GCCF Consultation Report 2010

 

Gibbonsdown and Court Communities

First Partnership

Community Consultation Report

September 2010

Purpose of the community consultation

 

Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First have commissioned Empower – Support the Voluntary Sector to conduct a resident survey in order to establish the following:

a)     the needs of the community

b)     understand how successful Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First has been in delivering and meeting the residents needs

c)      the issues related to living and being active in the community

d)     what services and activities are vitalised and valued by the community

e)     what services and activities are needed and requested

f)       how Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First and its partner agencies can improve the quality of life and opportunities for its residents

 

This community consultation forms part of the Gibbonsdown and Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011. There are five key Themes to the Gibbonsdown and Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011:

 

-         Child Poverty and Financial Inclusion

-         Health and Wellbeing

-         Education, Skills, Training, Jobs and Business

-         Community Safety

-         Environment

 

The first outcome of the Action Plan is to reassess the needs of the community during the two year life of the Action Plan. During this two year period, the aim of the Action Plan is to work closely with the Gibbonsdown and Court residents to see that issues identified in the Communities First surveys are prioritised. It is important for Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First and its stakeholders that residents feel proud and safe in the community that they live in and issues including anti-social behaviour are addressed. The Partnership should be working with partners and relevant agencies to see improvements to the area are made and projects that are set up become sustainable.

 

Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First are responsible for moving forward local priorities. In order to do this, they need to engage with local residents. Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First have commissioned Empower – Support the Voluntary Sector to speak with local residents and delivery this community consultation.

 

The Partnership is undertaking this community consultation within the two wards of Gibbonsdown and Court – to build on the existing work that has been delivered. With this re-assessment, the Partnership want to identify, strengthen and promote approaches that work and re-evaluate those that are not working, identifying projects and task groups stemming from the relevant consultation process. This community consultation will define deliverables and direction for the remainder of the Action Plan, as well as future strategies and Actions Plans post 2011.

 

 

 

Background to Gibbonsdown and Court and its Communities First Programme

 

Communities First is the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship community regeneration programme, set up to enable residents in the identified Communities First areas to recognise and prioritise key issues in their community, and work together to decide what is needed and become part of the process of assisting to make change happen. Communities First aims to be a “resident lead” action based programme of support, recognising and prioritising key issues in their community, working together to decide what is needed and become part of the process of assisting to make change happen.

 

The Communities First programme has been running in Gibbonsdown since 2001. In 2007, it was proposed for Court to be an eligible area in the Communities First Programme. A consultation was undertaken by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, through the distribution of newsletters and by holding public meetings, to seek the views of residents and organisations. The response for Court in becoming a Communities First area proved significantly positive. After The Welsh Assembly Governments re-assessment of the areas of need, part of the Court ward was identified as a potential Communities First area. As a result, Court joined the Communities First programme in 2008.

 

The Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First Partnership currently operate a range of projects within the community, and have a range of activities on-going that local residents can take part in. From the Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First building in Aberaron Close, a range of outreach services are delivered. A summary list of activities and projects delivered by the Partnership include:

 

• People’s Allotment Group – a group set up to improve the local environment
• Trust Fund – which aims to support activities in the local area that involves local people of all ages, to help them make a real difference in the community that they live in by awarding grants up to £5,000 to build on existing activities or to initiate new ones
• ‘Computers with a cuppa’ – that promotes the use of accessing the Internet for all members of the community in a friendly atmosphere
• Credit Union Collection Point – that promotes improved savings and lending practices to the community
• Extend Classes – specifically tailored exercise classes for older people
• Annual Family Fun Day – with the 2010 event called Change 4 Life Day which saw a range of health services and organisations in attendance, and promoted the Change 4 Life campaign
• Family Nurturing Programme – which provides a 10 week support programme for parents
• Good Neighbour Scheme – a group set up by the residents for the residents of Gibbonsdown and Court to help their neighbours enjoy a better quality of life
• ITECTraining – offer support and guidance for residents wishing to return back to work with access to training. Course available include administration, food hygiene and IT related (e.g. ECDL)
• Luncheon Club – for residents aged 50+ to meet new people, enjoy food and access advice and services
• Playtime – provide language and play for parents and children aged up to 4 years of age
• Youth Forum – which meets monthly for young people aged between 11 and 18 to have their say, express their views and get involved in developing projects in the community
• Youth Gateway: Careers Wales – aimed at young people aged between 16 and 18 years who are not in work, training or education to get them started

 

Court has a population of approximately 5,000, with the last consensus (2001) detailing a population of 4,827. Similarly, Gibbonsdown has a population of approximately 6,000 with the last consensus confirming a population of 5,818.

 

Gibbonsdown was ranked 104 out of 190 in the overall deprivation score in the Welsh Index of Multiple Depravation 2008, ranking 61 in the income deprivation score, and 126 in the employment deprivation score. Court ranks 119 in the overall deprivation score, 186 in the income deprivation score, and 49 in the health deprivation score.

 

Gibbonsdown and Court are based in the Vale of Glamorgan which is a relatively rural coastal county inSouth Wales. A high-quality environment and natural assets that include theGlamorganHeritageCoastmake it a popular destination for tourism and leisure activities. Important industry sectors in the area include aerospace and aviation, chemicals manufacturing, and agriculture. Industry in the area benefits from an established infrastructure that includes good transport facilities and dedicated industrial estates. The maritime industry is also important, with Barry Docks which is local to Gibbonsdown and Court providing a sea transport link for freight.CardiffInternationalAirportis located within the county, further strengthening its transport links. Land set aside for commercial and industrial use provides opportunities for further economic development.

 

According to the Office for National Statistics, the Vale of Glamorgan has a population of around 125,000. The county’s population is linked to the increasing significance ofCardiffas a city, and is forecast to grow by around 8 per cent between 2011 and 2021. 97.0% are of White background, with the remainder population made up of South Asian (1.4%) and Black (1.1%) ethnic minorities (Wikipedia). Just over 60 per cent of people consider themselves Welsh. Around 17 per cent of the population speaks some Welsh.

 

Although it is a relatively rural county, the Vale of Glamorgan’s population density is over double the average forWales. This reflects its proximity to the city ofCardiffand its popularity as a base for commuters. The east of the county, being closest toCardiff, is considerably more populous than the west.

 

Government figures show that the Vale of Glamorgan has around 75,000 residents of working age and an active workforce of just over 60,000. Almost 85 per cent of the working-age population is economically active, well above the average forWalesas a whole.

 

The workforce in the Vale of Glamorgan is well qualified, with over 90 per cent of the working-age population holding a qualification of some sort. Less than 75 per cent of the workforce is qualified to at least NVQ Level 2, with more than 30 per cent being qualified to at least Level 4. This is well above the national average forWales. The skills mix is diverse and includes aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and professional and technical occupations – which matches the local industries.

 

In 2009, the average weekly wage for workers in the Vale of Glamorgan was £541, considerably higher than the average forWalesas a whole. Unemployment in the county is below the national average.

 

Methodology

 

The methodology decided by Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First in conducting this community consultation would be through local residents providing responses to a specifically designed questionnaire, highlighting their thoughts on living in the community. Empower met with Partnership staff and the Chair to discuss what they wished to gain as a result of the community consultation. It was important that the Partnership Board took ownership of the consultation and a facilitated session (16^th April 2010) enabled Board Members to identify which questions they wished to include in the questionnaire, and to develop an understanding of how the responses could be used.

 

One of the most common mistakes made when conducting community consultations is that the questions are formed without consideration of what the answers from respondents will or could be, the form they will take and how they will be used during analysis. Empower wished to avoid this situation as much as possible, hence the development of the questionnaire as a collaborative piece of work with the Partnership Board.

 

The questionnaire was initially compiled based on the priorities identified by the Board Members. Empower developed the questionnaire based on the keys messages that the Partnership wished to gather from this community consultation, as described in the “Purpose of the Community Consultation” section of this report. Some of the questions were deeply personal and sensitive and Empower raised this issue with the Partnership. However, they felt these questions were relevant and there was a real reason in asking them.

 

The final in depth questionnaire was approved in early June 2010 and formed the following main sections: 

 

-         Personal data (e.g. gender, age, employment status, languages)

-         Housing (what they like / don’t like about where they live, and how many live in their home)

-         Communities First in their area (how aware residents are of the Programme)

-         Community involvement (their thoughts on project and activities in their area)

-         Support on education, training and employment activities (assessing their needs in this area)

-         Health (including which illnesses locals are suffering from the most)

-         Safety and policing in the community (how safe residents feel living in the area)

-         Understanding the key issues in the local community (to ensure activities delivered are according to current needs)

-         Preferred method of contact / receiving information on activities in the community (to ensure information is presented to the community in the best way)

 

It was discussed with the Partnership that all the questionnaires would be completed either face to face or through focus groups. This is based on Empower’s experience that there would be very little success in leaving the questionnaires with respondents with the expectation that they would be completed and returned.

 

Initially, Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First had asked for a 20% response rate of households in the area, but it quickly became clear this would be unfeasible as a door to door activity with such a large questionnaire. It had been agreed with the Partnership that Empower would gather the views of a minimum of 120 households.

