SE-Village

Read the SE-Village blog

About the approach

SE-Village reflects a different way of working with the community - rather than doing things to local people or for local people, this project is seeking to encourage community members to do things for themselves.

SE-Village will be delivered in stages: firstly, outreach workers will use a range of techniques to get people involved as well as identifying local leaders with ideas about how to address local priorities. Engaging methods will be used such as community visioning, a travelling roadshow featuring the SE Village sofa, and pizza parties. Having shown an interest in starting up a new group or project, new leaders will be offered support to develop their ideas into workable sustainable initiatives. This support will include access to a physical meeting space, networking opportunities, administrative assistance and training and mentoring opportunities. Each new 'start-up' will be represented on the 'village council' where there will be opportunities to exchange ideas and build shared ownership. Seed funding will be available to each new project or group.

Out of recognition that people need the confidence and tools to develop their ideas, the group will offer a diverse and flexible support package, which combines financial resources with practical assistance. The approach also embraces the role of celebration within communities and the power of social events to ignite local interest and generate enthusiasm for change.

About the organisations

The Lead: Peckham Settlement

Peckham Settlement is an historic community anchor organisation in the heart of Peckham, South London. The organisation's programmes and activities have evolved over time to meet the changing priorities of the community, and include a children's nursery, adult education courses, a travellers action group and a timebank initiative. Historically, Peckham Settlement has focused on delivering services within the local community but they have an aspiration to develop their role as a community hub, providing support and brokering opportunities for local people to run their own initiatives.

Local Partner

Restore (Peckham) is a church and community development charity which is committed to the development and empowerment of people to achieve their potential in all dimensions of life. They also aspire to build a local community in a way that overcomes the barriers of background, race and social status and draws on the strengths of people's diversity, and are well-known locally for their popular community parties. Restore members are encouraged to actively pursue relationship building with those around them, both initiating and getting involved with local activities. Many bring professional skills which they are encouraged to apply sensitively as volunteers to contribute to building the local community.

Restore will contribute community development expertise, understanding of the locality, local links and a bank of volunteers. It will take a lead role in outreach and community organising, which will predominantly be in the form of community events and parties.

About the neighbourhood

Peckham is a locality with a diverse range of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, which makes the area culturally rich but often creates barriers for interaction and the creation of a genuine Peckham community. Like many communities, it has untapped potential in its local churches, barber shops, coffee shops and tenants associations. There are many people who are time rich, and who have significant local knowledge, but who need encouragement and skills to turn their potential into projects and clubs that will bring more people together and impact positively on the local community.