in setting up PIP/applying for Universal Credit – with an idea that Citizen’s Advice could help.

3 – A lack of car parking and high levels of congestion at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.



4 – A need for energy conservation and the generation of more sustainable energy, with one idea to help being through Churches and Schools although no expansion on this was given.

Conclusions

It is clear that there is a lot happening in Bournemouth – with so much to celebrate among the community sector. From providing support to rough sleepers, to local clubs for specific interest groups, it all has a place in our area.

Yet there remain key challenges that significantly affect the ability of individuals and our neighbourhoods as a whole to thrive. Issues such as loneliness and isolation, issues affecting young people and homelessness. What is clear is that many of these issues interact, are complex and nuanced. Cumulatively the issues have an impact greater than they do individually, as they combine to produce problems of great complexity. Projects which interlink, collaborate and promote each other to residents provide better support, with broader and longer last impact.

The engagement of the attendees reflects the passion that exists among the people of Bournemouth to see things improve and develop. It was clear was that events such as the Bournemouth Conversation have a clear place in bringing people together, sharing ideas and engaging in working to a better community.

It is vital, therefore, that this is not a one-off meeting, but that “talk translates into action”. A core team is therefore needed to enable coordination of action alongside the ongoing grass roots creativity and generous commitment of Bournemouth residents.



Appendix 1: Detailed Reponses to Questions Raised in Part 2 of the Day

Table #

What are the gaps/needs in the community which could be realistically addressed?

What are the potential solutions and what projects could help?

What does each person around this table have to offer a project in terms of skills, expertise, time etc?

Communication

7

Communication – we can only share great work if we know about it. We can then look at how we work together on projects

• Conversation really good start

Shelter has links with 1000+ people from Bournemouth each year who could link with community project either to use service or be involved.

• Mapping of everything (the dream)

Tech clubs at local facilities. Learning from other

• Central list, people manage their own subscription and renewal via login

5

How do we engage people who don’t use the internet or mobile phones 10% people don’t have a mobile

Speak to councillor allow coins to be used. Phone exchange

Education – buddying

Courses on using internet

5 G5 internet concerns?

9

Spreading info about services to the less ‘tech-savvy’

• Talk to people B&BW Champions – enthusiasm

• Start up community papers Engaging with patients/people

• Create news sheets Make the time!

• Don’t assume everyone goes online

Advertise (on TV etc)

9

Getting those in need across the doorstep and engaging

• Go to them or via the phone

Frailty team – connect more with voluntary sector

• Go with them

• Transport – community bus

• Give someone a lift

• Bring back the hopper bus



More volunteer drivers

12

Communication and opportunities for shared learning

Hope in the Community – co-ordinating Church projects Making time to visit other groups

Localised ‘conversation’ events Use of our space/facility to host local events e.g. Emmanuel Church

Group to group mentoring for start-up initiatives

16

More digital networking/directory services. Volunteering

One stop ‘shop’ for community info

Faithworks?? Uni?? BCP?? Huge responsibility

17 Knowledge sharing

Use social media

# trending

• Directory

• Community version

Rethinking and reutilising community facilities

18

Use social media to connect people up to create groups and activities

19 Getting people to engage

20

Support for people who frequently call 999

Signposting service to voluntary sector input

Can BCVS help with this subject to resources/finance?

21

Digital age being left behind Corporate volunteer pool

Some refuse to engage There are great apps

Immanuel Church have groups for digital support

Face timing family Local library

Group experience – large interactive virtual tables

22Boundary issues between boroughs/Councils

Groups need to come togetherHelp and support groups

Have a BCP conversation!