 

Once the questionnaire was finally approved and printed, the following details on how the data and responses from the residents was collected in Gibbonsdown and Court:

 

-         Communities First staff supplied Empower with a list of all the road and street names in the Gibbonsdown and Court areas

-         Communities First staff supplied Empower with completed sign-up sheets of residents who were willing to complete a questionnaire over the telephone

-         Empower arranged visits to Flying Start andOakfieldPrimary Schoolto talk to staff and hand out sign up flyers (these were sent home with the pupils asking parents to participate via a freepost address). Despite the freepost address, Empower did not receive any responses via this method. Empower did not ask people to complete the actual questionnaires at this stage as they knew this method would not be effective – all Empower asked for at this stage were their contact telephone numbers or email so that they could follow up / send the questionnaire via the office

-         Empower made one resident community visit to engage with local residents. This was at a Gibbonsdown community centre where an Empower team member stayed for several hours over an afternoon and evening during which several community events were taking place, i.e. yoga club, brownies and the luncheon club. Attendees were asked to complete the questionnaires whilst at the community centre and collected several completed questionnaires and some further sign up sheets for the Empower office to follow up on via telephone

-         Four more visits were made to Gibbonsdown and Court, with each visit comprising of a group of 4 canvassers going door to door asking residents the questions in the questionnaires rather than getting them to complete the questionnaire directly

-         The Empower canvassers were provided with relevant identification and complied with lone working guidelines if they were interviewing alone, with advice not to enter domestic premises unaccompanied. There are a number of sheltered housing tenancies particularly the Court area. Elderly people are often extremely trusting. When Empower found someone who they believed was particularly vulnerable, their details were passed on to the Communities First Partnership

-         Empower made significant efforts to target and gain the views from a cross section of people in Gibbonsdown and Court, making a conscious effort in targeting both young and older residents

-         It was discovered mid-way through the consultation process that Empower had more female responses than male. Empower tried to address this imbalance by targeting more male residents and taking responses from both the male and female tenants in a joint household

-         Empower had more success in the telephone questionnaire than door to door; people were quite reluctant to give us the time required to complete the questionnaire face to face and were more likely to offer their telephone number to be contacted at a later date. Again, when following up, Empower did experience a number of residents who declined to complete the form despite giving their telephone number

-         Information from all of the questionnaires was inputted onto a summary spreadsheet database with only two members of staff making entries and changes to the database to prevent any information contamination

 

A total of 124 questionnaires were completed via door to door or telephone calls. Each questionnaire completed was from one household. The findings, where appropriate, had been translated into a spreadsheet table, with data converted into charts or tables to provide pictorial images of the responses to indicate trends and ratios. Where the question required a textual response, then all responses have been collected, grouped and then summarised by response type.

 

The Board Members felt it was important that this community consultation process was owned by the Communities First Partnership rather than Empower. Therefore when Empower did engage with residents, they informed the interviewee that they were working on behalf of Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First Partnership.

 

All completed questionnaires would be anonymous and personal data collected such as age, gender and postcode would only be used to identify trends among groups of respondents and not individuals. If the respondents requested to be contacted with further information during their interview, then Empower passed on this information directly to Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First for them to action. Empower made significant efforts to ensure the questionnaire and the methodology in collating, analysing and presenting the findings were compliant with the Information Commission and the Data Protection Act 1998. A draft of the questionnaire was sent to the Information Commission for their feedback and to ensure it met their standards and the Data Protection Act 1998. The main area of concern that the Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First Partnership had was addressed by the Information Commission which related to the health questions being asked in the questionnaire. Here, Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First Partnership and Empower were satisfied that the questions asked and the management of the data received would comply with the legislation in the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

There was a slip at the bottom of each questionnaire to capture individuals who were interested in being involved in events / participating in community activities. Empower only took such details if residents wanted to be contacted by the Communities First Partnership as they did not need this information except in these circumstances.

 

 

 

 

Details about the organisation conducting this community consultation

 

Empower – Support for the Voluntary Sector has used a comprehensive methodology programme in order to undertake this community consultation process, based on extensive experience in previous similar consultations. The Empower team have used their considerable community consultation skills and experiences in a variety of methods in the construction of this study. One example of consultations undertaken by Empower includes the consultation report of the views of nearly 350 businesses in West Lindsey,Lincolnshire in 2009, which resulted in the commissioning of writing the consultation report in 2010. Again in West Lindsey, Empower led on a 16,000 household community consultation to establish the demand for a Council run swimming pool. This was a postal survey supported by the local newspaper who also printed the questionnaire.

 

Other community consultations have included a door to door household survey of the Communities First area of Troedyrhiw involving 1,000 houses, as well as residents of Dollis Valley Estate in London Borough of Barnet in respect of stock transfer in the community.

 

For further information about this report and consultation process undertaken, please contact:

 

Bev Garside

Director

Empower – Support for the Voluntary Sector

Ty Menter, Venture House

NavigationPark,Abercynon,CF45 4SN

Tel: 01443 749787

Mobile: 07904 109277 

Email: bev@empowersvs.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results of the consultation process

 

For ease of use and convenience, the references in the following tables and charts correspond to the same references in the questionnaire.

 

 

 

Personal details

 

Q1. Gender of respondents

 

Question 1 received a total of 124 responses equating to a response rate of 100%.

         

Table 1: Gender	No.	%age
of respondents
Female	96	77.4%
Male	28	22.6%
TOTAL	124	100.0%

 

 

More than three quarters of the responses came from females. As mentioned previously in this report, Empower were aware mid-way through the consultation process that there was a large sample size of females questioned, and put in corrective measures to gain a larger sample size from males. Empower did find it difficult to gain the views of male residents compared to female ones. Females were generally happier to be interviewed at home rather than males, and there were more females at home as most of the door to door interviews were conducted during the day. According to the latest population figures (2001 Consensus), around 55% of the Gibbonsdown population and 53% of the Court population are female.

 

 

Q2. Age ranges of respondents

 

Question 2 received a total of 124 responses equating to a response rate of 100%.

 

Table 2: Age No. %age  of respondents     Under 16 8 6.5% 17-25 6 4.8% 26-35 9 7.3% 36-45 14 11.3% 46-60 29 23.4% 60+ 58 46.8% TOTAL 124 100.0%

 

 

Nearly 50% (46.8%) of all responses came from people over the age of 60. This was due to older people being more likely to give their time in completing the questionnaire. Nearly 20% of respondents came from young people (less than 35 years of age).

 

 

Q3. Employment status of respondents

 

Question 3 received a total of 123 responses equating to a response rate of 99.2%.

 

Table 3: No. %age  Employment Status     Full time employed 11 8.9% Part time employed 11 8.9% Full time education 18 14.6% Part time education 1 0.8% Unemployed 25 20.3% Retired 42 34.1% Self employed 0 0.0% Other 15 12.2% TOTAL 123 100.0%

 

From our responses, 33.2% are in either employment or education (i.e. economically active). According to the 2001 Consensus, an average of 57.4% of people aged 16-74 are economically active in Gibbonsdown and in Court. It is likely that many people within the households during the time of these interviews were at work as they were conducted during the day and therefore may not have been available to complete the questionnaire.

 

Responses under “Other” included disabled (3 respondents), carers (2 respondents), volunteers (2 respondents) and maternity leave (2 respondents).

 

 

Q4. First language of respondents

 

Question 4 received a total of 115 responses equating to a response rate of 93.5%.

 

Table 4:	No.	%age
First language
English	113	98.3%
Welsh	1	0.9%
Other	1	0.9%
TOTAL	115	100.0%

 

 

Over 98% of respondents spoke English as their first language. Only 1 respondent (0.9%) said Welsh was their first language. According to the 2001 Consensus, 11.6% of people aged over 3 years in Gibbonsdown and Court either speaks, reads or writes Welsh.

 

The Partnership should consider providing additional Welsh language support or training to residents, especially there are a growing number of high level jobs, particularly in nearbyCardiff, requiring a strong knowledge of Welsh, and the Welsh Language Board is promoting Welsh as a much valued language. This support would ensure local residents are not at a disadvantage in gaining opportunities in employment.

 

 

 

 

Living in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Q5. Length of time living in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 5 received a total of 123 responses equating to a response rate of 99.2%.

 

Table 5: Time living No. %age in local area     Less than 1 year 5 4.1% 1-5 years 15 12.2% 5-10 years 29 23.6% 10+ years 74 60.2% TOTAL 123 100.0%

 

 

Nearly 84% of respondents have lived in Gibbonsdown and Court for at least 5 years, with over 60% of all respondents saying that they have lived in the local area for 10 years or more. This suggests that residents of Gibbonsdown and Court are well established and settled in the local area. The Partnership can use this established and settled community to their advantage by bringing to them awareness that the work and activities of the Partnership, with the support of residents, will have a noticeably positive impact to their lives and futures. A more settled community should be more supportive of activities that improve their community and quality of life.

 

 

Q6. Like most about living in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 6 received a total of 346 responses as this was an open question and respondents were allowed to choose more than one option.

 

 

Table 6: Like about No. %age living in area     Neighbours / community spirit 78 22.5% Feel safe 63 18.2% Family close by 62 17.9% Their home 56 16.2% Local amenities e.g. shops 44 12.7% Open spaces e.g. parks 41 11.8% Nothing 2 0.6% TOTAL 346 100.0%

 

 

As can be seen from the chart above, the reasons why respondents most liked living in Gibbonsdown and Court are fairly equally distributed. The most popular responses provided are the good neighbours and community spirit in the local area which equates to 62.9% of total number of respondents (78 replies from 124 respondents). The next most popular replies include feeling safe, having family close by, and liking their own home.

 

The Partnership can use the above results to bring awareness to the community of what makes Gibbonsdown and Court a good place to live and use this as a way of attracting more people and businesses into the area, and help further bring the community together through activities.

 

It would be interesting to understand as part of this consultation process what the reasons were as to why residents did move to Gibbonsdown and Court recently (for example in the last 5 years or less). Responses to this could include family already being established in the area, employment brought them into the area, or Gibbonsdown and Court was an improvement to their previous area of residence. These responses could be used by the Partnership to add value to the advantages of living in Gibbonsdown and Court.

 

 

Q7. Don’t like most about living in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 7 received a total of 211 responses as again the question was an open one and respondents were allowed to choose more than one option.

