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Plaistow South Big Local Getting Started Objectives December 2013 Review

The designation of a section of Plaistow South ward in London Borough of Newham as one of the third wave of Big Locals was made public on 10th December 2012. This review is to outline progress that has been made in the establishment of Plaistow South Big Local Partnership, towards the fulfilment of objectives listed in our Getting Started Proposal, and revisions proposed towards achieving the final objective of submitting our Plan by the end of March 2014. We are committed to keeping at the forefront of our approach the 4 outcomes for the Big Local programmes: 1. Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them. 2. People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future. 3. The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises. 4. People will feel that their area is an even better place to live.

INITIAL STEPS Local Trust rep, Trevor Mbatha, began meeting local statutory and voluntary agencies in January 2013. Along with a worker from local voluntary organisation, E13 Learning Community, networking meetings were held in February with a wide range of locally based groups, including the local authority (London Borough of Newham), leaders at 4 schools (one secondary and 3 primary), youth work organisations (NCY and E13 Mix), the local hospital, and the Anglican Parish (Divine Compassion). Contact with interested residents began through stalls held at two LBN Plaistow Community Hub volunteering events. A contact directory of local organisations was put together through an area walk-about, and is now integrated into E13 Learning Communitys online directory (www.e13LC.org). Other events attended included an older peoples coffee morning and a school parents evening. A flyer was produced, delivered door-to-door throughout the PSBL area and made available at local community venues, publicising 5 neighbourhood briefing meetings (afternoon and evening) held in late March across the PSBL area at a school, a library, and the local sixth form college (NewVIC) each meeting adding to the list of interested residents. The open Forum contact list quickly rose to 100 names. A Forum meeting on 9th May agreed membership of a Steering Group to oversee preliminary activities and put together the Getting Started proposal.

GETTING STARTED Members of the Steering Group worked with the E13 LC worker on the Getting Started proposal in May and June. The Steering Group considered a long-list of 9 potential Locally Trusted Organisations suggested by members and, through discussion of the pros and cons of each whittled this down to a short-list of 4 who which were invited by the Local Trust rep to complete an application form to become the LTO. Rights and Equalities in Newham (REIN) was the only organisation which submitted an application. The draft GS proposal and appointment of REIN were agreed by the Steering Group on 2nd July, and the completed proposal submitted a week later. The Local Trust required the addition of a Memorandum of Understanding between PSBL and E13 LC, covering Performance Indicators for the latters worker, prior to agreeing the proposal. This was drafted, agreed by the Steering Group and then submitted to the Local Trust in early August and grant approval was received in mid-August. REVIEW OF OBJECTIVES The Steering Group has met 7 times between August and December, with an average attendance of 9 members (out of 19) and the Forum three times, in July, September and November, with an average attendance of 17.3 people. Task Groups have also been meeting to oversee Events, Website, Publicity, History, and Green Spaces. At the October meeting of the SG an initial analysis was discussed of what needed to be done to achieve submission of our Plan according to the March deadline. At the November meeting a further discussion took place which commissioned a review of the Getting Started objectives and appointed an Executive group (Chair, 3 Deputy Chairs and 2 Joint Treasurers) to meet between SG meetings in order to progress the review, speed up decision making at SG meetings, and help achieve the objectives. Notable steps forward over the 4 months between GS approval and this review: Good communications with local voluntary sector organisations Engagement with NewVIC students and staff re logo design competition, local mapping work, and local history event involvement. LBNs Greenway development plans closely matched to PSBL aspirations. c.700 submissions to consultation post-its exercises including 7 targeted sessions with young people. Results analysed by issue. First draft local profile prepared. Listing and analysis of local businesses (150+) produced. Mapping for Change work commenced. Local History event in preparation. Promotional pamphlet and video in preparation.

Notable gaps in agreed objectives: Greenway event postponed. Business forum yet to be held. Website launch delayed Facebook and Twitter only just being employed. School Councils and older peoples groups not yet significantly engaged with.

