Please take a look at our Review of activities and how we have impacted on the Residents of The Latch Ford Big Local Area over first half of our second plan.
Latch Ford Big Local Review April 2018
1
BIG LOCAL PLAN REVIEW QUESTIONS Your Name: Steve Wright Name of your Big Local Area: Latch Ford Date: 05 04 2018
1. Introduction
Review of first 18 months of Latch Ford big Local Plan. Appendix 1 includes work done by Outcome Groups during review. Appendix 2 covers projects implemented with brief summary from feedback received from each project. Appendix 3 provides summary time line of projects delivered during first 18 months of the project.
2. Method
From the very start of Phase 2 Plan we have used our standard feedback forms at every planned event supported by Latch Ford Big Local. Created Journey Reports and received Case Studies. This has given us constant and consistent feedback, numbering over 400 returns, throughout the first 18 months of our plan. Each outcome group has fed back as to progress on a monthly basis.
This feedback has helped us adopt a flexible approach to providing services to achieve desired outcomes.
As part of this formal review each outcome group spent sessions discussing progress against plan and answering the review questions with emphasis on the “So What’s!”.
Recognising that a lot had been done we wanted to make sure we captured the outcomes and that they were in line with achieving our objectives. Appendix 1 shows the work done by each outcome group.
Latch Ford Big Local Review April 2018
2. We held our review day at a nearby Hotel to give everyone a chance to meet away from their normal place. This was very successful with over 30 residents and associates in attendance,
The event was held in a fun way with quizzes, group working, drawing a timeline and discussion session. These results can be seen in the Review document along with feedback from Outcome Groups.
3. Findings Some activity has been delivered by agencies but primarily and mostly by empowered Big Local Residents. Significant Match Funding received via volunteer time, staff time from partners, donations of equipment and cash investments from Partners. Good system of recording activity, gathering both qualitative and quantitative information Case studies demonstrate impact and journey reports give a flavour of activity and engagement as well as impact Need more emphasis on Outcomes
4. Conclusion The 18 months of Plan 2 have been successful, from a slow start introducing and establishing the new Outcome Based Groups to each delivering meaningful Outcomes, including:
Community has extended offers around Café opening and delivery, as well as projects with the local schools and community held Festival, Celebration Evenings and extended access to IT facilities. Helped boost and extend offers at both local Community Centres. Increased Litter picks and volunteer involvement. Youth has delivered amongst other things, an Outside Gym and Fit and Fed sessions and very successful Picnic in the park event, young people recognised for their achievements in the community. Financial Wellbeing has enabled safer lending opportunities for local residents and provided guidance on how to save money through Switch and Save Sessions and Budget Boosting Sessions Employment has had a slower start in terms of spend but has helped 6 local residents into employment and has supported Job Club which has also supported residents into employment, and through contacting WBC has helped secure a Bus service so that residents can access job opportunities at the OMEGA site on the other side of Warrington. Currently supporting residents into Apprenticeships and running Work essentials fund. Taken on responsibility for Communications. Health has supported healthy activity including swimming and the development of Friends of Westy Park and Green Spaces and healthy eating sessions including specific sessions for young residents. Governance structure put in place.
The first 18 months have been challenging but have provided great learning opportunities for local residents who have excelled at delivering a range of new and innovative services as well as consolidating good work already carried out as witnessed by Matt Leach CEO.
Residents can be proud of their achievements but as can be seen below are also aware of the challenges ahead.
5. Actions
A number of key topics have been identified for action.
Start work on Phase 3 plan emphasis on Legacy o Look at possibility of yearlong arts festival o Get smarter at bringing projects forward to enable faster spending framework. Create Focal point o Develop idea around Latch Ford Big Local Walled Garden Project to raise profile of Latch Ford Big Local. o Work in partnership with local Coop store with prominent position on main thoroughfare Establish a process for identifying Legacy Projects future proofing the Big Local Aims. o Local groups and organisations are considering options for potential legacy projects. Establish Youth Opportunities: o Set up Scouts and Guides in area. o Plan Bursary Fund with Local College to assist Young Residents in accessing Higher Education Increase Resident Participation on Outcome Groups: o Recognise that residents are “Hard to Engage” but within physical reach.
Latch Ford Big Local Review April 2018
4. Call out on Facebook has resulted in new members on Outcome Groups o Community Development Manager meeting with local residents and community groups has increased participation. Plan engagement days knocking on doors. More emphasis on the Outcomes rather than the inputs. o Changes to application form for funding more now readily reflects the Outcome based system. More training opportunities to be taken up by Residents. o Away days being planned so that Residents can learn new skills and learn from each other’s experience. o Develop closer relationship with War Grave Big Local and other neighbouring Big Local Partnerships. Advertising needs to be better and engagement of residents more proactive. o Working to develop workable Web Site as a one stop shop. o Plan to go out to communities via door knocking especially in new areas and those with less engagement. o Walled Garden Project will provide opportunities for meaningful engagement.
BIG LOCAL PLAN REVIEW QUESTIONS
Your Name: Steve Wright
Name of your Big Local Area: Latch Ford
Date: 05 04 2018
1. Introduction
Review of first 18 months of Latch Ford big Local Plan. Appendix 1 includes work done by Outcome Groups during review. Appendix 2 covers projects implemented with brief summary from feedback received from each project. Appendix 3 provides summary time line of projects delivered during first 18 months of the project.
2. Method
From the very start of Phase 2 Plan we have used our standard feedback forms at every planned event supported by Latch Ford Big Local. Created Journey Reports and received Case Studies. This has given us constant and consistent feedback, numbering over 400 returns, throughout the first 18 months of our plan. Each outcome group has fed back as to progress on a monthly basis.
This feedback has helped us adopt a flexible approach to providing services to achieve desired outcomes.
As part of this formal review each outcome group spent sessions discussing progress against plan and answering the review questions with emphasis on the “So What’s!”.
Recognising that a lot had been done we wanted to make sure we captured the outcomes and that they were in line with achieving our objectives. Appendix 1 shows the work done by each outcome group.
We held our review day at a nearby Hotel to give everyone a chance to meet away from their normal place. This was very successful with over 30 residents and associates in attendance,
The event was held in a fun way with quizzes, group working, drawing a timeline and discussion session. These results can be seen in the Review document along with feedback from Outcome Groups.
3. Findings
• Some activity has been delivered by agencies but primarily and mostly by empowered Big Local Residents.
• Significant Match Funding received via volunteer time, staff time from partners, donations of equipment and cash investments from Partners.
• Good system of recording activity, gathering both qualitative and quantitative information
• Case studies demonstrate impact and journey reports give a flavour of activity and engagement as well as impact
• Need more emphasis on Outcomes
4. Conclusion
The 18 months of Plan 2 have been successful, from a slow start introducing and establishing the new Outcome Based Groups to each delivering meaningful Outcomes, including:
• Community has extended offers around Café opening and delivery, as well as projects with the local schools and community held Festival, Celebration Evenings and extended access to IT facilities. Helped boost and extend offers at both local Community Centres. Increased Litter picks and volunteer involvement.
• Youth has delivered amongst other things, an Outside Gym and Fit and Fed sessions and very successful Picnic in the park event, young people recognised for their achievements in the community.
• Financial Wellbeing has enabled safer lending opportunities for local residents and provided guidance on how to save money through Switch and Save Sessions and Budget Boosting Sessions
• Employment has had a slower start in terms of spend but has helped 6 local residents into employment and has supported Job Club which has also supported residents into employment, and through contacting WBC has helped secure a Bus service so that residents can access job opportunities at the OMEGA site on the
other side of Warrington. Currently supporting residents into Apprenticeships and running Work essentials fund. Taken on responsibility for Communications.
• Health has supported healthy activity including swimming and the development of Friends of Westy Park and Green Spaces and healthy eating sessions including specific sessions for young residents. Governance structure put in place.
The first 18 months have been challenging but have provided great learning opportunities for local residents who have excelled at delivering a range of new and innovative services as well as consolidating good work already carried out as witnessed by Matt Leach CEO.
Residents can be proud of their achievements but as can be seen below are also aware of the challenges ahead.
5. Actions
A number of key topics have been identified for action.
• Start work on Phase 3 plan emphasis on Legacy o Look at possibility of yearlong arts festival o Get smarter at bringing projects forward to enable faster spending framework.
• Create Focal point o Develop idea around Latch Ford Big Local Walled Garden Project to raise profile of Latch Ford Big Local.
o Work in partnership with local Coop store with prominent position on main thoroughfare Establish a process for identifying Legacy Projects future proofing the Big Local Aims.
o Local groups and organisations are considering options for potential legacy projects.