 

Table 7: Don’t like about living in area	No.	%age
Neighbours	112	53.1%
Lack of local amenities & facilities (shops / children to do)	26	12.3%
Anti social behaviour (young people / drug use)	20	9.5%
Don’t feel safe	11	5.2%
No family close by	10	4.7%
Transport (limited provision / excess speed)	8	3.8%
Environment (littering)	5	2.4%
Condition of their home	4	1.9%
Lack of local spaces (parks / children play areas)	4	1.9%
Limited community spirit / respect	4	1.9%
Nothing	4	1.9%
Others	3	1.4%
TOTAL	211	100.0%

 

 

From the above table, it is clear that a significant proportion of residents do have issues with their neighbours which has a negative impact on their lives. This is mentioned by residents throughout this consultation report, contributing to high levels of anti-social behavioural issues in the local area.

 

The Partnership needs to bring awareness to local partners of this response, including the police, residents associations, and community groups, with the view of re-assessing and strengthening the Gibbonsdown and Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011 if necessary. As a result, new activities and deliverables may be required to improve neighbourly relations and anti-social behaviour in the area.

 

However, there is a difference between liking the area that you live in due to the neighbours or from its general community spirit, hence further clarification needing to be made between these two reasons.

 

 

 

Housing in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Q8. Number of people living in the household

 

From the respondents, there are 171 adults living in the households of the 124 homes questioned, providing an average of 1.4 adults per household. There are 72 children in those households, providing an average of 0.6 children per household which suggests members of households in Gibbonsdown and Court tend to be small.

 

Table 8: Average no. of	No.	Average per household
people living / household
Adults	171	1.4
Children	72	0.6

 

 

 

Q9. Type of tenancy of households

 

Question 9 received a total of 109 responses equating to a response rate of 87.9%.

 

Table 9: Type of	No.	%age
tenancy
Council	53	48.6%
Private	56	51.4%
TOTAL	109	100.0%

 

 

There is a fairly equal split between the number of council and private tenants from our respondents. This represents similar figures in the 2001 Consensus that confirm that just over 50% (50.2%) of Gibbonsdown and Court households are owner occupied (either owned outright), and 44.3% are rented from the Council or housing association (with the vast majority of the remainder rented through a private landlord).

 

To further understand the housing needs of the community, it would be interesting to understand how many households are actually home owners (including the people who own their council property). This would provide the Partnership with an indication of the strength of the local economy, and whether there is a need to shift local services towards tenants and landlords, or towards house owners.

 

 

 

Q10. Choosing between remaining a council tenant or a new registered social landlord

 

Question 10 received a total of 26 responses equating to a response rate of 49.2% of those respondents that informed Empower that their tenancy was a council tenancy (53 respondents from Question 9).

 

Table 10: Preference of	No.	%age
type of tenancy
Council tenant	26	100.0%
Social landlord	0	0.0%
TOTAL	26	100.0%

 

 

All of the respondents that replied to this question would prefer to remain as a council tenant rather than become a new registered social landlord. Registered Social Landlords are government-funded not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable housing. They include housing associations, trusts and cooperatives. They work with local authorities to provide homes for people meeting the affordable homes criteria. As well as developing land and building homes, RSLs undertake a landlord function by maintaining properties and collecting rent.

 

This result needs to be fed back to the local authority (Vale of Glamorgan Council) as it is a resounding message from council tenants that they wish to remain under the support of the Council. The Partnership could support the Housing Department in the Vale of Glamorgan Council in facilitating / engaging with local council residents to discuss their issues around housing in the area, in particular around becoming social landlords.

 

 

Awareness of Communities First

 

Q11. Number of respondents aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 11 received a total of 122 responses equating to a response rate of 98.4%.

 

Table 11: No. aware of	No.	%age
Communities First
Yes	59	48.4%
No	63	51.6%
TOTAL	122	100.0%

 

 

Around half of the respondents were aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court, resulting in a similar percentage of respondents not aware of the programme in their local area. It is clear that further promotional and awareness activities are needed to highlight Communities First in the area. It may be the case that residents are aware of the projects delivered but not necessarily that they are funded by Communities First; hence all projects and activities need to be linked with the funding programme.

 

 

 

Q11a. How respondents became aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 11a received a total of 57 responses equating to a response rate of 96.6% of those aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court (from the above question). This question was an open question without prompts.

 

 

Table 11a: How became aware of	No.	%age
Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First
Grapevine magazine	17	29.8%
Word of mouth (neighbours)	11	19.3%
Publicity (newspapers / post / leaflets)	10	17.5%
Work associated with Communities First	4	7.0%
Meetings / attending CF office / house visits	4	7.0%
Living near the office	4	7.0%
Others	3	5.3%
Support programmes (e.g. Flying Start)	2	3.5%
Don’t know	2	3.5%
TOTAL	57	100.0%

 

 

The most popular responses as to how the respondents became aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court include through the Grapevine magazine, word of mouth via neighbours and friends, and various publicity materials (newspapers and leaflets).

 

 

 

Q11b. What respondents think Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First does well

 

Question 11b received a total of 49 responses equating to a response rate of 83.1% of those aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court (from the above question). This question was an open question without prompts.

 

 

Table 11b: What respondents think Gibbonsdown	No.	%age
and Court Communities First does well
Communicating / getting involved with the community	15	30.6%
Services, classes, events & forums (adult, youth)	10	20.4%
Don’t know / not had contact with them	7	14.3%
Information / publicity	4	8.2%
Positive impact on the area	3	6.1%
Friendly staff	3	6.1%
Skills & commitment of staff	3	6.1%
Project delivery	2	4.1%
Others	2	4.1%
TOTAL	49	100.0%

 

 

Nearly 60% of respondents believe that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First communicates and provides information well, gets involved with the community, and delivers good programmes of support and services.

 

14% of respondents could not answer the question as they were aware of Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First but did not know enough about the organisation to be able to provide what they knew best about them.

 

As two-thirds of respondents (66.7%) were made aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court through the Grapevine magazine, word of mouth and publicity materials, it is important that the Partnership continues to raise awareness of the work of Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First to residents through these approaches. Messages that can be presented to residents should include what activities and services they are delivering, the positive impact that the Partnership is making in the community, and success stories / case studies.

 

 

 

Q11c. What respondents think Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First could do better or work on more in the area

 

Question 11c received a total of 31 responses equating to a response rate of 52.5% of those that were aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court (from the above question). This question was an open question without prompts.

 

Table 11c: What respondents think Communities	No.	%age
First could do better or work on more in the local area
They can do nothing better	10	32.3%
More support for young people	7	22.6%
Improve anti-social behaviour (drug taking)	3	9.7%
Improve environment (littering)	3	9.7%
Bring more funding in the area	3	9.7%
Others	2	6.5%
More meetings	1	3.2%
Further promote community respect	1	3.2%
Better partnership working (e.g. council)	1	3.2%
TOTAL	31	100.0%

 

 

Nearly one third of respondents that replied gave a strong response that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First could not do any better for the community other than what they are currently doing. This is a good indication of the positive work and the contribution that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First are providing to the area. Further support that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First could provide that would benefit the community includes more support for the young people, reducing anti-social behaviour (in particular in relation to crime and drug use in the area) and improving the environment (in particular around littering and fly-tipping).

 

The responses to this question should be critical to how the Partnership deliver services for the remainder life of the Action Plan 2010 – 2011 and beyond. This should be discussed in a partnership approach with local stakeholders on identifying where there are gaps in local provision and address these needs.

 

To support the recommendation in the previous question, the Partnership can further highlight and bring more awareness to the community of what they are delivering and achieving in the area of young people, and improving anti-social behaviour and the environment.

 

 

 

Q11d. How well respondents think Communities First has done in identifying and addressing needs of the local community, particularly in the last 18 months

 

Question 11d received a total of 25 responses equating to a response rate of 42.4% of those that were aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court (from the above question). The response was based on a scale, with 1 representing very poor, and 5 representing excellent.

 

Table 11d: How well Communities First has	No.	%age
done in identifying and addressing needs
Very poor	2	8.0%
Poor	1	4.0%
Neither poor nor good	2	8.0%
Good	10	40.0%
Very good	10	40.0%
TOTAL	25	100.0%

 

 

80% of respondents believe that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First have done well in identifying and addressing the needs of the local community in the last one and a half years. This positive response follows on from the encouraging results of the previous question (11c). Respondents were allowed to provide further comments about Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court, with strong comments supporting the good work of the organisation in that they were trying their best for the community. There were no explanations as to why the 3 residents provided either a ‘very poor’ or ‘poor’ response.

 

The Partnership should use the fact that four in five residents feel that Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court has done well in identifying and addressing the needs of the community as part of their enhanced publicity campaign as described earlier in this report. This will create improved confidence in the area of the benefits of the work undertaken by the Partnership.

 

 

Q12. Positive and negative situations experienced by respondents in the community in the last 18 months

 

This question was an open question without prompts.

 

Positive:

 

Table 12a: Positive situations experienced in	No.	%age
the community in the last 18 months
Improved facilities, events and classes	11	31.4%
Nice neighbours / getting involved / supporting each other	6	17.1%
Area has become quieter / more settled	6	17.1%
Reduction in crime / anti-social behaviour (drugs)	4	11.4%
Improved environment (littering, clear up)	3	8.6%
None	2	5.7%
Others	2	5.7%
Living in a Flying Start area	1	2.9%
TOTAL	35	100.0%

 

Negative:

 

Table 12b: Negative situations experienced in	No.	%age
the community in the last 18 months
Levels of crime (burglary, drugs)	15	30.0%
Anti-social issues with locals / neighbours	14	28.0%
Environment (littering, housing)	11	22.0%
Limited facilities for children	4	8.0%
Limited support from the Council	2	4.0%
Others	2	4.0%
Limited support from police	1	2.0%
Lack of community pride	1	2.0%
TOTAL	50	100.0%

 

 

Nearly one-third of responses (31.4%) suggest that the improved facilities, events and classes in the area have created a positive experience in living in Gibbonsdown and Court in the last 18 months. Another one-third (34.2%) suggest that their supporting neighbours and the area becoming more settled has been a positive contribution.

 

However, crime (in particular in relation to drugs), anti-social behaviour of locals and the environment (excessive littering and run down housing) account for 80% of negative situations in the area in the last one and a half years.

