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Tenants and residents take a lead in trailblazing
initiative for better neighbourhoods in West Cornwall
In October 2001 CN4C comprised 2 employees, the backing
of 3 major social landlords, and the dreams and aspirations of residents
across Penwith, Kerrier and Carrick. A year later the organisation has
already attracted over £1M funding, including support from Objective
One, and established a number of innovative projects bringing residents
and other agencies together to improve the quality of life on West Cornwall’s
estates.
At its annual review earlier this week, CN4C reflected
on the achievements of the past 12 months, and looked to the future with
confidence. Chair of the CN4C board, Melville Durrant explained: “Tenant
leadership and involvement is CN4C’s cornerstone. Research has proven
over and over again that without community involvement, regeneration is
unlikely to be successful. Therefore we have tenant input at every level
– from the chair of the board and the majority of the members, to
those taking an active role in project steering groups, or working with
the CN4C teams on their particular estates. By March 2003 we will have
created 27 full-time and 10 part-time jobs and we do everything we can
to encourage residents to apply for these roles.”
Chief executive, Fergus Murray added: “This is just
the beginning. We have a huge opportunity to improve the quality of life
for social housing tenants. However, it’s important that what we
do is sustainable in the longer-term. We’re filling in the gaps
in existing provision and working in partnership with other initiatives.
We’re not just another 2 year project, but in the shorter-term we
are focusing on hubs of activity to ensure that we deliver a quality product
which can then be extended to other areas.”
CN4C is a tenant-led community development organisation
working with, and for, social housing tenants and residents to ensure
the voice of Cornwall’s disadvantaged neighbourhoods is heard.
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Editors notes:
Cornwall
Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) was established in 2001 by tenants
and officers from Devon & Cornwall Housing Association, Kerrier
Homes Trust and Penwith Housing Association. Our core values are
accountability, transparency, professionalism and a determination
to work with, and for, our communities towards a better life for
everyone – to create opportunity and choice to enable all
residents to pursue positive dreams and ambitions.
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CN4C is a tenant led community development organisation.
We work with, and for, social housing tenants and residents
to ensure the voice of Cornwall’s disadvantaged neighbourhoods
is heard. |
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CN4C puts the tenants and residents at the forefront of all
we do. Together we deliver a number of community development
projects in Penwith and Kerrier. |
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CN4C works closely with providers of social housing and receives
strong backing from them. We also work with a wide range of
partners to improve the quality of service delivery in disadvantaged
neighbourhoods. |
CN4C works at a local level with residents and multi-agency
teams to develop local solutions to local problems. We’re
here to make a real and lasting difference in the battle against
poverty and exclusion.
We are funded by:
Devon & Cornwall Housing Association, Kerrier Homes Trust, Penwith
Housing Association, Guinness Trust, Habinteg, Sanctuary Housing,
European Social Fund, The Housing Corporation, South West of England
Regional Development Agency, Devon & Cornwall Learning &
Skills Council, Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, Devon & Cornwall
Constabulary, Cornwall Action Team (part of JobCentrePlus), and
Redruth Town Council. CN4C has attracted over £1M in funding
in its first year of operation.
Our objectives are:
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delivering community development |
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increasing resident involvement in decision making and participation |
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creating lasting change through a sustainable and tenant led
organisation |
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increasing access to employment and training |
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realising potential through work, leisure and learning opportunities |
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improving community safety |
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working to improve health |
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making estates better places to live |
Projects already underway:
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Penwith Pathways to Employment – helping
individuals take their first steps towards paid or voluntary
work |
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Streets Ahead – North Kerrier Street Wardens Project
– working with residents to improve their environment,
community safety, and facilities for young people |
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Vision – promotes a strong tenants’ voice in Cornwall’s
regeneration |
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Community Learning Works – delivering learning and training
opportunities within the community |
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Playing It Up – working with tenants to develop long-term
sustainable play and training strategies |
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Between the Years – linking the generations and using
reminiscences to build pride and a sense of community |
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Gwavas Action – working with Newlyn residents to address
specific local needs |
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Jason Clark
Communications Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
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| jason@dclark.co.uk |
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