• Establish Youth Opportunities:
o Set up Scouts and Guides in area.
o Plan Bursary Fund with Local College to assist Young Residents in accessing Higher Education Increase Resident Participation on Outcome Groups:
o Recognise that residents are “Hard to Engage” but within physical reach.
o Call out on Facebook has resulted in new members on Outcome Groups
o Community Development Manager meeting with local residents and community groups has increased participation. Plan engagement days knocking on doors.
• More emphasis on the Outcomes rather than the inputs. o Changes to application form for funding more now readily reflects the Outcome based system. More training opportunities to be taken up by Residents.
o Away days being planned so that Residents can learn new skills and learn from each other’s experience.
o Develop closer relationship with War Grave Big Local and other neighbouring Big Local Partnerships.
• Advertising needs to be better and engagement of residents more proactive.
o Working to develop workable Web Site as a one stop shop. o Plan to go out to communities via door knocking especially in new areas and those with less engagement. o Walled Garden Project will provide opportunities for meaningful engagement
Supporting evidence below:
• Evidence from formal review Evidence in Apendices 1,2 and 3.
BIG LOCAL PLAN REVIEW QUESTIONS
EVIDENCE from formal review process:
Big Local Plan
1 What do you think the partnership has done to progress this vision?
Project delivery – we have delivered an increased and wide variety of projects covering a diverse range of outcomes. Funding including Small Grants have been distributed to support existing community groups and to set up new groups and to support new one off initiatives…
.
What do you think the partnership has done to progress this vision?
Comments from Outcome Group Members:
1. The Partnership is learning as it goes but as it is progressing things such as the Governance documents being developed so that local community people can take part in the effective running of the project. Outcome groups have allowed greater accessibility from the Latch Ford Community.
2. The outcome groups allow the process of funding activity to be democratic and involve full engagement and participation from residents.
3. Regular meetings that all are welcome to, with multiple regular attendees, across a range of disciplines and professions. I feel we have been effective at using some of the ideas, initiatives and resources available to those in private enterprise, third sector, council, and government agencies; whilst ensuring that it is the residents making the decisions about how to make things better.
4. Sponsorship and support to community events, with publicising of Latchford Big Local, has empowered local residents, and the local community. I think successful ideas have been given praise, financial support and been assisted in their aims through publicity. I believe that individuals have been empowered in their dreams to build up the community of Westy, within the Latch Ford Big Local postcode.
5. Self-governing and autonomous Outcome Groups run with the authority and oversight of the Partnership.
6. Enabled residents to take ownership of their own development towards being employed.
7. Developed Partnerships on an equal basis.
8. Brought In match funding procedures.
9. Engage with employment development team at council which has enabled us to create employment opportunities
10. Partnership now confident about engaging with external bodies in a way that meets the aims of our plan.
(on our terms)
11. Governance documents which clearly define that local residents are the majority of decision makers – local residents making local decisions which empowers people to take responsibility for the area in which they live.
12. Local residents are members of the outcome groups to ensure that all projects/initiatives have an impact and address the needs of the local community
13. Continued to build excellent relationships with partners and agencies to deliver accessible services to improve the lives of residents within the local community
14. Projects delivered in partnership with local organisations who provide match funding
15. Provided relevant training to upskill volunteers and residents to improve the lives of individuals and the community.
16. We have our own governance documents prepared by ourselves and these have been shared with other big locals as examples
17. We now have catalogue of feedback from local residents as evidence of success and opportunities for improvement.
18. Working with residents schools and local traders we have established an award scheme which recognises the achievements of our young people
19. Established and introduced available, accessible, affordable loans to our community
2 What Money Have You Spent
3 What Impact have you had?
The projects delivered by our Big Local Partnership have created a positive impact on the local community. Some projects have physically improved the area and made it a more welcoming and safer environment whilst others have supported individuals in a 1-2-1 capacity to improve their skills or reduce stress caused by financial worries.
IMPACT (So What)
1. Volunteer involvement with delivery of Partnership activities has increased from 10 to over 30 in the last 18 months.
2. Volunteer residents have increased ownership of the decisions made.
3. Improved skills and understanding in how to interact with external agencies to enable effective use these agencies to help deliver our priorities whilst emphasising local participation and control.
4. More (30) Residents are Empowered to effectively realise and deliver for themselves with increasing success more community led events.
5. 20 Residents have developed a clearer understanding of their role within the Outcome Groups and Partnership. Following on from the previous review, Residents Members have established a structured approach to delivering on Objectives. They have developed appropriate documentation including Code of Conduct, defined roles and responsibilities etc. which have been shared as exemplars with other Big Local Partnerships.
6. Provided greater resources for job seekers. Increased availability of practical help to job seekers, freely available locally. Computer access and support increased from one session per week to free open access mornings Monday to Friday. 6 residents in work over 50 residents helped with finding work.
7. 20 Empowered Residents on Partnership and Outcome Groups to become confident enough to be able to effectively challenge and procure commissioned work to meet the Partnership’s and their objectives.
8. Partnership Members established a new process for accounting for matched funding incorporating the value of community involvement and partners contribution in kind Over 50 volunteers.
9. Residents on work outcome have developed new Partnership with Warrington and Co and commissioned them to deliver Apprentice support.
10. Improved communication with external providers. More residents have gained in skills and confidence and able to challenge effectively. Demonstrated by effectively leading on delivering projects.
11. 5 Empowered Residents have learnt new skills, procured their own plan writer following process.
12. Local residents on Partnership and on Outcome Groups are challenging effectiveness of projects and questioning whether they are meeting outcome expectations.
13. Residents have Improved their communication with external providers. More residents have gained in skills and confidence and able to challenge effectively. Demonstrated by effectively leading on delivering projects.
14. Outcome Leads and members more savvy about utilising match funding from partners where our objectives are shared. “More bang for buck”. Partnership also recognises significant contribution of Big Local Resident Volunteer time and effort and accounts for this equivalent to £11.50 per hour.
15. Over 25 residents trained in food hygiene. Training also been provided in First Aid, Governance,
16. From training partnership members produced and introduced their own governing documents. Other Big Local Partnerships have had sight of these to help them formulate their own documents.
17. Partnership members, outcome leads and recipients of funding have ensured that we receive feedback from all our events. These have been used to bend and shape delivery as appropriate.
18. Project has utilised mechanism for recognising and rewarding achievements of young people. 32 young people acknowledged for their contributions.
19. Over £40 000 loaned to the community via Credit Unions
The Partnership has created a positive impact across the community the introduction of a centralised evaluation toolkit has made it easier for us to assess the level of impact consistently across different projects. This is has enabled us to focus efforts on those projects that can create the biggest benefits for our community.
4 What have you learnt? BIG LOCAL – What have you learnt?
It is important that we are open and honest about the barriers we face to successfully deliver the Big Local Programme. We want to ensure we share best practice across the Partnership and continually improve the quality of projects we deliver and the level of positive impact they create.
Communication is a major factor in the success of the Partnership. Internally we have scheduled monthly meetings with separate sub-groups meeting each month to progress specific projects. The Financial Wellbeing Group has established a formal reporting processes to ensure Objectives are progressing and the Partnership is kept up to date with all progress. This formal reporting process has been implemented across all sub-groups and is working well. Communication is part of the Employment Outcome remit.
External communication and promotion of the services available through Big Local still remains a key point that will determine the success of the Programme. Previously the Partnership has struggled to raise awareness of some of the initiatives it was delivering. It is felt that this was due to each project having to manage promotion itself without access to specialist support. Going forwards a central Marketing and Communications budget has been allocated to pool resources across the Partnership and cross promote various initiatives, activities and projects being delivered. This promotion will be outsourced to a specialist local organisation and will include the use of digital platforms, print media and a wider use of Partner footprint.
Face Book has been really useful in advertising events and Latch Ford Page has over 400 followers and has views into the thousands, average views is around 400.
Word of mouth has proven to have the greatest impact. The LECRA Newsletter has also been useful in raising the profile of Latch Ford Big Local and has been delivered to every home at least twice a year.
The Structure of the Partnership having utilised Outcome based focus groups, in light of delivering a more ambitious Project Plan for Years 3, 4 and 5. It is evident that having these Outcome focused sub-groups have been key to ensuring projects are delivered successfully and key to objective assessment.
