How to have your say
There are lots of ways to take part and have your say in the changes in the changes happening on the Ocean Estate. Some of these are informal and some are more formal. Some may even lead to new career options while others will also bring the satisfaction of knowing that you have personally played a part in building a better place for you and your neighbours to enjoy living in.
- Have your say at the Ocean Forum
- Become a community champion
- Apply for a community grant and do something good for your neighbours
- Come along to an occasional event
Have your say at the Ocean Forum
The Ocean Forum, which used to be called the residents’ panel is a great way to get involved. The Forum meets on a regular basis every two months to discuss progress on the redevelopment, to make suggestions and find out the latest news first hand. You can also meet your neighbours and the project team at the forum.
The Forum is open to everyone and you can come along to every meeting or just occasionally – it’s completely up to you.
The dates for the next meetings are as follows:
25 September 2012
30 Oct 2012
If you have any questions contact Shane Marshall on 0208 522 3285 or email Shane.Marshall@east-thames.co.uk
Become a community champion – gain skills for yourself and help your neighbours
You might feel that being a Community Champion is right for you. The Ocean Estate Community Champion course is designed to help you use and develop your existing talents for your benefit and for that of the wider community too. You could learn new skills and that could lead to you having a better chance of gaining new or better employment – it has for some Community Champions already!
As a Community Champion you’ll work with your neighbours to share information, concerns and success stories and be at the heart of the communications around the regeneration of the estate. There’s a free accredited course, which runs for three days a week for six weeks, which will give you skills in IT, team building, communication and confidence in work situations such as interviews and public speaking.
A recent graduate of the course, local resident Alex said:
“We all worked hard and were given a job to be done and that was to get our resident’s voices heard. This opportunity has been extended to me and I am more than happy to continue on my journey to seeking employment.‘’
Apply for a community grant and do something good for your neighbours
If you are involved in a community group working with residents on the Ocean Estate you may be eligible for a Community Chest Fund grant of up to £500.
What is the community chest fund?
It is in fact a little like a treasure chest! It’s there for groups and organisations to help them fund events and projects which help the local community. Groups can apply for an annual grant of up to £500.
Is it hard to apply?
Not at all. You do need a good idea about your project or event and you’ll need to be able to explain how you want to spend the money. But the application itself is simple and easy and we’re able to help you with this if you need.
If you’re interested contact Shane Marshall on 0208 522 3285 or e-mail Shane.Marshall@east-thames.co.uk
Come along to an occasional event
From time to time we have events for residents. These are often held in school holidays to allow the children on the estate to come along with their parents and join in the fun.
All events held on the Ocean Estate will be published on this website. Stay tuned for all up and coming events to take place over the next few months.
