YOURSHERWOODFor a while now signs have been going up, leaflets produced and some talk going on about the Sherwood Vision. So what is it, what does it mean and how will it impact the lives of Sherwood’s residents?

First and foremost, Sherwood Vision is a shared vision. It’s the result of a long and varied programme of consultations that have taken place with residents over the past two years. These include Ward Walks, a survey of residents, and consultations with them specifically on local service standards and the long-term vision for the estate.

Through this process, residents have been able to tell us what’s important to them, what’s good and not so good about living on Sherwood, and what improvements could be made to make life better.

Sherwood Vision pulls all this feedback together to set local priorities determined by residents, to regenerate Sherwood and improve the lives of those who live here. It will create a Sherwood of the future that isn’t just a good place to live, but a great place to be – for our families, our senior citizens, and our young people.

Implementing the Sherwood Vision involves all the different organisations and agencies who play a part in providing services and support (such as help with jobseeking, benefits advice, social care or healthcare) to the people of Sherwood, and requires them to work together to ensure they bring about the real and meaningful improvements that residents have asked for.

“Sherwood Vision is about making what residents tell us is already a good place to live even better. It’s an exciting project that brings together everyone involved in any way with our community to play a part in making Sherwood an even more vibrant, attractive and prosperous place to live.”

Paul Turton - Operations Director Town & Country Housing

Sherwood CommunitySolutions launched

A new non-profit organisation has been set up to provide cleaning and environmental services for Sherwood. The innovative scheme has created employment and training opportunities for up to 15 long-term unemployed local people.

Sherwood Community Solutions will clean communal areas inside and outside Town & Country properties in the area to the Local Standards set by residents during the recent consultations.

In addition to the cleaning service, Sherwood Community Solutions will create jobs and training opportunities for local people within its environmental improvement service. There, they will carry out work such as clearing dumped rubbish, landscaping, repairing walls and fences and external building works.

The new scheme has been set up with the help of K College (formerly South & West Kent College) and Gateway Solutions, a Tonbridge-based organisation which specialises in creating social enterprises.

“It’s a relief to be doing something because I’ve been out of work for a while. I’m trained as a carpenter and bricklayer, so I’m hoping this is going to lead on to other things.” N Sencherey, Sherwood Community Solutions team member

A Vision for Sherwood

The team: pictured from left are Katrina Bull, Nathen Sencherey, Martin Gardiner and Steven HarveyFor further information on Sherwood Community Solutions contact Katrina on 01732 783 535

DECEMBER 2010

Making Sherwood Vision a realityImproving Sherwood – improving lives

Sherwood Vision is about improving lives and improving the environment on the basis of what local people tell us they want and need. It is also about being innovative about service delivery and residents playing an active part in their neighbourhood. We know Sherwood has a great community spirit and we want to build on this so that local people can take even more pride in Sherwood. The Vision is owned by everyone. The priorities have been set by the community and we will be working in partnership with residents on this ambitious journey.

Local people will be supported to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through better access to health services and supported outdoor activities – such as a gardening scheme to be run by Kent High Weald Partnership.

We will continue to work with residents and local agencies to address local priorities such as improved access for disabled people and respite for carers.

We will also tackle issues relating to drugs and alcohol problems, as residents have identified these as a key concern.

Health Improvement

The programme for change – six routes to success

Based on feedback from residents and local organisations, the activities and improvements planned under Sherwood Vision have been organised into the following six equally important areas of work:

Responding to the needs and ambitions of local people is at the heart of Sherwood Vision and drives all of its activities. We will continue to work with residents to improve homes and gardens, create better and safer routes, and replace unkempt areas with useful communal space, as well as to improve estate services and create opportunities for local people.

Community First

“I live in one of the most labelled roads in the area, identified for poverty and anti-social behaviour. The biggest difference I’ve noticed since the Up Front consultation is that people are taking greater pride in the neighbourhood, making little improvements to their gardens and properties. It’s a more united neighbourhood.”

Local Sherwood Resident

Friends of Sherwood Lake have done a fantastic job in achieving Town Green status for Greggs Wood. This means that Sherwood’s prize asset is secured for the use and enjoyment of the community and can be enhanced for the future.

Sherwood’s lake and woods in the snow

Natural Environment

Residents set the priorities for Sherwood Vision at the Sherwood Carnival

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Just some of the results you’ll see from Sherwood Vision ...

