What do people say about us
Here’s what people across Gloucester have shared about their experiences.
“They get to know the area/ people and link things together to see if common interests happen. They try and see what local people can do together or support people who maybe are a little shy/ nervous about going to local things” – Resident, Gloucester
“I’m a new resident to Gloucester and found the help given to me invaluable as integrating into a new community can be very difficult. I am now using my new smart phone and I am more connected with my local neighbours as we belonged to same activity groups. I have become the social events secretary for the Chitchat and walk group” – Resident, Gloucester
“GCBC flips traditional Community Development on its head and works from the ground up, listening to communities. Your work merits the individuality of communities and doesn’t consider residents as one homogenous group of people, but rather people who need to be listened to and empowered. GCBC enables communities to make decisions for themselves. Professionals who work in communities are at their best when they are doing ‘themselves out of a job’ and that is what GCBC are doing.” – Researcher, University of Gloucestershire
“I was very sceptical at first but penny dropped – the positive approach of the team really made a difference and stories they told made everything really clear.” – Gloucestershire Police
“The trust and relationships they have are important, particularly for those who might have had a bad experience with authority and might otherwise not be heard” – City Council employee
“The collective helps us tackle the wicked issues – we should be creating health and wellbeing rather than addressing the deficits.” – CCG manager
“The exciting thing about GCBC is really testing the theory of a place-based approach working alongside residents to build their confidence and capacity to act for themselves” – County Council officer
“Many of the individuals or groups they have connected us to, have been people we would not have “had access to” or connected with in our role; this has included older adults and those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, both of whom are priority cohorts for us, because we know that they are less likely to be active, therefore effecting overall health and wellbeing. ” – Active Gloucestershire
I want to meet more people. I knit so would like to start or go to a club where we share this interest and I would like to learn how to crochet. Can we start a cycling club please because I still do not know much of Gloucester. – Resident, Gloucester
Your role is a fantastic opportunity to assist in supporting a positive outcome for a lot of community problems and issues by getting people engaging and talking as this will take away the barriers to community cohesion. You are well placed to achieve this. – Resident, Gloucester
“It has felt good to be supported, and to feel like I can do things for my community.” – Resident, Gloucester
I don’t know a lot of people even though I have lived in the area for many years. I have met more people through your introductions and these connections have deepen beyond salutations – Resident, Gloucester