Partnership growth has also been identified as a key point that will impact the level of success going forwards. Currently we have a core group of volunteers and Partners focused on developing and delivering projects. As the Partnership increases the number of projects we are looking to deliver, we understand that we need to grow both the number of volunteers and the variety of Partners. To ensure the Partnership is open to all we currently have a Governance group set up looking at accessibility and inclusiveness as well as Partnership roles and responsibilities. This work was completed in the first months of year 4 with the outcome aimed at supporting the growth of the Partnership. Involvement of community has increased from small core group of around 8 to 10 Residents to over 30 now actively involved in delivering Big Local Projects. Residents are involved in all the decisions made by the Partnership.
Volunteer development is something that the Partnership is committed to. Over the last 18 months we have supported volunteers through training opportunities and peer-to-peer mentoring. We now have volunteers with specialist skills including Youth Engagement and Understanding Good Governance food hygiene, It mentors supporting residents to find work. Going forwards the Partnership remains committed to growing and developing volunteers and as such has allocated a central budget for this.
Supporting Grass Roots Projects has been one of the key successes of the Partnership to date. Big Local is a good source of support for small scale and local initiatives. The Small Grants scheme has been delivered each year and has worked well, showing projects don’t have to be big to create positive outcomes. The Partnership has also demonstrated the capability to coordinate a grant award process successfully. This has continued and a range of small grants have been awarded, a major success has been our “Give it a go fund” which has enabled over 20 of our young people access activities that they would otherwise have been excluded from.
Project evaluation is an area that needs work over the next phase of the programme. The new toolkit introduced at start of year 4 to measure impact across the Partnerships projects has been successfully implemented. Over the past two months following and during review the emphasis has been placed on the Outcomes of projects/events. Over 400 forms have been returned over the 18 month period as well as verbal feed back. Events and projects have been modified in light of this feedback.
Post Its from review day:
● Boosted community involvement
● Stronger community
● Learnt a lot about money and how it is spent by the Big Local
● Learnt Skills to engage community USP
● Learnt about the strength and growth of volunteers
● Value of Community Volunteers
● importance of building capacity to deliver
● The personal value of helping others
● It's great working with community
● Lots of ideas in community Basics of a credit union
● How dedicated people are
● Only lived here for a few months and am learning all the time
● Community engagement is very important
● How to work as a team
● 5 outcome areas for Big Local project
● Previous projects delivered under Big Local umbrella
● The needs of the community and what they need
● Community working together
● Need to be organised to be effective
● To evaluate projects before further funding awarded
● Different interests and ideas from the various age groups in area
● The strength and growth of volunteers
● Value of community volunteers
● Financial wellbeing statistics and information
● To not take things personally when its about Yep stuff
● Learn from our community
● Skills to engage the community in the USP
● How friendly and supportive both the management and volunteers of St. Margaret’s are!
● How to set up new group
● Volunteers are very good with planning
● We can do more together than alone
● To ensure the financial decisions are recorded accurately
● Been using café since launch
● How good we can come together as a community
●Volunteers, we are so lucky to have them
● Helping the community
● Latchford has a very strong local identity and the local people care about each other
● Credit Unions give low cost loans and the money made stays in Warrington
● Latch Ford community are amazing
● Time management skills
● Financial wellbeing and statistics
● Poor mental health is becoming a very big issue
● How to eat and cook healthy
● To make sure money is spent well, avoid leaky bucket
● Only just been attending since Christmas. Beginning to get a grip of all that is happening now ● You can learn by making mistakes
● Learnt to help the community in all events
● Community works better together
FINDINGS
5
Have you progressed your vision and priorities?
Yes – the Partnership feel it has progressed its vision and priorities.
The Partnership feel they have contributed towards:
• Outcome 1 & 2 by supporting local community groups, carrying our community clean ups, developing a series of community events (Latch Ford Festival, Annual Duck Race, and Green Space Development) and hosting a number of celebration events.
• Outcome 3 by providing affordable loans to the community, running money management courses, providing 1-2-1 support around managing household bills, raising awareness of loan sharks in the area and supporting existing organisations to widen their work relating to 1-2-1 debt management support.
• Outcome 4 by supporting a well-attended jobs club at Westy Community centre, provided new computers for daily access at Saint Margaret’s Community Centre. Supported local social enterprise.
• Outcome 5 by working with Council to access major matched funding to improve Westy Park.
• Ensure that the community continues to identify and refine its needs and take action to meet these.
The Partnership acknowledges that they have progressed our priorities further and are working on a more ambitious plan for Phase 3 of the programme.
What the Partnership feels they need to improve on is demonstrating ‘how much’ progress has been achieved in progressing their vison and priorities. This will be through improved Project Evaluations with use of a central toolkit to be used on Phase 2 projects. This has been updated and adapted as project has evolved.
By continuing to create volunteer led projects we feel that we are continuing to work towards our vision of creating a proud community that aspires to make things better together.
CONCLUSIONS
6
Do you need to refresh your vision and priorities?
Yes (slightly)
Following on from the feedback received from local residents and Partnership members a few minor changes have been proposed to the focus Outcomes of the programme. This is to place more emphasis on the Outcomes and to facilitate this, changes have been made to application forms both for funding and feedback. Forms have been adjusted to make this clearer.
Outcome 1 - Our community is stronger and celebrates achievement together
Outcome 2 - Youth in our area aspire be an active part of the community with a sense of belonging
Outcome 3 - Local residents have less debt and can manage their money better
Outcome 4 - More local residents are in work
Outcome 5 - Local residents say their health has improved
The Partnership will retain its overall vision of creating:
“A proud community that aspires to make things better together”
Big Local Outcomes
7 How does this relate to achieving the Big Local Outcomes?
Big Local Outcome: Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them.
Comments from Residents on Outcome groups:
● This platform we use enables the community themselves to identify needs and take relevant action following consultation to respond.
● Residents have contributed to an updated Local Plan. Our regular meetings are open to all, and thus able to suggest and action responses to local needs.
● By our activities we are building capacity among our Big Local volunteers and the Latch ford Big Local Residents that we work with. The result is that those members of our community now and will have the skills and capacity to understand what is needed and the skills to deliver the solutions. This is demonstrated by what is described above. Maintain close contacts with community groups, doctor’s practice, community centres, churches, traders, coop shops, business and agencies such as Carbon Landscapes providing work experience. ● Using social media enables a wider reach of information to local people so they can engage with the community to identify resident’s needs.
● Improved links with community groups and community champions to empower them to be able to identify and address needs.
● We now identify what needs to be done based on evidence from our community feedback
● Utilise local people and their skills to provide activities
Big Local Outcome: People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future, Comments from Residents on Outcome groups:
● They are better engaged and informed leading to them participating more thoroughly in the process.
● Increase in local volunteers in our cafe from the LFBL area.
● More volunteers are taking control of projects and are gaining confidence.
● Training our volunteers to deliver in their own area.
● We have been able to focus on training for volunteers, such as food safety for Cafe staff. This both upskills them for work outside of Big Local projects, and allows them to more authoritatively comment and act on issues in future.
● Those Latch Ford Big Local Residents involved are demonstrating that they have increased their skills and confidence as a result of their involvement with this project e.g. Individuals gaining employment, increased usage of facilities by Job Seekers,
● Taking ownership of deciding how support from partners is procured…
● Financial wellbeing awareness courses have been delivered to residents giving them the skills so they can continue to ‘spread the word’ and share their knowledge.
● By upskilling local residents they are better placed to listen to residents needs and where to signpost to address them.
● Residents are more aware of how partnership working benefits residents and communities and will use this knowledge to design future projects targeting needs. ● Training has been provided for volunteers
● Residents have attended Big Local Training days
Big local Outcome: The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises.
As previously mentioned we truly believe that a Partnership built with the foundations of skilled local residents and volunteers can make the biggest impact. This will ensure that we can continue to support our priorities after the Big Local funding ceases and we can continue to make a difference in our area.
The projects we have delivered to date have involved local residents taking ownership and people coming together to make positive changes. This is evident with the numerous clean up days held, the success of the Latch Ford Festival and the improvements to green spaces in our community. We deliver projects that are inclusive and open to all, building a sense of community togetherness and pride.
Comments from Residents on Outcome groups:
● Happier and healthier local people in our area even for those who don’t engage the differences are visible. ● We have been able to focus on training for volunteers, such as food safety for Cafe staff. This both upskills them for work outside of Big Local projects, and allows them to more authoritatively comment and acts on issues in future.
● In the last year the community has been increasingly involved in addressing its priorities of The Latch Ford Big Local Partnership.
● We expect this to continue in the future due to the ongoing involvement and engagement with the community. We actually provide practical volunteer activities
● Residents on the outcome group have studied local information data to identify the needs and along with local surveys, questionnaires and comments delivered projects prioritising local needs.
● Residents have the majority vote ensuring all decisions are resident-led.
