There are currently eight Neighbourhood and Community Projects in the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud areas of Gloucestershire, each one owned and managed by local people and each offering a wide range of services and activities.

Projects have now been established in Churchdown, Coney Hill, Hester's Way, Matson, Podsmead, Stonehouse, Whaddon, Lynworth and Priors, and White City.

They serve a population of 60,000, helping to regenerate modern, strong communities.

The Neighbourhood College helps local people improve their skills and qualifications

The Projects work with the largest groups of single parents, unemployed people and those suffering from ill health, in the county, and have proved that they can deliver results.

The services and activities offered through the Projects are backed by local businesses and colleges and statutory organisations such as local councils.

They play a strong role in reaching and motivating local people to become involved in their community, in helping to reduce crime and unemployment, and in developing wider horizons for young people and a sense of pride among residents.

New resident-led partnerships have been forged with private, public and voluntary organisations with a common interest on issues such as health, education, transport and crime to enhance the quality of life in neighbourhoods.

The Gloucestershire Neighbourhood College was launched to bring the training, learning and work opportunities that local people wanted, into the heart of their communities through their Neighbourhood and Community Projects.

The Neighbourhood College is breaking down barriers to learning with:

• small groups with one-to-one help
• flexible learning times to suit the learner
• quality childcare
• and access for people with disabilities together with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere

More and more people have been encouraged to get the most out of their lives.

Neighbourhood projects run activities for local people of all ages

Every new skill is an asset to a community and many local residents have chosen to take a more active role in their communities by becoming a Project volunteer.

The Neighbourhood College underpins the development of active citizenship in every neighbourhood.

A number of other countywide community projects are currently under development with the potential to become Neighbourhood Projects. It is expected that Brockworth will become a member of the Neighbourhood Network during 2002.

Contact

Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Projects Network, City Works, Alfred Street, Gloucester, GL1 4DF
Tel: 01452 541295
Website: www.neighbourhoodprojectsnetwork.co.uk