Cheshire housing associations' community project picked for Government programme
A community project set up by Weaver Vale Housing Trust in Winsford and Muir Group Housing Association in Chester has been chosen as one of the Government’s Our Place programme participants as part of a nationwide drive to combat crime, boost employment and improve health.
The trust’s project, known as GGO West Winsford, is a joint initiative with the two organisations and Chester West and Chester Council aimed at empowering local residents to create a better and safer neighbourhood for all, where people want to take pride and ownership. Residents of the Greenfield Park, Glebe Green and Over estates in Winsford lead the project and work together with each other and the organisations to help local people find better access to employment and training.
“GGO West Winsford is a great project to be involved in as it enables our residents to take an active part in their future and have a say in what happens in their neighbourhood. We’re really pleased that everyone’s hard work has been rewarded with national recognition on the Our Place scheme,” added Beverley Price, Community Engagement Officer (North) for Muir Group.
“It’s fantastic that the GGO West Winsford project has been recognised by the Government as one of only 14 in the North West by becoming an official member of the Our Place programme. It means we can work with some fantastic organisations to help our residents improve their lives and the community where they live,” said Steve Jennings, Chief Executive of Weaver Vale Housing Trust.
The Our Place programme was established by the Department for Communities and Local Government in 2012 to encourage neighbourhoods to tackle local issues and shape their lives for the better through collaborative partnerships with councillors, public servants, voluntary organisations, community groups and people who live in the area. £4.3m was set aside by the department to support the scheme through grants and shared learning opportunities.
Councillor Lynda Jones, Ward Member for Winsford Over and Verdin, said: “This is another example of the excellent work that is being driven by GGO. It is great to see locality working at its best.
“Working with partners and residents is so important and this sends out such a positive message. I commend all those involved in getting this project selected.”
Councillor Tom Blackmore, Ward Member for Winsford Over and Verdin, said: “I am delighted that Winsford has been chosen as an Our Place participant. It is fantastic news for our residents.
“One of the GGO key priorities identified by residents is training and job support. This funding will be used to deliver support in preparing CVs, interview techniques, searching for a job, and much more.”
More information on the Our Place programme can be found atwww.mycommunityrights.org.uk/our-place and GGO Winsford can be seen athttp://www.wvht.co.uk/ggo.