Making connections makes life better

"Our communities have a wealth of knowledge, strengths and skills but often don’t have the confidence or opportunity to explore their ideas and aspirations. 

The LOOP Project is about community driven development.  If we all care and look out for each other our community will feel a much better place to live.

Neighbourliness makes us all feel safer, more valued and enriches the quality of lives.  Everyone has their own daily challenges but with help, support and a caring mindset the quality of our community will thrive.

In my LOOP role I have a commitment to teasing out people’s strengths and trying to help build confidence.  Everyone has something to offer but we often talk ourselves down rather than finding opportunities to shine.

Debbie is the LOOP Neighbourhood Connector for Tuffley and Podsmead

As a Neighbourhood Connector I try to identify Local Hosts.  The Local Hosts build relationships with neighbours that live around them and look for common interests and social gatherings.  It’s about people starting to talk to each other, building relationships and just being there for each other.  So often people are isolated and don’t have the confidence to be involved in their community. 

​My role is to try and build confidence in people, support them through their journey to becoming a host.  It’s important to identify what people like doing.  Building on positives and trying new things.  A huge part of the role is listening to what people would like to do but also supporting their capacity and making them, themselves, realise their own potential.
 
There are so many ideas from dog walking, accessing local arts and culture, barbecues, day trips and even fishing.  Anything goes!  It’s not about the Neighbourhood Connector doing things for people but connecting neighbours and building relationships.  It’s about having fun too, trying something new or introducing your neighbours to interests that you have and can share.  It’s getting back to basics and talking, sharing experiences and improving the quality of life for our community.

It’s simple – talk to me and stay in the LOOP!!  Get involved and have some fun!"

You can contact Debbie for more information by emailing debbiechristie21@gmail.com. ​

Author

Debbie Christie, LOOP Neighbourhood Connector