See attached for the full Objectives Review and Financial Review. NEXT STEPS The Executive Group will continue to meet and communicate between SG meetings to oversee direction of the worker and contribute to the achievement of the revised objectives, with the ultimate aim of submitting the PSBL Plan by the end of March 2014. Key issues to be addressed: Accessing of Local Trust 2000 towards writing of the Plan Appointment of a Plan writer Visits to other Big Locals to share learning Continuity re engagement of the Community Development Coordinator (i.e. between ending of Getting Started funds in March and receipt of Plan Year 1 funding).

Plaistow South Big Local Getting Started Objectives December 2013 Review
What activities are you proposing to do for Getting Started and what do you think they will achieve?
Activities or services: the name and a short description A. Conduct and produce a mapping exercise of what is in the area including areas/issues for action potentially using Mapping for Change as a resource. Carry out an audit of community assets. B. Prepare a profile of the area to identify some of the history, the mix of population, housing types, numbers in/out of employment, community and statutory facilities available, businesses in operation, etc. Alongside the desk exercise element of this we intend to engage young people and others in taking photographs/videos of their chosen highlights/lowlights of the area. C. Devise a marketing strategy with the setting up of a dedicated website with video uploads, FaceBook page, Twitter account and use of other social media to spread the word about PSBL. We would also use relevant lowtech methods such as local community notice boards. What do you think this will achieve or enable? Engage residents and agencies in owning the area, its strengths and needs, and the PSBL process. Help to identify priorities for the Plan. Engage residents and agencies in owning the area, its strengths and needs, and the PSBL process. Help to identify priorities for the Plan. Engage young people in a dynamic way in the PSBL process. December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs MfC exercise is underway and should be completed as needed for the Plan by early March. Ongoing development of the map will be built into the Plan. No revision required. Profile is in first draft. Young people are engaged through the MfC exercise linked to NewVIC digital mapping project. Profile will be in place as needed for the Plan by mid-February. No revision required. G RAG

Publicise PSBL so that local residents and agencies can find out about the process and how to engage with it.

Website is imminent. Facebook and Twitter accounts are available although relatively unused to date. Ongoing development of the website will be built into the Plan Community noticeboards have yet to be identified and accessed. To be prioritised in Dec-Feb to ensure all are actively in use to publicise the draft Plan and associated events. A

Activities or services: the name and a short description D. Confirm a structure for PSBL. We are currently trialling a three tier structure 1. Steering Group (which will coordinate the business of PSBL) 2. Community Forum (the forum will combine themes, interest groups, the forum will look at issues, recommendations, act as a sounding board, make recommendations for activities, projects) 3. Partnership Membership (the membership will combine all interested parties and they will be consulted on the plans, activities projects in advance of implementation) E. Produce a strategy that will get more residents and interested parties involved in PSBL.

What do you think this will achieve or enable? Provide a clear structure for different stakeholders to engage appropriately with PSBL. Enable residents to lead the Plan decision-making, and for nonSteering Group residents and agencies to access the Plan decision-making. Provide a point of ownership and commitment for all stakeholders.

December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs SG and Forum are functioning well with good resident numbers in attendance, though the Forum numbers have dropped as winter has arrived. SG Team-building events planned for early 2014. SG is being formed as the formal Partnership body NewVIC and NHS Trust reps have been invited. Business sector yet to be engaged. Policies and protocols have been adopted. Exec Group formed in November to speed up action towards Plan. Arrange financial cover/support for Exec/SG members to attend BL networking/learning events and/or other relevant training. See E & M for further action required.

RAG

Ensure that PSBL reflects all interest groups and the diversity of the resident population.

Exercises at Spring (Plaistow Primary School) and Summer (Plaistow Park) Festivals, NewVIC and E13 Mix youth centres have engaged hundreds and added to the Forum mailing list and marginally to the Forum attendance. Close to 700 submissions added to the consultation with a good mix of participants. Asian, Black African and Eastern European residents are significantly underrepresented on the SG. Strategy needed in order to fulfil this requirement before Plan submission.

