Tina Peters – Stonecross Lea Resident
Tina Peters, a resident at Stonecross Lea, Chatham really wanted to create a sense of community spirit on her small estate, and at the same time provide residents there with the opportunity of having some great links with members of Orbit South staff.
Heres her story........
Just over a year ago I set about creating a community group to help get my neighbours not only speaking to one another more but also to Orbit South, about any concerns they were having. I used the local community centre, which is literally a hop skip and a jump for all the residents on the estate and started holding an informal meeting with lots of tea and lots of cake!
At the first meeting, we had 4 residents turn up…..I had invited Lisa Cornish the Resident Engagement Advisor and our then Neighbourhood Officer.
We spent a really nice couple of hours getting to know one another better and had an opportunity to ask any questions to the officers of Orbit South.
The meetings have gone from strength to strength, I invite different guests to each meeting, for example the police or estate services and the attendance has been growing and growing. At the meeting we held on the benefit changes we had 20 neighbours there!!!
The meetings have brought about a better community spirit with more communication between residents and a more responsible uptake on any problems. It allowed residents the opportunity to voice any thoughts ideas and concerns. It has made Orbit staff members more aware of this community and residents more aware of staff and their area of expertise. The residents have the opportunity to choose from which area of Orbit the next guest speaker is from.
They also have PCSOs in attendance in case of any problems that have or may occur and whenever possible our Neighbourhood Officer.
Maybe your area could see the same benefits!