Neighbourhood management

Bolsover district is a relatively rural area and local communities can often feel isolated or socially excluded.

The Neighbourhood Management project helps to revitalise local communities using community development approaches to help reduce social exclusion and bridge the gap between deprived areas and other parts of the district.

We have established a network of Community Houses that provide local residents with a central point where they can drop in and discuss confidential issues such as crime, health, employment and education or any other issues which may concern individual residents.

Although there are Neighbourhood Management Officers within the houses, we actively encourage local residents to take ownership of these houses and their activities

Where are the Community Houses?

We have three Community Houses situated at Castle Estate in Bolsover, New Houghton and South Normanton. They are open as follows:

• Castle Estate - Monday 1pm – 5pm; Tuesday closed; Wednesday 1pm - 5pm; Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm; Friday 1pm – 5pm
• New Houghton – Monday 1pm – 5pm; Tuesday closed; Wednesday 1pm - 5pm; Thursday 9am - 5pm; Friday 9am – 5pm
• South Normanton - Monday 1pm – 5pm; Tuesday closed; Wednesday 1pm - 5pm; Thursday 9am - 5pm; Friday 9am – 5pm

As well as providing an information point for local residents, they also give people the opportunity to participate in community events activities such as sports, arts projects, competitions, fun days, health initiatives and street parties. They can also arrange various training courses for local people to take part in.

Agencies allocate outreach staff to provide sessions in the houses to assist with debt, housing, training, employment and much more. Residents who are elderly, disabled or vulnerable can receive assistance to maintain their gardens. Organisations such as the Primary Care Trust (PCT), employment agencies and the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) also use the Community Houses as a place for them to engage with hard to reach individuals.

Who can use the Community Houses?

Anyone can pop in to use the Community House facilities, take part in the activities, discuss confidential issues or just have a cuppa and a chat.

Residents are also welcome to join the Residents Group or Community Association, put their ideas forward and see them come to fruition.

For further information please telephone 01246 242424 or submit an enquiry form

Last Updated on Monday, 20 December 2010 15:42