Greater Peterborough Partnership

Peterborough residents begin receiving census questionnaires

2011-03-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

Peterborough residents will begin receiving their 2011 Census questionnaires as part of the biggest mail-out operation in the country’s history from next week (Monday 7 March 2011).

The 2011 Census will break all records as 25 million household questionnaires - plus millions more from care homes, hotels, military bases and other communal establishments - will be processed at a 180,000 square foot secure facility in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester.

Paul Phillipson, executive director for operations at Peterborough City Council, said: “Every household must by law complete the census questionnaire giving information about everyone staying at that address on Sunday 27 March.

“It’s essential that everybody in Peterborough is counted correctly because we estimate each person is worth £600 in government funding for each of the next 10 years for things such as schools and health services.

“Census numbers will be totalled up to calculate how much government money will be allocated to Peterborough and personal information will be kept secret for 100 years.”

Census questionnaires should be returned as soon as possible after census day using a pre-paid envelope provided. Alternatively, for the first time this year, questionnaires can be completed online using a unique access code printed on the front of individual forms.

Around 10 days after census day, census collectors will start calling on homes to remind people who still need to return their questionnaires.

Royal Mail will transport completed census forms to the Trafford Park processing centre where they will be automatically opened ready for scanning and archiving so that after 100 years they can be released and looked at by family historians. Once scanned, they will be securely destroyed and recycled.

At peak times, around 300 people will classify and code information as it appears page by page covering topics such as occupation, ethnicity and religion. Compared with the first census, held in 1801 when there were only four job categories, the 2011 Census can cope with nearly 28,000 employment types.

Statisticians will then process the numbers to provide vital population estimates to decide public services for years to come. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data, there will be two follow-up surveys to check the quality of information provided on census returns and to establish how successful the census has been in reaching all households in England and Wales.

New Back to Business Seminar Dates for 2011

2011-02-01T02:14:00.000-08:00

Following its success in 2010, the Peterborough Job Centre’s Back to Business Club has published its new list of seminars subjects for the forthcoming months, designed to help unemployed professionals, executives, and managers in the area.

The seminars cover all aspects of the re-discovering the skills needed to get back into work, from communication and interview techniques to considering self-employment.
If you have been in professional/managerial-type employment but are currently looking for work, visiting the Club at the City College, Brook Street on Thursday afternoons between 2 and 5pm may be the start you are looking for. As well as the weekly seminars the Club provides a motivational and encouraging environment where you can network with others who are in a similar situation, and learn about the support that can be provided by the Jobcentre and other organisations.

For more information or for a full list of forthcoming seminars call Alan or Julie on 01733 207348 or email backtobusiness@gpp-peterborough.org.

SEMINAR LIST

3rd Feb Self-Employment Advice

10th Feb Communication Skills

17th Feb Managing Change

24th Feb Interview Techniques

3rd Mar Pro-Active Job Seeking

10th Mar Networking

17th Mar Presentation Skills

24th Mar TBC

31st Mar Benefit Advice

7th Apr Self-Coaching

14th Apr Networking With Confidence

21st Apr CV Advice

28th Apr Open Forum

More young people find work with the help of Future Jobs Fund

2011-01-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

MORE than half the long-term unemployed youngsters in Peterborough who joined the Future Jobs Fund scheme have found work.

In all, 53 percent of 18-24 year olds in the city who took up a role with the fund have made it into permanent employment.

Richard Cooper was unemployed for a year before being employed through the Future Jobs Fund as part of Peterborough City Council’s Care and Repair team. He is now working full time for Mears Ltd as a Customer Service Administrator.

He said “My computer and communication skills have improved so much, and I have gained experience working with customers and as part of a team within an office.”

All the Future Jobs Fund positions are focused on providing a benefit to the community, whilst also increasing job prospects.

Gary Conder, Future Jobs Fund Project Manager said, “The Future Jobs Fund scheme has opened lots of doors for Peterborough’s young people.”

The Future Jobs Fund is in its second phase, providing more young people with opportunities.

For more info, email lee.wyer@peterborough.gov.uk

Back to Business is back in business in 2011

2010-12-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

Peterborough Jobcentre’s Back to Business club is hoping to consolidate on a successful 2010 with its New Year list of seminars, designed to help unemployed Professionals and Executives back into work.