 

The responses to these questions again confirm that the Partnership needs to concentrate efforts around improving neighbourly relations and anti-social behaviour issues in the area to improve the quality of life for residents.

 

 

Q13. Gibbonsdown and Court Community Grapevine magazine

 

Question 13 received a total of 102 responses equating to a response rate of 82.3%. Question 13b was an open question without prompts.

 

Table 13a: No. of respondents receiving	No.	%age
the Grapevine magazine
Yes	88	86.3%
No	14	13.7%
TOTAL	102	100.0%

 

 

Table 13b: What respondents	No.	%age
liked about Grapevine magazine
Found it useful / very good	14	42.4%
Good content / information / know what’s going on	13	39.4%
Includes local news	3	9.1%
Family enjoy reading it	3	9.1%
TOTAL	33	100.0%

 

 

86% of respondents said they received the Gibbonsdown and Court Community Grapevine magazine. Of the 33 respondents who provided further information as to why they liked the magazine, the main reason was that they found it useful and it had good content / level of information as to what was happening in the local area. There were no comments as to why the respondents did not like the magazine. A number of respondents (6) who had not received or were not aware of the magazine have requested that they receive the publication. Empower have passed on their details to Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First.

 

It is clear that the Grapevine magazine has been a great success for Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First in promoting their work to the community. The Partnership needs to build upon this success by actively linking the magazine with the Partnership and its work. They also need to look at ways of increasing circulation and readership of the magazine. Suggested methods include ensuring all residents in the area have an opportunity to receive the magazine (here Empower has provided details of those that have requested the magazine), and having the magazine available at all Partnership events. There could be more information on the Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First website (www.gibbonsdownandcourt.org) about the magazine and on how to receive it.

 

 

 

Community involvement

 

Q14. Involvement in community groups or local activities

 

Question 14 received a total of 96 responses equating to a response rate of 77.4%.

 

Table 14a: No. of respondents involved	No.	%age
in community groups / local activities
Yes	22	22.9%
No	74	77.1%
TOTAL	96	100.0%

 

 

Just over 20% of respondents (22.9%) said that they were involved in community groups or local activities. More significantly, nearly four out of five respondents (77.1%) said that they were not involved in either community groups or local activities. Of those that are involved in local community groups and activities, a significant proportion are involved with community related organisations and associations including residents committees, community associations, community centres, andPACTgroups (see chart below).

 

 

 

The Partnership could provide support and training to residents who are involved or wish to be involved in local community organisations. This could include management training, funding support, activity based training, and advice on how to run such organisations more successfully. By supporting such voluntary sector organisations in the area and their build their capacity to provide better services to the community, can only improve and increase involvement of residents.

 

 

 

Q15. Being more involved in activities within the local community

 

Question 15 received a total of 74 responses equating to a response rate of 59.7%. Question 15b received a total of 52 responses equating to a response rate of 41.9%

 

Table 15: Would like to be more	No.	%age
Involved in local activities?
Yes	15	20.3%
No	59	79.7%
TOTAL	74	100.0%

 

 

 

Table 15a: Barriers preventing respondents from	No.	%age
being more involved in the community
Caring for a family member	17	32.7%
Time issue (lack of, unsuitable hours)	8	15.4%
Health reasons	7	13.5%
Work commitments	7	13.5%
Finance reasons	3	5.8%
Busy with other activities	3	5.8%
Transport	3	5.8%
Lack of confidence/low self esteem	2	3.8%
Finding relevant activities	1	1.9%
Not aware of such activities	1	1.9%
TOTAL	52	100.0%

 

 

Only one-fifth of respondents would like to be more involved in the community. The most popular reasons as to why they did not wish to get involved or barriers to participating further in the community include having to care for a family member / children, time issue (both lack of or unsuitable hours when events / activities happen), personal health reasons, and work commitments.

 

The Partnership can increase the level of involvement of local residents within the community by assessing what support they can provide to reduce the above responses as barriers. Possible solutions could include providing crèche facilities for children, activities at more convenient times of the day (evening and weekends if that is necessary), activities at as low cost as possible, and the use of convenient locations to reduced transport issues.

 

 

 

Q16. Residents being more involved in Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First run projects

 

Question 16 received varying levels of responses for each category, ranging from 73 responses (58.9% of the total number of respondents) to 80 responses (64.5%). Respondents were allowed to provide details of more than 1 category that they would like to get involved with / participate in.

 

Table 16: Being involved	Response	No.	%age	If not,
In the following CF projects				why not?
Allotment Group	Would like to get involved	3	4.1%	Time constraints
	Would not want to get involved	70	95.9%	Health issues
				Not interested
Credit Union (collection point)	Would like to get involved	4	5.2%	Time constraints
	Would not want to get involved	73	94.8%	Work commitments
				Not interested
Employment, training &	Would like to get involved	3	3.9%	Inexperienced in IT
benefits group	Would not want to get involved	73	96.1%	Too old
				Time constraints
				Work commitments
				Not interested
				Health issues
				Family commitments
Extend classes (60+ years)	Would like to get involved	4	5.3%	Limited transport
	Would not want to get involved	72	94.7%	Not old enough
				Work commitments
Family nurturing / parenting	Would like to get involved	0	0.0%	Work commitments
support	Would not want to get involved	73	100.0%
Good Neighbourhood	Would like to get involved	8	10.0%	Not interested
scheme	Would not want to get involved	72	90.0%	Work commitments
ITECtraining (outreach)	Would like to get involved	0	0.0%	Already qualified
	Would not want to get involved	73	100.0%	Work commitments
Luncheon clubs (60+ years)	Would like to get involved	3	3.9%	Not old enough
	Would not want to get involved	73	96.1%	Work commitments
Playtime (0-4 year olds)	Would like to get involved	1	1.4%	Children not young enough
	Would not want to get involved	73	98.6%	Work commitments
Youth Forum (11-18 year olds)	Would like to get involved	0	0.0%	Children already busy
	Would not want to get involved	74	100.0%	Not aware of Forum
Annual Family Fun day	Would like to get involved	12	15.2%	Work commitments
	Would not want to get involved	67	84.8%

 

The results from the above table correspond with what would be expected, based on the responses from the previous question. Only approximately 20% of respondents would like to be more involved in their community. The reasons provided as to why the respondents would not like to participate in these specific community activities correspond similarly to the responses and barriers provided in Question 15.

 

The most popular reply as to which activities respondents would most like to get involved in include the Annual Family Fun Day and the Good Neighbourhood Scheme. The latter compounds the support needed to tackle the anti-social behaviour issues that some respondents face with the neighbours living in their community. The Annual Family Fun Day is a great success in the Partnership diary, with hundreds of local residents attending (with the last event on 4^th June 2010). With such an event, it will require a large number of volunteers to organise and support the day’s event. The Partnership can further engage with the community to involve them with the event. As each event has a particular theme attended by local partners and stakeholders (this year was health and wellbeing), this would be an excellent opportunity in increasing the involvement of local residents in the work of other partner organisations.

 

 

 

Q17. Residents taking part in a newly proposed Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First Health and Wellbeing Group

 

Question 17 received a total of 107 responses equating to a response rate of 86.3%.

 

Table 17: Taking part in the new	No.	%age
Health and Well-Being Group
Yes	46	43.0%
No	61	57.0%
TOTAL	107	100.0%

 

 

Just over two-fifths of respondents (43%) would be interested in taking part in the Health and Well-Being Group that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First is hoping to set up.

 

The Partnership may wish to further engage with residents so as to understand what activities or services the Health and Well-Being Group should provide to ensure the needs of the community are being met by Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First. Examples of health related activities and support that could be provided to residents are described later in the report where respondents are further questioned on their health issues.

 

 

 

Q18. Awareness of the Credit Union Saving Collection point in Gibbonsdown

 

Question 18 received a total of 90 responses equating to a response rate of 72.6%.

 

 

Table 18: Awareness of the Credit	No.	%age
Union Saving Collection point
Yes I’m aware and have used it	18	20.0%
Yes I’m aware but have not used it	43	47.8%
Not aware	29	32.2%
TOTAL	90	100.0%

 

 

Nearly 70% of respondents are aware of the Credit Union Saving Collection Point, with one-fifth of respondents having used the Credit Union Saving Collection point in Gibbonsdown.

 

As around 1 in 3 was not aware of the Credit Union Saving Collection point, the Partnership could raise the profile of the service. Additional improved publicity and marketing activities as suggested earlier in this report could include more awareness of the Credit Union in the Grapevine magazine, and leaflets at events. As a promotional offer, the Credit Union could offer a reduced interest rate for first time customers.

 

 

 

 

Q19. Number of children under the age of 18 and attending activities

 

Question 19 received a total of 99 responses equating to a response rate of 79.8%.

 

Table 19: No. of respondents	No.	%age
with children under age of 18
Yes	26	26.3%
No	73	73.7%
TOTAL	99	100.0%

 

 

Question 19a received high levels of responses for each category, ranging from 25 responses from respondents who have children (96.1% of the total number of respondents with children) to 26 responses (100%). The question was an open one and respondents were allowed to provide details of more than 1 activity attended by their children.

 

 

 

Table 19a: Children attending	Response	No.	%age	If not,
the following activities:				why not?
After school clubs	Yes	5	20.0%	Have older children
	No	20	80.0%	Children too young
Flying start groups	Yes	4	16.0%
	No	21	84.0%
Gibbonsdown Children’s’	Yes	4	16.0%	Had to stop due to work
Centre	No	21	84.0%
Lucky stars play group	Yes	2	8.0%	Children too old
(Parkside)	No	23	92.0%
Salvation Army youth	Yes	4	15.4%
clubs	No	22	84.6%
Scouts / Brownies	Yes	9	34.6%
	No	17	65.4%
Youth clubs (Holm view)	Yes	3	11.5%	Children too young
	No	23	88.5%
Football	Yes	2	8.0%
	No	23	92.0%
Other	Yes	1	3.8%
	No	25	96.2%

 

 

The most popular activities that are attended by the children of the respondents include scouts / brownies, after school clubs, Flying Start clubs, Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre, and the Salvation Army youth clubs. Reasons provided as to why they did not attend such activities included their children not being of appropriate age for that particular activity and time constraints of parents.

