Stratford-on-Avon District Council has announced the awarding of a contract for the role of Community Builder, with a view to helping communities build on their strengths and providing opportunities to improve across a number of areas.
The contract has been awarded to Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action, with Rachel Knight taking on the role. This appointment will allow communities to have their say in how the local area’s strengths can become solid foundations to improve health and wellbeing, educational attainment and social interchange, as well as tackling issues that reared their heads following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project will focus on the areas of Clopton and Bishopton, with these being two of the most deprived in the county. Engagement has already begun with the people of the communities, as the people who are affected by decisions that are made being able to have their say on how they believe solutions can be implemented to the benefit of the community.
Stratford-on-Avon Council’s Portfolio Holder for Homes, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jo Barker, said:
“It’s great to see this project up and running. Rachel’s work with residents will bring about positive changes and provide more opportunities in both communities.”
Councillor Tony Jeffers, Leader of the Council, said:
“Rachel has made a great start listening to residents and beginning to identify what people life about their local area and what they’d like to improve. To respond to issues raised by the community she is fact finding and plans to involve residents in identifying a community solution.”
The Community Builder project is funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Stratford Town Trust and Orbit Housing, with Grants Officer James McHugh commenting:
“This additional funding will turn some of the ideas generated by the community into a reality, such as a new family club at Bishopton Community Centre which some Bishopton residents felt was needed. Those residents will be involved in setting up and delivering the group. That’s what the community builder project is about, listening to residents and supporting them to be involved in the activity they want to see happening locally.”