● On-going training to empower residents to make informed decisions when evaluating local needs and priorities.
● Installed an outside gym on our Park and ahead of schedule, now residents can actually see what is being done!
Big Local Outcome: People will feel that their area is an even better place to live
A number of the projects we delivered in Phase 2 focused on improving the physical environment in our area. These included seed planting all around the area (currently being maintained by local residents), numerous Tidy Latchford clean up days.
Other projects delivered focus on establishing a sense of community togetherness with the successful delivery of the Latch Ford Festival and the continuation of the Latchford Duck Race. Community Café and launch of Luncheon Club have helped break down isolation
Although we have achieved improvements to the area these have only been small in phase 1 the Partnership is committed to increasing this positive impact it has on the area. Phase 2 has to date addressed a much wider spectrum of projects looking to tackle some really difficult issues such as elderly social isolation and improved mental and physical health. We understand that making our community an even better place to live will be an on-going process and we hope to improve the lives of all residents over the duration of our Big Local Partnership. Major changes to our green spaces funded by Big Local and Match Funded by Local Council will make a significant difference to the availability of healthy activity options less than 2 years into our current plan.
Comments from Residents on Outcome groups:
● We have lots of feedback about how the project is benefitting many of the residents and how living in Latch Ford is becoming much improved.
● People are healthier and the area is more visibly health geared. At this point, our park is repainted, there is more equipment. The Green Spaces have more paths, and have more community engagement, with plans for more accessibility and health development. We have an outdoor gym. There are multiple thriving cafes for tackling social isolation and community meals for isolation, family togetherness and healthy eating. The changes across our area are not miraculous, but they are positive, sustainable and pervasive.
● It is well recognised that good local opportunities contribute significantly to people feeling that the place is a better place to live. We have had feedback from individuals who have told us how much they have gained from this project.
● Feedback from training sessions demonstrate that resident’s skills and knowledge are being increased. ● Feedback shows that residents are more aware of local services.
● Feedback from residents at our events shows that they appreciate some things are changing and feeling more ownership in the decision making.
What next?
8 Do you need a new or revised Plan, or will you continue with the existing Plan?
• In general Partnership members and Outcome Groups agree that the vision is still relevant. Believing that the best way to see lasting positive change is to build community resilience by raising aspiration and having been given the tools is better able to work together to make that change.
• The Partnership still views the current objectives as relevant, but is looking at effective ways to achieve these.
• Partnership will be writing a new plan. The nature and duration of new plan has not yet been determined but will hopefully continue to expand the good work done and be looking closely at possible longer term legacy projects
The following are direct quotes from Members of Outcome Groups at their review meetings:
Comments from Residents on Outcome groups:
I think as we go along it’s a natural process to readdress ideas.
……………………………………..
There are some things which need to be added to the plan when we start to create it.
……………………………………...
The priorities for our area haven’t really changed over the life of the project but we are making great steps to improve the situations for our local residents.
………………………………………..
Not so much refresh but rather having seen what works focus more on the stuff we know gets results. Develop those and improve upon them.
For example:
● Bursary fund develop range and include adults.
● Fit and Fed incorporate into regular activity provide healthy options and help access to healthy options.
…………………………………………………………..
The vision and priorities for the Partnership are still relevant and the Financial Wellbeing Group is keen to further contribute to them by evaluating what has worked over the last 18 months and identify areas which need further work., with support to help our young people to access higher education.
Bursary in partnership with local employers to purchase necessary work equipment This idea [work] needs development. Look at statistics!
………………………………………………………………………………..
“One area that has left us feeling consistently less able to serve the larger vision is that we are unable to provide funding to individuals. Whilst we completely understand the environment of legislation and regulations that Big Local needs to operate in, it has caused us multiple challenges.
“I would estimate that approximately 30% of proposals we have received have needed to be turned down for this reason. This is a frustration, as many of the projects have been ones from motivated individuals, with a good idea, and a desire to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.
“A simple example: One resident proposed a bike maintenance drop in session. We found a local, independently certified and qualified bike mechanic, willing to put on sessions at cost.
“However, he doesn’t have an official business, and doesn’t have insurance. We don’t have capacity as a committee to help him establish a company: and frankly he doesn’t want one just to provide a monthly drop in session, which he was already offering out of good will. There is not always a correlation between the kind of local residents with the drive and enthusiasm to run an event, and that also have the comfort and skill with paperwork required to get funding.
“Insurance was thus not possible, and would have been prohibitively expensive. As a result, young people cycle on our streets with no brakes, or choose not to cycle and be active due to broken bikes. As a committee, we had a good idea for resolving this health issue, but were unable to.
“There have been points where this has made it significantly easier to consider partnership with the council and external-to-the-area companies rather than encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the exactly the kinds of residents in the deprived ward we wish to work with!
“This is not written as pointed criticism to any individual or policy maker, just a point to be asked as to “is there any way this policy could be amended that would help us to empower our target audience better?”.
9 How do you know this is what your community wants?
To ensure our Plan for Years 3, 4 and 5 is reflecting the needs of the community we have undertook a number of public consultation exercises during our main events and have collected feedback on every event we have supported we have used these thoughts and ideas to shape future delivery. During this review we have consulted each Outcome group their feedback is included in appendix 1. Appendix 2 lists summary of feedback received over last 18 months from activities. The open consultations engaged in excess of 500 local residents including youth events engaging with over 100 young people.
Consultation responses Phase 2 first 18 months – key points:
• On the whole the Partnership priorities still match what is important to local people.
• A key theme from local residents was that there was still a desire for more things for young people to do
• More people are now aware of what the Big Local is and what it has done to date. Big Local residents are overwhelmingly supportive of it.
• Need to make it easier for local residents to provided activities and services without too much bureaucracy.
Youth consultation responses Phase 2 first 18 months – key points:
• Most young people like the area with the main reason being friends and family and also the parks
• The main improvement young people would like to see relates to cleanliness as well as improvements to the parks and equipment
• Access to more local activities
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Evidence provided by Outcome Groups during Review.
Priority/Outcome 1
Our community is stronger and celebrates achievement together
What has your outcome group done
SO WHAT IMPACT
to progress this priority/outcome?
Celebration
Evenings
This event has allowed us to work with the other outcome groups and allow the celebration of community to cover every aspect of community life in Latch Ford. More engagement from the community.
Twice a year started with just over 50 residents most recent had over 140 residents attending. Over 30 young people were recognised for their contribution to the Latch Ford Big Local Community. Their achievements were recognised by their schools and has led to greater working together between Community and our schools. Older residents told us that this was the first time they had been out socially in years. Over 10 local residents performed music to the event, some had never performed in public before. Raised pride in area pride in our youth raised confidence of our community.
Festival and Duck
Race
Bringing in new opportunities for the community to participate in and benefit from. Making connections with residents on the days
Opportunities to connect with residents face to face through our community development Manager and other members of our outcome group.
Using these days to promote all of our projects across all of the five outcome groups.
Duck race has been a massive success and a major significant event in our calendar. Gets the message of Big Local to a wider audience helping to change perceptions of our area. Visitors from outside to our Festival week are amazed at what our community is doing and many times is contrary to the view the had of our community. Over 500 residents took part in Festival week and nearly 200 at Duck race.
Increased attendance at community groups as a result of exposure throughout Festival week.
y
Community Trips
Allows community access to days out which they may otherwise not be able to access, non drivers, the elderly, families with young children. Builds community with everyone making friends and connections from their area, these connections often transform into friendships within our community by people in similar situations who have never met before. Feedback forms and chats with attendees.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
exactly
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
So What: Actual comments from participants
Has event improved physical / mental health? How ?
Stress free day
Kids stressed me out
Nice day out
Enjoyed the day
● Bad disability access, good fresh air, lovely day
● Difficult access to eating places for wheel chairs.
No access to the crazy golf for disabled. ● Had lot of fun with family
Yes
Very wet but a very relaxed and enjoyable day with long
walks a
Yes
nd plenty of fresh air.
Children got to be outside all day being physical
Yes
Very relaxing (children played all day)
Yes
It has helped my anxiety by trying something new
Yes
Gives us a break from everything
Yes
Has e
I spent the day walking instead of driving
vent helped you? Example
Yes
Time away, day out!
Yes
Family day out
Yes
Good day out
Yes
To get out and meet new people
Yes
Did so much walking
Yes
To get to know more of community and to renew
friends
Yes
hips
We have been to a new place and spent time as a family
Yes
Been out of house and had a fantastic day with family
Yes
Transport available
Yes
Family day out
Yes
Gave us a day out. We ate at an Italian restaurant and we
tried squid for the first time!