 

The Partnership need to re-assess with local partners and providers regarding what service provision is currently available in Gibbonsdown and Court for young people under 3 age categories – under 5 year olds, 6-11 year olds, and 11-18 year olds. This is necessary as services and support under each age range will be different to other ranges. This assessment should identify gaps in such provision, with the aim of the Partnership catering for such gaps.

 

 

 

Q20. Respondents receiving support with their education, training or employment.

 

Question 20 received a total of 80 responses equating to a response rate of 64.5%.

 

 

Table 20: No. of respondents receiving support	No.	%age
with their education, training or employment
Yes	3	3.8%
No	77	96.3%
TOTAL	80	100.0%

 

Only 3 respondents (less than 4%) were receiving support with their education, training or employment. All 3 respondents were accessing Job Centre Plus, with all 3 rating the service as very poor.

 

Clearly, more awareness by the Partnership of what is available locally to support residents with their education, training and employment is required. Before this can be done, the Partnership should map current provision in the area to highlight that information to residents. Similar to the last question, where the Partnership identifies gaps in provision, they should consider delivering identified support to local residents.

 

 

Health issues

 

Q21. Number of respondents diagnosed with illnesses and requiring further support

 

Question 21 received varying levels of responses for each category, ranging from 88 responses (70.9% of the total number of respondents) to 95 responses (76.6%).

 

Table 21: Illnesses	Response	No.	%age	Need further
diagnosed by respondents				support
Arthritis	Yes	32	35.2%	2
	No	59	64.8%
Cancer	Yes	4	4.4%	1
	No	86	95.6%
Depression	Yes	25	27.8%	2
	No	65	72.2%
Diabetes	Yes	9	10.2%	2
	No	79	89.8%
Emphysema	Yes	7	7.4%	1
	No	88	92.6%
Heart disease	Yes	18	19.1%	1
	No	76	80.9%
Physical disability	Yes	23	24.5%	1
	No	71	75.5%
Would rather not say		2	1.6%

 

Amongst the respondents, there is a high level of arthritis, depression, heart disease and physical disability. However, there is a low level of need for further support with their ailments and diseases requested by respondents. This suggests that their health needs are being catered for by other health agencies in the area.

According to the 2001 Consensus, an average of 63.5% of residents in Gibbonsdown and Court are in general good health, with 23.4% in fairly good health and 13.1% not in good health. Other illnesses / medical conditions diagnosed by respondents included: kidney stones, Alzheimer’s, hip / knee operations, and back problems.

 

 

 

Q22. Other people living in respondent’s house diagnosed with a long term illnesses or disabilities

 

Question 22 received a total of 87 responses equating to a response rate of 70.2%.

 

Table 22: No. of respondents with people	No.	%age
living in their house with illnesses / disabilities
Yes	30	34.5%
No	57	65.5%
TOTAL	87	100.0%

 

 

Table 22a: Members of family	No.	%age
suffering illnesses / disabilities
Husband	8	26.7%
Wife	8	26.7%
Daughter	4	13.3%
Son	7	23.3%
Grand-son	2	6.7%
Grand-daughter	1	3.3%
TOTAL	30	100.0%

 

 

 

Table 22b: Illnesses / disabilities	No.	%age
suffered by other members of the family
Asthma / lung problems / emphysema	8	15.4%
Diabetes	6	12.8%
Depression	5	20.5%
Heart problems	4	10.3%
Blindness	2	5.1%
Arthritis	2	5.1%
Back problems	2	5.1%
Epilepsy	2	5.1%
Down syndrome	1	2.6%
Dyspraxia	1	2.6%
Kidney problems	1	2.6%
Cancer	1	2.6%
Physically disabled	1	2.6%
Panic attacks	1	2.6%
Cystic fibrosis	1	2.6%
Learning disabilities	1	2.6%
TOTAL	39	100.0%

 

 

Around one-third of respondents (34.5%) have people / family living with them with illnesses and / or disabilities. The most common members of the family to have an illness / disability are the husband, wife or son. Lung related diseases, diabetes, depression, and heart disease are the most common illnesses suffered by family members.

 

As part of the Health and Wellbeing Group support being proposed, the Partnership can provide services to local residents to help them with the above ailments including for example specific exercise classes for people with physical disabilities, counselling for those suffering from depression, and diet support for those with diabetes. Such support created and delivered would need to ensure there is no duplication in the local area. This could be achieved by mapping current health support provision in the local area by local agencies.

 

 

 

Safety in the community

 

Q23. How safe respondents feel in their community

 

Question 23 received a total of 97 responses equating to a response rate of 78.2%.

 

Question 23a received a total of 33 responses and was an open question as respondents could provide more than experience / example.

 

 

Table 23: How safe they feel No. %age in their community     Always unsafe 8 8.2% Sometimes unsafe 28 28.9% Don’t know 7 7.2% Sometimes safe 27 27.8% Always safe 27 27.8% TOTAL 97 100.0%

 

 

Table 23a: Experiences of respondents with	No.	%age
regards to feeling unsafe in the community
Anti-social behaviour from young people	8	24.2%
Anti-social behaviour from neighbours	6	18.2%
Drug dealing	5	15.2%
Car crime	4	12.1%
Not experienced any misbehaviour	4	12.1%
Burglary	3	9.1%
Don’t go out	2	6.1%
Don’t feel safe going out in evenings	1	3.0%
TOTAL	33	100.0%

 

 

Just over one in two respondents (55.6%) feel either sometimes safe or always safe in Gibbonsdown and Court. More than one in three feels either sometimes unsafe or always unsafe (37.1%).

 

The most frequent experiences of respondents with regards to feeling unsafe in the community are around anti-social behaviour from young people and neighbours, drug dealing and car crime. These concerns have been mentioned repeatedly in this report.

 

According to the South Wales Police Local Crime Mapping, the level of crime in both Gibbonsdown and in Court is average compared to the rest of South Wales. In Gibbonsdown, the average number of crimes in this area has decreased from 44 to 40.3 during May-July 2010 compared to the same three month period last year. The level of burglary, anti-social behaviour and violence is average in this area compared to the rest of South Wales. In Court similarly, the average number of crimes in this area has decreased from 36.7 to 36.3 compared to last year. However in Court, anti-social behaviour related crime is above average.

 

 

 

Q24. How safe respondents feel in their community

 

Question 24 received varying levels of responses for each category, ranging from 64 responses (51.6% of the total number of respondents) to 86 responses (69.4%).

 

 

Table 24: Witnessing and	No. of	No.	%age	No.	%age	No. not W	%age
experiencing crime	Responses	Witnessed	Witnessed	Experienced	Experienced	nor E	Not W nor E
Alcohol misuse	83	40	48.2%	0	0.0%	43	51.8%
Anti-social behaviour	67	53	79.1%	1	1.5%	13	19.4%
Bullying	85	18	21.2%	2	2.4%	65	76.5%
Mugging	64	2	3.1%	0	0.0%	62	96.9%
Domestic abuse	86	15	17.4%	2	2.3%	69	80.2%
Illegal drug use/dealing	85	29	34.1%	0	0.0%	56	65.9%
Theft/burglary	81	22	27.2%	5	6.2%	54	66.7%
Vandalism	77	29	37.7%	1	1.3%	47	61.0%
Violence	78	21	26.9%	1	1.3%	56	71.8%

 

 

A significant proportion of respondents have witnessed alcohol misuse, anti-social behaviour, illegal drug use / dealing, vandalism, theft / burglary, and violence. Over 6% have personally experienced theft and burglary.

 

The responses from these last two questions need to be presented by the Partnership to the police and other local crime-related agencies. These results concur with other similar findings in this report with regards to the feelings of residents witnessing high levels of anti-social behaviour in the area. A multi-agency approach is needed through the local or Vale of Glamorgan PACT (Police and Communities Together) to discuss how these fears of crime with the respondents can be better managed. Positive messages of how crime is being managed in the area and the impact of the police needs to be promoted amongst the community.

 

 

Q25. Making Gibbonsdown and Court an attractive place to live, visit and / or work

 

Question 25 received a total of 99 responses and was an open question so each respondent could provide up to 3 examples of how they would make the local area an attractive place to live, visit and / or work.

 

Table 25: Ways in making the area an attractive	No.	%age
place to live, visit and / or work
Deal better with crime / criminals / drug use	26	26.3%
Improve housing	18	18.2%
Improve environment / littering	16	16.2%
More activities for young people	11	11.1%
Improve tenants / neighbour relations	7	7.1%
Better transport & parking provision	5	5.1%
Increase open spaces	4	4.0%
More local facilities / shops	4	4.0%
Don’t know	4	4.0%
Improve community pride	2	2.0%
More council involvement	1	1.0%
Nothing	1	1.0%
TOTAL	99	100.0%

 

Four of the five most popular answers (accounting for over 60% of responses) in making Gibbonsdown and Court an attractive place to live, visit and / or work centre around reducing anti-social behaviour: deal better with crime / criminals / drug use; improve the environment / littering; more activities for young people to keep them occupied and out of trouble; and improve neighbours and tenants relations.

 

One way that the Partnership could support in improving tenants and neighbour relations could include more local events and residents meetings in key areas of the Gibbonsdown and Court community that would benefit from such improved community relations. By bringing the community together this should increase dialogue and understanding amongst the residents, with the intention of improving local relations.

 

 

Q26. Most important issues for respondents in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 26 received a total of 114 responses and was an open question.

