Sound Choices
A Community PB Project based in the Sound area of Lerwick to distribute £12,500, undertaken in 2012.
The aim of the project was to:
- Identify and meet the needs of a growing community and in response to an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour
A steering group was formed by Sound Community Association, Sandveien Neighbourhood Centre, Sound Primary School, Community Members and Shetland Islands Council. The group undertook a community consulation exercise to determine community issues, needs and establish community priorities for the PB event. Community groups were invited and supported to develop projects which met the community priorities identified and submit a bid for funding. Successful applicants were invited to a Voting Day to present their project – 3 minute presentation each with the Community voting for the projects they wanted to receive funding. The money was allocated, projects were delivered, monitored and evaluated.
Over 120 people turned out to vote. The community consultation enabled the working group to understand the needs of residents in the area. Local people felt strongly about their local environment, how people enjoy access to walks, the beach and open spaces, but there was a desire to see parts of the area better maintained and cleaned up.
A range of safety issues were highlighted which influence people’s quality of life – these have provided an ongoing dialogue between the local community and service providers. Local people were directly involved in setting the local priorities for their community. It demonstrated a different way for the Council and other agencies to work with residents / communities, which gives local people a real choice.
Of the 10 projects funded, all have been successfully delivered. Sound School continue to plant bulbs in the local community and involve parents and grandparents in their new poly tunnel. Lerwick Baptist Church have continued their weekly soup and sweet, providing a valuable option for members of the community who may live alone or be socially isolated. The community consultation findings have been used as evidence to lever in money by the local authority and other local groups, eg: funding to upgrade a local path, funding to create a new play area.