Outreach Work – An Overview

NUCA's outreach work specifically occurs in two very different communities on the outskirts of the NUCA area. Both Langsett and Edward Street Flats have distinctly different characters and as a result the issues and concerns that surround these areas necessitate specific, individual approaches if the areas are to benefit from the regeneration resources available to them.

In looking at specific solutions to these areas NUCA outreach work involves two key work areas. Firstly the work seeks to help individuals and groups to benefit from the resources available in the area. This includes both supporting and initiating groups and projects that benefit the area. Secondly, the outreach worker links with and supports relevant organizations and activities whose presence in the area is valuable to local individuals and groups.

Langsett:

The Langsett area is located around 2 miles from Sheffield City centre. It is situated between Upperthorpe, Walkley and Hillsborough and is characterised by its very hilly terrain.

Housing in the Langsett estate largely consists of 1970's built brick buildings. It consists of a combination of houses, bungalows and three storey flats. The majority of flats and bungalows are inhabited by the elderly and the houses are largely inhabited by families. Around 25% of the properties are privately owned with the rest being either council or housing association owned.

After conducting project and community consultation exercises at the start of the project several key work areas were identified. As a result the focus of the work can be divided into three distinct areas:

So far these work areas have been targeted through two main processes: The initiating of new projects to fill the gaps in current service provision and through facilitating greater communication and linkage with other relevant projects and groups. Specific results include a book group, crafts group, elderly befriending scheme, computer classes and free internet access, community fun days, project awareness days and a community newsletter incorporating the input from a wide range of service providers.

Edward Street Flats:

Edward Street Flats and St George's Close are in the Netherthorpe ward of Sheffield, around half a mile from Sheffield City centre. The area is separated from the residential area of Netherthorpe by the duel carriageway, Netherthorpe Road.

Edward Street Flats consists of 133 flats arranged around a central green/ play area. The majority of these flats are council or housing association owned although some properties are privately owned or rented. St George's Close likewise consists of predominately council/ housing owned properties and is located in the residential area around Edward Street Flats. St Georges Close runs parallel to Netherthorpe Road.

Initial project and residential consultation carried out highlighted 2 main areas which have been used as the benchmark of work activity:

With a specific emphasis placed upon community cohesion both at a local residential level and with service providers a series of developments in the area have occurred. As well as increased linkage to outside agencies and networks results include the establishment of a Youth Club for 8 -13 year olds, a book club, computer classes, resident led arts and crafts sessions, a women's sewing group, a WEA taught English class, a steering group, community fun and bulb planting days, Somali lessons, a resident led action group and a community newsletter highlighting important service provision to residents.