Award recognises Falinge moving forward

A ‘Pride Partnership’ community initiative has received an award for its success in connecting with and involving local people on the Lower Falinge estate.

The ‘Community Empowerment and Social Cohesion Award’ will be formally presented by the sponsors, North West Together We Can (NWTWC), to the project in September.

Judges recognised the work that has been done on the Lower Falinge estate to build trust between services and residents.

It also applauded the work done to encourage services such as the council, Police, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, NHS and Employment Links to deliver there.

In the last 12 months, reported crime has seen a 42% reduction, anti-social behaviour is down 29% and residents have reported feeling safer in a second set of resident interviews earlier this year.

Through 200 resident interviews, and information from front line staff, the team found that a high number of residents were not accessing services as well as health and skills which were a key component in people not working.

In Focus was set up in 2007 by the Pride Partnership, a body of key organisations delivering services throughout the borough, to examine the route cause of the high levels of unemployment in Lower Falinge.

Services have responded in many ways such as, physical improvements including a new play park and garden boxes as well as local police presence in the new ‘One Shop’ which has helped in making residents feel safer.

More activities were organised in the community both for men and women with an aim to increase health, wellbeing, cohesion and support with all well attended.

Residents have also gained qualifications in a range of things from First Aid to Cooking.

Dave Broome, Principal Sustainable Neighbourhoods Officer, said he was delighted that the work has been recognised:

“We are delighted that our ‘In Focus’ pilot approach has been recognised as a positive way to empower local people. Many more local people believe in themselves and their abilities.

“Some parents who have attended parenting classes are now volunteering and are looking to move into paid work as play and teaching assistants. Similarly members of a cooking group plan to take qualifications that may lead to employment in catering.

“We could not have succeeded if we did not have support of the Pride Partnership Board, and the positive involvement and energy shown by residents, staff and councillors.

“We want this good work to continue here and in other areas of the borough… this is only the start!”