Minutes:
6. Feedback on Ward Assembly Funded Projects
6.1 Cllr Dromey explained that each year the Assembly funds local projects that are selected by residents. Three of these project had attended to give feedback on how the money had benefitted local people.
Carers Lewisham Sue Offord
6.2 Sue gave a brief outline of the work of Carers Lewisham and the project which was to identify young full-time carers in News Cross ward who were making the transition from infants to juniors this year. They have found that this can be a particularly stressful time for the young people.
6.3 The money was used to take the young people on a respite break to the Honey Pot Adventure where they could spend a few days just being children and establishing supportive relationships with peers who shared their experience. The charity also provides outreach support and also can provide clothing and other items.
6.4 The children were given opportunities to take part in various activities such as roller skating, cycling, arts & crafts, crabbing and swimming. they also had days out at a wildlife park and a theme park.
6.5 Every child left with a goody bag which included a substantial toy , good memories and new friends who understand their caring role.
6.6 Sue thanked the Assembly for helping to make this possible.
Creekside Education Trust Bettina Kabutz
6.7 Bettina explained that the Creekside Education Centre is a purpose built centre that provide local people with the opportunity to get into Deptford Creek and interact with the habitat.
6.8 The Assembly allows them to provide subsidised access to the local families who would not usually be able to afford to attend the activities. Activities include dipping in the river to find leeches, small fish, shrimp and the occasional crab….or bike!
6.9 On returning to the centre we can look at things under microscopes and create drawings, explore the wildlife in the pond, handle different artefacts that have been found and identify wild flowers. The snail hunt was particularly popular with some visitors, as was the marshmallow toasting and someone even found gold!
6.10There will be to more subsidised events during half-term on 26th & 27th October (see the flyer on the attached presentation) so Bettina thanked the Assembly for their continued support.
New Cross Gate Trust Jill Mountford
6.10Jill explained that the New Cross Gate Trust run out of Besson Street Community Garden and every year they run a 2-week theatre school. This year 33 of the 39 participants did not get a family holiday.
6.11There was a Roald Dhal theme and the all they songs included were protest songs so the children learnt lot of history whilst having fun. In addition to the performance they also get experience in other areas such as making the sets and costumes. The participants also went on a trip up to the fountains outside City Hall where they also gave and impromptu performance.
6.12 Attendance rate was 96% with 89% punctuality which is significantly higher than comparable figures for schools.
6.13The attached presentation has feedback from families of those who participated which illustrates the impact of the experience and Jill thanked the Assembly for supporting the project.