How Solihull's Environment Champions work with the council to transform their neighbourhoodsOutcomes
Since the projects creation, involvement with the local community has more than quadrupled with 360 champions working with the project. There have been over 600 projects in the community with Environmental Champions and partners being able to make many improvements to the community. The project has increased social cohesion and bolstered social capital within the Solihull Borough. Projects have helped to combat a culture of environmental crime that can result in more serious crime. One project revamped a problem shrub bed that local youth had previously used to hide drugs and as a toilet, with the surrounding walls covered in graffiti. The project involved local residents in an effort to build relationships in the area and show the benefits of effective partnership. As part of the project a Neighbourhood Watch group was set up. Environment Champions and the local police team worked in partnership to replace shrubs in the bed and paint over the graffiti. Sergeant Liam Dalton said:
Another project rejuvenated a rundown community hall in an area with few community resources. 49 Champions both young and old participated in the project with the incentive of a celebratory tea party with the mayor. Due to a lack of funding the initiatives private and public partners sponsored the efforts by donating or offering reduced prices for supplies. The halls users co-designed the plans for the rejuvenation. The refurbishment means the hall can now be utilised better for community activities like a pensioner bingo club, a karate club, a dance troop, and a drop in centre for a range of activities. The project built cooperation and strong relationships amongst users, volunteers, the council, and private partners. It also made a saving of around £13,000. The project instilled pride in the community creating social capital and improved cohesion. The mayor highlighted the positive lessons of the project:
Environmental Champion projects have sought to involve young people in the community. This enables their imagination and enthusiasm to be harnessed. Students’ ideas have been used for projects. One high profile example included a community garden exhibited at Gardeners World in the NEC. The project:
These pictures of environmental conservation projects speak for themselves in terms of positive environmental outcomes. The conservation projects also show how the coordinator has been able to provide support for ideas enabling residents to work as a efficient team carrying out work themselves. They have also created a strong social group, act as community role models and teach other residents about getting involved. |
About this case study
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Alison Lush Email: Chris Edgell Email: This case study was written by Frankie Hine-Hughes in April 2011 and updated by Chris Edgell on 29 August 2013. |