Community Event
The programme ran over three days between 29-31 October with a separate session on each day between 10-3pm. The sessions covered Music and Poetry, Creating a textile banner and Halloween Crafts. We took a different approach to the marketing and bookings by going along to each of the local primary schools and physically handing out leaflets to parents and taking bookings through a dedicated phone and email address, as well as directly through the Chatterbox Cafe, rather than using Eventbrite. This increased the coverage and take up.
Each day was very well attended and over the three days some 99 children took part, with some attending multiple days. There were some excellent outcomes and some of these could form part of the ABL legacy. For example, the textile banner is to be displayed at St Martin’s Church and a moving poem, created by the children will be read out at the AGM.
Attendance definitely attracted the intended families and there were some new families in
the area who came from different Ethnic backgrounds. Some parents came with a key worker and some returned having attended in the summer.
The offer of free lunches again proved popular and the take up of these exceeded the intended budget by a handful. We are grateful to ABL for picking up the cost of these.
Derby Adult Learning Service piloted a free summer programme during the school holidays for younger children between 3-12 and children with additional needs, as part of the new ABL plan for 2019-22. The activities took advantage of the space at St Martin’s Methodist Church and recognising that summer holidays can be an expensive time, free lunches were also on offer at the Chatterbox Café for all children that took part.
The activities included, messy play, pottery and story sacks for the younger ones and the chance to try out musical instruments and explore storytelling with some inspiring teachers for older children. There were also practical sessions in Makaton and First Aid and lots of opportunities for children and families to learn together.
The sessions attracted over 80 children from the local area and feedback from parents and their children was very positive, with those attending saying how much they enjoyed the activities and the relaxed environment at St Martin’s. One parent commented: ‘This was a fantastic opportunity for us all and being able to eat for free afterwards was wonderful. School holidays can be very expensive, so this was especially welcome. Thanks’ents and
The summer programme was put together after consultation with parents and carers in the Allenton Big Local area and on the basis of the successful pilot, Derby Adult Learning Service will be offering more activities during the half-term holidays and next summer. Taking note of initial feedback, future sessions will be designed so that children of different ages can do activities together and parents encouraged to join in where they wish. We are, however, keen to encourage even more families to attend and would welcome your ideas on what other things you think your children would enjoy. If you would like to find out more or offer some suggestions, then please contact simon.edwards@derbyals.org
Following several years of planning and consultation, followed by eighteen months of building work – on Friday 1st February 2019 we were incredibly happy to support the relaunch of St Martins Church and Community Centre on Flint Street. Please watch our video which highlights the days activities.
St Martins Church and Community Centre 18 Hour Marathon Big Launch
As part of the process for putting together the next Allenton Big Local Plan, a profile review consultation has recently been carried out, drawing on the experiences, knowledge and needs of local residents. The feedback received featured some recurring comments and shared concerns and ideas for making things better for the community.
To find out more, you can:
Overall, the feedback from the discussions, focus groups, surveys, interviews and other resident feedback endorsed Allenton Big Local’s three existing priorities and supported the kind of activities being delivered. When asked about the current priorities and activities, residents said that they felt they were still valid and relevant, were addressing the priorities, and having an impact. Those who had engaged or benefited directly from ABL activities said that being involved had made a positive difference and they were satisfied with what had been delivered.
The online survey, which was completed by 131 people, asked the question: What do YOU think Allenton Big Local’s priorities for action should be? Respondents were asked to select THREE choices from eight options. The survey results were: Continue reading Reviewing the Allenton Big Local profile
We are holding our annual community event/AGM at St Martin’s Church and Community Centre on Flint Street on 12th February, time to be confirmed.
You are welcome to come along to find out the latest from Allenton Big Local, hear about the plans for 2019 onwards and discuss opportunities to join the partnership.
Free refreshments will be served.
As part of the event, we will be voting on the proposed membership of the Allenton Big Local partnership, which currently includes the following people: Continue reading Our partnership members
At the Christmas event at St Martin’s Church and Community Centre on 15 December, we asked people to Make a Wish for Allenton. We were speaking to local residents to find out what they’d like to see in Allenton in 2019 as part of the Profile Review for Allenton Big Local. One of the Make A Wish cards was selected at random to win a £50 shopping voucher. The prize draw winner has been notified and the voucher is on its way to them – just in time for Christmas.
Over the last three months we have been consulting widely with residents to get their views and find out whether they think that the Allenton Big Local priorities and activities are still the right ones for the local area.
We have spoken to people through:
Overall, the feedback we’ve received has endorsed the three existing priorities and supports the kind of activities the Allenton Big Local project has delivered so far. Residents agree that the current priorities for action are still relevant, successfully address the priorities, and are having an impact. People who have engaged directly in the activities say that being involved has made a positive difference and they are satisfied with what has been delivered.
