Community Development Team Impact Report 2024

Whitebushes warm welcome

Through engagement with the community in early 2024, Charlie identified that some Whitebushes residents felt isolated. Charlie supported residents to establish a monthly Saturday coffee and tea morning. Thanks to funding from the Your Councillor Community Fund, these gatherings take place at Whitebushes Village Hall, normally used exclusively by a private nursery, providing a welcoming space for neighbours to connect over a hot drink and friendly conversation.

With three events held so far, each attracting over 30 attendees, this initiative has already fostered stronger community bonds and provided a much-needed social lifeline for many residents.

Community impact: feedback from a volunteer

“The coffee mornings have been a great success, bringing people together – especially good as there are not many places you can go to meet others without spending a fortune.”

Warm welcome – St Marks Church, Preston Estate

The warm hub café held in winter has been such a success that it has continued throughout the year, with 15-20 residents attending each session for company, a group jigsaw, hot drink, and food. This is a good opportunity to engage with some of the more vulnerable residents, gain a greater understanding of the issues they face and work with them and with our partners to support them.