Yes Was a welcome break after a week of house moving Yes Plenty of photo ops
Over 40 families enjoyed days out that they otherwise would have struggled to do. All families who were able to , contribute to cost of trip reducing sense of dependency.
d
Youth in the area aspires to be an active part of the community with a sense of belonging
What has your outcome group done to progress this priority/outcome?
(prompt – you may wish to include: specific projects, partnership work where you have bent mainstream activity to meet local needs, match funding in cash or kind
Activity
How do you know?
(what have you measured and how is this recorded?)
SO WHAT IMPACT
1. Had Outside Gym
installed
2. Fit and Fed sessions
3. Football Activity Week
4. Forest School
1. Residents using Gym all ages
2. Over 30 young people fed during summer holidays
3. Over 50 attendees for football
1. Youth projects are incorporating the use of the gym in their activities – summer project with over 30 participants. An outside free gym class held weekly with 7 regular attendees providing the first steps to a fitter life. Attendees not accessing other exercise facilities
2. 30 young people accessing free activities providing diversionary activities. The activities provided education around health eating and incorporated reading projects to maintain reading levels over the school holidays.
3. 10 Free places at Warrington Town Football
Club summer camps for young people in the LFBL area who wouldn’t be able to access the camp without funding.
y
5. Boxing Club
6. Self Defence Classes
7. Bursary Fund
8. Picnic in the Park
4. Intergenerational activity with all getting involved
5. Hard to reach children engaged in sporting activity
6. Self-defence learning new skills and confidence building
7. Bursaries have been used to support young people
8. Picnic in the park this was a fantastic event which attracted others to join us.
4. Free outside activity including extra curriculum activities alongside learning new skills. 3 sessions were held during 2017 summer with 30 young participants plus parents and adults.
5. A free activity which incorporates learning linked with discipline. 25 participants attend the weekly sessions. A parent steering group has been set up to continuously progress the activity.
6. A 5 week course helping young people to build their confidence. Participants were referred by other groups and agencies. 8 young people took part
7. 19 bursaries have been awarded to do enabling young people to access activities and hobbies that they would not be given the chance to participate in without the funding.
Bursaries included travel to such activities a well as the cost to take part. By accessing such hobbies young people are able to recognise their own talents, raise their aspirations and feel empowered.
s
Priority/Outcome 3
Local residents have less debt and can manage their money better
What has your outcome group done to progress this priority/outcome?
(prompt – you may wish to include: specific projects, partnership work where you have bent mainstream activity to meet local needs, match funding in cash or kind
SO WHAT IMPACT
Affordable Loans
Established a relationship with a Credit Union to open a surgery in the community offering instant
‘Helping Hand’ loans and ‘mini loans’
PROGRESS REPORT:
NEWCU/LBL Helping Hand Loans as from 12 September 2016 until 118 February 2018
We have 59 members of which there are 39 H/H and 20 Mini who have /had a total of 93 loans between them. As you can see several have had more than 1 loan and some even three loans (RE-Financed)
Helping Hand Loans:
Members now making regular payments 12
Paid in Full 5
Letters in progress to members in arrears 9
Referred to Debt Collectors (BFL) 11
Members not paying and have IVA in progress 2
• Helped over 50 residents access affordable loans
• Over £40000 of match funding from NEWCU for a contribution from LFBL of around £2700
• Saved community around £23000 in interest charges.
Out of those members 4 have had £750 loans due to regular paying and 2 are already on their second £750.
Total monies paid out is approximately £38,000.
Mini Loans £100
We have had a total of 20 loans of £100 and although nobody has requested a second £100 2 members have gained employment and then had a full loan (H/H).
Regular payments made by members 6
Paid in full 5
Letters sent out to those in arrears 2
Ring Fenced members (not paid despite 3 letters sent
out) 7
(A total of £696.5 to be taken from the £2000)
A total of £2000 paid out
Some of the comments received about Helping Hand and Mini Loans above,
Budget boosting sessions
In Partnership with
Warrington Borough Council (match funding in kind). Weekly sessions offering budgeting and IT skills training linked into gaining employment.
Budget Boosting Club July to December 2017
● 31 local residents engaged through budget boosting clubs from July – December 2017 in your local area
● Out of them 2 went into work
● 19 clients successfully accessed benefits/ 5 PIP = Each client receiving around £79 extra a week /3 Attendance allowance = Clients receiving £83.10 per week / 10 Universal Credit = ranging from £75 to £149 per week
Universal credit
●
2 energy swaps from card meters to direct debits average saving £33 per month
●
The others needed to use IT facilities, or information on energy swaps
●
Match Funding from Warrington Borough Council of two members of staff 6hrs a week .
●
Weekly access and support to job guidance and support with writing CVs etc.
Incentives for residents to open a Credit Union account
A scheme to encourage existing members to promote the credit union to family and friends.
From: Graham Fielding
Chair, Warrington Credit Union
Report at 23 February, 2018
1. Member statistics
Total WCU adult members: 937
Total Big Local adult members: 96
Total Big Local member shares: £54,644
2. Loan statistics
Number of Big Local members with an outstanding loan balance : 22
Total of those outstanding loan balances: £21,941, largest outstanding balance £8,552
Graham Fielding
Raised awareness of Local Credit Unions
Increased participation in accessing Credit Union Services Match Funding from volunteer time delivering Credit Union Service.
Incentives to encourage young savers
Ongoing project with a credit union to offer incentives to local residents to save regularly CU account.
This has been difficult to get off the ground but in recent weeks have signed up 6 new junior members and am in discussions with a number of parents who have the forms to fill in.
●
●
8 new Junior saves signed up and saving
Parents/Carers of above also engaging with Credit Union
Money Skills training linked with IT
Warrington Collegiate delivered money skills training to residents using
IT.
Case studies demonstrate the benefits of individual’s lives. By having free access to IT Monday to Friday residents are able to maintain benefits, job search and apply for jobs.
Case Study: Recently unemployed with no access to technology at home:
“`The fact that he now had access to a network of friends and equipment for him to do his Job searches made a massive difference to his life. At the same time he became involved with the work of Big Local and other community volunteering.
`Following his period with us he gained the confidence to go back to work and following intervention was able to provide him with references and he now has job…”
●
1 Resident who was unable to complete job searches effectively at home was able to use facilities at Saint Margaret’s and is now in full time employment.
Promotion of ‘Fair for you’ white goods scheme.
CDM has spoken to 9 residents about Fair for you and has made available the flyer for residents.
A number of residents have made use of the “Fair for you white goods scheme. Saving money on interest payments.
Switch and Save
Currently this year we have seen 13 individual households in the Big Local area.
Residents able to access locally guidance on how to cut their energy bills.
In Partnership with
Warrington Borough
Council regular sessions are held to demonstrate to residents the benefits of switching energy suppliers and the savings that could be made.
This has given an average saving of £176-38 for those who have said they are willing to save
LED lamps have been given to all residents we have spoken to. Hopefully this will allow residents to try these lights and see the benefits of using energy saving equipment even if they don’t wish to look at changing suppler.
With regard to a case study
We have dealt with one case for a client where although the original idea of switching fuel provider was and will save them money in the long run, the switch itself didn’t go to plan. The utility who are one of the “big six” had long term difficulties in setting up the gas and electric account for the customer through their own IT issues. We have tried to support the customer by making continued representation to the utility company until after a long period the account issues had been remedied. Additionally we will provide future support to ensure that the account runs smoothly.
In another instance we have been able to support a client who with limited access to IT has changed Utility company. This client had an outstanding debt that was transferred. The saving of just over £300-00 a year will assist to clear the debt and in the future increase the family’s budget for other essentials.
In most cases we can make a saving on the majority of bills, but strange as it may seem it is also nice to find
Match funding in the form of 2 members of staff on hand once a month for total 6hrs.
Priority/Outcome 4
More local residents are in work
What has your outcome group done to progress this priority/outcome?
(prompt – you may wish to include: specific projects, partnership work where you have bent mainstream activity to meet local needs, match funding in cash or kind
Activity
How do you know? So What?
(what have you measured and how is this recorded?)
1. Support Apprenticeship
2. Job Club Access to Computer
3. Computer Club
4. Budget Boosting Club
5. B52 Bus
6. Offered financial support to help job interviewees
7. Initiated external expertise support Big Local Residents into employment via
1.We have case studies, Track their progress. Documented.
2. We have provided community with an open access venue and equipment including Internet access. Support from volunteer mentors.
3. Computer Club is providing individuals with training and skills supported by Latch Ford Computer Club Volunteer Mentors. Visitors fill in forms regarding their progression.
