8.30am - Ever since the first lockdown, going into the sitting room to turn on the computer, has been my first task. This room has a view and I have appreciated it so much.
I never seem to get to the bottom of the email ‘to do’ list and there are always new tasks to carry out. Today, there are two calls to make before 10 am.
The first call relates to my role sitting on a project steering group, for a Heritage Lottery funded three-year project that involves the beautiful Quantock Hills. I have represented the need to include harder to reach groups and opportunities for residents to be involved in creative projects.
I have arranged for a small estate in Taunton, to have an event with the Landscapes Partnership Quantock Project team. The event will include families, creating crafts with natural materials and enjoying some food provided.
The second call involves speaking with a Youth Organisation leader, to arrange for some free holiday sessions in Highbridge. I am pleased that through partnership funding, we can help families during the holidays. We always ensure it is LiveWest residents and their wider communities in which they live, that will benefit as a priority.
10am – I attend a meeting online with a group from Minehead. There is a popular request from residents for an event to support designing and painting decorative boards for the Multi Use Games Area, that is looking a little tired. We will combine the event with decorating bird boxes for the estate.
11.30am – An interesting Solar Panel Energy Company is keen to support community engagement that helps to reduce energy costs and has a small community fund. We discuss my role and explore ideas for the benefit of the community.
12PM - I place an order for some craft items to go out as activity packs for two estates during half-term. These are estates I am working with to improve community connectivity and where some of the children are displaying some low level anti-social behaviour.
I am working with other organisations to create a programme of events, to find positive outlets for the children and build upon pride in their community.
12.30pm - I go to the local printers to collect flyers printed for the bird box decorating event. We have budgets to work with, which is especially useful for responsive work in communities.
1.30pm - I go to ASDA to purchase a gift card of £50, to go towards getting small food items for a luncheon club managed by a senior LiveWest volunteer. Volunteers can be like gold and help so much, especially at times of crisis.
2pm - I set off for one of the first meetings externally for some time. It is with a community association tackling issues of economic difficulty and where a community pantry is to be set up. It is nice to be out in the community and seeing people again.
4pm - I make the most of being in Bridgwater and take some gardening vouchers to a community organisation. A small piece of land belongs to LiveWest, and I was approached by volunteers to turn it into a small garden. The group are moving forward with the restoration.
4.30pm - I head back home and feel up-lifted by how communities, once given often just a little support, can achieve wonderful things for their neighbourhoods.
You can find out who your Community Connector is here.