There have also been some recurring comments and ideas emerging from the discussions, focus groups, interviews and resident feedback. These are summarised in the initial report to Allenton Big Local partnership. The consultation has identified some activity gaps which the partnership will address as they formulate the next Big Local plan for Allenton.
The online survey will remain open until 31 December and, in early January, all of the feedback will be analysed and reported on in full. We will share the full Profile Review Report in a future post here on the Allenton Big Local website.
As part of the Allenton Big Local Profile Review, we’ve been talking to people who have used the Work Club at Allen Park to find out what they think about the service on offer.
“I have attended an ECDL computing course here in Allenton, which was arranged through the Work Club. This was a really convenient venue because it meant that I didn’t have to spend money on bus fares getting to a course in town.”
“The Work Club in Allenton makes finding and applying for jobs much easier and there is always lots of information available. Using the computers here is a lot better than having to use my phone.”
Have your say in the Allenton Big Local Profile Review
The 10-year Allenton Big Local project has reached its half way point and we’re now planning for the next stage of the project.
We need to know what is important to the Allenton Big Local community. If you live or work in the area, please take a couple of minutes to tell us your views. We will then use your feedback to help us decide how to invest Big Local funding in Allenton.
Allenton United Under 12s have received £1,000 of support from the Allenton Big Local Community Chest fund. They put the money towards a trip to Manchester with 15 young people to take part in the Manchester Cup.
The football tournament took place over the Easter weekend and we’re pleased to report that the Allenton United Under 12s team did Allenton proud and came runners up in the cup.
Ash Delaney from Allenton United FC said: “Well what a weekend! Thank you to Allenton Big Local for giving us the opportunity to play in the Manchester Cup. We did our very best against teams from around the world and we came runners up. Continue reading Allenton Under 12s take part in the Manchester Cup
If you have been able to make great changes in your own life through the support of one of the many projects funded by Allenton Big Local, we’d love to hear from you.
Maybe you got a new job after attending the Work Club at Derby Adult Learning, or perhaps your parenting skills development meant you were able to go and support other parents in your community. There are so many great stories to tell and we’d love to share your success so that we can help inspire more people in Allenton… if you want us so share your story pop a quick email to info@biglocalallenton.co.uk and we’ll be in touch very soon
During the refurbishment of St Martin’s Community Centre, the Enthusiasm Trust delivered youth sessions in October, November and December at alternative outreach venues within the Allenton Big Local area.
This included theatre trips, workshops, and a visit to the ice-skating rink in Derby.
Their aim was to engage local young people in street based sports and games such as football, basketball, invasion games and a Christmas treasure hunt. The activities were designed to continue to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and risk-taking activities and ensure their continued engagement and communication with youth mentors in anticipation of the youth club re-opening at St Martin’s. As well as sports and games, young people had the chance to take part in:
Allenton Big Local funds street dance training for young people from the Allenton area – an activity that is delivered by the Enthusiasm Trust in partnership with Trinity Warriors. Trinity Warriors is a Derby based dance academy which became famous when they reached the semi-finals of Sky One’s ‘Got to Dance’ show in 2011. Continue reading Hard work, commitment and energy!
The Work Club continues to offer support to an average of 12 people every Monday at Allen Park. The club is funded by Allenton Big Local and delivered by Derby Adult Learning and offers a range of support to job seekers and those looking to improve their career prospects.
Chris, who runs the Work Club, said: “Most of the people drop in and stay for around an hour. They take part in a mixture of self-directed job search, mediated help to apply for jobs and information and guidance.”
During the last quarter of 2017, some of the longer term job seekers managed to find employment, including a gentleman who had suffered anxiety and lack of confidence for some time. With help and perseverance he has managed to secure a permanent position at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium. Continue reading Interview success for Work Club members
Allenton Big Local continues to fund cookery courses delivered by Nacro Osmaston Family Project. The courses help parents to increase their knowledge of food and the health benefits of cooking simple meals that cost very little. The sessions increase parental confidence and healthy eating and encourage families to try new foods. The course also gives them the know-how to adapt recipes to suit their own family’s tastes.
At the end of the course each parent receives a booklet that has been put together with some of the recipes from the course and some handy tips on cooking and staying healthy. Continue reading Family cooking during half term activity session
Allenton Big Local funds support for local families which is delivered by the Nacro Osmaston Family Project. You can read their latest update report here on our website.
The last quarter of the year is traditionally very busy for the team at Nacro, particularly in the run up to Christmas, which can be a very stressful time for families. It can be an especially difficult time for families with children where the parents have separated. Continue reading Helping families to set goals
The Allenton Big Local Bursary Scheme was launched in August 2015 and, since then, we have approved 37 funding applications. The scheme offers up to £500 of support for course fees for people over the age of 16 who live in the Allenton Big Local area. For those who need support with childcare or other caring costs as a direct result of attending their course, there is also up to £500 of additional funding available. Continue reading How our Bursary Scheme is helping local residents
Allenton Big Local held its annual community event and AGM at St Martin’s Community Centre on 9 January. The event was well attended by local residents, delivery partners, St Martin’s Church members, and representatives from local groups and organisations.
