Whitley Bay

We want to share with you the launch of "Happy to Chat", one of the projects we are working on with some Reducing Isolation funding that we received from North Tyneside Council. It's been great to collaborate with VODA and North Tyneside SIGN to bring the work of our volunteers together to launch this scheme. We'll be recruiting cafes and other venues to host happy to chat sessions and display their Happy to Chat badges in their windows to make everyone aware that they are a friendly space. We are every grateful for the funding which has enabled to launch this project in a very professional way. Copy this link to view our launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCXpe8_bp5U&feature=youtu.be

Whitley Bay Big Local has a new 3 year plan for the period 2019-2022. The draft plan was developed following a range of community consultation events and methods - referenced in the plan document. We underwent a review with a representative of Local Trust and received some very positive feedback. Themes - we will continue to focus on 'environment' and 'people' themes but also have a new piece of work that focuses on 'Investing in a Community Building'. More on that in another post soon...

We published a Welcome Leaflet to explain what Big Local is all about in Whitley Bay. The leaflet will go to all households and businesses in the area and be available for people to pick up in our community shop. We often get feedback that people don't know what Big Local is about. This is despite us having a community space on the high street, holding lots of community events and activities, having a strong social media presence, a website, getting regular articles in our local paper, holding community consultations and producing numerous newsletters over the last few years. Raising awareness, publicity and PR is a challenge!

The latest WBBL newsletter was in Spring 2018 - they have decided to stop producing these for a while and try other ways of connecting with the local community. This one included a resident's questionnaire where we asked residents for 3 suggestions about how to improve Whitley Bay, an update on the activities of the Big Local funded Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Caretakers, and an example of how a Whitley Bay Big Local Small Sparks grant has been used.

Year Nine Pupils from Whitley Bay High School "took over" writing the majority of this edition of the Newsletter.

Sue Miller, a member of Whitley Bay Big Local partnership, reflects on what Big Local means to her

A record of the huge amount of activity going on in Whitley Bay Big Local on the 20th October 2016

Local resident John Clavering has been appointed as the town's first "caretaker' by Whitley Bay Big Local. He will help to improve the appearance of the area and build on the sense of community pride within the Big Local streets.

Big Local Spring Event in Newcastle (April 2016) Whitley Bay talk about the Carnival and its role in developing a stronger sense of community and promoting awareness of Big Local as well as providing employment opportunities for local residents.

Extensive consultation resulted in 500 people suggesting ideas about Whitley Bay. All comments and suggestions were ranked based on impact and "do-ability' and a draft plan was shared at an open meeting before approval by the Partnership.

Issue 2 of the Whitley Bay Big Local newsletter includes news about the WBBL plan for Year 3, local activities, the small grants pot, and has a 'You Said - We Did' column to show how WBBL is helping to make change happen.

A leaflet explaining WBBL plans for 2016 - 2017. It identifies achievements so far, activities for the coming year and how people can be involved.

Residents of Whitley Bay come together at Whitley Bay Big Local Community Forum to reflect on what's happened so far and share ideas for the refreshed community plan.

Whitley Bay Big Local Plan outlines Big Local's original aspirations for the area. Against Big Local outcomes, the Plan identifies the responses to needs and priorities identified through consultations with the local community.