Currently the Club has helped nearly 70% of its members back into employment by providing help to those who have been in work for several years but who find that due to the present economic environment they are now having to negotiate the job market. Very often this proves difficult, as modern employment methods such as online networking and competence-based interviews, coupled with the loss of confidence and lack of job-seeking skills can leave them at a disadvantage.

The Back to Business Club offers weekly seminars to help overcome these obstacles and help them compete on a level playing field, as well as giving support, encouragement, and advice – as well as tea, biscuits, and a sympathetic ear!
The Club meets at the City College, Brook Street on Thursday afternoons between 2 and 5pm, with seminars starting at 3pm. All facilities are free; smart dress appreciated.

Forthcoming seminars
06 Jan 2011 - Interview Techniques
13 Jan 2011 - How We Can Help You Back to Work
20 Jan 2011 - The Benefits of Recruitment Agencies
27 Jan 2011 - Networking Opportunities
03 Feb 2011 - Self-Employment Advice
10 Feb 2011 - Benefit Advice
17 Feb 2011 – Managing Change
24 Feb 2011 – Interview Techniques

For further details please contact backtobusiness@gpp-peterborough.org.uk or 01733 207348

GPP Annual Forum

2010-11-24T03:51:00.000-08:00

The Greater Peterborough Partnership are pleased to announce that this year’s Annual Forum will be held from 2pm – 5pm at the Peterborough City Hospital lecture theatre on Wednesday 8 December.

The Forum provides an opportunity to review our progress across all aspects of Peterborough’s Community Strategy – looking at our health, economic development communities, skills, education and environment capital ambitions. As usual we will have an overall review of the year, highlighting achievements and outlining what we are doing to address the continued challenges. We will also be talking about new ways of working in light of the Comprehensive Spending Review and our plans for a single delivery plan for Peterborough.

The second half of the forum will concentrate on what the Big Society concept means for Peterborough and how we make sure that all partners – from public, private, community, voluntary and faith sectors work together to achieve our common ambition. Our keynote speaker is Bert Provan, Deputy Director, Local Government and Renewal, who will speaking on the Big Society from a national perspective.

The venue address is:

Peterborough City Hospital, Edith Cavell Campus, Bretton Gate, Peterborough PE3 9GZ

This link takes you to a Google map showing its location.

Metered parking is available at the hospital, but is very limited. Attendees are encouraged to car share to attend the event or use public transport where possible. The Stagecoach Citi 7 bus runs every 20 minutes from the Queensgate Bus station, directly to the Peterborough City Hospital.

This is a public meeting to which all are invited to attend and contribute – you are welcome to extend this invitation to those who you feel may wish to attend.

Please confirm your attendance by emailing Hannah Barrett on hannah@gpp-peterborough.org.uk.

Interfaith Week 21-27 November

2010-11-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Interfaith Exhibition

Theme- Science & Religion

Wednesday 24 November 2010: 10am - 4pm

An excellent opportunity for promoting understanding between faith and the wider society; strengthening good interfaith relations at all levels

Peterborough Town Hall, Reception Room, Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1QT

Including Exhibitions from the following Faiths Groups...

BUDDHIST, CHRISTIAN, HINDU, MUSLIM,QUAKER, SIKH

For further information, telephone: 01733 207337 or E-mail: sue.rampal@gpp-peterborough.org.uk

‘Fearless’

2010-11-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Crimestoppers and the Safer Peterborough Partnership are holding the Eastern Region’s official launch of ‘Fearless’.

Fearless is a Crimestoppers website for young people. It provides information on different crime types, advises young people what to do if they are a victim of crime and allows them to report crime anonymously. This is the ONLY website that allows young people to report crime 100 per cent anonymously. Visit www.fearless.org to see for yourself.

The Fearless event is being held at The Voyager School, Mountsteven Avenue, Peterborough, on Monday 29^th November 2010.

Each lesson period will provide a fun-packed and interactive session about Fearless and the consequences of crime. The Fearless Youth Team will take students through the Fearless website. There will also be a short production from The Solomon Theatre called ‘Gemma’s Wardrobe’ which touches on:

· anti-social behaviour

· the impact of cannabis and alcohol

· legality

· peer pressure

· knife crime

· healthy living

· making positive choices.

