Studio Center的动态

???????????????????? ?????????? ?????????????? I mentored and chaired my second Dock-Branch-Neighbourhood Community Panel this morning. ?We pressed the accelerator three weeks ago, and changed up through a couple of gears this morning! We are looking to triple the size of the panel and diversify the membership ready to take on the challenge of co-designing a Community Framework.?Currently there are numerous masterplans, initiatives, projects, and consultation events that it leaves you dizzy.?The Panel was born into this powerful wave of regenerative activity to ensure the community voice is heard, but so far it has been playing catch up. Over the next couple of months, they will be reviewing all the plans that will affect the current and future communities in Birkenhead and pulling out the key strands that will shape the quality of life and opportunities for the people that live, work, and visit here in the coming decades.?In the New Year we will start to engage this wider community in a series of co-design workshops to build upon these strands to create a community-led process.?Several challenges were addressed in today’s meeting:? ? The idea of the Dock Branch Neighbourhood has come from the top.?The community think that they live in Birkenhead, a famous “village” on the Mersey.?? ? Nobody has heard of the Dock Branch Community Panel - some ask “what company is that” because there are so many consultants here!?We are Community Champions and need to start championing. ? Young people need to be central to everything that we do – and for them to become the ‘we’ in this place. ? This is also a ‘trauma landscape’ – we must ensure that all design is trauma informed, equitable and a supportive public realm emerges quick

On Friday I hosted the first Civic Voice Roundtable with community groups on the NPPF consultation. With attendees from London, East of England, West Midlands, the North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber, and also representatives from cities including Bristol, Hereford, Leeds, and Manchester it had a good mix from across the country. Many acknowledge that the housing crisis remains a significant issue, so any renewed focus on addressing this challenge is seen as a positive step. However, there’s a strong sentiment that these measures alone won’t be enough to fully resolve the crisis. In the main, people believe more direct intervention from the government is crucial, particularly in terms of funding house building directly through councils, but whether the Government can do this remains a question, so whether the housing affordability crisis can be addressed we will see. Anyway, a quick summary of what we discussed: Affordability and Housing Availability: People expressed concerns about the true affordability of housing and the need for clearer definitions on 'what is affordable'. Issues with substandard private rented housing were also highlighted, alongside the growing need for additional social housing, especially given past sell-offs. Regional Planning and Infrastructure: There was strong support for regional planning returning and the development of new towns, with a group in Hereford sharing feedback on an area they put forward to the council as a possible New Town.?We also discussed the need for better collaboration between local authorities. Stimulating development in key areas like Manchester, Leeds and the North was supported, but we also noted the importance of addressing the many unimplemented planning approvals. Capacity and Workforce Challenges: There were concerns about whether we have the workforce capacity to meet our housing targets and the availability of planners and builders. I’m looking forward to hosting a further?5-6 roundtables throughout August and continuing to hear what different communities think of the reforms, but from the early conversations, it seems that the community groups that are part of Civic Voice's membership believe the reforms are a step in the right direction, but there’s a lot more work to be done. To join a Civic Voice session on the reforms, you need to be a member and to register via: https://lnkd.in/eyYWQF8n

Simple things can truly make Impact.

Community collaboration isn't just a buzzword in Old East Durham - it's the foundation of transformation. ?? When small businesses weave their stories together, something magical happens. Ideal's Sandwich & Grocery opening their doors for MOM's vintage pop-up. Bond Brothers Beer Company crafting their "No Disrespect" collaboration brew. Communities in Partnership hosting Third Thursday food distributions. These aren't just business transactions - they're threads in a larger tapestry of neighborhood revitalization and community empowerment. Each partnership demonstrates how mission-driven businesses can amplify each other's impact while creating vibrant, walkable spaces that serve everyone. This is what sustainable community development looks like. This is how we move FORWARD together. #CommunityDevelopment #SmallBusiness #SocialImpact #DurhamNC #CommunityFirst #EconomicDevelopment #Collaboration #MissionDriven https://lnkd.in/ehdyKzqZ

Embracing Growth and Change in the Volunteer Sphere! Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the The Humane Society of the United States Expo in Texas, and let me tell you, my mind is buzzing with inspiration! In the world of volunteering, just like in any other aspect of life, learning and evolving are paramount. The Expo had so many innovative ideas and practices, leaving me with a plethora of fresh perspectives to bring back to Perfectly Imperfect Pups. But here's the thing about growth: it often requires change. And yes, change can be daunting. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ways of doing things. But it's through this process of transformation that we truly flourish and make a lasting impact. I'm thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead as we implement some of these transformative changes at Perfectly Imperfect Pups. Together, we're not just growing; we're evolving into an even stronger force for good in our community. Here's to embracing change, fostering growth, and making a difference—one paw print at a time! #HSUSExpo #Volunteerism #ChangeIsGood #GrowthMindset #MakingADifference

Community is about more than just being a part of something — it's about coming together to create meaningful change. ?? When we work side by side, our shared efforts turn belonging into something powerful, turning ideas into action and dreams into reality. Together, we make a lasting impact. #communitysupport #communityempowerment #communitydevelopment #selfsustainability #brighterfutureforall #communty #strategicpartnerships #meaningfulchange

Curious about how your neighborhood can thrive with a civic club? Discover what a civic club is and whether your community has one. These organizations play a crucial role in fostering community spirit, addressing local issues, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Dive into this informative article to learn how civic clubs can make a difference in your neighborhood! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gmmJyt2H #civicclub #fosteringcommunity

“There’s so many issues that are happening to us locally. And when we feel that we’re not being heard as communities, when we feel that the local issues that we have are not being addressed… we lose trust in institutions and we also start to lose trust in each other.” Civic engagement at the local level is critical to building system-wide change. Interesting look at what Trust for Civic Life is doing to bridge the gap.

circular economy in mind

When we come together as a group—whether it’s neighbors working to improve a park or people uniting for larger causes—there’s an incredible power in collective action. Hear from Samuel Gonzalez as he shares his thoughts for 2025 - How can we create deeper connections and build stronger communities in the coming year? ?? Start by meeting others who share your vision for change. ?? Find ways to collaborate on issues you care about. ?? Believe in the impact of small, meaningful actions—because together, we can achieve so much more. ?? What’s one way you plan to engage with your community in 2025? #CommunityMatters #CollectiveAction #StrongerTogether #NewYearReflection