City of York Council, UK Staff Stories (2015), 18 Jun 2015

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From YouTube: Staff Stories: Karen

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Karen is a Technical Assistant with the City of York Council. An important part of her role is working on the Community Hubs initiative, working alongside residents, volunteer organisations and community groups. The aim of the project is to provide shared spaces in the heart of communities where residents can get together, socialise and access a range of activities and services.

To find out about a community hub near you, please email: Karen.Boardman@york.gov.uk

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Hi,, my name's karen boardman,, I'm a technical assistant with the city of york, council.

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An important part of my role is working on the community hubs. Initiative.

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Working alongside residents, volunteer organisations and community groups,, the aim of project is to develop.

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Shared spaces in the heart of communities where residents can get together,.

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Socialise and to enable them to access a wide range of activities and services.

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It’S about developing networks within local communities and across the city.

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And about helping residents shape then create their own facilities and services.

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That meet their specific needs. There are a number of really exciting community lead initiatives going on at the moment in york:.

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The red tower project is a new initiative which I’m also personally.

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Involved with local residents are looking to turn a formerly empty.

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15Th century grade 1 listed building,, that’s part of the city walls, into.

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A community café.

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Tang hall community center recently started a new internet café which provides residents with access to online services, which is increasingly.

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Important in this digital age., your café, at tang hall,, is a great example of communities pulling together to help themselves.

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Lidgett grove community café demonstrates the type.

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Community hub we'd like to see more of in york.

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The community cafe was setup in response to research by the joseph rowntree foundation.

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That found that loneliness was a particular problem in the area.

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Based in a local church, the community café allows people of all ages to get together.. They regularly invite.

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Organisations such as the community, policing, team,.

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Healthwatch york, the cyc housing team and.

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York timebank,, all of whom can provide useful help, information and advice.

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Once a month, representatives from community centres,.

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Venues, voluntary organisations and the council get together to help support each other,.

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To share information and best practice., a wide range of topics have been discussed at.

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These network meetings., these have included advice on publicity, advertising.

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And promotion,, as well as advice on charitable status.

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It's about getting his organisations together to help each other and support.

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Each other and to share information and advice.

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I think a lot of people forget that these community centres are almost entirely run by volunteers. Many people give up their own their time to help keep these centres open and running.

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It shouldn’t be underestimated the contribution these people make to these.

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Important projects within the community., the focus of my work.

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In relation to community hubs is about building strong communities.

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By working with neighborhoods and residents across york to identify and.

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Support opportunities to develop greater independence and control,.

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And ultimately, help reduce the increasing pressure.

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On council services.