4. Professional help by job coach at WCC. Gives us regular status reports. Gives guidance on how to maximise available funds and help move in to employment.
5. Made representations to Council about jobs being geographically distant, our community unable to easily access so got introduced new Bus Route.
6. As a result of assisting young person with help with purchase of office clothing has now secured a job.
7. Utilised the local Centres making the service accessible and as a result participants felt comfortable in a safe environment. Community led access to external expertise following on from training volunteers received in procurement, Health and Safety
developing good working relationships
8. We provide references for job applicants who have successfully volunteered within the Latch Ford Big Local Area
8. Six local residents are now in employment following help received at Saint Margaret’s Computer Drop in. References also given to residents who have volunteered at The Big Local Café.
Priority/Outcome 5
Local residents say their health has improved
What has your outcome group done to progress this priority/outcome?
(prompt – you may wish to include: specific projects, partnership work where you have bent mainstream activity to meet local needs, match funding in cash or kind
Activity
How do you know?
(what have you measured and how is this recorded?)
SO WHAT IMPACT
1. Eating well on a Budget courses
2. This Girl Can
3. Swimming Trips
4. Belly Dancing
5. Health eating classes for children
6. Luncheon Club
7. Westy Community
Meal
Each activity fulfils a strict funding requirement, with a
feedback report to the group, and resident questionnaires.
Each activity has been aimed to combat our 5 key areas, with the overriding aim to diversely target the vision of improving health.
Healthy Eating
Green Spaces and Gardening
Community Meals
Social Isolation
1. 23 residents accessed Swimming and Library
2. Luncheon Club has delivered
3. More residents engaged in health activity
Appendix 2: Summary of feedback for first 18 months of plan.
KEY POINTS
DUCK RACE
Great day out with my family
Children enjoyed seeing the water and duck race
Request - Seating! Food stalls e.g. Burger Van and something more for kids Request - More community events - Car boot sale…?
FAIRY FOREST SCHOOL
The children gained confidence and learnt lots of new skills
Great to build relationships with other kids / parents
Learnt - Take care in trees and woodland to protect it
We have had a full day playing with no technology
Liked - Building a den and having a go at the hammocks
Request - More healthy events such as swimming
CELEBRATION EVENING
To be able to showcase all the hard work volunteers achieve
It gave me a very pleasant evening's entertainment. Better than staying in! It's got me out to socialise with family and to make friends Very relaxing evening!
Enjoyed - Bingo, disco, buffet and family entertainment Request - Regular litter picking and dog bins.
Request - Outdoor inclusive play area!
Request - More for youths
ELDERLY AFTEROON TEA
Enjoyed the afternoon
Liked - Music, coffee, cake and company
Request - Get more people involved
Request - Transport, volunteers to offer to pick people up
Request - Ensure that local info is shared more via i.e. Doctor's surgery
XMAS FAYRE
Interaction with community
Enjoyable time and a relaxing event
Got me out of the house
It brings the community together
Liked - Watching all the children getting excited seeing Father Christmas
Range of stalls and people here
Request - Play more Christmas music
Request – More stalls
Request - Under 8's activities and a 12-16 Youth Club
Request - Get more help and advice on benefits
SILLY BOX
Helped a lot my child to develop her communication
Helped while I work and the children can have fun
Reduced - Stress of finding child care
Child had lots of fun, made friends, grown confidence
The children loved it, being creative and making new friends
Keeping in touch with local schools
Request - Other children’s activities - youth clubs, dance classes etc.
Request - More opportunities over the weekends
PENSIONER’S XMAS PARTY
Our Lady's Catholic Primary School - children loved singing here
Had a good afternoon with good food and singing
Liked - Get together and have a laugh
Request – More daytime activities. Don't go out at night myself.
WT XMAS PARTY
Provided the children with a fun activity to take part in
Christmas is stressful and this has helped ease it a bit and we all had fun rather than bickering :)
Got the kids out of the house!! Liked - The dancing and games (Fun) Really focused on the children!
Request - Parties like today would be good or kids clubs - Art, Gardening, Dancing etc. Request - Easter / Summer BBQ?
KIDS XMAS PARTY
Given my son chance to mix with others and have fun
Liked - Free event for the kids with fab entertainment
Liked - Seeing Father XMAS
Request - Trips out
SWIMMING OUTING 1
Kids love swimming but can't always get there because I don't drive / cost
Request - Time longer in pool
Helped with my arthritis
Liked - That I was able to take my children swimming at a low cost
Request - Encourage people to attend
Request - More days out and activities over school hols
CELEBRATION EVENING 2 – MAR 2017
Good to meet other members of the community and hear of the good things that people have done
Brings the community together
Action - Join up more with kids and other parents
Much needed family night out
Lifted my spirits
Enjoyed - Meeting up with friends, enjoying the music
Request - More police to control the older children who are spoiling our area Request - Bigger room needed!
More award evenings
Request - Come into schools to ask for volunteers Request - Keep me streets tidy!
Request - More youth clubs
SWIMMING OUTING 2 MAR 2017
We don't drive, so it's brilliant for us, otherwise we couldn't go
Helped improve my swimming
Request - Little bit longer time
Keeps kids happy
Liked - That my kids enjoyed it and I got to spend quality fun time as a family
Request - More day trips out for families
Request - Continuous swimming regularly
SWIMMING OUTING 3 APR 2017
Exercise for me, hubby and kids
Kids are happy and not bored, less stress
Relaxing
Request - More people attending
Request - More frequent trips
BURY MARKET TRIP
A nice relaxing day out
No need to worry about parking
May come back to market ourselves
Look forward to more trips out by coach
Reduced stress with shopping. Very therapeutic.
Retail therapy is always good
We had a very nice driver, very friendly, he was excellent
Lots of shops and easy access
Day out with friends
Request - More people coming
Request - We would love to have had a little more time there Request - Organise more events, days out etc.
NEW BRIGHTON TRIP
Family day out
Gave us a day out. We ate at an Italian restaurant and we tried squid for the first time!
Come back when it’s sunny
Stress free day
Bad disability access, good fresh air, lovely day
Getting out, usually just sat in my house, don't get out and have a good laugh. My feet are aching with all the walking.
Request - Nicer driver - Better bus driver - communication skills and people skills
Coach driver was unhelpful
Request - More disabled friendly trips
Blackpool Lights
TOTS TEA PARTY
Helps my daughter to interact with others
Help my son with social skills
There's a café here that I didn't know about so I'll be visiting soon
Always on my own with baby, helped being with people
Nice to be with other mums and babies
Liked - The amount of children activities and having food and drinks available at a good price
Safe place to come and play
Talking to others. Baby loved water play
Request - Advertise in local shops for those not on facebook
Request - Summer holiday events for children
Request - Get older people more involved to reduce isolation
Request - Lots of more things for the children when they are off school
EDEN YOUTH EVENT
Was very good until some youth on park were pain to my grandchildren
Something for the children to do that doesn't cost money
Lovely family day
You should have police at things on park
Was very hard when just a few make a lot of trouble
Reduced stress, quality time
It was all free and lots of things to do especially for the children
The kids enjoyed the bouncy castle
Time to chat with free tea / coffee / cake
The free BBQ ran out within an hour - more food next time!
Need policing or monitoring of youth - spoilt most things (PCSO). Not enough free food / drinks.
Request - Get rid of the antisocial behaviour and improve the area
Request – Gym
Request - Better funding for youth provision
FESTIVAL LAUNCH AUG 2017
Keeps children entertained
Community spirit
Good information about credit union and local facilities
I feel happy to live in Latchford when this happens A change of scene and a relaxing event Liked - Café, DJ is great!
Liked - Meeting people from the local community and finding out about what is going on in the area
Request - Put chairs out for people to sit on while eating Request - More rides, stalls etc. Get the police more involved
I think improvements planned for Westy Park will be great
Request - Clean local public paths and walks
Request - Better park and access to park
There is antisocial behaviour from youths in the area - more youth activities
FESTIVAL FINALE 2017
Something to do (summer holidays)
It was fun, haven't had fun in a long time
It inspired me to get a dog / Get a new pet
Seeing dogs made me happy
Liked - Walking down Mersey path, fresh air
Liked - Donkey rides, children’s rides, children’s centre
Liked - Seeing the owls (granddaughter loves them)
Liked - Climbing wall
Liked - The free activities for the children
Request - More advertising of the event
Request - Put on more events more often with more animals…like cats, iguanas, chinchillas…etc.