Table #






22

Make everyone aware of all the different voluntary organisations in the area – prevent duplication

Bringing groups together with joint AGMs

Start a Facebook group ‘Bournemouth Conversation’

Partner groups to help each other

Community rooms in new build supermarkets

24

Daily activities! E.g. for mental health Database How to hear about them

24

Support for people with disabilities – connection to services on offer

BH Life magazine/advertisements – serve the community (i.e. not a business) – more regular? Or Bournemouth Connect Facebook (only 600 people…)

Employment

10

Training opportunities that lead to employment for young disabled people up to 18+. 25+ paid

What skills? Attainable for young people Space

Link #InspireDorset Linking people/organisations together

Link with Bournemouth Chamber, Crumbs, Cherry Tree nursery

Link into existing training providers

13

Transition back into work from different circumstances e.g. homeless, social isolation, mental illness, carers, parents, veterans

Wiseability (March 2019 football club conference) bringing resources and groups together

Free community spaces in libraries.

Non academic students – opportunities e.g. apprenticeships at different ages. Lifelong learning

Big business should do mentoring and interview skills training

Free WiFi and PCs. Digital skills training. Host job clubs and advice organisations

Mentoring Support groups

Table #






17

Peer Buddy systems

Transition Ignite (BCHA)

Support

Rehabilitation

compassion

21

Employment – gateways into employment

Need volunteers to support self-esteem building

Citygate – we have space and resources

Courses – skills for learning

Citygate are looking to create it suite to support

Tess = knowledge about community groups

Job clubs are really good but adviser not so good

Mentors – community

Really hard for young disabled people to get into employment

Struggles as don’t have qualifications likes GCSEs which aren’t offered in special schools

Managing waste

20

Rubbish accumulating – bins get knocked over in Southcote Road

5

Flytipping /rubbish dumping Skip days Litter pick

Book swaps at cafes etc Repair cafes Encourage people to love where they

live

School uniform swapping Free transport? Clean sign at the end of your road

More give & take days e.g. West Howe

Promotion through schools

FB groups

Local areas

1

Jewell Road/Swansbury Drive flytipping on green areas

Cameras. Skips twice a year. Regular collections

Gardening – communal spaces, flower beds (approach companies for plants etc)

Table #






Collect furniture from areas e.g. Townsend. In Poole Mark Philips footprints collection of old furniture – ex-offenders upcycling

Homelessness and Housing

1

Turn one of the churches in Boscombe into a homeless shelter

Merger of churches to release a building

Connect people – renewable energy. Individual and groups 10x champions around Dorset

3Identify professional beggars

8

More interaction of all the bodies related to rough sleepers and homelessness

Run an innovation event

Michael Hancock would like to run an event over a weekend ‘solving homelessness in 24 hours’ incorporating the passionate bodies related to this 07732 520450 please phone him!!

14

Hidden Homeless community (sofa surfers families in B&B etc)

Government funding. More affordable local housing owned or rented? (maybe capped)

Counselling skills

Homes First – project that works abroad (everyone entitled to a house no matter what the circumstances)

Easier signposting

17Housing – homeless young people (18-25)

Second Chance

Dave Wells Properties – 34 properties for a charity to let (legal landlord) then sublet

Change in legislation – room size regulations

Opportunity for landlords to offer small rooms for emergency accommodation

19 Homelessness

SOBO community Facebook group share information and advice about homelessness in that area

BCVS tyo advertise Street Support more widelyKnowing who to give money to –

the individuals or a group

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Needs education, awareness, more use of social media

23

Homeless service – link in more

Homeless central hub – streamline?

Various homeless services not working together

Sharing resources

Making resources/services etc available – contact details – notice boards

3

Lack of social housing:

• Build more container homes

Safe houses

• Campaign to council and central government

Refuge

• Use empty homes/hotels

Beds for homeless

• Find alternative spaces

10

Social housing and affordable homes

Consider Dorset Community Transport – for the ineligible of Sedcat, Norcat, CIC so no- profit but have accessible minibuses to hire (with drivers) at cost

Capacity for young people/debt advice/welfare – need overwhelms existing provision

14Housing availability and energy

Support for people with learning disabilities

2

Transition services – adults with learning difficulties aged 25-35

More community groups?

