Swindon Community Connectors

Moredon

What residents are telling us:

We heard that you wanted more ways to make people feel more a part of the community & to improve current facilities like Pembroke Garden.

What we are doing?

• The Community Garden project is main focus, looking to turn that space into one the community can use and benefit from so we will let everyone know with an opening event. We joined together with volunteers to clean, tidy and paint the garden preparing it for further works coming soon!
• Aims of the garden project are to increase public footfall to the library, engage children and families by providing them a relaxing and playful garden space and lastly to ensure the garden is nature friendly by including hedgehog houses, insect huts and bird feeders.

Parks

What residents are telling us:

We heard that whilst there is South Parks Community Centre, there is a need for a facility for the entire community and more opportunity to feedback and get involved!

What we are doing?

• We are hosting a Living Room (just a chance for a cuppa and a chat with us!) in Cavendish Square on the 6th August). Also litter pickers will be available!

• A new volunteer group has been established to lead and support a range of community initiatives within the area. The group has expressed a strong interest in developing projects centred on local “beautification,” with the aim of enhancing shared spaces and fostering community pride. 

• Representation on the Pride in Place Board has continued to ensure community priorities are reflected within wider strategic discussions.

Central Swindon

What residents are telling us:

Residents have shared that Swindon Town Centre is not as vibrant and lively as it once was. Many residents are interested in becoming more involved in community activities, particularly physical activity opportunities, but are often limited by time and resource constraints.

What are we doing?

• In collaboration with Ipsun, come along to our Mental Health Art Group every other Wednesday from the Hub, Swindon!
• Delivering free blood pressure checks for Swindon residents through a partnership with the NHS. To date, I have supported 9 events, with a further 11 events scheduled.

• Actively involved with the NIHR South-West Central Regional Research Delivery Network as a Public Representative within the Stakeholder Group and as a Research Champion for Swindon.
• Contributing to the Brighter Broadgreen Stakeholder Group, working collaboratively to improve Broadgreen for local residents.
• Supporting organisations such as Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Culture Collective to map and promote relevant services across Central Swindon.

What we have done so far-

• Successfully delivered a community health event, offering oral health checks and advice, blood pressure checks, smoking cessation information, a Citizens Advice Swindon information stall focused on rising energy costs, and the distribution of health promotion materials. The event also enabled referrals for residents with higher levels of need.
• Successfully completed a series of cancer awareness sessions for people with learning disabilities. The sessions were well attended and led to tangible outcomes, including two participants subsequently seeking advice from their GPs.
• Successfully delivered a Women’s Wellness Event, engaging approximately 50 participants. Outcomes included:

1. 3 to 4 new sign-ups for physical activity sessions delivered by Longevity Games.
2. Signposting support for a young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to access a local youth club.
3. The NHS Blood Pressure Check Team recording their highest number of checks at a single event to date.

• Supported the delivery of a multi-agency community event promoting heart health awareness within the Ghanaian community through close collaboration with a community member.
• Successfully delivered three Public Living Room sessions, providing opportunities for people to come together and socialise. The sessions engaged over 86 participants, with additional sessions planned in the coming months.
• Participated in a community litter-picking initiative in Broadgreen, hosted by the South Swindon Parish Council.

Penhill

What residents are telling us:

We heard you wanted more affordable, regular & accessible activities that support community cohesion and increased opportunity to develop local voice.

What are we doing?

• Coordination of an extensive programme of summer activities for children, young people and families (where can we find this information?)

• Representation on the Pride in Place Board has continued to ensure community priorities are reflected within wider strategic discussions.

• Play Outs organised to encourage movement and community cohesion