Building a better community
Community Builders are operating in a neighbourhood near you…and this has nothing to do with bricks and mortar!
Instead, the initiative is all about building better communities and providing firm foundations to allow individuals and communities to improve their own health and wellbeing.
The Builders are working across Exeter, listening to residents and through these conversations, helping to uncover what people feel strongly about and what activities they can get involved in.
The initiative, which has already seen positive results, is the brainchild of Wellbeing Exeter, a strategic alliance of public, voluntary and community sector organisations, set up to pilot a particular approach to social prescribing.
One of those to benefit said: “Before I became involved with the local community around me, I had become reclusive and virtually bed-bound - this was in autumn 2017.
“When I first met my local Community Builder I was intrigued as to what she was doing, her role and hearing from her about the community's plans for my local green space.
“I started getting up and about and was able to attend the first few meetings with my husband. I helped form a committee for the Park, of which I am now proud to say I am secretary and my husband is also involved.
“Now, I find the pain in my legs is still there but I can move and stand a lot more. People say I look better! I still have my bad days, but less of them now.
“I've had to get up and about, connecting with new people who want to get involved with our local Green Space, meeting my neighbours and other groups in my community. I've organised events to raise money for the park, and involved people I have met along the way. I thoroughly enjoy it, and haven't looked back!”
Community Builders are working in all 13 Wards across the City, Their role is to listen to residents, and through these conversations help to uncover what people feel strong about, to help connect people and ideas, to help the community develop what they want. To find out more visitwww.eci.org.uk/communitbuilders
To find out more about Community Builders and the Wellbeing Exeter initiative, go to
https://www.wellbeingexeter.co.uk/
