Everybody needs good neighbours

Research by Gloucestershire Gateway Trust (GGT) finds that significant numbers of local residents value belonging to a community and believe in being good neighbours!

Some would have us believe that many communities today are broken but the second GGT Annual Community Survey carried out by a team of local residents in Matson and Robinswood, White City, Podsmead, Tuffley and Stonehouse found a that local people have a strong commitment to their areas and share in more than enough neighbourliness to go around.  

The results of the 2018 survey have now been published and key findings are:

WE ARE THE COMMUNITY AND WE WANT TO STAY HERE
In three of the communities over 90% of people interviewed said they liked living in their communities (Tuffley, White City and Stonehouse) with the others close behind.  Most planned to stay there, and between 69-84% said they felt part of a community.

WE’VE GOT SKILLS AND WE WANT TO SHARE THEM
In all the communities large numbers of residents reported that they had skills that they were willing to share with others White City (76%), Matson and Robinswood(74%) and Stonehouse (72%) scoring particularly highly.  Residents who were already involved in community events were significantly more likely to feel they could share their skills with their local communities.

DO RESIDENTS THINK THEIR VOICES ARE BEING HEARD?
In most communities less than half the residents surveyed felt that they could personally influence local decisions yet when residents were involved with local groups this doubles.

Mark Gale, Chief Executive of GGT confirms that: “The residents told us clearly that the best things about their neighbourhoods are the “People, Peace and Nature” and that we all need to come together to build on these valuable resources!”.
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Mark added “Our local communities are strong and we all have contributions to make that can make life even better.  Everyone has a skill that can be of benefit to someone else – whether that’s making something, helping out, or even just being a good listener. We also believe that when people come together and do more of the things they decide are important or get involved in local residents’ groups or lobbying decision makers then they can get their voices heard.”
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GGT has this month launched the “LOOP” (Looking Out for Others Potential) to encourage more residents to connect and share their skills and passions. GGT has also launched a new publicity campaign featuring five top tips that anyone anywhere can use to help to support their local community.