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7

Learning disabilities groups lack of provision, hard to find Team challenges to ready people for

the world of work – Inspire DorsetEngagement with all elements of the community

Loneliness & Community

5

Isolation – a universal problem across all ages and groups

Directory of groups and mapping website

Police - promote groups and support events, FB forms etc

Come dine with us – care home organised Makermarket.net

Telephone befriending

Buddying to get to groups etc

10Intergenerational work – breaking down barriers

Link into existing group – parents and children groups with care homes for example Lunch clubs/teenagers, older people groups to share a skill

11

Loneliness – elderly people, young people

Communication and community involvement/respect

(Space) young volunteering

Isolation from communities due to using technology as a way to talk rather than being together

Befriending sessions

Music making

13 Social isolation

Example Hope in the Community activities: community meals

Activities and events organised at local church

Need higher profile for projects

Linking people up to run groups and activities

Use face to face, telephone

Importance of enthusiastic volunteers to start off project

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18

Sense of community, preventing loneliness and a sense a sense of belonging, stability

Increasing awareness of what is out there – joint database/website linking

St Francis as a venue

Increase volunteers Expertise via BCTC

Business and charities working together. Social Responsibility. BCTC.

• Run seminars and training

Businesses releasing staff during office hours. Connecting staff to charities re volunteering opportunities

• Working closely with CVS

Charities connecting with CVS Passion

Educate charities on access paths, legal requirements, helping them work with and come business-like/orientated for free.

Churches having a heart to reach out into their communities

People taking the next step from having ideas about what is needed, to setting up and taking responsibility to gather like-minded people to provide these solutions

Organise local events

Love your street – bless those who live and serve in our local neighbourhoods

16

Loneliness is going to be a bigger killer than heart disease

Street parties, get together. Relate offer free counselling to carers.

Younger people disproportionately affected.

Proper neighbourhood watch not virtual Empty business premises

18

Support for working people in the evenings – courses, groups, social activities

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19

Loneliness Gentlemen’s corporate project – NBCPP

NBCPP have applied for Awards for All to expand the service so can’t do any more at present but hopefully will in the future

• Mums Prama

• Elderly – socially out of touch

Lunch groups Hope in the Community group of churches

• Disabled – living in a care home, lack of independence

2

Lack of a neighbouring culture where we know our neighbours by name and care for each other

‘One street at a time’ project (based on a project in Gambia). Families hosting evenings, gathering, everyone helps, take turns

9 Knowing your neighbours

• Put your name forward to volunteer Spreading the word!

• Engage with a neighbour

Encouraging others to volunteer/get involved

Walk a friend’s dog!

11Bringing all communities together

Do something together – exercise/making/growing/eating together

Coming together – scoping meetings

14

Multi cultural education to prevent labelling/boxing

More support for parents and teachers

Having an ambassador in school to teach the children and support the staff about multicultural issues

More education for pupils about respect for others and each other

Parent mentors training provided mentorship

14

Support for church leaders to identify where support is required and provide support or signpost

Encourage church leaders to learn counselling skills

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15

International residents ie Asian communities

Diverse celebrations Expertise

•

Recognition • National days Info share

•

Inclusion • Cultural days

• Street parties

18

Support for different groups of people

Budgeting/debt support

• Mothers

• Parents – lone parents, parents of children with additional needs

• Integrating generations, creating extended families

• Disables and housebound people

• Befriending neighbours, disables people, people who are ‘different’

Creating support networks

23

More involvement with diverse community

Community cohesion with our diverse community Ensbury Park Library – why is flat

upstairs still empty? Could this be community space?More community

space needed Inclusion

15

Older people on the community not linked up with anymore (too

Engage with people

A little group of kindnessAdvertise possible activities

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15 not linked up with anymore (too proud to ask) Community tea party

A little group of kindness

Mental Health

2Mental health D&D groups (gaming groups)

Local businesses to liaise with youth centres

3

Physical problems that turn to mental problems – may lose job etc become isolated – financial/mental health

Support groups i.e. drug and alcohol i.e. Kinson only 1 evening per week

6

Lack of help for vulnerable people as all the assistance/properties/help is privately run. Vulnerable in life experiences/situations

Need a buddy/mentoring system – can churches offer that?