Request - Football pitch at Westy Park (Fitness), better policing Request - More facilities for youth
DUCK RACE 2017
Great event which gets us out meeting the community and found information on
Raise awareness of green spaces
Request - More ducks next year due to sell out
Request - Beer tent
Helps us to improve green spaces
Very relaxing by the water
Liked - Seeing the duck race and the mayor
Getting the community together for a good cause
Request - What about having something else going on along side the race like commentary??
Request - Few more stalls
Request - Improve and clean Westy Park!!
Request - More outside community activities
FAIRY FOREST SCHOOL B
Helped my child learn teamwork skills
Learnt how to build a den
It gave her something to do in the holidays and meeting new friends
We now know how to play in a forest carefully
Action - Try more outdoor activities
Improved self esteem
Destressed, laughed lots and made new friends
The walk was lovely and enjoyed the fresh air
Liked - Group participation - children / parents
Liked - Campfire treats / marshmallows
Outdoor muddy, wet fun
Request - More often - age groups including lots of older. Longer sessions! More regular. Request - Other 'Outdoor adventure' type activities for families to enjoy together Request - More of these community trips as the costs are low enough for everyone to join in PICNIC IN PARK
A lovely cheap day out for the children
There were loads of things for the kids, even the adults played
Burnt off the kids energy
Liked - The amount of equipment available
Free food, cheap travel and kids playing
Good for kids and parents
BLACKPOOL LIGHTS TRIP
Got me out of the house for the night
Given us all a well needed break, especially for the kids as without this they would have missed the lights Spent time outside walking
Liked - Socialising as a group
Liked - Having lots of fun and treats. Coach driver!!
Request - Would of preferred longer at Blackpool, so we had time to do an attraction and not spent too much time on the coach
Request - Leaving a little earlier so we have more time to enjoy the day out Request - We could have had a meal booked on the day at Blackpool
CELEBRATION EVENING OCT 2017
Made me remember that there are good people out there
Gave me a night out with the kids, didn't have to worry about babysitter
Helped with social skills and being part of the community
Reduced my isolation
It's taken my mind off things
Liked - The buffet and the DJ
Liked - Seeing my niece and eldest nephew dancing
Liked - Singer, dancing and just having fun and a good time with my family and friends Liked - Bingo
Request - Having more vegetarian options on buffet
Request - Give certificates to adults for achievements
Request - Events like this are good. Maybe an adult event for community groups.
HEALTHY EATING
Very easy to follow recipes and easily explained
Taught me some more vegetarian recipes
Learnt - Try new ideas each week. Use less oil and meat. Eating healthier
Learnt - By cutting down on salt and sugar
Learnt - Given lots of enthusiasm to eat less fats / meat / dairy. Eat good ones like nuts and soya.
Liked - Interactive - you can join in and ask questions, eat and try the recipes. Good suggestions and tips
Liked - Tasting the different foods and meeting lovely people
Request - More advertising
Request - More of this cookery and food. Maybe exercise too.
LUNCHEON CLUB
Had lovely dinner with my family and food was very good
Gives you a nice hot meal at a good price
Had a healthy lunch
Liked - Meeting new people
Request - Bit more variety on the lunch menu
Enjoyed food and company
Request - Could try and pick up housebound and people who cannot walk far
Request - More variety on meals, hot pot, lasagne, more home made options
Request - More toys for the smaller children and new highchairs
Request - Have people to advise on benefits
Request - Special evening dinner meals (once a month book in)
BURY MARKET TRIP NOV
Lots of Christmas shopping done
XMAS shopping and socialise
Request - Just a little longer (more time)
Liked - Visiting market and meeting people
Liked - All the walking
Liked - Retail therapy and time with friends
Liked - Just being able to be transported back and to
Liked - Getting to shop and see new places safely when don't drive
Great bargains and social outings with friends and family
Request - More trips out especially for families that can't get to places (don't drive)
Request - Great trip, could be better if longer
Request - Keeping in touch with elderly people
Request - Chair based exercise
Out of those members 4 have had £750 loans due to regular paying and 2 are already on their second £750.
Total monies paid out is approximately £38,000.
Mini Loans £100
We have had a total of 20 loans of £100 and although nobody has requested a second £100 2 members have gained employment and then had a full loan (H/H).
Refer a Friend stats:7 members living in Latch Ford Big Local area referred someone and received £25.
Of those referrals:
a) only 2 live in the Latch Ford Big Local area and only 1 of those went on to save and qualify for the £25. That member has now saved almost £200. (The other referral has since withdrawn their money from the Credit Union.)
b) of the other 5 referrals, 2 went on to save and received £25 from the matching Warrington Moneybox grant.
For information, we had 18 Refer a Friend referrals by non-residents of Latch Ford
Big Local who received £25 from
Moneybox. Of those referrals. 12 went on to save and received £25 from Moneybox. £400
Junior Savers
Refer a Child stats:
We have received just one referral, a piggybank has been issued, I note that payment of £15 is due.
6 new members have signed up recently.
£400
CELEBRATION EVENING October 2016
To be able to showcase all the hard work volunteers achieve
It gave me a very pleasant evening's entertainment. Better than staying in! It's got me out to socialise with family and to make friends Very relaxing evening!
Enjoyed - Bingo, disco, buffet and family entertainment Request - Regular litter picking and dog bins.
Request - Outdoor inclusive play area!
Request - More for youths £500
PPG Over 75s Event October 2016
Event to promote healthy lifestyles to patients of the Local Surgery including Flu Jab information and Fire safety.
Tea and cakes were served and everyone had a lovely time. £500
Friends of Westy Park and Green Spaces
Launched
£200
Tidy Latchford
Thank You for your recent grant for our litter picks and bulb planting. We bought Childrens gloves, Litter Pickers, Buckets and Black Bags. This has enabled us to do various litter picks. We engaged 35 children and 12 adults on two projects within the Latch Ford Big Local post code area. The Hard work at Westy Hall Residential Home
Latchford in partnership with The Warrington 2nd Division Scouts, Cubs,Beavers,Girl Guides,and Rainbows.
2x£200
£400
SILLY BOX December 2016
Helped a lot my child to develop her
communication
Helped while I work and the children can have fun
Reduced - Stress of finding child care Child had lots of fun, made friends, grown confidence
The children loved it, being creative and making new friends
Request - Keeping in touch with local schools Request - Other children’s activities - youth clubs, dance classes etc.
Request - More opportunities over the weekends
£200
XMAS FAYRE December 2016
Interaction with community
Enjoyable time and a relaxing event
Got me out of the house
It brings the community together
Liked - Watching all the children getting excited seeing Father Christmas Range of stalls and people here
Request - Play more Christmas music
Request – More stalls
Request - Under 8's activities and a 12-16 Youth Club Request - Get more help and advice on benefits
WT XMAS PARTY December 2016
Provided the children with a fun activity to take part in
Christmas is stressful and this has helped ease it a bit and we all had fun rather than bickering :) Got the kids out of the house!! Liked - The dancing and games (Fun) Really focused on the children!
Request - Parties like today would be good or kids clubs - Art, Gardening, Dancing etc. Request - Easter / Summer BBQ?
£300
THIS GIRL CAN January 2017
Project in LFBL area to encourage ladies to get involved in some form of Activity. A really positive response with over 50 participants joining in with new and exciting activities.
The ladies made great progress with their confidence and making new friends. The result of the project was that many of our LFBL residents now continue to engage in activity as they have changed their lifestyle and enjoy getting out and about with their new friends.
“Great session this morning soooooo excited at some of the possible activities to come…. “
“OMG, it was amazing, we had a ball, really lovely day, thank you so much. “
“Loved the belly dancing today!!!!! Never thought about doing it before but it was fab!!!!!!”
“Fab session today, such hip, shoulder and belly movements, great exercise, great friendship. Many laughs. Well done all.”
£1265
BUDGET BOOSTING COURSE January 2017 We set up a budget boosting course through our Financial wellbeing outcome to improve local peoples access to IT in respect of their finances and job searches etc.
The sessions went ok and we managed to help a couple of Big Local residents prepare CVs and budget their finances.
£320
SMALL GRANTS January 2017
The community outcome and Youth Outcome allocated a number of grants into the community for small start up groups or to support the continuation of great work in the Latch Ford Big Local area. We received 7 Applications to small Community Grants which included Sewing and Friendship group, Latchford Methodist Church Coffee Mornings, Friends of Westy Hall, Village Lights, and Lyons Court Residents.
The youth Grants awarded £200 to Latchford
Kidz Club, Shooting Stars Dance Academy, Silly Box Kids Club, Tidy Latchford, Lecra for
Garden equipment and further support for Westy Boxing club. £3150
SUCCESS FACTORY February 2017
Adventure day out team building.
Local volunteers along with some from This Girl Can Project.
