New project gives communities in Clopton and Bishopton their say

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has awarded the contract for a Community Builder for the Clopton and Bishopton areas in Stratford-upon-Avon to Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA).

Rachel Knight of WCAVA has taken on the role and already started to work closely with residents in these communities to help them to build on the local areas' many strengths, to build opportunities for improved health and wellbeing, educational attainment, social interchange and tackle some of the issues arising from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The appointment of a Community Builder is part of Stratford-on-Avon District Council's 'strength-based' approach to community development, which builds on the assets and skills of the local community and puts residents and communities centre stage.

The Clopton and Bishopton areas are among the most deprived communities in the County.

The new Community Builder, Rachel Knight of Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA) which was awarded the contract, has already started listening to residents and discussing how they can work together to identify community solutions. Rachel has been knocking on hundreds of doors in the area, distributing thousands of flyers, and creating an online survey to get as many views from local people as possible.

By engaging with local people and promoting the Ken Kennett Centre and Bishopton Community Centres as physical locations for residents to be together, Rachel aims to bring communities together and maximise the potential of the area.

The Community Builder project is jointly funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Stratford Town Trust, and Orbit Housing.

The project is further supported by the Town Trust, who will be making small grants available to support the set-up of new groups and enabling Rachel to run events and pay for room hire or equipment where necessary.

Councillor Jo Barker, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Homes, Health & Wellbeing said: "It's great to see this project up and running.  Rachel's work with residents will bring about positive changes and provide more opportunities in both communities." 

Rachel Knight, Community Builder said: "I'm really enjoying my role, listening to local people, and discussing how we can work together.  I am learning so much about Bishopton and Clopton and look forward to involving other partners who can add value to our asset-based approach to minimise the impact of social exclusion. We want to evolve people's hobbies and interests into community action which positively impacts on residents."

James McHugh, Grants Officer said: "This additional funding will turn some of the ideas generated by the community to into a reality, such as a new family club at Bishopton Community Centre which some Bishopton residents felt was needed.  Those residents will be involved in setting up and delivering the group.  That's what the community builder project is about, listening to residents and supporting them to be involved in the activity they want to see happening locally."

Councillor Tony Jefferson, Leader of the Council and Ward Member for Welcome Ward, which Bishopton is part of said: "Rachel has made a great start listening to residents and beginning to identify what people like about their local area and what they'd like to improve.  To respond to issues raised by the community she is fact finding and plans to involve residents in identifying a community solution."

Stratford District Council awarded the contract for administering the role of Community Builder - which started in November 2022 and finishes in May 2024 - to Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA).

Anyone wanting to contact Rachel can email her at rachel.knight@wcava.org.uk.