Need early intervention with young people before the cycle begins of homelessness/joblessness/social housing/crime. Youth centres point above is key to this point and stopping the cycle.

Having an emotionally available adult (before age of 18) to connect with and to stop negative mental health issues in their tracks

11Mental health prevention skills audit

12 Mental health

Reducing isolation Encouraging neighbourliness non-judgemental attitude

• Opportunities to make friends Encourage ‘bring a friend’

• Social event Ask them to be the volunteer not the beneficiary

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12 Mental health support • Peer support Lobbying statutory services to buy

into social prescriptions

Street parties! Specific meet with all Bournemouth practice champions/Help & Care

Invite to next conversation!!

Network and awareness

Community Spaces

2Intergenerational places, projects, work

Visit current projects working inter-generationally Information sharing and experience

Networking Project management

Saturday events Engagement

8

A community centre in Boscombe where people can meet to reduce antagonism in the community

Unlet building’s organisation who will facilitate ‘meanwhile space’. Reservation – community bias to using a religious centre which is not theirs.

Local Councillors to get involved and champion their local volunteer groups.

Neighbourhood forums

9

A ‘church’ community not based on religion – safe space to meet and engage

• Join a group with a common interest

• Create the space

• Lunch clubs

• Support community centres

Be bold!

17

Community centres – not being utilised, funding Safe spaces/premises

Local support groups

East Way ClinicBH Aspire - youth

22

Venues/spaces/community rooms available at low cost or free

Is there a shared list of available community spaces that can be used or hired?

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24

Community centres/spaces for people

Housing Associations / Council to host spaces Parks Foundation

Lots of gaps geographically!

Police have grants <£3k if will help to make area safer

Beaufort Community Centre in Southbourne a good model – also Townsend

Organisations sharing/renting together

Self-starter community cafes

18

Evening community centres for those who work and live alone

Access Dorset venue The Bridge available to hire, sensory garden – organisations and private individuals

Transport

7

Transport -people can’t get to place. Sedcat runs social transport solutions but it doesn’t have capacity to meet need

Training people to be able to drive vehicles

Promotion of volunteer opportunities to drive

12 Transport – accessibility, cost

Unused vehicles co-ordination

Care share scheme

Council bike scheme in April

21

Transport – more bus routes

Sedcat – but short of resources (need more volunteer drivers)

Community transport – Sedcat, minibuses x2, car scheme

Getting people out of their houses with taxis

Undercut Uber – car pooling app Project which connect people

Talk to all bus companies Cycling without age

Bring back national services – community help for people

NCS

Funding & resources

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1Funding of small community projects

Larger charities engage with small organisation re funding bids – consortium approach

24

Funding! Shared bid writers?

Often not about continuation, salaries or capital…only about new projects or new builds

Linda at the Council/CVS newsletters

FSI webinars

Chamber of commerce network

20

Lack of funding from the Council in the gardens – no planting done – falling to local residents

More volunteers

Probation payback scheme volunteers

Perhaps speak with Michael House re volunteers

Advertise with BCVS (parts of Parks in Mind)

1 FoodbankNeed more food. Liaise

better with local shops and supermarkets

17 Funding

Charity of the year Set up homeless B&B (contract 1 year 12 bed)

Writing bids – fundraiser? Buy – Second Chance to run

DWP – housing management

Volunteering

12

How do we find the truly lovely people – they do not attend groups and are at home!

23Parents encouraged to join school PTA

Publicise PTA information child care available

Making involvement accessible

Promote benefits of involvement

Corporate volunteer YMCA – European Solidary Corps

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21Volunteer – lack of committed volunteers

European Solidary Corps – overseas volunteers SPACE/buildings

Ensure you have a volunteer induction Residents

BCVS – volunteer direct

Social media – videos

NCS community service

15

Succession of leadership Awareness of groups

Schools/colleges contacts

Community vision Awareness of need

Lack of volunteers• Short term

projects

• Catch the vision

• Pro bono work

• Education

• Social media

Young people

2Youth spaces (too many centres have closed)

More use of outdoor spaces and current activities sheet groups, back to basics – neighbouring!

