The Big Local Review

Big Local Greatfield has just completed its Annual Plan Review process.  This is an opportunity for members of the Big Local Steering Group to look back over the previous year; consider what has been achieved; what worked well and what we can learn from what didn’t.  Their conclusions are contained in the Review Report which you can get hold of by e mailing the Greatfield Plan Co-ordinator, Claire Taylor (claire@greatfield.org.uk) or by dropping in at the Greatfield Hub off Hemswell Avenue.

The Greatfield Hub is the most visible Big Local funded project and the Review is very positive about what has been achieved.  It was recognised that without the funding to support the Hub Manager, Sue Pleasance, little of what has been achieved could have been possible and her significant contribution is recognised. People have spoken well of their experience of using the Hub, attending events, training and other opportunities offered. The challenge now is to develop the Hub so it can be self-sufficient and generate income to covers its costs without relying on Big Local funding. 

Another key success factor for Big Local has been the appointment of the Plan Co-ordinator Claire Taylor.  It’s Claire’s job to identify community needs and look to work with our partner organisations to figure out how best to meet them.  Big Local has been very fortunate in making an excellent appointment in Claire who has added skill, enthusiasm and vitality to the Big Local programme.

PROBE, one of the Big Local partners, has lead on a pilot programme funded by Big Local to give local residents employment and personal development advice and support.  PROBE has engaged Jo Smith as the project advisor and she has proven to be very effective in building up trust and creating opportunities.  Take up of the offer has been slow however and whilst Jo has made a big impact, it’s only been on a relatively small number of people and Big Local realises the emphasis now needs to be getting the message out that this support is available.

The detail about these and other Big Local initiatives can be read in the report, but there is one underlining challenge that effects all the project’s activities. So many people who live on Greatfield seem to know nothing about Big Local and it’s proving really difficult to get more people involved. 

Big Local aims to make Greatfield a better place to live by listening to residents and responding to their needs and ideas. Trouble is, Big Local is heavily reliant on a very small number of volunteers and needs more people to come on board, help generate new ideas and spread the word.  Although it’s almost three years since the Big Lottery announced the £1 million for Greatfield, only 17% of the funding has been spent.  With over £800,000 still in the bank, there is much that could be done.  The major learning from the Review process is that Big Local Greatfield has to improve its communications, development better ways of publicising its activities and new and creative ways of engaging with residents and responding to their ideas.  New ideas all always welcome! 

David Burnby

Big Local Representative

Volunteer Opportunities Greatfield Hub

The Greatfield Hub is a community centre for the residents of the Greatfield Estate in Hull.

We are looking for people interested in the following volunteering opportunities;

                                             Office Administrator                            Keyholder

For a Volunteer Registration Form and Role Description contact us

Launch of Greatfield Social Investment Fund  

Do you have an idea for a community project or social business which help to make Greatfield a better place to live? Do you want to share your skills, improve your own job opportunities  and contribute to the future of the estate?  Through the new Greatfield Social Investment Fund  you will receive free help and support to develop your ideas. Contact the team for more information.