Allenton Big Local Chair, Edith Lang, presented an overview of the Big Local funded activities that had been running in Allenton in 2017. Attendees to the event received a copy of the latest Allenton Big Local newsletter and an update on how much of the £1m Big Lottery money has been spent so far and the partnership members for 2018. Continue reading 2018 Community Event and AGM
We completed our annual survey during 2017 and, this year, managed to speak to 135 people to get their views on Allenton and how they feel about the area. We have now published the results of the survey alongside the feedback from 2016 and 2015.
You can download a PDF of the results using this link.
The number of people who said that they were either ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’ living in the Allenton Big Local area was 71%. Whilst this is a very pleasing result, the figure is down a little from 2016 (when the figure was 79%), 2015 (77%) and 2014 (76%). Does this mean that people are less happy living in the area? Possibly, but there are other factors that may have influenced this change. Continue reading 2017 survey results
Santa visited Allenton Market again on 16 December 2017 and spoke to 448 children at the annual Allenton Big Local Christmas event, which was organised by Nacro and volunteers from Allenton Community Support parents’ group.
The event was also supported by Derby Homes and members of the Allenton Big Local partnership group. Continue reading Great to see Santa back at Allenton Market
At the community event that will take place on 9 January at St Martin’s Community Centre, we will be hold our AGM and confirm the Allenton Big Local partnership for 2018.
If you are a resident of Allenton Big Local and you are interested in joining our partnership group, we would love to hear from you.
You don’t need any qualifications or special skills to be a member of the partnership group. All we ask is that you live in the Allenton Big Local area and are passionate about improving your neighbourhood. Continue reading Would you like to join our partnership group?
Allenton Big Local is holding a community event at St Martin’s Community Centre on Flint Street in Allenton on 9 January 2018 at 6.30pm.
Residents and friends of the Allenton Big Local area are welcome to attend the event, which will include free food, an opportunity to share your views and ideas on local issues and an update on Allenton Big Local activities over the last year.
Attending the event will also give you a chance to learn more about what’s been happening at St Martin’s Church over the last few months. The community centre is currently being transformed by St Martins Church & Community Centre Charity Makeover in partnership with local organisations including Derby Homes, Derby City Council and Allenton Big Local. Come along and get a sneak peek of what will be on offer at the Community Centre once the work is completed.
We hope to see you on 9 January. Everyone is welcome.
The popular Allenton Big Local Christmas event will be back at Allenton Market again this year, on Saturday 16 December between 10am and 2pm. 500 tickets will be available to the free event, which will host Santa and his reindeers in the grotto on the market.
As usual there will be free hot drinks and cookies, photo opportunities, Christmas songs, plus a free gift for the children who see Santa Claus. Entry to the grotto is by ticket only and the tickets can be collected at the following times:
Monday 4 December - 3.15pm to 3.45pm at Allenton Community Primary School.
Tuesday 5 December – 3pm to 3.30pm at Landau Forte Academy Moorhead
Wednesday 6 December – 10am to 12noon at Nacro, 28-30 Varley Street
Thursday 7 December – 2pm to 4pm at Nacro, 28-30 Varley Street
Saturday 9 December - 10am to 12noon at Allenton Market
We hope to see you there. Merry Christmas from Allenton Big Local!
On 24 October Allenton Big Local welcomed a group of Big Local people to an event that focussed on how to make young people a part of Big Local. Throughout the day, delegates discussed and shared their ideas and experiences of getting young people involved in Big Local.
The day was organised and delivered by Bill Badham from Practical Participation, hosted at St Martin’s Community Centre and supported by the Enthusiasm Trust and Big Kirk Hallam. Catering was provided by the Chatterbox Café.
Thank you to everyone who attended the event and our gratitude to the people involved in delivering a session. Special appreciation goes to all the young people who took part in the event with a big shout out for Sylvie and Matt from Big Kirk Hallam, the excellent roving reporters Courtney, Angel and Katie, and a superb performance from the dance group. In all, 54 people took part, including the three roving reporters and 15 young dancers. Links to the resource materials used on the day are posted at the foot of this page.
Supported by Jane Bettany, Courtney, Angel and Katie worked hard throughout the day to record activities using photography and filmed interviews. They also helped to create a newsletter that served as a written record of the day. Copies of the newsletter were printed out and handed to the delegates to take away with them as the event drew to a close.
You can watch the video interviews that took place during the day below:
It was fantastic to meet people from so many different Big Local areas and share information and ideas about involving young people in Big Local.
Links to resources
Allenton Big Local Facebook page
St Martin’s Church and Community Centre Makeover Facebook page
Here’s the Dance Performance video