6

Lack of youth clubs and resulting crime (nothing to do – no incentives) – anti social behaviour

Alternatives e.g. St Swithins youth club – look to churches.

Reopen café in Knyveton Gardens (bowls club) to provide a venue

Develop youth cafes in libraries in the evenings

More sports clubs like Boscombe football club

Use St Clements Church Hall as a community/CAP/foodbank/food education centre/microfinance 3-5 years (partner in public health. Free comeeting0connecting?) for carers children and adults at Relate 01202 311231

Need a free very local solution in the community…schools?

Bournemouth football club to invest across the conurbation

Mentoring partnership between firefighters and young people (as per Poole Conversation)

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7

Clubs for children and teenagers

Using local skills

Giving younger people something to do and a place to connect with others

Bringing in external agencies – Princes Trust

10

Increase participation in camera club by local youths – involvement, competition – increase membership but not overwhelm (Kinson)

Facebook – warm, welcoming friends attending. Link to local youth group, local schools, scout groups, guide groups. Then and now photos competition. Connect with Bournemouth CVS

Photographic skills

PowerPoint presentations

Visit schools youth led deliver disability training etc YMCA (free!) Disability awareness – happy to go anywhere!

13

Youth provision reduced due to budget cuts. Specialist provision but not so much general hang outs

14

Support groups for children who are bullied and their families

Education. Anti bullying. Additional support groups. Support for parents of children that are being bullied to teach them how to support their children effectively

Awareness of effects of bullying in schools. Ensuring competent pastoral care.

15

Low income families – activities especially holidays

Free activities i.e. beach / picnics

A little group of kindness

Picnic in the park (Queens Park)

QPIPS – Cllr Mark Anderson

16

Youth counselling @ 507 not known – people/organisation do not know about

Free facility/building access for community/residents get togethers and meetings Need a directory – like the places to meet guide but free

High risk of suicide

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17

Spaces and facilities for young people between 18-25

Affordable housing

18

Youth work – providing facilities and activities to engage with

19

Young people – connecting through social media not face to face

Reducing social media/gaming but also using social media to advertise/connect

19

Services for young people being reduced

Space needed to have youth groups – connecting communities

Can BCVS and yp worker help find training for people who want to lead youth groups?

•

ResourcesTraining to be youth leaders YMCA

Volunteer centre BCVS to help recruit and train

•

finances Funding involving families

Sussed is an advice centre in Kinson

20

Lack of counselling services – no funding – young people’s mental health (issue still recognised as getting worse)

Greater awareness of funding pots. Training on completing grant forms/application forms

Small pots of money from PCC

‘What funds’ – Linda Maguire (BBC) – add attendees

Misc

8

Generally – there seems to be a gap in innovation to make a project happen

This meeting and more at neighbourhood level. Use ‘Art of Hosting’ techniques to get together and network

Funding for facilitators if funded 1. Michael Hancock 2. Eva 3. Denise would help if paid

24

Administrative e.g. setting up universal credit/PIP

CAB? (though don’t have the resource)

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1

Townsend – parking/car congestion hospital/JP Morgan staff all park there. Applied for double yellow lines

Believe this has been agreed but not happened

Be the eyes and ears within the communityLiaison with organisations re

their staff parking

13

Food and energy – sustainability for future. Combat waste. Encourage food growing projects and food recycling

Crumbs, Grounded Enterprises, Transition Bournemouth Grounded Enterprises food growing

Generation of energy

Solar projects. Buildings development strategic and local have that is essential

Churches and schools for local energy collections

Education of adults – conserving of energy

Need more volunteers – tapping into companies e.g. LV and JP Morgan, aging volunteer base, befrienders model

Volunteering is given by LV – all staff can offer a day per year can be in groups or individuals to help paint, tidy, gardens etc

St Johns School are open to local neighbours to come in and help children learn, could be art, maths or English for an hour a week or month

Table #





Documents

The Bournemouth Conversation - Report ISSUE1 · “the company of likeminded friendly, enthusiastic and helpful photographers “one particular volunteer is working since the service