Community Conversations

• Lead Member South Ribble Borough Council
• Categories Community

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions meant that social interactions were severely limited; and this was reflected in the Council’s ability to engage with the community and its’ residents. Previous efforts to break down barriers between the Council and the communities it served were strained as a result.

At South Ribble, it was agreed that community engagement needed to be re-ignited, whilst continuing to safeguard the health and safety of both Council staff and residents. As such, it was decided that ‘pop up’ community engagement events would be created, and ‘Community Conversations’ was born.

The Community Conversations model was to set up gazebos and sofas in areas of the borough with high footfall, and invite residents to discuss their issues, ideas and thoughts with their local Councillors, and Community Officers from the Council. South Ribble is split into 5 geographical community hubs and 2-3 sites were set up in each hub throughout a couple of weeks in July. Residents are able to engage with the hubs through the localised Facebook pages, but this created a welcoming, relaxed and friendly space where people could stop for a coffee, biscuit and a chat about their local area.

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