Helping Hands Residents’ Association
The Helping Hands Residents’ Association is part of the Redruth North Partnership, which is driving the development of the Redruth North area.
Set up in 1992, The Helping Hands Residents’ Association serves the interests of around 700 people living in the Close Hill area of North Redruth and is managed by a committee of 12 local people ranging in age from 12 to 75.
With financial help from actnow reach, the Helping Hands Residents’ Association has recently acquired a new PC for their office, where there is a small network in place. The small office acts as the nerve centre for the Association.
Redruth North Partnership Co-ordinator Kevin Hawke says ‘The new PC is helping the Residents’ Association to make the most of broadband and ICT to further their aims.’
Kevin continues ‘The Association uses broadband to communicate with statutory bodies, the police, the district council, the schools and their local M.P. Broadband makes it easier to keep in touch with the latest developments and to make sure that the residents’ views are taken into account at every level and right across the board.
‘The Association also uses the Internet to communicate by email with other residents’ groups around the UK so as to share best practice, share ideas and tips about accessing funding and so on.
‘ Of course, the PCs are also invaluable for preparing general documents and residents’ newsletters. Without these, they could not keep all 700 residents up to date with all the activities taking place and make sure that as many of their views as possible are taken into account in planning for the future.
‘With broadband, it is also much easier and faster to carry out research online. For example, the volunteers have recently been carrying out research related to Home Zone, which is about redesigning a better street environment.
Kevin concludes ‘ICT and broadband is lending a vital helping hand to the Residents’ Association, enabling them to achieve their aims and do their utmost to create a strong and vibrant community in the Close Hill area.’
For further information about the support available under actnow reach or to apply for funding, please call Stephen Caen at actnow on 0800 800 935 or email reach@actnowcornwall.co.uk
actnow reach is funded by the Rural Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Partnership and Cornwall Enterprise
