A COMMUNITY initiative with the purpose of delivering “a conversation with purpose leading to action” saw representatives from more than 50 different Christchurch organisations come together.

The first every ‘Christchurch Conversation’ took place on Thursday, October 25 at Twynham School.

Organised by Christchurch Community Partnership (CCP), the event brought 125 people together, who represented various groups from the statutory, voluntary, faith, and business sectors, who are all passionate about their community.

The purpose of the conversation was to highlight and celebrate the positive initiatives that already exist in Christchurch.

It also looked to identify the gaps and challenges, before drawing up creative ways of collaboratively addressing these issues through facilitated discussion groups and conversations with key stakeholders from Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset Police, Dorset Fire & Rescue, the Chamber of Trade, and the Christchurch Learning Federation.

The strength of the voluntary sector was highlighted at the event, with some being delivered by residents at street level. Challenges around recruiting volunteers, communication of what was available, lack of youth provision, and inadequate community transport were all highlighted.

Among the solutions suggested was the need for a town centre community hub, to provide a single point of contact, a ‘volunteer bank’, early and increased support for mental health issues, and help for the homeless.

The issues of major concern reflected national trends, with mental health, loneliness and social isolation across the age spectrum, and community transport being at the top of the list from the 15 small groups and the five key stakeholders.

Rev Sandra Prudom, chair of CCP, said: “We were really encouraged by both the number of organisations attending and at the level of engagement.

“It goes to show that the people of Christchurch are invested in our community and want to be part of the solution.”

Guest facilitator, Ian Jones, head of regional community partnerships, from Bournemouth University also told those gathered that this was only the beginning of a process.

The next stage is to publish the report and the Steering Group will continue to meet to move the recommended actions from it forward. To follow the conversation through visit www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk/christchurchconversation