THE PLAN THE VISION

The plan was created in 2014 as a result of consistent feedback gathered from local residents. From this feedback six key themes were identified:

Since 2014 there have been many achievements both behind the scenes and on the front line. The plan continues to form the foundation of our work and we hold annual review days to review and evaluate the development process.

By the end of the 10 year plan, Whitleigh will have a vibrant local economy, a caring community and bustling social calendar full of weekly activities and annual events for all ages to engage in.

This will be achieved by encouraging strong local enterprise and supporting the development and progress of local businesses. By providing residents with the tools for doing things for themselves, creating activities that encourage community connections, learning opportunities, information, advice and signposting to other services.

  • PARKS, PLAY & ENVIRONMENT

    Over 3 ’Play in the Park’ events each year with various themes and at various times throughout the year.

    The planning and transformation of Little Bodmin Park into ‘STAR PARK’, which has been commended Best Community Project in the Abercrombie Awards 2021.

    A Green Connector Project includes community allotment work, Community Gardeners, Community Walking project and various Growing projects at the allotment.

    Small Green projects have been identified by the community such as ‘Support of the Litter Pickers’ and Tree Planting.

    Volunteers are key to the success of our events. We have over 25 volunteers young and old who support the work of Whitleigh Big Local.

  • ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

    Running fun community events with the vision of engaging the community in more projects and activities. These community events help spread the word of Whitleigh Big Local and promote the activities on offer throughout the year.

    Delivering ‘Drop In’ spaces on a weekly basis using the mobile community van (Winnie). A perfect drop in space to engage the community with refreshments in the warm and dry.

    The hire of Four Greens Community Hub, insurances, office equipment such as telephones, computers etc.

    Up to £1000 can be awarded to individuals or group who have an idea that benefits the community. This is managed by a community panel.

  • HEALTH & WELLBEING

    The Friendship Café, a safe place to come and chat with a friendly ear whether you’re after a private chat or just a place to meet other people.

    Co-ordinator costs for befriending, Friendship Café and Nifty Over 50’s Lunch Club which is an older people service. With offsite outings for the Nifty Over Fifty group. Also offering 1 to 1 support, help and advice.

    The hiring of St Chads Church for activities such as Nifty Over 50’s Lunch Club and Community Bingo.

    Hiring of the Salvation Army building for the Wellbeing Arts Group and mental health support activities.

    Minibus Community Transport. Running costs, MOT, insurance and service maintenance.

  • CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

    Training and Recreational. Activities such as Hip Hop Yoga and PL Kicks Football. Projects have included The Intergenerational Diversity Project working with adults and young people. Also young people’s residentials for informal education.

    Arts and Crafts sessions for ages 8 to 13 years.

    Delivery of Youth Work activities and projects which were identified by Young People on the partnership.

  • CREATING A LEGACY

    Whitleigh Big Local and Whitleigh Community Trust are currently hoping to develop a community led housing project on land that was once the site of the old Youth Centre (the land behind the barn).

    £302,000 spent no refurbishment and development of play parks with a combination of Big Local Funds and external grants. Whitleigh in partnership with Plymouth City Council funded the development of two new parks in Bodmin Road, the Bodmin Skatepark, which includes a MUGA, zip wires, skatepark and play equipment. The other park on Bodmin Road refurbished was Star Park. We have also helped refurbish the play parks at Milford Flats, Norwich Park and Explorers Park on Lancaster Gardens.

    Training and Opportunities. Residents have grown in knowledge, skills and confidence. We have been growing our own ‘expert residents’ through training and skill sharing. This includes First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Hygiene, Benefit Advice and Community Researcher programmes.

  • MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

    Management. In October 2017 we employed a Community Development Manager to support the partnership and community to fulfil our community plan. Having a dedicated worker has enabled us to secure additional funding, employ local people, support volunteers and develop the work. Since 2018 we have secured an additional £250,000 of funding for Whitleigh, and created 6 new paid posts. We have a dedicated team of volunteers who help run our community events and activities. They are there to listen and support people when they are in need, and are the ears, eyes and heart of our team.

    Development. in 2018, Whitleigh Community Trust charity, was established to run alongside Whitleigh Big Local. So our work could grow and continue beyond the Big Local programme. This means we have been able to attract new funding and develop new opportunities. This includes developing community growing projects, nature trails, work with local schools, community play and creating a team of Green Champions to care for our local wild spaces.