Pride in Place has moved into its next stage in Whitehouse and Stoke Park & Chantry.
The early phase was about raising awareness and setting up the Neighbourhood Boards. Now the conversation is moving further into the community. And this is the bit where local people, community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, social enterprises and anyone who knows these areas well can help shape what happens next.
Whitehouse and Stoke Park & Chantry are each in line for up to £20 million of investment over the next ten years.
That is a big opportunity.
But the important question is not just: “What could £20 million pay for?”
It is: “What do local people actually think is needed?”
This is not just for people on the Board
One of the biggest myths about Pride in Place is that if you are not on the Neighbourhood Board, the conversation is not for you.
That is not true.
Boards matter, but they are only one part of the process. Local people still have a role to play:
- People who live in the area.
- People who work there.
- People who volunteer there.
- People who use local services.
- People raising families there.
- People who run groups, clubs, charities or community organisations.
- People who know what is already working.
- People who know where the gaps are.
- People who have ideas.
- People who have concerns.
- People who do not usually get asked.
This next stage is about listening more widely.
If you live in Whitehouse
Volunteering Matters is collecting views from people connected to Whitehouse.
The survey asks about your area, your views, and how long-term investment could help.
Fill in the Whitehouse survey here
If you live in Stoke Park or Chantry
Volunteering Matters is also collecting views from people connected to Stoke Park and Chantry.
The survey asks about your area, your views, and what you think would make a difference over the next ten years.
Fill in the Stoke Park and Chantry survey here
If you are part of a local group or organisation
Community Action Suffolk is hosting two Pride in Place consultation events for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. These workshops are aimed at groups and organisations who know the community and its needs. That could include charities, community groups, volunteer groups, faith groups, clubs, social enterprises and local organisations supporting people in or around the Pride in Place areas.
The events are free to attend.
Stoke Park workshop:
Tuesday 4 August
10am to 12.30pm
Paul’s Social Club
33 Salmet Close
Ipswich
IP2 9BA
Click here for more information
Whitehouse workshop
Tuesday 11 August
10am to 12.30pm
Whitehouse Baptist Church
8 Waterford Road
Ipswich
IP1 5NW
Click here for more information
If your group can’t attend the event in your area, let Community Action Suffolk know, as you may be able to attend the other date.
Why this matters
Pride in Place is meant to be shaped by local knowledge. That means:
- Not just the loudest voices.
- Not just the people who always attend meetings.
- Not just people who understand official language.
- Real people.
- People with everyday knowledge.
- People who know what it feels like to live, work, volunteer, raise children, run a group, use services or support others in these communities.
The next ten years of investment should be shaped by what local people say they need.
So if you have a view, now is the time to share it.
If you know someone in Whitehouse, Stoke Park or Chantry, send this to them. If you’re part of a local group, charity, faith group, club or community organisation, look at the workshop details.
This is the bit where the conversation moves into the community.
And the more people who take part, the better that conversation can be.
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Miranda Acres
Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember, supporting local start-ups, SMEs and charities. A passionate founder of Ipswich.love. Huge supporter of Ipswich's bid for City of Culture 2029. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.
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