To learn more about The Solomon Theatre, visit www.solomontheatre.co.uk

Each lesson starts at:

· 8.45

· 9.35

· 10.45

· 11.35

· 13.35

· 14.25

This event is FREE to attend. To confirm your attendance and secure a seat at one of the lessons please contact Ann Scott on 07825 445 720 or ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org

To exhibit a stand in ‘The Street’ at lunchtime, (an opportunity to promote your work and engage with 2,000 students and their parents), please contact Ann Scott on 07825 445 720 or ann.scott@crimestoppers-uk.org Lunch times runs from 12.25 – 13.15.

All those who attend can take advantage of free teaching resources, (curriculum based for both for secondary and primary schools) and promotional items for young people.

The Fearless team look forward to welcoming you.

Please feel free to pass this information onto others who may be interested. Thank you for your time.

Take Me To

2010-11-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Take Me To is an exciting creative project which offers people from all neighbourhoods, cultures and ages in Peterborough the opportunity to take part in a series of personalised tours of Peterborough this November. It's a chance to go on a minibus tour around Peterborough, where you show other people who live in Peterborough the places in your neighbourhood that mean something to you in return for being shown the other passengers' neighbourhoods. It's free to take part.

You need to be able to take part on three dates:

1. a tour on either Sat 27th or Sun 28th November

2. a meeting to prepare for your tour on either 11th or 12th November and

3. a final meal and gathering on Wed 1st December.

GPP Annual Forum

2010-11-01T03:24:00.001-07:00

The Greater Peterborough Partnership Annual Forum will be held throughout the afternoon of Wednesday 8 December.

At the forum, the achievements and challenges which Peterborough has faced over the past year will be discussed, as well as the future plans for our city. The second half of the forum will concentrate on how the Big Society initiative will affect Peterborough people, businesses and organisations. This is a public meeting to which all are invited to attend and contribute.

To register your interest in attending the GPP Forum, please contact hannah@gpp-peterborough.org.uk.

Further details will follow.

Take Me To

2010-10-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Take Me To is an exciting creative project which offers people from all neighbourhoods, cultures and ages in Peterborough the opportunity to take part in a series of personalised tours of Peterborough this November.

It's a chance to go on a minibus tour around Peterborough, where you show other people who live in Peterborough the places in your neighbourhood that mean something to you in return for being shown the other passengers' neighbourhood and it's free to take part.

For further details - visit http://www.citizenpower.co.uk/events/take-me-to.

New Peterborough Future Jobs Fund website launched

2010-10-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

A new website aimed at increasing the employment of Peterborough’s young people has been launched.

www.futurejobsfund.org.uk holds information on how young people aged 18 – 24 years old can apply for a Future Jobs Fund role, and lists the jobs that are currently available. Vacancies include a number of office junior and admin roles as well as many trainee positions in painting, playwork and tourism.

Lee Wyer, Future Jobs Fund Projects Assistant said, “We aimed to create a website which was more interactive for our target audience. We have included links to our blog, facebook and twitter enabling people to get in touch with us more easily. It has been great to be involved in the development of the website, the project has provided me with even more skills and to add to those already gained through my FJF placement.”

The Future Jobs Fund is a government initiative which aims to give long term unemployed young people a valuable 6 month paid work experience, through which they receive training and guidance to assist them in gathering the essential skills and experience needed for the work place. All Future Jobs Fund positions are focused on providing a benefit to the community whilst also increasing the job prospects of the individual. All Future Jobs Fund employees also receive guidance and support in the form of training, workshops and advice services.

The scheme has proved to dramatically improve the employability levels of Peterborough’s 18 – 24 year olds, with a large proportion of those completing the scheme going directly into full time employment.

Gary Conder, Future Jobs Fund project manager said, “The Future Jobs Fund initiative has provided Peterborough’s young unemployed with some fantastic paid work experience in a range of interesting job roles. The scheme has allowed these young people to learn more about the different types of careers and opportunities which are open to them and also provided them with the essential skills and experience needed when entering the world of work.”

“The Future Jobs Fund scheme has opened lots of doors for Peterborough’s young people. The scheme has also increased the employability prospects of our young workforce, providing the skills and abilities which many of the employers today are looking for. Local employers should be aware of the Future Jobs Fund and the array of talent which the scheme is helping to build in our city.”

Visit www.futurejobsfund.org.uk to take a look at the new website.

Young people raffle car for Peterborough soup kitchen

2010-10-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

A car which has been modified with a new stereo system, speakers and alloy wheels by seven enterprising young school leavers is being raffled off to raise money for Peterborough Soup Kitchen.

