Tendring Community Assets Full Final Report

53 14.3.3 The asset map needs to be updated regularly if it is to be of ongoing use, this needs to be done simply and easily and resourced appropriately. There are other activities in the District which this project may not have picked up, and they will need to be added as they are identified, along with new ones and removing activities which are closing down. 14.3.4 Providers and those running activities need to ensure that new members receive a warm welcome and good information about what to expect. If they need to bring equipment or wear particular clothes they should be told in advance, including being informed of what happens at the session and what to expect. 14.3.5 Many activities and support groups are only open during weekdays and usual working hours (approx 9am – 5pm). It would support those who are working and in need of community based support to move to a culture where evening and weekend opening a regular feature. This is particularly relevant for working people who have caring responsibilities, people with mental or physical health problems who are working and people whose partners work and who have shared family responsibilities. 14.4 Recruiting participants 14.4.1 Many providers report that taster sessions for new groups can be very effective but that they need time to work, a single session is often not enough. Taster sessions of around 4-6 free sessions might be offered for new groups or to encourage new members. This may require some pump priming funding. 14.5 Raising awareness of vulnerabilities 14.5.1 There needs to be more universal awareness of issues relating to and helping develop understanding of child criminal exploitation, drugs and alcohol, mental health issues, living after stroke, living with the experience of dementia etc. Many existing charities have indicated that would be willing and able to assist with this. 14.6 Start Well - giving children the best start in life 14.6.1 There needs to be more accessible affordable, meaningful and relevant activity for school age children. Introducing activities at any age is good, but at 8 years plus, this helps to build interest for the future and supports young people not to be lonely, or become bored, destructive or alienated. This may mean having to fund transport to allow access to services/activities. 14.6.2 There is some excellent social and emotional support but this is often stretched to a point that young people sometimes have to wait too long for support. This impacts on their educational achievement, their emotional wellbeing and their life chances. The type of support which works best should be explored by existing providers, in discussion with their young people. Young people should be welcomed into activities and supported while confidence builds. There are some good models in the District. 14.6.3 Continue to support programmes and courses targeted at parents and families to develop strategies to handle difficult conversations and situations and confidence in parenting. 14.6.4 Young people living in outlying villages are often low in number and opportunities for activities, clubs and places to go are often limited. Outreach models or a means of bringing dispersed young people together may help to address this.