 

Table 26: Most important issues	No.	%age
in the community
Housing	16	14.0%
Crime and community safety	16	14.0%
Community facilities	12	10.5%
Child poverty	11	9.6%
Health and wellbeing	10	8.8%
Local economy	9	7.9%
Skills, education and training	8	7.0%
Local environment	7	6.1%
Recreation/leisure	6	5.3%
Transport	5	4.4%
Business/employment	5	4.4%
Infrastructure (roads, water etc.)	4	3.5%
Retail/shopping	3	2.6%
Tourism	1	0.9%
Renewable energy	1	0.9%
Local heritage	0	0.0%
TOTAL	114	100.0%

There are no obvious key issues that respondents feel are the most important to them in their community. The responses are fairly even across the options that were available to them. The first 5 most important issues include better housing, reducing crime and improving community safety, better community facilities, reducing child poverty and improved health and well-being.

 

 

Q27. Explanations as to why these issues are the most important in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 27 was an open question. Below is a summary table of replies provided by respondents on the issues highlighted:

 

 

Table 27: Issues	Examples of why the issues are important to the respondents
in community
Housing	Affordable housing helps people feel more secure and if needed part of a community
	Having better housing will help people respect them more
	Most people in the area can’t afford a mortgage / new private housing expensive
Crime and	Need to feel safe in our homes and on the streets
community safety	Need more visible police
	You want to feel comfortable  in your own community
Community	Community facilities can help people feel less isolated and give opportunities to join various groups
facilities	There are not much facilities around such as drop in centres, cafes, shops – we need planning permission
	A lot of the community are getting older
Child poverty	There is a lot of neglect because of parents being drug dealers or alcoholics
	A lo of children have dropped out of school
	The children should have the right to grow up in a good environment, fed well and decent parents
Health and	Good health support helps people cope
well-being	People don’t look after their health
	There is a lot of people suffering from depression in the area
Local economy	A lot of people around here don’t get fed
	Bring wealth into area
	Everyone needs to pull together to make the area good
Skills, education	The more education you have, the better chance in having a job
and training	Skill adults for jobs
Local environment	More bins at bus stop, and a public toilet
	Plant some green areas
Recreation/leisure	Play areas for local older children and more choice e.g. climbing frames
	More activities for adults at leisure centre
Transport	No transport at all unless by taxi which are expensive
	When trains are late you can’t get home
Business/	Help more people into employment / motivate people to work
employment	More work so people wont be in bored all day
Infrastructure	Better flood dispensers so that we don’t have floods and no pot holes
(roads, water etc.)	Better quality of roads would help – no pot holes
Retail/shopping	There’s no shop around here
	More shops will bring people into the area
Tourism	Barry should have more tourism because there nothing here for the people to come for except Gavin and Stacey
	I’d like to know more about Barry
Renewable energy	No comments
Local heritage	No comments

 

 

The Partnership should use comments from the last 2 tables as an indication of what residents are thinking about with regards to certain community issues. As mentioned previously, the Partnership should feed these responses to local stakeholders and partners to discuss future activities which can be delivered through Communities First to tackle these issues. It is not suggested that the Partnership will be able to undertake activities in each of the above areas, but with a partnership approach with key local delivery agencies including the Vale of Glamorgan Council, business support agencies, health care professionals and education / training establishments.

 

 

 

Q28. How satisfied respondents are with the policing in the area

 

Question 28 received a total of 74 responses equating to a response rate of 59.7%.

 

 

Table 28: Satisfied	No.	%age
with the policing in area
Yes	65	87.8%
No	9	12.2%
TOTAL	74	100.0%

 

 

Nearly 90% of respondents are satisfied with the policing in the area which suggests a strong view that the police are dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. This concurs with previous responses that the area has become more settled in recent months.

 

 

 

Q29. Frequency which respondents see members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team

 

Question 29 received a total of 95 responses equating to a response rate of 76.6%.

 

Table 29: Frequency which respondents	No.	%age
see Neighbourhood Policing Team
Daily	9	9.5%
Weekly	37	38.9%
Fortnightly	1	1.1%
Monthly	13	13.7%
Less than monthly	17	17.9%
Never	13	13.7%
Only atPACTMeetings	1	1.1%
Only when called out	2	2.1%
Don’t know	2	2.1%
TOTAL	95	100.0%

 

Nearly 50% of respondents see members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at least once a week or more often. Nearly one in eight (13.7%) have never seen the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

 

As recommended earlier, responses from the last two questions need to be presented by the Partnership to the police, other local crime-related agencies, and the local or Vale of GlamorganPACTto discuss how satisfied residents are with policing in the area. Stronger messages of what is actually being done to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area need to be presented to the community, and the Partnership are in the ideal position to deliver such awareness to the community.

 

 

The future

 

Q30. Respondent’s thoughts of what needs to be done in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

Question 30 was an open question. Below is a summary table of replies provided by respondents on the issues highlighted:

 

Table 30a: How to give local children	No.	%age
a better chance in life
More activities / facilities / clubs for children	18	35.3%
Classes for parents to improve their skills	14	27.5%
Better support for parents e.g. drugs, housing	10	19.6%
More opportunities when they reach teenagers	5	9.8%
Better education and improve local school	4	7.8%
TOTAL	51	100.0%

 

The key messages coming from the above table on how to better support young children in the local area is to provide them with more / better facilities and activities to keep them occupied and out of trouble, as well as better parenting support to educate parents and improve their parenting skills. Residents feel that by providing children with facilities and activities, this would reduce anti-social behaviour in the area – which is a clear and significant issue for the local community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 30b: How to improve information on	No.	%age
finances for the community
Better information / advice on savings / finances	10	41.7%
Better debt management	8	33.3%
Support teenagers in money management	3	12.5%
Drop in centre for the community	3	12.5%
TOTAL	24	100.0%

 

Improved, as well as more, information and advice needs to be presented to the community on how to better manage their finances and debts. Publicity on finance issues through the Grapevine magazine as well as at Communities First events would be an ideal method of providing much needed information to residents. As previously suggested, the promotion of the Credit Union in the community would provide better advice to the community on managing debts and finances.

 

 

Table 30c: How to improve health	No.	%age
and well-being of the community
More health activities / classes / facilities	14	40.0%
Better health promotion / information	9	25.7%
More child focused health activities	5	14.3%
More health support for the older population	5	14.3%
Mobile vans that tours the area	2	5.7%
TOTAL	35	100.0%

 

The Partnership can assess with local healthcare partners on the opportunities to provide more tailored health activities, classes and facilities (including for children and older people) as well as better health promotion and information on healthy living in the area.

 

 

 

Table 30d: How to improve education,	No.	%age
skills and training of local people
Local accessible & affordable classes / training	8	34.8%
Basic skills training / appropriate courses	6	26.1%
Better promotion of training	5	21.7%
Better funding for adult education	4	17.4%
TOTAL	23	100.0%

 

Similar to improving the health and well-being of the community, respondents would like better accessible and affordable (preferably free) classes, training and courses, with better knowledge of details of such events and activities. Respondents feel that lack of funding is the main reason for limited skills and training provision in the area, hence their request for increased funding in the area. The Partnership will be aware that sourcing funding is particularly difficult in this current economic climate, in particular with significant public sector budget cuts. The key to successful applications will include strong demonstration of need for activities and projects and how the community were consulted to understand the need.

 

 

Table 30e: How to increase number of jobs	No.	%age
and businesses in the area
Bring more businesses into the area	9	39.1%
Increase apprenticeship schemes	4	17.4%
Make it easier for locals to set up in business	4	17.4%
Increase expectations / motivate individuals	4	17.4%
TOTAL	21	100.0%

 

Local residents understand that the success of local businesses will be a significant factor in the economic prosperity in the area. If new and existing businesses are better supported, hopefully the increased level of employment generated will have a positive impact on the local economy.

 

The Partnership currently do not provide advice and support to businesses in the area, hence the need to assess their capabilities and expertise if they feel the need to deliver such support. It may be the case that the Partnership can better support other business support agencies in the area through referrals and sign-posting. However, the Partnership does provide training and courses to residents throughITECTraining Services which supports job creation and retention in the area.

 

 

Table 30f: How to reduce crime, fear of crime	No.	%age
and anti-social behaviour in the area
More ‘hands on’ policing in the area / community based	30	75.0%
Parents taking more responsibility	3	7.5%
Better allocation of tenants (who are into crime) in the community	3	7.5%
More cctv cameras in the area	2	5.0%
Provide facilities / activities for young people	2	5.0%
TOTAL	40	100.0%

 

A significant proportion of respondents (75%) believe a more visible, ‘hands-on’ policing based in the local area would have a positive impact in reducing crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour mentioned in detail in this report in the local area.

 

 

Table 30g: How to get more residents	No.	%age
involved in their area, especially young people
Better promotion / advertising of opportunities	9	50.0%
More local activities / facilities	3	16.7%
Offering courses	2	11.1%
More local support workers	2	11.1%
More talks / presentations in schools	2	11.1%
TOTAL	18	100.0%

 

Better promotion, advertising of opportunities and what is available in the community is central in getting residents involved in their community. Many respondents are not aware of what is happening in their area, which could be of interest to them. By increasing community participation in the area will create an increased sense of ‘ownership’ of the area by residents to improve their community.

 

 

 

 

Table 30h: How to improve the	No.	%age
environment of the local community
More / better housing	7	58.3%
Encourage tenants to be more responsible	3	25.0%
Encourage recycling in the area	2	16.7%
TOTAL	12	100.0%

 

Housing is a strong issue in Gibbonsdown and Court, with respondents requesting more affordable housing, commenting that some houses looking run down, and needing attention, with the belief that improved housing would have a positive impact to the area. The Partnership should present these findings of more and better housing needs to the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The Partnerships should consider delivering projects or raising awareness to the community on encouraging tenants to live in their community more responsibly as well as promoting local recycling services in the area.

 

 

 

Q31. Respondent’s preferred way of contact / way of sending information on what is happening in the community

 

Question 31 received a total of 105 responses equating to a response rate of 84.7%.