Activities or services: the name and a short description F. Hold at least 3 open Community Forum meetings.

What do you think this will achieve or enable? Engage residents and agencies in owning the area, its strengths and needs, and the PSBL process. Help to identify priorities for the Plan. Provide regular reference, ideagenerating and decision-making points for the process of developing and running activities and drafting the PSBL Plan.

December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs Achieved (July, Sept & Nov). Will be surpassed if any further Forums are held before Plan submission. No revision required.

RAG

G. Hold approximately fortnightly Steering Group meetings to share ideas, plan our work, develop our vision and manage the process of preparing our plan including inviting agencies to present their ideas/projects. H. Develop Theme Groups or Interest sub-committees - for example: Young people, children, older people, businesses, voluntary sector, and health.

Achieved. No revision required. G

Enable stakeholders who are less likely to attend the open Forum meetings to engage with the PSBL process and have their say in developing the PSBL Plan.

Task Groups have engaged residents other than SG members re Green Spaces, History and Publicity. Outreach workshops have been held (see I) to engage young peoples views. Postpone Theme Groups to post Plan submission for project development phase. Prioritise visits to older peoples groups in Jan & Feb. A

I. Children and young people have been identified as a priority and to involve them and have them central to the decision making process we will: Hold consultation meetings with young people from E13 Mix, NCY, NewVIC and other local youth agencies to ascertain their ideas for

Enable children and young people to share ownership of the PSBL process and significantly contribute to the PSBL Plan, ensuring that their needs and interests are properly reflected.

Consultation workshops have been held with NewVIC students (x5), E13 Mix and NCY and their ideas incorporated into the postits analysis. Schools have been offered School Council workshops but none have as yet taken place. Prioritise School Council workshops for Jan & Feb.

Activities or services: the name and a short description the area with the option of an ongoing youth forum/panel to continue to help shape the PSBL agenda. Run exercises with each of the local schools pupil Councils to ascertain their ideas for improving the area. Hold a joint schools council meeting for representatives from the schools to continue to help shape the PSBL agenda. J Employment and career opportunities for young adults (19 35 year olds) have been identified as an issue. We will identify partners to support this issue

What do you think this will achieve or enable?

December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs Defer Joint School Council and Youth Panel/Forum until after Plan submission.

RAG A

Ensure that employment and training for young adults are properly addressed within the PSBL Plan.

Newham Education Business Partnership engaged at early stages and project pilot proposed. NEBP to meet with Exec/SG in Jan and draft project proposal for a pilot in first year of Plan. One session with a school parents evening and one with a pensioners group in the pre GS phase. No further sessions since. See H & I. Share draft Plan with these groups in February/early March to engage them in revisions before submission. Not progressed focus on Greenway event distracted us. Awaiting outcome of LBN pilots elsewhere. Winter now set in! Project to be included in the Plan.

K. Conduct outreach exercises with local parents, pensioners, carer & toddler groups, and other groups to ascertain their ideas for improving the area, and how best to keep them involved in shaping the PSBL agenda. L. Hold local clean-up events focused on neglected green spaces.

Enable stakeholders who are less likely to attend the open Forum meetings to engage with the PSBL process and have their say in developing the PSBL Plan.

Provide good quick win publicity for the PSBL process, engaging more local residents.

Activities or services: the name and a short description M. Hold a business forum event to ascertain local business their ideas for and commitment to improving the area especially linking to opportunities for young people and young adults to access work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

What do you think this will achieve or enable? Enable business stakeholders who are less likely to attend the open Forum meetings to engage with the PSBL process, have their say in developing the PSBL Plan, and engage them to make commitments to its success (including re jobs and training). Enable residents who are less likely to attend the open Forum meetings to engage with the PSBL process and have their say in developing the PSBL Plan. Publicise the PSBL process, engage more residents

December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs Invitations to Forum members to form a Task Group to plan this have yet to bear fruit. Organise Business Forum event in Feb, to include offer of web page, advice re reducing business costs, & Chamber of Commerce input.

