The latest blog focuses on the work the Well Doncaster officer has undertaken in the last year and is written by the officer, Hannah. Hear what Hannah has to say about her first year in the role…
Wow, how time flies! It was a year ago I sat here writing a blog to introduce myself to my Well Communities but fast forward to March 2021 and it has been a very unexpected year for us all and one that I didn’t envisage would see me working from home, offering humanitarian support and advising community groups on the latest public health guidance because of a pandemic.
Whilst I haven’t been able to visit communities in person or develop peer support groups and a lot more that I thought I would have in this role, I have developed a network of VCFS groups and community contacts that have been conducting some fantastic work in their local communities. The last year has seen a real sense of community spirit from all involved with food parcels available to clinically and extremely vulnerable residents, phone calls for those socially isolated and online resources to keep everyone busy. PFG, Flintwood Church, J & D Activities, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, All Saints Church and Intake United Reformed Church are just a handful of the community organisations that have offered their time, resources and expertise to their local communities. My role has seen me continue to support these groups with regular PPE (face coverings, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand gel) deliveries, access to funding pots to ensure this work continues for as long as we need and now to help support them in the transition out of lock down in a safe and secure way.
The future’s looking bright…
Away from COVID-related work, Well Doncaster carried out an annual Appreciative Inquiry in Intake & Wheatley hills during October. We were able to conduct surveys followed by online community workshops in November. The community workshops were conducted online for residents and key stakeholders to attend for Intake. Sessions gave attendees an opportunity to have their say on the priorities identified from the first phase (Discovery). Intake’s priorities highlighted were Community Engagement and Community Spirit and utilising the assets within the area. Residents and key members of the community suggested an initiative to target young people to stay healthy and identifying how services can bring local drug and alcohol services to the doorstep to support individuals was important in this community. The priorities will drive my work in 2021.
I am also currently part of a wider team looking at introducing a pilot voucher scheme for fresh fruit and veg in the local area. Hopefully the next time I am writing a blog there is some exciting news that I can share with you all…
A New Well Community
With all the work, connections and community organisations Well Doncaster have developed over the last year it was only right that we widened the areas which Well Doncaster worked in and so, I have recently started working within Clay Lane community. We now have a ‘Well Clay Lane’ Facebook page and I have started to join groups and pages to get to know the community and what is in the local area. So, if you have any recommendations or ideas for groups and pages I can join or anyone that may be a good contact to have please do let me know!
Just a little reminder we still have the active community grants available for those looking at getting themselves and others involved and out and about more. If you want a chat about an idea or support completing an application please do get in touch with me. What a better time than now after a year where we have been limited to such little time outside and engaging with others!
My first year has definitely been challenging and different but it has placed me in a very good position to continue to develop my work in this community and one that I am looking forward to as we get back to some normality. I am already looking forward to the next year ahead!