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Community
Regeneration
Communities aren’t just about houses, they’re
about people: the homes they live in; their skills to
get jobs; their children’s education; their health
and fitness; their safety and their involvement in making
decisions about the area they live in.
Optima’s Regeneration Team are working with a range
of organisations to develop a comprehensive social and
economic programme which will provide a range of choices
and opportunities for local people.
Here we give you a brief introduction to some of our
current projects. If you’d like to talk to us drop
in or call us on 0121 687 3143.
Reducing crime and fear of crime is a top priority for
the residents of Attwood Green, so Optima employs a team
of four community wardens to provide a highly visible presence
in the area. They visit vulnerable or isolated residents
and accompanying elderly people to the local shops and
post office on pension days. Patrolling the estates of
Attwood Green on a daily basis, they monitor abandoned
vehicles, graffiti, litter and vandalism. They work closely
with the police and Optima’s Housing team to combat
anti-social behaviour. Call the wardens on 0121 622 5232.
Optima are playing an important role in bringing together
a network of local agencies and key workers to improve
support to vulnerable people living in Attwood Green and
neighbouring areas. The group is particularly concerned
with individuals and families experiencing domestic violence
and victims of homophobic abuse and discrimination.
Optima was set up as a tenant led organisation and residents’ input
into decision making has always been valued. To encourage
and develop this Optima funds a dedicated Community Worker.
James Hobbs works with residents associations and the
Neighbourhood Forum developing their skills to run effective,
representative organisations.
Women, single parents and elderly residents can be particularly
vulnerable, so we support two womens groups plus a programme
of trips and activities to combat isolation and help
develop confidence. In addition to support from James,
the groups have access to a qualified social worker and
money/debt/benefit advice.
We have free access to a minibus for trips and outings.
This is well used by community groups, schools and nurseries. If you would like more information about community activities
contact James Hobbs on 0121 687 3164.
The elders project is specifically aimed at encouraging people over
50 years of age to be more active and visible within their community.
Optima will work with and support local agencies to provide activities
for an older audience such as arts classes and a luncheon club.
We have recently started a yearly calendar of social events and trips
for residents. We hope to reduce the number of people feeling isolated
in their homes and improve their confidence and well being.
If you would like to attend one of the elders events or know of someone
living in the Attwood Green area who could benefit from these activities
please call James Hobbs on 0121 687 3143.
This project holds a drop in group every Wednesday between
12 noon and 3pm, for parents and young children at the
Attwood Green Community Centre.
They provide trips, social activities as well as advice
and a safe environment to play with a wide selection
of toys. The scheme is due to expand in the coming months,
and will be offering a wider range of services. For more
information please call 0121 464 8630.
Concerns about sexual health are common in many inner
city communities with a high turnover of population.
This project offers advice and guidance to local residents
on good sexual health and practice in a non threatening
environment. It also works with local professionals to
raise awareness of the issues.
The project is jointly funded by Optima, the Health Authority,
and the Primary Care Trusts of Edgbaston and Ladywood. For information call Helen MacCauley or Steven Richards
on 0121 622 4846.
A simple process for accessing small sums of money equipment,
trips and projects is welcomed by all local community
groups and organisations. With contributions from Crest
Nicholson developers and the SRB4 programme, Optima offers
small grants of up to £3,000 to local groups. A
panel of residents and Optima Board members meet regularly
to assess applications and approve grants. Since November
1999 the panel has awarded 68 grants totalling £116,725.03.
If you’d like to make an application call
James Hobbs on 0121 687 3164.
Brumcan is Birmingham’s leading community recycling
organisation and is working in the Optima area to help
raise awareness of recycling. Ultimately they hope to
work with residents to create a sustainable waste management
plan for the area that will help protect the environment.
Since recycling collections began in Attwood Green in January 2003, Optima residents have recycled 27.81 tonnes of materials through the recycling centres and 1.89 tonnes of textiles. That's more than the weight of 3 fire engines.
If you are interested in becoming directly involved call
0121 771 1010.
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