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The Story Behind Building Community Connections
Hello...
I'm Alison, founder of Building Community Connections. In the summer of 2023 I was given the opportunity to carry out a Community Participatory Action Research project on behalf of Home-Start Portsmouth, also supported by Portsmouth City Council. and funded by NHS England.
Training was provided by the University of Reading and the Scottish Community Development Centre.
I decided to look at how the cost of living was affecting the health and happiness of Portsmouth families, having had many conversations with parents about their worries and stress regarding money in my role as a Home-Start Portsmouth volunteer at Stay & Play groups.
Over 12 months, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, I spoke to parents and carers across the City. I then analysed the data and presented my findings at a showcase event via presentations and a poster. I also wrote a report that has been widely shared amongst local stakeholders and is still available to read here.
Whilst I had fulfilled the criteria of my community research role, I felt I could do more in terms of making a positive change in response to the thoughts and stories participants had so kindly and honestly shared with me. Many felt that they weren't aware of what services, support and groups were available or able to find information easily and so I have created this website, in the hope it brings together as much information as possible in a simple format. Parents also felt guilt, not being able to spend as much as they would like on their children and finding it difficult to talk about money with them. The Talk Learn Do section has resources that may help with this.
This is not a finished, static site, it will be forever evolving in response to community news, events, projects, support and services.
The other 2 strands to this non-profit enterprise is connecting with as many community centred individuals, groups and organisations as possible and project development of free or low cost activities in direct response to community need and want.
I have been developing this in my own time and without financial support, which is unfortunately not sustainable. So, if you can spare a donation , would like to consider sponsorship, partnership or collaborating in some way, please get in touch.
