People from Buckskin and South Ham, Basingstoke, have shared their hopes for the future of their neighbourhood with a small team of community researchers.
Through this local consultation, more than 5,000 people visited a dedicated website, with more than 500 filling in a survey, and 200 visiting seven drop-in events with community researchers.
A strong sense of community
Together, residents identified that their priorities are to feel safer and more connected, with greater opportunities for young people, and better-designed homes that are more sustainable and cheaper to run. Local people also shared their strong sense of community with their neighbours and friends, and their appreciation of green parks and spaces, and the variety of types of homes in the area.
The place-based research and engagement programme was commissioned by Sovereign Hill Partnership (SHP) – a strategic partnership between Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and The Hill Group. The Young Foundation was involved as the community research partner, training and working with community researchers. Metro Dynamics led on the socio-economic analysis. And community engagement activities and events were delivered by Something Collective.
Working with community researchers
Thanking residents and community researchers for their time and input, Tom Titherington, Chief Investment and Development Officer at SNG said:
“We want communities to thrive over generations and it struck me that while residents value the people and local groups around them, many who responded felt that that it was not an area where they would want their children to live in the future. This feedback gives us confidence we are right to start work with residents and businesses to look at options for change and improvements.”
The focus now, he added, is “finding ways to tackle their issues and concerns.”
Dr Al Mathers, Director of Research at The Young Foundation, says:
“The things people really value about where they live sometimes only become visible when we take the time to build trust and listen to their everyday experiences of home, neighbourhood, and community.
By working with community researchers in South Ham and Buckskin, we were able to reveal those hidden dimensions and help share a richer picture of what residents need and care about to inform future plans and priorities for the local area. We’re delighted to see our collective findings published in this new report.”
Community needs and priorities Housing and regeneration Local economies Places Posted on: 5 July 2024