 

Table 31: Respondent’s preferred method	No.	%age
of contact / sending information
Telephone	33	31.4%
Letter / leaflet	28	26.7%
Newsletters / posters	17	16.2%
Home visits	11	10.5%
Email	10	9.5%
Internet	6	5.7%
TOTAL	105	100.0%

 

Nearly one in three (31.4%) respondents would like to be contacted by telephone to be made aware of activities / events within their community. This could be feasible if respondents have previously requested to be contacted if, for example, a vacancy was made available on a training course. But for much larger events, for example, the Annual Fun Day, it would be difficult to invite residents individually by telephone, hence the use of newsletters, letters, leaflets and posters would more effective.

 

Summary and conclusions

 

Through this community consultation process, Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First are in a better position to further understand the needs of the local community, issues related to living and working in the local area, and what services and activities are requested and valued by the community.

 

As a result of this community consultation, Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First and its partner organisation can re-assess the Gibbonsdown and Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011 and the progress made so far on projects, support activities and programmes. By undertaking this community consultation, the Partnership has achieved the first outcome of the Action Plan by re-assessing the needs of the community mid-way during the two year life of the Action Plan.

 

Empower, commissioned by Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First to undertake this community consultation, have successfully gained the views of 124 residents face to face in Gibbonsdown and Court. The number of respondents questioned provides sufficient information for data analysis and would be representative of the views of the community. Empower feels that they have gained the best results and data from residents by asking the questions face to face directly, as they have gauged the reactions to the questions being asked and noted additional comments that have been mentioned by the respondents.

 

Around half of the respondents were aware of Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court. Most respondents became aware of the programme through the Grapevine magazine, word of mouth via neighbours and friends, and various publicity materials (newspapers and leaflets). 60% of respondents believe that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First communicates and provides information well, gets involved with the community, and delivers good programmes of support and services. Nearly one third said they could not do any better for the community other than what they are currently doing and have done well in identifying and addressing the needs of the local community in the last 18 months. More than 85% of respondents receive the Grapevine magazine, with some respondents that had not received it wishing to be placed on the mailing list. Respondents found the magazine useful as it had good content / level of information as to what was happening in the local area.

 

Nearly four out of five respondents said that they were not involved in either community groups or local activities. Of those that are involved in local community groups / activities, a significant proportion are involved with community related organisations and associations including residents committees and community associations. Only one-fifth of respondents would like to be more involved in the community. Barriers to participating further in the community include caring for the family, time issue (lack of time and/ or unsuitable hours), personal health reasons, and work commitments. Activities that the respondents would most like to get involved include the Annual Family Fun Day and the Good Neighbourhood Scheme.

 

What is encouraging to hear is that the first 5 most important issues in the community as mentioned by the residents relate strongly with the Themes of the Gibbonsdown & Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011 – namely better housing, reducing crime and improving community safety, better community facilities, reducing child poverty and improved health and well-being – accounting for nearly 60% of all responses in total.

 

It is important to understand how feedback from the community consultation impacts on each of the 5 key Themes to the Gibbonsdown & Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011 (as follows). It is clear that a large proportion of the community consultation has been centred on issues relating to community safety.

 

 

Child Poverty and Financial Inclusion

The most popular activities that are attended by children include scouts / brownies, after school clubs, Flying Start clubs, and Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre. Reasons for not attending such activities include their children were not of the appropriate age for that particular activity and time constraints of parents. There is a strong need to better support children by providing them with more / better facilities and activities to keep them occupied and out of trouble.

 

To reduce child poverty, respondents would like more parental support and training to improve their skills and experience of bringing up children / running a household.

 

One-fifth of respondents have used the Credit Union Saving Collection point in Gibbonsdown. Around 1 in 3 was not aware of the Credit Union Saving Collection point. Additional and improved information and advice needs to be presented to the community on how to better manage their finances and debts.

 

 

Health and Wellbeing

There is a high percentage of respondents that suffer from arthritis, depression, heart disease and physical disability – however, these results may have been due to the larger percentage of older people questioned as part of this community consultation.

 

Over two-fifths of respondents (43%) would be interested in taking part in the Health & Well-Being Group that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First are hoping to set up. Respondents would like more tailored health activities, classes and facilities (including for children and older people) as well as better health promotion and information on healthy living.

 

 

Education, Skills, Training, Jobs and Business

Less than 4% of respondents were receiving support with their education, training or employment. Respondents would like better accessible and affordable (preferably free) classes, training and courses, with better knowledge of details of such events and activities.

 

 

Community Safety

What respondents like most about living in their area is due to its community spirit and feeling safe within their community. However, there are strong issues concerning anti-social behaviour within the community, in particular from neighbours and young people, and drug dealing. Overall, it appears respondents like the general community spirit in Gibbonsdown and Court, but a small minority of people have created anti-social behavioural issues within the area. 80% felt that Gibbonsdown and Court would improve by reducing anti-social behaviour: dealing better with crime / criminals / drug use; more activities for young people to keep them occupied and out of trouble; and improve neighbours and tenants relations due to some anti-social behaviour.

 

Anti-social behaviour can be addressed by working with partners and relevant agencies to see that improvements to the area are made and that projects that are set up become sustainable. However, a number of residents have commented that the area has become quieter and settled in recent months and nearly 90% of respondents are satisfied with the policing in the area which suggests that crime and anti-social behaviour in the area is being dealt with.

 

 

Environment

There was a fairly equal split between the number of council and private tenants from our respondents, with all council tenants wishing to remain council tenant rather than become a new registered social landlord. There is a strong feeling that the area could improve from reduced littering / fly-tipping. Housing is a strong issue in Gibbonsdown and Court, with respondents requesting more affordable housing, commenting that some houses were looking run down, and needing attention, with the strong belief that improved housing would have a positive impact to the area.

 

 

 

The way forward

 

As a result of this community consultation, it is important that Gibbonsdown and Court undertake actions to benefit from the messages from this report. The findings of this report need to be fed back to partner organisations, key stakeholders including the departments across the Vale of Glamorgan Council, police, residents associations and the community. It is necessary to gain feedback / reactions to this report to confirm any future direction that Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First need to take in developing the community. One preferred method of discussing the findings of this report would be through specific focus groups, targeting groups of key audiences, for example a group from the community, one of partner organisations, and another of stakeholders.

 

As a result of presenting these findings, new activities and deliverables may be required to improve community life including neighbourly relations and anti-social behaviour in the area. The Partnership could provide additional support and training to residents who are involved or wish to be involved in local community organisations. Respondents would like better accessible and affordable (preferably free) classes, training and courses, with better knowledge of details of such events and activities. The Partnership needs to re-assess service provision for young people under the 3 age categories, with the view of catering for such gaps.

 

In terms of improving engagement and involvement of residents in the community, the Partnership can bring awareness to the established community that the work and activities undertaken by the Partnership, with the support of residents, will have a noticeably positive impact to their lives and futures. Possible solutions to barriers to participation in the community could include providing crèche facilities, activities at more convenient times, low cost or free activities, and convenient locations. The Partnership may wish to map current local services and further engage with residents to understand what activities or services that the proposed Health and Well-Being Group should provide to ensure the needs of the community are being met.

 

Clearly, more awareness is needed of what is available to support residents with their education, training and employment needs. The Partnership should consider providing additional Welsh language support or training to residents, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in developing employment opportunities. The Partnership may better support other business support agencies in the area through referrals, sign-posting and improved promotion of their services.

 

Respondents would most like to get involved with the Annual Family Fun Day and the Good Neighbourhood Scheme. The Partnership can further engage with the community to involve them with the event, providing an excellent opportunity for local residents to be involved in the work of other partner organisations. One way that the Partnership could support in improving tenants and neighbour relations may include facilitating more local events and residents meetings in key areas of the community.

 

It is important that the Partnership continues to raise awareness of the work of Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First to residents through the Grapevine magazine, local networks and publicity materials. Messages that need to be presented should include what activities and services they are delivering, the positive impact that the Partnership is making in the community, and success stories. Key areas to promote should include young people, and improving anti-social behaviour and the environment. The Partnership needs to bring more awareness that they have done well in identifying and addressing the needs of the community. They need to build on the success of the Grapevine magazine by actively linking the magazine with the Partnership, and look at ways of increasing circulation and readership, including having an e-copy on the Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First website. Additional publicity activities for the Credit Union and how to managing debts and finances could be through the Grapevine magazine, leaflets at events, and promotional offers.

 

This report should be used in any future funding processes / applications. With ever decreasing funding available due to the current economic climate, funders are now particularly interested to better understand the need and consultation process undertaken for certain projects. The findings in this report will be valuable in bringing to the attention of the funders of the needs of the community.

 

With the results of this community consultation, it is important to re-assess the Gibbonsdown & Court Action Plan 2010 – 2011. This needs to be done using a partnership approach, gaining contributions from all those involved in delivering services in the local area.  The re-assessment of the Action Plan mid way through its period will direct Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First during the remainder life of the Action Plan, as well as future Action Plans.

 

At the end of activities for this Action Plan in 2011 or in early 2012, it is hoped that the results of the 2011 Consensus will have become available. It would be good practice for the Partnership to check key statistical data (e.g. unemployment, business, and training) presented in this Consensus to ensure the needs of the community are still current.

 

This community consultation has focused on the needs of the residents of Gibbonsdown and Court, trying to better understand the issues related to living and being active in the community. However, to better understand if Gibbonsdown and Court are successfully and effectively delivering activities and services to the community to those needs, it is recommended to undertake an evaluation of projects and services delivered by Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First under this programme. This would recognise the impact delivered by Communities First in the area, the benefits to the community, strengthen and promote any approaches that work and re-evaluate those that are not working. Such an evaluation would provide direction for the remainder of the Action Plan, as well as future strategies / Actions Plans post 2011 and the Communities First programme. By gaining the perceptions of the community of what is actually being delivered by Gibbonsdown and Court Communities First, there will be a better understanding of how aware residents are aware of their work and recognising the impact to the community.

