Carers and volunteers in New Forest

About the community
This is a rural community, which has one of the highest proportions of retired people in the country. Many live at home but others live in sheltered housing or in care homes.

How the community will make a difference
Lacking in local media to keep them informed and with gaps in mobile and broadband coverage, New Forest Community Media aims to relieve the sense of isolation among carers and those being cared for by working with the community to produce their own radio show.

The Community Voices project
A dedicated programme on The Park radio made by carers for carers and those they care for, going out on the air for two hours a week initially with studio guests and phone-ins.

Go to an update on Carers in New Forest

Residents in care at the NSE’s Chalfont Centre

About the community
A group of epilepsy sufferers who live at the National Society for Epilepsy’s (NSE) Chalfont Centre. Many also suffer from other associated physical and mental disabilities. They have high levels of care needs and are often isolated from society and live in fear of the stigma attached to their circumstances by the general public.

How the community will make a difference
Because of their disabilities residents are unable to access information about social, cultural, and educational activities and therefore tend to miss out. They want to develop their own accessible way of informing each other about such opportunities.

The Community Voices project
The aim of this project is for members of the community to be involved in creating an accessible film-based monthly newsletter that can be distributed to each residential home focusing on opportunities in the Chalfont Centre and the wider community for residents to take part in.

Who's involved?
The NSE is the leading national epilepsy medical charity working for everyone affected by epilepsy. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy, by promoting research, education and public awareness and by delivering specialist medical care and support services.

Voluntary and Community Action Chichester District

About the community
A community of older people in Chichester, West Sussex. The region has the highest proportion of pensionable-age residents in the country and this community faces issues of loneliness, independence, health and accessibility.

How the community will make a difference
Give older people new skills in digital media to reduce isolation in rural areas and enable them to get their voices heard about local services.

The Community Voices project
VCACD plans to run a series of training courses on how to use a mobile phone, how to use the internet and digital photography. Through a web forum, the 200 community members who will be directly involved will exchange views and support each other, as well as creating resource materials.

BK-LUWO

About the community
BK-LUWO is an Oxford-based self-help group for women refugees and exiles (although men who go to the group for support are not turned away) who aim to develop a vibrant world culture in the region and share it with the wider community.

How the community will make a difference
By providing a safe place where women can meet to share experiences and learn new skills from one another. One of the ways this is done is by developing lasting records of spoken histories using modern audio, visual and writing technologies which act as a form of therapy through participatory involvement.

The Community Voices project
To organise digital media training for members of the community, before they create and present 10-15 narratives based on the refugee experience that will promote and preserve an awareness of traditions, language and culture to the wider community.

Go to an update on BK-LUWO

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