Peterborough City Council's 8 to 19 service was awarded £6,000 Connecting Communities Government funding in January to work with the young people from Peterborough's central ward on the Modify project. The young people have been involved at every stage, from purchasing the black 2002 Citroen Saxo, managing the budget, working with staff from Ice Direct to modify the car, choosing the charity and organising the raffle.

The car, which was bought for £1,500 from Star Cars in Peterborough, has been fitted with a new stereo system, alarm, exhaust, speakers, window tinting, alloy wheels and lights. All the work has been guaranteed by Ice Direct.

The car will now be raffled with a full MOT certificate, with proceeds going to Peterborough Soup Kitchen. The raffle will be launched at Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, Peterborough, on Friday 15 October 2010 at 1.15pm. Tickets will be sold for £2 each to people aged 18 years and over.

People will also be able to enter the raffle when the car is parked outside the former Woolworths store on Bridge Street, Peterborough, on Saturday 23 October 2010 and outside the Town Hall on Bridge Street, Peterborough, on Saturday 30 October 2010from 9am to 5pm.

Mayor of Peterborough, councillor Keith Sharp, will draw the winner at the Youth Access Point in Central Library, Broadway, Peterborough, on Friday 17 December 2010 at 2pm.

In recognition of their hard work, the young people involved in the project have achieved a British Safety Council Level 1 health and safety qualification and are working towards a 30-hour Award Scheme Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN) award. Five of the young people have signed up for a course at Peterborough Regional College, another is seeking an apprenticeship with Ice Direct and one young person is working with city council Connexions staff to secure education, training or employment opportunities.

Councillor Sheila Scott, cabinet member for children's services, said: "The amount of time which young people have invested in this project is outstanding. They have been involved at every stage, from the purchase of the car, helping the experts modify it, liaising with Peterborough Soup Kitchen and organising the raffle.

"This is just one example of the many excellent projects our 8 to 19 service is running to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, training or employment. It is great news that all of the young people who have worked so hard have now found education, training or employment opportunities."

Jacqueline Ormston, intensive personal advisor in the city council's 8 to 19 service, said: "The modify project would not have been possible without the hard work of the seven young people who have led on it. They should be very proud of their achievements and I hope they sell all the 3,000 raffle tickets and raise lots of money for Peterborough Soup Kitchen's new van.

"These young people are helping to raise money for an extremely worthwhile cause and at the same time have improved their employability skills. I hope it will inspire other young people to get involved in projects which will raise their aspirations."

Carlos Dominguez, Peterborough Soup Kitchen fundraiser, said: “We are very happy to be the recipient of the funds that the Modify project will bring and to be chosen by the youngsters, who wanted to help poor and homeless people in Peterborough.

“We think that the Modify project helps youngsters get a good start into the world of work and that has to be encouraged.”

Young people who might be interested in a career in the motor vehicle trade should contact the city council's Youth Access Point on (01733) 864500.

Back to Business Birthday Bonanza

2010-09-29T03:23:00.000-07:00

Peterborough’s Back to Business Club will mark its first birthday, with a celebration for all involved on Thursday September 30.

Since its launch a year ago, the Back to Business Club has seen 210 managers attend the weekly meetings. At least a third credit the club with helping them back into work or on to the road to self-employment, with thanks to the networking opportunities and seminars designed to help with their job seeking process.

Several members have gone into high profile positions, including head of brand strategy and marketing at the BBC, and contracts negotiator for Cambridge University.

The club will celebrate its birthday by inviting all past and present members to the club on Thursday 30 September from 2pm – 5pm, at City College Peterborough. Anyone who has given their time and expertise to attend the weekly meetings and deliver seminars on various subjects ranging from CV help and interview techniques, to presentation skills and confidence building is also invited, as are representatives from organisations that have supported the club throughout the year, such as City College Peterborough, Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service, and Peterborough Women's Enterprise Centre.

A buffet of Indian/English fusion food will be provided at the event, by former club member Parveen Ashraf. Parveen, who recently appeared on Channel 4’s Come Dine with Me, now runs her own catering company specialising in authentic home-cooked Indian food, as well as selling her own range of spices combined with easy to follow step-by-step recipes. Parveen has also appeared on the Ideal World shopping channel to promote her spice boxes.