RAG

N. Hold at least 3 public community consultation exercises, e.g. at forthcoming community events.

Public consultation exercise held at Plaistow Summer Festival. Identify further opportunity in early Spring? Use Local History event and hold main event in early March to consult on draft Plan. Postponed due to lack of short-term TW support, logistical risks, and strategic judgement re purpose of the event. Postpone until June/July as part of Greenway strategy. A

O. Hold a PSBL community party/event on the Greenway in late Summer/Autumn.

P. Build relationships with other relevant statutory, private and voluntary sector service providers/stakeholders, to gain their ideas for and commitment to improving the area.

Keep engaging with wider stakeholders who may contribute to developing and delivering the PSBL Plan.

Good relationship with LBN developed. Engagement with a good range of organisations (e.g. NewVIC, Barts Trust, Thames Water, Newham Education Business Partnership, NewCred credit union, First Avenue Urban Wilderness, Carefree Kids, Memorial Community Church, Newham Foodbank, etc) See M, K & I

Activities or services: the name and a short description Q. Explore options re premises to implement elements of our plan.

What do you think this will achieve or enable? Identify our possible need for a physical base of activities, and the costs involved, for potential inclusion in the PSBL Plan. Use the PSBL 1 million as leverage to get significantly more resources into the physical, economic and social regeneration of the PSBL area. Publicise PSBL the activities and process to inform and engage more residents.

December 2013 Review + Proposed Revision/Qs Not addressed to date. Prioritise for Jan-Feb. Cost out year 1 office base at REIN, and include in Plan an exploration of options re former Tramway offices or local shop fronts. Greenway initiative is potentially an example of this. Further development depends on clarifying the elements of our Plan and then potential for leverage. Address in draft Plan. Flyer produced in September. Newsletter postponed by SG in favour of a promotional pamphlet now being prepared by Publicity Task Group. Awaiting logo finalisation, Plan outline and source of photos. Press release around logo design award. Identify further press release opportunities in New Year around draft Plan. Clarify pamphlet distribution plan. Newsletter in February to accompany Plan draft and advertise draft Plan and History event.

RAG

R. Identify possible resources to supplement the Big Local 1 million.

S. Produce press releases, a PSBL newsletter (2 issues) and other relevant publicity materials.

T. Produce the PSBL Plan, including costed 3 year priorities, and submit it to the Local Trust.

Release the main PSBL funding.

Schedule is very tight. Basic concepts for elements of the Plan are emerging but these need to be firmed up into clear initiatives, with costed plans for year 1-3 commitments. Clarify priorities for the Plan. Sketch proposed initiatives. Engage Plan-writer early in New Year to flesh out projects and initiatives including draft costings. R

PSBL Getting Started budget update 19.12.13


Item or activity
Employment (through a secondment from E13 Learning Community) of a Community Development Coordinator (approx.3 days/week for 7-8 months) A B

C D

Budget

Spent

Committed /Expected

Total projected

15,000

10,000

5,000

15,000

Traineeworkexperienceexpenses(30daysx20aday) Administrationtelephone,postage,etc(approx..40 45/month) Roomhire(meetings/eventscostedat1015/hr) Officehire(internetelectric)contributedinkindbyNCY throughE13LC Branding(e.g.gazebo,tshirts,pens,etc) Websiteandsocialmedia(domainpurchase,website design,firstyearfee)

600

320

10

150

160

300

300

300

650

50

600

650

380

380

380

Newsletteranddistributioncosts(2newsletters@400 for3000copies)/Promotionalbooklet

800

800

800

Mappingsupport/consultancy(e.g.MappingforChange) Greenwayevent(PA,food,leaflets) Communityconsultationeventsandassociatedmaterial costs Total Getting Started proposed budget

1500

1500

1500

750

450

30

420

450

20,750

10,090

9,150

19,240

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