Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA) today announced the launch of its community consultation.

The project has been designed to support Newham’s recovery from the pandemic and help shape BDCA’s future services for the community.

Through a series of online and face-to-face activities and conversations, BDCA is partnering with local people to help capture their stories and experiences from the pandemic, share their hopes and priorities for the future, and plan future activities and services that respond to their needs.

BDCA invites people who live or work in Newham of all ages and backgrounds to get involved by completing a short Online Questionnaire, which will take approximately 10 minutes and can be accessed here.

In addition, BDCA is inviting people who live and work in Newham the opportunity to:

• take part in an in-depth interview with a conversation facilitator online or by phone, with a reward to thank participants for their time
• join a focus group online, or face-to-face subject to latest government restrictions
• share their story online in more detail

For more information and to take part, please visit our dedicated web page. People can choose to take part in one or more of these activities, according to their preferences. All activities will take place in English, and information collected will be kept strictly confidential.

When the research is complete, BDCA will share a summary report of the findings with the community and with local partner organisations, to help us build a brighter Newham together.

The National Lottery Community Fund has funded the Voices for Change project, and it is being co-led by Tonte Lawson as Activities Co-Ordinator and Steve Bynon as Consultation Co-Ordinator.

Steve Bynon, Voices for Change Consultation Co-Ordinator at BDCA, said:

“As one of the country’s boroughs worst affected by Coronavirus, Newham has a long road to recovery ahead. However, we’ve also seen again this year the amazing sense of community and wealth of great ideas that we have.

“Everyone has their own story of how the pandemic has affected their life. Whatever your background or experience, we’d love to hear your experience so far and your hopes and priorities for the future. We invite you to have your say by taking our 10-minute questionnaire today – thank you for your support!”

Chelle Coulton, Chief Executive of Bonny Downs Community Association, said:

“Voices for Change will capitalise on our borough’s great community spirit, helping local residents to reconnect with each other through positive health-boosting activities and empowering them to build a brighter future together.

“We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and the government for recognising the great need we have and for partnering with our community so generously to make this possible.”

Note

Funding for the project has been provided by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.