Parveen said, “I attended many of the Back to Business Club sessions. As someone who was unemployed my self-esteem was quite low, but at the club I found the help and understanding I needed. The atmosphere is relaxed and I felt supported and welcomed.

I applied for several jobs advertised through the club but I am now focusing solely on my Indian catering business - which has really taken off. One of the things I am now doing is teaching cookery courses at the City College thanks to a contact I made at the Back to Business club.”

Greater Peterborough Partnership Director, Richard Astle, said, “The Back to Business Club has played an important role in supporting so many highly qualified and clearly very capable Peterborough people back in to employment, or in many cases, self-employment. There is clearly a pool of highly qualified professionals in the Peterborough area and I would urge any organisations that are looking to recruit in the area to contact the Back to Business Club.”

Following the success of the Back to Business Club, a similar club is being created in Huntingdon based on the experience in Peterborough

The Back to Business Club is held every Thursday from 2pm to 5pm at City College Peterborough, Brook Street. There is no charge for attendance – just contact the Back to Business Club on 01733 207214 or email backtobusiness@gpp-peterborough.org.uk. For more information, visit www.backtobusiness.org.uk.

Businesses urged to take their issues to new business surgeries

2010-09-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Dates have been set for the next three monthly business surgeries to assist established city companies to cut through the red tape and overcome those issues that are hindering their development plans.

Business can now book slots for sessions in September, October and November 2010. The monthly surgeries were launched last month by Peterborough City Council Leader, councillor Marco Cereste, in partnership with Opportunity Peterborough.

Councillor Cereste said: “Despite the very difficult financial climate some businesses continue to thrive and have their own expansion plans. We want to help those existing established businesses prosper and encourage entrepreneurship in the city by removing as much red tape as possible to allow this to happen.”

The sessions will be held on:
• 30 September 2010 from 12noon to 2pm in the Town Hall
• 28 October 2010 from 12noon to 2pm at Stuart House
• 25 November 2010 from 12noon to 2pm at Stuart House

Panellists include councillors Cereste, cabinet member for business engagement Gavin Elsey and cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and planning Peter Hiller, city council chief executive Gillian Beasley, executive director of operations Paul Phillipson, head of planning Simon Machen and Opportunity Peterborough’s director of economic development Neil Darwin. There will also be the opportunity to have individual detailed or sensitive conversations with panellists.

Councillor Elsey, cabinet member for business engagement added: “Our message is ‘Peterborough is very much open for business’ and these sessions are there to help you discuss and resolve any issues you have in a timely manner. We want to assist our city stakeholders to realise their aspirations and make a positive contribution to the future growth of our city.”

To book an appointment call Sally Goulden on (01733) 452481.

53 per cent rise in employability of city’s young people

2010-09-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

53 per cent of previously long-term unemployed young people have now gone directly into employment following the completion of a Future Jobs Fund role.

The scheme has proved to dramatically improve the employability levels of Peterborough’s 18 – 24 year olds through the provision of 6 months of paid work, enabling them to gather the essential skills and experience needed for the work place.

Richard Cooper was unemployed for a year before being employed through the future jobs fund as part of Peterborough City Council’s care and repair team. Richard has now gone on to work full time for Mears Ltd as a Customer Service Administrator.

Richard said, “With thanks to my future jobs fund placement, I have gained so many new skills. My computer and communication skills have improved so much and I have gained experience working both with customers and as part of a team within an office.” (See case studies attached)

All Future Jobs Fund positions, including Richard’s, are focused on providing a benefit to the community whilst also increasing the job prospects of the individual. All Future Jobs Fund employees also receive guidance and support in the form of training, workshops and advice services.

Gary Conder, Future Jobs Fund project manager said, “The Future Jobs Fund has provided Peterborough’s young unemployed with some fantastic paid work experience in a range of interesting job roles. The scheme has allowed these young people to learn more about the different types of careers and opportunities which are open to them and also provided them with the essential skills and experience needed when entering the world of work.”

“The Future Jobs Fund scheme has opened lots of doors for Peterborough’s young people. The scheme has also increased the employability prospects of our young workforce, providing the skills and abilities which many of the employers today are looking for. Local employers should be aware of the Future Jobs Fund and the array of talent which the scheme is helping to build in our city.”

The Future Jobs Fund is now in its second phase in the city, providing even more young people with opportunities.