Improved image of Sherwood as a great place to live

Homes improved to make them more energy efficient, making them cheaper to run and better for the environment

New and affordable eco-friendly homes

Open spaces improved to provide communal gardens, herb gardens, and safe and attractive places for children to play

Local apprenticeships and support for residents to find work

Neighbourhood services that are more responsive to the needs and priorities of residents

Residents supported to improve access to and management of Greggs Wood

More activities and opportunities for young people

Increased resident involvement, leading to an even stronger sense of community

Town & Country is committed to providing homes that meet the range of needs of the community. Existing homes will be improved to make them more energy efficient and a range of new properties created.

The problems of traffic management and access to other areas will also be addressed.

Improved Housing & Transport

Residents will receive personalised and appropriate support to help them into work and to build their careers.

New volunteering, training and apprenticeship opportunities will be created to help residents develop the skills and confidence they need to gain employment.

With the involvement and input of residents, new standards for cleaning and environmental management have been put in place. Sherwood Community Solutions has been established to enable residents themselves to deliver services that meet these standards.

Learning, Skills & Employment

It’s not easy for families facing problems to have to deal with a range of different agencies. Through Sherwood Vision joint working between agencies will be encouraged, creating a single point of access for families.

A new pilot Family In Focus will work with families at the root of anti-social behaviour as well as those affected by it. Through a family focused approach, those causing problems to the community will be helped to accept their responsibilty to modify their behaviour.

Family Matters3

Woodburning stoves – for more fuel-efficient heating

Your questions answered Events

Sherwood Vision PhotostoryThursday 16th December - Sunday 9th January

A photographic exhibition highlighting the contribution of local community activists in creating the community spirit of Sherwood.

Reception and launch Friday 17th December 12 – 2pm at Trinity’s Foundation Gallery, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells. ALL WELCOME!

To book call Dawn Grant on 01892 501 702

How to get involved

This will be largely funded by replacing poor quality, unpopular housing with new homes that meet the highest environmental and social standards. Some of these homes will be for sale and shared ownership, and money raised from these will be reinvested into Sherwood.

There will be no increase to rent as a result of Sherwood Vision.

We explored a number of ideas very early on that looked at how particular spaces might be used to serve the community better. However, none of these have been taken forward and we will not be building on Greggs Wood or the Doorstep Green. Also, while we would like to improve the area residents have in which to grow things, we have no plans affecting allotments, and residents would be consulted if we did. So there will be no overall loss of community space and, in fact, residents will enjoy new play areas and quality community spaces created as part of the Sherwood Vision.

YOUR SHERWOOD will be circulated to all households four times a year to keep residents updated on progress. Your next YOUR SHERWOOD will be available in the New Year, bringing you more news on exciting projects, initiatives and developments.You will also be able to click on to a new interactive MY SHERWOOD website for up-to-date information and to share news and views, or follow Team Sherwood on FACEBOOK.

73% of residents want to live in Sherwood... ...because of the friendly atmosphere, well connected community and improving services.

We want you to help us make this figure even higher by getting involved in delivering the Sherwood Vision. Whatever time you have to give there is an opportunity for you to get involved. All the projects and initiatives need volunteers – whether it’s to organise and lead, or just to help out and take part. You can join in these activities too, or you may prefer just to join our Team Sherwood Facebook group.

Sherwood Vision has grown out of the views and priorities of local residents. Resident consultation at the Sherwood Carnival in June 2009 (facilitated by Studio Egret West) along with other community research has shaped the Vision. Detailed consultation with local people will be an on-going feature of this programme.

YOUR SHERWOOD is brought to you by the Vision partners:Town & Country, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council; the agencies leading on key themes – K College, High Weald Partnership, and the Primary Care Trust and the Team Sherwood resident representatives who we thank for their time and enthusiasm.

To get involved or tell us your news or views contact Brendan McGowan on 01892 501 747

(email - brendan.mcgowan@tchg.org.uk) or David Comerford on 0845 873 1321

(email - david.comerford@tchg.org.uk)

What consultation has there been with residents about Sherwood Vision??

Will my rent increase as a result of the planned activity??

How will all these improvement and work be paid for??

Aren’t there plans to build on community space??

How will residents be kept informed about what’s going on??

We can translate this publication into other languages or make it available on audio tape or CD, in large print or in Braille. Please contact 0845 873 1321

Getting involved is fun for this young resident at the Up Front consultation