On March 20th Woodside Network held the community commissioning event in Woodside. 15 community members attended and fully engaged with the process.
After an introduction which gave an overview of the process to date, and some of the survey results, participants entered into discussions about the best use of the funding to improve the environment and mental health and wellbeing in the area. A shortlist of ideas was then collated, with those present able to indicate their preferences.
One of the proposals made for the spending of the budget around mental health and well-being in Woodside was increased activity and opportunities for older people in the area. Although this was agreed as a relevant and really useful suggestion, it was also recognised that we needed more information to take forward any new project activities or opportunities available in the area for this group.
A small working group of the Woodside Network came together to plan, organise and facilitate an open afternoon for over 50s in the area. This included engaging a range of partners, for example Silver City Surfers, Penumbra, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership, Sport Aberdeen, Quarriers, and CFINE. Community members were invited to the event and were encouraged to go round stallholders to get an understanding of existing and potential opportunities in the area. Afternoon tea was also provided as well as some fun activities.
Fifteen community members attended and completed a short questionnaire for their feedback on the day as well as which activities should be prioritised moving forward. The Woodside Network will now determine which activities to move forward with using funding from the ACVO Community Mental Health and Well-being fund.
Recently, we have also organised a further Woodside Decides session with a focus on culture and creativity. We worked closely with the North East Culture Collective, who have provided £5000 for the Woodside community to commission projects or activities. An event was organised in Woodside community centre on June 26th with a range of creative opportunities available for community members to try out as well as a period of discussion on how to spend the funds. Although only three community members and four organisational representatives based in the area attended the event, there were some very meaningful conversations held around how culture and creativity could be used to better understand and enhance the strong sense of community pride in the Woodside area. Participants also identified how visual art could be used to improve the feel of the area, particularly in locations where this type of art, for example murals, is not currently present. It was also agreed that due to the low numbers in attendance we would use the period of July to September to further engage communities using an outreach model rather than a standalone event.
Keep an eye out in the community for further events and ways to get involved and have your say. You can email Dave on [email protected] for more information.