 

 

 

 

 

Appendices

 

Appendix 1 – Questionnaire

 

GIBBONSDOWN & COURT COMMUNITIES FIRST

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE JUNE 2010

 

 

Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First is a Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship community programme, set up to enable residents in the Communities First areas to recognise and prioritise key issues in their community. It aims to work together with the local community to decide what is needed and become part of that process of making change happen.

Through your support, Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First would like to find out how well they have supported and delivered to the needs of the community. This is so that we can better understand your needs and deliver an improved service in the future. Below are some questions that we would like you to answer. Please can you take a few minutes and help us understand how well we have delivered our work and what we need to do in the future to make your community a better place.

Please note that your answers to this questionnaire will be only be used as part of this research survey and no information will not be passed on to any third party. This information will be held securely at Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First.

 

Thank you for your support and co-operation.

 

1. Are you?                                           Male                         Female                     Don’t wish to answer:

 

 

2. How old are you?                                       

 Under 16 years                      17 – 25 years                                     26 – 35 years

 36 – 45 years                         46 – 60 years                                     60 + years

 

 

3. Are you?     

 Full time employed                             Part time employed                            Full time education   

 Part time education                            Unemployed                                      Retired

 Self employed                                   Other ________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

5. How long have you lived in Gibbonsdown or Court?

 Less than a year        1 – 5 years                 5 – 10 years               10 years +

 

 

6. What do you like about living in Gibbonsdown or Court? (Please tick more than 1 box if necessary)

 Family close by                     Feel Safe                              Local amenities (e.g. local shops)

 Neighbours / Community Spirit            Open spaces (e.g. the park)                Your home

Other ________________________________________________________

 

 

7. What don’t you like about living in Gibbonsdown or Court? (Please tick more than 1 box if necessary)

 Condition of your home           Don’t Feel Safe          Lack of local amenities (e.g shops)

 No family close by                 Lack of open spaces (e.g park)           Neighbours  

Other ___________________________________________________________________________

 

 

8. How many people live in your household?                                     Adults ______                           Children ______

 

 

9. Are you a Council Tenant or a Private Owner?                    Council Tenant                       Private Owner

 

 

10. If you are a Council Tenant, in the event of selecting between remaining a Tenant of the Council or a new Registered Social Landlord, please advise who you would choose?

             Council                                             Registered Social Landlord

 

 

11. Are you aware of Communities First in your area?           

 Yes. Please answer a) to e)                                        No. Please go to Qu. 12

 

a) How did you hear about Communities First in your local area?

 

 

 

 

b) Tell us what you think Communities First does well in Gibbonsdown and Court?

 

 

 

 

c) Tell us what you think Communities First could do better or work on in your area?

 

 

d) On a scale of 1-5 (1 being very poor – 5 being excellent), how well do you think Communities First has done in identifying and addressing the needs of your local community, particularly over the last 18 months? 

 

 

 

e) Do you have any further comments you would like to add about Communities First in Gibbonsdown and Court?

 

 

 

12. What positive or negative situations have you experienced in your community in the last 18 months?

 

Positive:

 

 

 

Negative:

 

 

 

13. Do you receive the Gibbonsdown & Court Community Grapevine magazine? (issued at Easter, Summer and Christmas)?   Yes. What do you like and / or dislike about the magazine?             No. Please go to Qu. 14

 

Like:

 

Dislike:

 

 

14. Are you involved in any community groups or activities within your community?             

 Yes. Please tell us below more about what you are currently involved in               No

 

 

 

 

15. Would you like to be more involved in activities within your community?    

 Yes. Please answer a) and b) below               No

 

a) Are any of the following preventing you from getting involved? (Please tick more than 1 box if necessary)

 Caring for a family member               

 Finance reasons                  

 Health reasons

 Lack of confidence / Low Self Esteem                                    

 Transport        

Other ____________________________________________________________________________

 

b) What type of community activities would you like to volunteer for / already have specific experience in?

 

 

 

 

16. Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First currently run the following projects / outreach activities. Would you like to get involved? If no, why would you not like to get involved? Would you like to receive further information?

 

Allotment Group                         Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info         

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Credit Union (Collection point)                 Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Employment, training & benefits group     Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Extend Class (60+ yrs)                           Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Family Nurturing / Parenting Support       Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Good Neighbour Scheme                        Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

ITECTraining (Outreach)             Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Luncheon Club (60+ years)                     Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Playtime – Language & Play (0-4yrs)        Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Youth Forum (11 – 18 year olds)              Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Annual Family Fun Day                          Yes               No. If No, why not?    Need more info

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

 

17. Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First are hoping to set up a new Health & Well-Being Group that will

help residents make healthier choices. Would you be interested in taking part?    Yes      No

 

 

18. Are you aware of the Credit Union Saving Collection point in Gibbonsdown?  

 Yes I’m aware of it and have used it                 Yes I’m aware of it but have not used it            No

 

 

19. Do you have children under the age of 18?            Yes              No    

If yes, does your child / children attend any of the following?

 

After School clubs                                  Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Flying Start groups                                 Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Gibbonsdown Childrens Centre                Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Lucky Stars Play group (Parkside)          Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Salvation Army youth clubs                     Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Scouts                                                  Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Youth clubs (Holm View)                        Yes              No. If No, why not?

                                    _________________________________________________________________________

Other: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

20. Are you currently receiving support with your education, training or employment?      Yes       No

If yes, which of the following support are you receiving? Please can you also rate the support you are receiving on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being very poor and 5 being very good)

 

About Training                                       Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

BarryCollege                                         Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Barry Community Enterprise Centre         Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Barry Training Services                           Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Careers Wales                                       Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

ITECTraining Services                            Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Job Centre                                             Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

New Deal                                              Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Want2Work                                           Yes: Rating between 1 to 5: ______                 Not receiving

Other: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

21. Have you been diagnosed with any of the following? Do you need further support for your illness?

 

Arthritis                                      Yes              No                Need further support             

Cancer                                       Yes              No                Need further support

Depression                                 Yes              No                Need further support

Diabetes                                    Yes              No                Need further support

Emphysema                               Yes              No                Need further support

Heart Disease                             Yes              No                Need further support

Physical disability                       Yes              No                Need further support

Would rather not say                 

Other: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________

 

22. Does anyone else living in your house suffer with any long term illnesses or disabilities?  Yes    No

If yes, please can you advise who has the illness or disability, and what it is?

 

Who in the house / Illness or Disability:

 

 

Who in the house / Illness or Disability:

 

 

23. How safe do you feel your community is?

 Always unsafe           Sometimes unsafe        Don’t know                     Sometimes safe             Always safe

 

From your answer, please tell us what experience(s) has made you feel this way?

 

 

 

 

 

24. Have you witnessed or experienced any of the following activities in Gibbonsdown or Court?

Alcohol misuse               Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Anti-social behaviour       Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Bullying                          Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Mugging                         Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Domestic Abuse             Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Illegal drug use/dealing    Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Theft/ burglary                 Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Vandalism                      Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Violence                         Witnessed                 Experienced              Not witnessed or experienced

Would rather not say     

Other: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

25. What do you think can be done in making your area an attractive place to live, visit and / or work? Please list 3 items that are most important to you:

 

i.

 

 

 

ii.

 

 

 

iii.

 

 

 

26. Which of the following are the 5 most important issues in your area, with 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important:

____ Housing / affordable housing                       ____ Retail / shopping                ____ Recreation / Leisure

____ Infrastructure (roads, water etc)                   ____ Local economy                  ____ Child Poverty

____ Community facilities                                   ____ Local environment              ____ Renewable energy

____ Tourism                                                     ____ Health and wellbeing          ____ Local heritage       

____ Skills, education and training                      ____ Transport                           ____ Business / Employment

____ Crime and community safety                       Other ______________________________________________

 

 

27. Please explain why these 5 issues are important to you, starting with the issue you marked as being 1 (Most Important), all the way through to the issue that you marked as being 5 (Least Important):

 

1:

 

 

 

2:

 

 

 

3:

 

 

 

4:

 

 

5:

 

 

 

28. Are you satisfied with the Policing in your area?                           Yes                          No

 

 

29. How often do you see members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team?

 Daily             Weekly            Monthly        Never            Other: ______________________________

 

 

30. What do you think should be done in Gibbonsdown & Court for each of the following areas of concern:

 

a) Giving local children a better chance in life:

 

 

 

 

b) Improving information and services on finances for local people (e.g. debt advice):

 

 

 

 

c) Improving the health and well-being of local people:

 

 

 

 

d) Improving the education, skills and training of local people:

 

 

 

 

e) Increasing the number of jobs and businesses in the local area:

 

 

 

 

f) Reducing crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area:

 

 

 

 

g) Increasing the number of residents getting involved in their community, including young people:

 

 

 

 

h) Improving the environment of the local community including housing:

 

 

 

 

31. What is your preferred way of contact / way of sending you information of what is happening in your community?

 Email                        Telephone                 Letter/ leaflet                         Newsletters / posters

 Home visits               Internet                    Other: ________________________________________________

 

 

32. Finally, what else would you like to see happen to improve the quality of life and opportunities for the residents of Gibbonsdown and Court?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like someone from Gibbonsdown & Court Communities First to contact you to see how we can help you make the most of what is available in your community and hear more about your ideas/views?  

 Yes. If yes, please provide your details                                    No

 

Name:

 

 

Address:

 

 

Telephone /Mobile(optional):

 

Email:

 

 

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Your comments will be greatly valued.

Appendix 2 – Names of streets visited during the consultation in Gibbonsdown and Court

 

 

 STREET NAME                          NUMBERS

Aberaeron Close                         1-46

Ewenny Close                            1-28

Laleston Close                            1-65 odds

Narberth Court                                    1-20

Pendine Close                            1-92

St Catherines Court                     1-25

Cottrell Square                           1-6

Holland Way                              2-24

Islwyn Way                                1-6

St Brides Way                             2-4 even and 1-21 odd