Leadership in creating sustainable communities
Winner: Paddington Development Trust, London
What was the problem?
The Paddington Development Trust (PDT) was born out of the difficult period following political upheaval around the Shirley Porter affair in the City of Westminster in the 1980s. Effectively the area was isolated from mainstream political, economic and social development for over a decade. As one of the most deprived wards in the country, and with increased numbers of immigrants coming to live there in recent years, there has been an important need for the challenges of the area to be thoroughly addressed.
What action was taken?
A clear strategy was designed in 1997 by Chief Executive Neil Johnston and the Board of the PDT to reconstruct and empower local community partnerships. It aimed to attract skills, resources and committed staff to develop and regenerate the physical environment, rebuild the social and cultural fabric of the community, regenerate failing schools and youth services, and develop ways to provide economic and business training opportunities for people living in the area. Since 1997 it has run a Neighbourhood Management (NM) policy with Boards in each of its target wards to enable involvement from the community. In partnership with local voluntary and community sectors, Westminster Council, Westminster Primary Care Trust, Police, Registered Social Landlords, and the private sector, the PDT has created NM Centres in its four targeted wards.
Why is this project special?
The PDT began in 1997 with no assets but only local interest and goodwill. It is now seen as one of the most accountable bodies in the area. It has pioneered NM using residents’ knowledge in a resourceful way. An impressive testimony to their success is the fact that 10 years ago council officers were told not to go onto the estates of north Paddington - now they do, usually accompanied by members of the PDT.
What can be learned?
The PDT is a leading example of the work that can be done when local communities are enabled to reach their full potential, particular in situations where outside agencies would be simply too out of touch with the living fabric and culture of the area. The PDT has shown what can be done when an in-house body is put together to act as a leading body of change within the community.
Finalists
Breckland Economic Development Team
Norfolk
The Economic Development team of Breckland Council has demonstrated proactive and positive leadership in delivering a range of high quality, high impact initiatives with limited resources, to the benefit of the community of the district. The team took on the responsibility for a project to develop a dynamic local economy, encourage quality job opportunities and investment in a sustainable and socially inclusive environment. This took the administrative pressure and risk away from the community partners to allow them to concentrate on delivery. The assessment panel has given this project a special Rural Award.
BTCV
UK
BTCV is the UK’s largest practical conservation charity, having been set up in 1959 to bring about positive environmental change. BTCV has been recognised as a pioneer for a unique coaching and mentoring approach to conservation. It has come a very long way from a small conservation volunteering group to the leading green organisation addressing issues of environmental justice and achieving outreach to some of the poorest and most marginalised urban communities in the UK and overseas. The panel commended the chief executive, Tom Flood, for his visionary and determined leadership in achieving this substantial change.
Heeley City Farm
Sheffield
Heeley City Farm was started in one of Sheffield’s most deprived wards to create opportunities for disadvantaged people in Sheffield. As well as being an educational tool for young children, the farm offers support to young people who are not achieving at (or attending) school, in the form of training and skills development, advice on healthy diets and fitness regimes and inspiring local people to recycle.
Regeneration of Langthwaite Grange Industrial Estate
Wakefield
The Wakefield District Development Agency, in partnership with national organisations and local stakeholders, has successfully regenerated this industrial estate previously plagued by crime and deprivation. Employment and skills are now being generated across the area, with firms cooperating on common training needs and a new range of business mentoring. Support is also being developed through the business association working with local support agencies. The willingness of businesses to work with local people has been achieved through community engagement, creative interventions, a re-focused public sector and a commitment to partnership.
Sybil Phoenix MBE
Sybil Phoenix MBE is someone who has worked tirelessly for more than 50 years in the communities of Lewisham, helping to improve race relations and acting as a crucial mediator between marginalised members of the community and the local authorities. She has established numerous services to help disadvantaged members of the community, including Britain’s first black youth club and a supported housing project which has now been in operation for 27 years. The police approach Sybil for advice over issues affecting the black community, such as gun crime. Sybil has overcome personal, financial and practical obstacles to provide an inspirational example of leadership in the community.
Category Sponsor
Chartered Institute of Housing