Many took the Leap of Faith. Picture shows successful leapers!!!
(£1900)
FLAG CELEBRATION EVENT February 2017
Awards presented by Mayor at Alderman Bolton CP School to pupils who had designed flags to be hung in Latchford Village. Production of framed artwork and refreshments.
£400
HEALTHY EATING CLASSES February 2017
Our Health Outcome group commissioned The Seventh Day Adventist to run some healthy eating cookery classes in the local community free for residents to attend. The course ran for four weeks and attracted many Latch Ford Big Local residents. Split into two offers one for adults and other at half term for youngsters. 2x£575.
£1150
WARRINGTON TOWN FOOTBALL CAMP
March 2017
Warrington Town football club applied for some funding to hold a football camp to encourage local children to access more activity and helping families access by reducing the cost for parents. £400
SWIMMING/LIBRARY OUTING 2 March 2017
We don't drive, so it's brilliant for us, otherwise we couldn't go
Helped improve my swimming
Request - Little bit longer time
Keeps kids happy
Liked - That my kids enjoyed it and I got to spend quality fun time as a family
Request - More day trips out for families
Request - Continuous swimming regularly £250
GIVE IT A GO FUND April 2017
The youth Outcome decided that this fund should be managed by the Local residents association and LECRA now administer the fund. Up to £50 can be applied for to allow kids to try a new activity saving parents the sometime high costs to start a new activity. The funds can be put to paying for lessons or equipment etc and parents are praising the scheme about how much it has helped them.
£500
Kaysie aged 4 is now dancing 4 days a week
Lily Sue aged 9 made her Brownie promise in November 2017 and loves taking part in all that the Brownies do.
THIS GIRL CAN BELLY DANCING LEGACY May 2017
Following on from the success of the This Girl can project money was requested by LECRA to pay a qualified tutor to hold sessions at St Margaret’s weekly.
Sian held twelve sessions over three months for residents to attend and it all went very well.
£720
BURY MARKET TRIP May 2017
A nice relaxing day out
No need to worry about parking
May come back to market ourselves
Look forward to more trips out by coach
Reduced stress with shopping. Very therapeutic. Retail therapy is always good
We had a very nice driver, very friendly, he was excellent
Lots of shops and easy access Day out with friends
Request - More people coming
Request - We would love to have had a little more time there Request - Organise more events, days out etc
SWITCH AND SAVE SESSIONS
In Partnership with Warrington Borough Council regular sessions are held to demonstrate to residents the benefits of switching energy suppliers and the savings that could be made.
£320
Currently this year we have seen 13 individual households in the Big Local area.
This has given an average saving of £176-38 for those who have said they are willing to save
LED lamps have been given to all residents we have spoken to. Hopefully this will allow residents to try these lights and see the benefits of using energy saving equipment even if they don’t wish to look at changing suppler.
With regard to a case study
We have dealt with one case for a client where although the original idea of switching fuel provider was and will save them money in the long run, the switch its self didn’t go to plan. The utility who are one of the “big six” had long term difficulties in setting up the gas and electric account for the customer through their own IT issues. We have tried to support the customer by making continued representation to the utility company until after a long period the account issues had been remedied.
Additionally we will provide future support to ensure that the account runs smoothly.
In another instance we have been able to support a client who with limited access to IT has changed Utility company.
This client had an outstanding debt that was transferred. The saving of just over £300-00 a year will assist to clear the debt and in the future increase the family’s budget for other essentials.
In most cases we can make a saving on the majority of bills, but strange as it may seem it is also nice to find that you can’t assist an individual. If we can’t save them money it will mean they are on the best tariff for them at that time and as a result have not been paying a utility unnecessarily.
SELF DEFENCE CLASSES June 2017
Five sessions of self defence for children were held at St Margaret’s Community centre.
The sessions were all well attended by ages 6-13 and all the children had a fantastic time. Patents commented that “the classes were easy to get to and the children learned some really valuable things about self-defence, Maybe there should be one for the mums and dads too ?” £230
SMALL GRANTS June 2017
In June the community outcome group launched its second round of small grants awarding 8 Grants of £200 to small local community groups including River Café, Little Lotties and St Augustine mums and Tots group as well as the Eden Allotment project.
£1600
LUNCHEON CLUB LAUNCH July 2017
Following months of preparation the Luncheon Club was finally launched.
Already provided 300 hot meals to local residents. Including families enjoying a meal together. osting around initially costing £6 per meal because of initial purchases of equipment. Now has good team of volunteers who took part in training to provide health meals on a budget.
£2000
DUCK RACE August 2017
Great event which gets us out meeting the community and found information on Latchford green spaces proposal by friends of Westy Park Day out for the kids and helped my mental health
Was out in fresh air. Nice afternoon.
Raise awareness of green spaces
Request - More ducks next year due to sell out
Request - Beer tent
Helps us to improve green spaces
Very relaxing by the water
Liked - Seeing the duck race and the mayor
Getting the community together for a good cause
Request - What about having something else going on along side the race like commentary??
Request - Few more stalls
Request - Improve and clean Westy Park!!
Request - More outside community activities £1000
FIT AND FED August 2017
The Latch Ford Big Local Partnership half funded this project to supply healthy food for the Summer Holiday Event.
£5000
PICNIC IN THE PARK
Coach trip to Walton Gardens over 40 residents and children enjoyed a fun day out and residents mingled with other park users and shared the toys, games and food.
£300
ICONIC CHANGE TO WESTY PARK
Installation of outside Gym
£40000
HUB LUNCHEON CLUB September 2017
With continued support The Hub Café launched its Luncheon Club open to all local residents two course hot meal with a pot of Tea / Coffee. Residents are loving the food and service that the staff and volunteers provide and it is continuously growing in numbers each week. Had lovely dinner with my family and food was very good
Gives you a nice hot meal at a good price
Had a healthy lunch
Liked - Meeting new people
Request - Bit more variety on the lunch menu
Enjoyed food and company
Request - Could try and pick up housebound and people who cannot walk far
Request - More variety on meals, hot pot, lasagne, more home made options
Request - More toys for the smaller children and new highchairs
Request - Have people to advise on benefits Request - Special evening dinner meals (once a month book in)
£2000
CELEBRATION EVENING October 2017
At our Celebration in October we as a Latch Ford Big Local Community paid tribute to one of our volunteers who sadly passed away earlier in this year inviting Barry Taylor’s family to receive a presentation to recognise his contribution to The Latch Ford Big Local. We also gave an award to one our young residents who volunteers with organisations in the area as well as studying at college. Sue is an inspirational young lady.
● · Made me see how the community came together
●
· Seen more of Big Local work
●
· Yes to talk to people about Big Local helping hands loan
●
· Help meeting new people
●
· More awareness of other services available
●
· Helped me socialising
●
· It is great to see the community working together and the events for the children. I lived in Latchford from 1974 - 1994 and brought 4 children up during that time and there wasn't that much for them to do. If this had been going on then it would have been great.
●
· Made me feel happy
●
· To be able to showcase all the hard work volunteers achieve
● · It gave me a very pleasant evening's entertainment. Better than staying in!
£500
BLACKPOOL LIGHTS TRIP October 2017
Got me out of the house for the night
Given us all a well needed break, especially for the kids as without this they would have missed the lights
Spent time outside walking
Liked - Socialising as a group
Liked - Having lots of fun and treats. Coach driver!!
Request - Would of preferred longer at Blackpool, so we had time to do an attraction and not spent too much time on the coach Request - Leaving a little earlier so we have more time to enjoy the day out
Request - We could have had a meal booked on the day at Blackpool
£250
BURY MARKET TRIP November 2017
Lots of Christmas shopping done
XMAS shopping and socialise
Request - Just a little longer (more time)
Liked - Visiting market and meeting people Liked - All the walking
Liked - Retail therapy and time with friends Liked - Just being able to be transported back and to
Liked - Getting to shop and see new places safely when don't drive
Great bargains and social outings with friends and family
Request - More trips out especially for families that can't get to places (don't drive)
Request - Great trip, could be better if longer
Request - Keeping in touch with elderly people
Request - Chair based exercise £250
ST MARGARET’S CHRISTMAS AT THE HUB
LFBL supported three events at the community centre
Pensioners Christmas Party, Kids Christmas Party and Christmas Luncheon Club.
All three events included food, drinks, visit and gift from Santa and entertainment.
£348
Dare2BFit Running Club and gym fitness
Local resident entrepreneur ex army now running own fitness business helping residents to get fit. Looking to do induction training sessions on new outside gym.
£500
LAUNCH APPRENTICE SUPPORT
£4000
LAUNCH WORK EASE SCHEME £500