On Tuesday, 19th January, over forty local people helped to launch a new initiative by housing and support organisation, Curo, aimed at children and young people in Peasedown St John.
At the event, 26 young people signed up to Curo’s Neighbour Hoodies scheme which will see them make a real difference in their village, choosing and leading their own community projects. On the night, the new group voted unanimously to adopt the name, ‘PSJ Neighbour Hoodies’.
At the launch evening, the young people talked about what made them proud about Peasedown St John and what they could do to help make it a better place to live.
The PSJ Neighbour Hoodies’ top three priorities for the village are:
• Helping to look after the Green, including taking part in more planting.
• Creating a nature area in the village.
• Helping older people with their gardens.
Curo Community Initiatives Coordinator, Jo Bellotti, said: “Neighbour Hoodies gives young people the opportunity to be part of and influence what happens where they live. It encourages generations to come together to make their area a place to be proud of, breaking down barriers between members of the community.”
One of the new PSJ Neighbour Hoodies is seven-year-old Kye. Kye said: “I loved meeting new friends and writing down what I thought would help people where I live. I put my hand up to choose the name PSJ Neighbour Hoodies, so I’m glad it won!”
Becky Ford, a local resident who helped Curo plan the evening, said: “The children were buzzing with excitement. What I was particularly pleased with was the enthusiasm and commitment shown by parents. We live in a great community and I felt proud that everyone was working together to make it even better!”
Anyone interested in being part of the Neighbour Hoodies initiative either in Peasedown St John or elsewhere can contact Curo on: 01225 366000 or visit: www.
curo-group.co.uk/getinvolved