Groundwork East of England has awarded 7 local organisations small grants to enable local people to improve the quality of life in Colchester. The grant programme 'Changing Places through People' is our first project in Colchester. Our project officer Jonathan Rochford who is based in the town is exploring how we can support communities to get involved in the regeneration and building that is happening across the area.
Two of the projects receiving funding use art to improve the environment and involve young people. One is led by Colchester Borough Homes in Penrice Close and the other by residents who have recently transformed a WWII Pill Box in Berechurch. The Moors Movement received money to purchase tools and organise some task days so they could continue their work of improving the wildlife area by the river. Young offenders will be involved in clearing graffiti in a project organised by Colchester Borough Council. The Council is also running an allotment project for young people to encourage life and horticultural skills. The Hythe Heritage Fun Day will take place again on the 13 September with an environmental theme thanks to support from Groundwork. Colne Housing Society will spend the grant on projects to improve the quality of life for local residents.
Speaking at the launch of the grant scheme in Penrice Close, project worker Jonathan Rochford said "Groundwork believes it is important to support local initiatives, like this one in Greenstead, which is creating a new community sign. The projects are all very different but have been developed by the community and will benefit local people. We know projects like these bring communities together with a common aim to improve their environment now and in the future. Groundwork’s small contribution when matched with local fundraising and volunteer action can achieve so much more than one organisation working alone."
Colchester Borough Homes, Resident Involvement Officer, Nevina Williams said "This project shows that you can make a real difference by getting people involved. It is one of a number of projects that we have done in the area to improve the quality of people’s lives. The area has historically had a number of problems with issues such as anti-social behaviour. We need the help of residents to overcome these problems. By using art, we can get people interested in their community. We can get them to take pride in the area where they live. We can also get their support to tackle some of the area’s problems."
Here is a full list of the projects:
Colchester Borough Council
Allotment and Garden Project
The project offers 30 young people the opportunity to develop and learn by working on an allotment, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime. It also lends gardening tools to residents in selected areas.
Green Streets
Working with young offenders to improve the environment by addressing graffiti and other environmental crimes.
Colchester Borough Homes Association of Tenants and Leaseholders
Penrice Close Road Sign Project
Historically, the area had a number of problems, such as anti-social behaviour. By using art to create a new neighbourhood sign, young residents can have a say in the design of their neighbourhood.
Colne Housing Society
Timber Hill
An estate in East Colchester is run down. By involving residents in the design of estate improvements the community will feel valued and the improvements will be better suited to their needs.
Hythe Community Centre Association
Hythe Heritage Fun Day
Community groups come together to organise a cohesion project designed to make the local community aware of its heritage and environment. The main event will take place on Saturday 13th September 2008.
Monkwick Residents Association
Stansted Road World War Bunker
The community of Monkwick has taken responsibility for a WWII bunker and commissioned an artist to work with residents to transform it and bring the generations together.
The Moors Movement
The Moors Activities 2008
The provision of quality green space for the community and activities that encourage the appreciation and improvement of the biodiversity of The Moors in East Colchester.
Groundwork East of England
Forest Centre
Station Road
Marston Moretaine
Bedfordshire MK43 0PR
T 01234 766058
