Community Development Team
Who are we?
Evelyn
“I may not live in Thornhill now, but as an ex-resident I have been a weekly visitor since 1960, whether it has been living, visiting parents or working, it totals 47 years of knowledge, and that is my expertise. I head up the Community Development Team together with Rachel. We have what I consider the best jobs in the Thornhill Plus You organization as it’s our remit to be the community voice - so most of the time you won’t find us desk-bound, but out in the community. It’s our aim to help local residents to participate in their future.”
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Rachel
“I moved to Southampton in 2005 and began working in Thornhill in May 2006. As a “new girl” to the area I’ve had a lot to learn about Thornhill from local residents and workers here. My favourite part of my job is being out and about, meeting residents and helping people to find out about groups, events, opportunities and services in Thornhill that are useful to them. I spend a lot of my time meeting up with community groups and helping them to achieve their goals. I also look after the Community Chest small grants fund, helping out groups who are thinking about applying but aren’t sure where to start.”
What are we here for?
Individuals
We are here to help individual residents to get involved in our activities, to access opportunities and to have their say in shaping what Thornhill Plus You does. There are a lot of reasons why people may not be involved – perhaps through not knowing what the opportunities are, not feeling confident enough to take part, struggling with language skills or a disability. We are here to give people the information and support they need to get involved with Thornhill Plus You working groups, events and activities, and make the most of the opportunities that are available in Thornhill. Click here to download a booklet outlining a whole range of things you can get involved with.
Community Groups
When people get together and form a group they can achieve all sorts of things that would be difficult as an individual. They can pool their skills and resources, share their passion or concern about a particular topic, get to know new people and make their voice heard more powerfully. We work with all sorts of community groups in Thornhill, from residents’ associations to art and craft groups, from sports societies to “friends of” groups and PTAs. We can help with:
- What you have to do to set up a new community group
- Learning more about the roles of committee members
- Understanding your constitution
- Publicising your group
- Finding funding for your activities, through fundraising or grants applications
- Creating a webpage for your group on the Thornhill Plus You website
- Finding similar groups to network with and learn from
- Knowing how to make the most of your volunteers and offer them the best opportunities
TPY programme
We are here to be the “eyes and ears” of the Thornhill Plus You programme. We feed in a residents’ perspective and ensure that residents have a say on important issues. Our team is accountable to the Community Inclusion and Development Advisory Group, a resident-led sub-group of the Board which ensures that Thornhill Plus You is accessible and inclusive in its activities. In particular we are responsible for ensuring that each project that Thornhill Plus You approves takes a community development approach.
What do we get up to?
Natterbox Community Centre
We spend a lot of time at the Natterbox Community Centre on Hinkler Parade, supporting the team of volunteers there, meeting residents and holding meetings. Click here for more information on the Natterbox Community Centre
Community Chest
The Community Chest is a small grants fund for voluntary and community groups in Thornhill, which we manage and administrate. Click here to read more information on the Community Chest, or click here to download a leaflet about the fund.
Thornhill in Bloom
We have the happy job of organizing Thornhill’s annual garden competition, Thornhill in Bloom. One of the nicest days in our year is visiting the beautiful gardens that Thornhill residents have cultivated and admiring their hard work. Click here for more information on Thornhill in Bloom.
Community Awards
Every year Thornhill residents are recognized for their outstanding contribution and achievements at the Community Awards. We organize this event, and you can click here to find out more about this year’s award-winners
Local events
We regularly attend local events to meet residents, consult on a variety of issues and tell people about all of the ways that they can be part of the regeneration programme here in Thornhill.
Get in touch
We would love to hear from you if you have any questions, comments, or simply want to find out more about the Thornhill Plus You regeneration programme and what’s available to you in Thornhill.
Telephone
Freephone 0800 169 5561
Email
Evelyn.street@thornhillplusyou.co.uk
rsmith@thornhillplusyou.co.uk
Address
Thornhill Plus You
Eastpoint Centre
Burgoyne Road
Thornhill
Southampton
SO19 6PB
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