For more information on Peterborough's Future Jobs Fund, visit www.futurejobsfund.org.uk or call Gary COnder on 01733 863798.

Cameo celebrates!

2010-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

CAMEO is the local specialist service providing expert care and support to people aged 17-35 experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The team at Cameo help people to take back control of their lives by giving them the tools to manage their mental health and regaining the optimism and hope to get on and enjoy their life.

Team Leader Kathy Lawrence-Clarke said “We enjoy working with people who we know will be able to recover their lives. On Friday CAMEO will be three years old! We would love you to come and meet us and see what we do. We look forward to seeing people again at the birthday party and to hear their news and progress.”

The CAMEO team is a group of mental health professionals. Some are trained as nurses, others as doctors or psychologists and some are people with lived experience.

Where: Cameo, 53, Thorpe Road, Peterborough

When: Friday 10th September

Time: 2.30pm

Green Apple accolade for council's community energy challenges

2010-09-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

A project which has pitted residents and colleagues against each other in a bid to reduce energy consumption has won a national environmental award.

Peterborough City Council's climate change team has been named in the top three of the Green Apple Award's environmental best practice category based on its Peterborough Energy Challenges. Each challenge involves 60 people and requires them to record their energy usage based on figures obtained from an energy monitor over a three-week period. The aim is to help residents understand their energy consumption and identify areas where they can make changes.

Two challenges have been run to date - a community energy challenge which involved 60 households in Werrington, and an employee energy challenge which included 60 individuals from 16 organisations - and there is already a waiting list for future challenges.

The Green Apple awards are run by The Green Organisation and recognise and reward environmental best practice. This is not the first time the team has won a Green Apple Award - last year an innovative climate change board game designed by the team was awarded the prize. The game is available to city schools and is on sale in the Destination Centre.

Councillor Samantha Dalton, the city council's cabinet member for environment capital, said: "The energy challenges are a great opportunity for the council to translate a global issue like climate change into something that can be tackled at a local level.

"By focusing on this issue in a fun, educational and competitive way, the challenges allow us to raise awareness of energy use and efficiency in a way that directly benefits residents by cutting their energy bills, whilst also helping build on the city's growing reputation as the UK's environment capital. Well done to the team on this achievement."

Jenna Hiley, the city council's climate change officer, said: "The energy challenges are a unique project because they use simple tools to enable people to make their own choices. The challenges are fun and interactive and show people they can make a real difference just by making small changes in the way they carry out day-to-day tasks. This means they are likely to continue to make these choices on an ongoing basis."

The team will find out whether it has won the gold, silver or bronze Green Apple at a presentation at the House of Commons on Monday 15 November 2010.

The next employee energy challenge will start on Monday 6 September 2010. To find out more, email climatechange@peterborough.gov.uk

Time to have Faith in the Environment...

2010-09-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

An innovative ‘Faith in the Environment’ project in Peterborough is set to help people of different faiths understand how their lifestyle choices impact the environment locally and globally.

The project is being delivered by the city’s green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and will work with four of the major faith groups locally – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist.

According to Sue Rampal, Assistant Cohesion Manager at Greater Peterborough Partnership, there is some lack of environmental awareness among faith groups in Peterborough. “All faith traditions contain teachings about how important it is to look after the planet. But when it comes down to each individual actually doing their bit, understanding is limited.”

This three year scheme will help different faith groups understand how their everyday actions have an impact on climate change. It will also encourage greater cohesion between faith groups because a key part of the project will involve inter-faith workshops and discussions.

It is hoped that the project will draw people from a range of faiths together to explore how their religious teachings about preserving the environment can translate into real action at an individual level.

PECT is keen to stress that whilst the project’s focus will be on working with Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist groups, no faith group will be excluded. “There are opportunities for a diverse range of people to get involved at different stages throughout the project”, says Karen Lawrence Project Officer from PECT. “The project has already received the backing of the Interfaith Council, and the Peterborough branch of Christian Aid which is helping local churches to reduce their environmental impact through the national Eco-Congregation programme”, she continues.

Karen believes that pioneering projects like Faith in the Environment demonstrate why Peterborough’s growing reputation for environmental innovation is well deserved. She said, “The first year of the project will focus on engaging different faith groups through interactive workshops with films, games, talks from experts and discussion. We want to get people thinking about how the things they do every day can have an impact on the environment both at home and globally.

