The first Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme’s (NNS) Citizen’s Panel meeting took place at The Sanctuary in Castle Vale this week.

Wednesday’s event was attended by individuals and organisations interested in learning how they can play an integral role in helping to shape services for older residents under Erdington NNS.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association, lead partner for Erdington NNS alongside Compass Support, hailed the meeting a success.

“There was lots of positive engagement which generated a range of ideas for growing the portfolio of services provided under Erdington NNS,” he said.

“The Citizen’s Panel has been established to help identify the activities which are needed most and the areas they are needed in.”

Neighbourhood Networker for Erdington NNS, Laura Grigg, said the scheme was now gathering real momentum.

“It is about putting individuals at the heart of their community,” she said.

“If people are involved in the creation and delivery of services then those services are much more likely to succeed.”

The next Citizen’s Panel meeting is scheduled for April 2020.

If you would like to know more about Erdington NNS please call Chantelle Holmes on 0121 382 1930 or email: chantelle.holmes@wittonlodge.org.uk

• Erdington NNS brings together voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations to support older adults through the growth of networks and friendships so that they can live independent and connected lives.

This is achieved by providing access to services, organisations and practitioners who can help reduce isolation and promote and reinforce good health and wellbeing.

Erdington NNS provides investment through a small grants programme to support the creation and development of activity which targets individuals and organisations identified as vulnerable
Under the scheme’s Small Grants Programme people can apply for between £250 and £10,000, depending on the scope of their initiative.