Since I began working as Neighbourhood Manager for Saffron last August I have been involved in a range of local initiatives to find out the priorities and needs of local people. After first making contact with existing agencies and service providers, I have organised meetings in the areas of adult education, employment and youth provision, as a first step towards improving inter-agency communication and better co-ordination of services. I will continue to take these groups forward in the way that people feel is best, in conjunction with our newly formed Neighbourhood Board.

 

The Neighbourhood Board will meet together for the first time very soon and includes local Councillors and representatives in the areas of education, health, employment, crime, housing and the environment. Seven local residents will also be members of the Board. I have been pleased to meet with a number of local people who have been both supportive and welcoming of Neighbourhood Management. I look forward to working together in the future and also meeting more local residents who would like to get involved.

 

I have been working closely with Abigail, the VAL development officer for Saffron, in both the organisation of the recent patch walk and the forthcoming Planning for Real exercise. The patch walk was well attended and helped to highlight local issues, as well as providing an opportunity for local
organisations to showcase their work.

 

I am looking forward to Planning for Real, which will involve some children from the Marriott and Newry Primary schools building a 3D model of the Saffron Lane Estate. The model will then be used as a consultation tool, helping residents highlight local issues that need addressing.

 

Another exciting initiative for Saffron is a project seeking to address the lack of youth provision in the area, for which I have been able to secure funding. The aim of the project is to develop a currently disused area of land surrounding the Kingfisher Youth Centre to enable young people to use it as a
space to play and meet with friends. For more information please do contact me.

 

Nicola Bassindale
Neighbourhood Manager