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In Brighton a New Deal for Communities Pathfinder Scheme covers four estates on the eastern edge of the town which have suffered from severe decline. Many of the residents are socially and economically excluded even though much of Brighton is doing well. The initiative started with a series of capacity-building exercises, involving a broad section of the community. For example, residents were trained to carry out an initial household survey of the area and were represented (along with people from the voluntary and business sectors) on the East Brighton Community Partnership which established a ten year action plan for the estates. An early project was to train women in childcare, so as to allow others to go out to
work. Major priorities include tackling crime (with more than £400,000 being spent over three years on a community safety scheme and £75,000 on neighbourhood wardens). Another priority is reducing unemployment. One project involves linking up with job opportunities in the town centre and further afield (e.g. at Gatwick Airport). Communication has been an important part of the programme, both at a local level within the community and at a wider level through its Internet site. |