“Simple things like our choices when we are shopping impact the environment – depending on the choice the impact can be far-reaching even affecting people on the other side of the world. Climate change has a range of harmful impacts causing unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, flooding in some areas, drought in others, food and water shortages. The good news is that we can all take action to stop this from happening and a few simple actions like reducing the number of plastic bags we use or saving water really does make a difference.”

The second and third years of the project will support people to ‘green’ their lives and work together to create art and film about what they have learned. This community art-work will be displayed for everyone in Peterborough to enjoy at an exhibition at the Museum in the final year of the project.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the project should contact Karen Lawrence on 01733 866436 or email Karen.lawrence@pect.org.uk

Call for community to share their views on community cohesion strategy

2010-09-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Community Cohesion Partnership is currently working on a new Peterborough community cohesion strategy, aiming to help build a united society, bringing together people of all ages and from a variety of different backgrounds to create a sense of belonging.

To ensure the strategy is effective, it is essential to gather the views of those living and working in Peterborough before the strategy is finalised and printed for distribution across the city.

To read the draft strategy - please click here http://www.gpp-peterborough.org.uk/documents/Draft_Community_Cohesion_Strategy_2010.pdf

If you would like to make a comment on the draft strategy, please email Community Cohesion Manager, Jawaid Khan: jawaid@gpp-peterborough.org.uk

The Future Jobs Fund are looking for mentors, can you help?

2010-08-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

The Future Jobs Fund are currently looking for mentors for young people who are taking part in the FJF, a citywide scheme which works to help young people gain long term employment.

It is hoped that mentors for the 18 - 24 year olds will volunteer for a few hours as part of the first Future Jobs Fund mentoring week. Mentoring week will be held from 20 - 24 September at the Future Jobs Fund shop on Long Causeway. FJF employees will be able to drop in to the shop between 10am - 4pm with mentors on hand to offer advice on careers and employment.

The Future Jobs Fund is specifically looking for mentors in the following areas to help young people with their questions:

Business Administration
Business Management
Advertising
IT
Working with people with special needs
Nursing
Education
Building
Joinery.

If you would like to become a mentor for the Future Jobs Fund, please contact Insiya Salam with your availability and specialist area on insiya.salam@peterborough.gov.uk.

Council commits to stretching carbon reduction targets

2010-08-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

In April the city council committed to achieve stretching carbon reductions totalling 35% of 2008/09 levels by 2014, going significantly beyond national targets set in the Climate Change Act. The Carbon Management Action Plan demonstrates the Council’s commitment to creating the UK’s Environment Capital and working at a local level to contribute to the UK’s Climate Change Act (2008).

The carbon reduction target and associated action plan follows completion of the Carbon Trust Local Authority Carbon Management Programme, which commenced in April 2009. During the programme PCC’s 2008/9 baseline emissions were calculated from energy consumption across its operations: buildings, schools, street lighting, culture & leisure facilities and fleet vehicles. The baseline emissions were 34,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, enough to fill the cathedral approximately 200 times.

Schools Rise to the OfSTED Challenge

2010-08-16T02:48:00.000-07:00

In September 2009, OfSTED launched their new school inspection framework, raising the level of expectations placed upon schools to new heights and becoming much more stringent in terms of outcomes, especially for safeguarding. Schools in Peterborough rose to this challenge very successfully.

At the beginning of the year, at least 7 city schools were judged as vulnerable to this new framework. Through intensive and concerted support, all schools inspected during the year received a judgement that their provision was at least satisfactory, and no schools entered the category of “Requiring Special Measures”, Peterborough being one of only a very few LAs in the country to achieve this distinction.

57% of schools were judged to be Good or Outstanding for overall effectiveness, and 82% were judged to be Good or Outstanding for safeguarding – results which are in line with and just above national averages.

There are no primary or secondary schools in Peterborough judged by OfSTED to be inadequate, and during the past two years we have worked hard with schools to ensure that those previously judged inadequate are now no longer in need of “Special Measures”.

This is helping the council to achieve its National Indicator 89 target of reducing the number of schools judged to require Special Measures. In fact the target has been exceeded ahead of schedule.

Peterborough could pioneer new electric vehicle recharging network

2010-08-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Peterborough could help pioneer latest developments in ultra-low carbon electric vehicles if a proposal to establish a regional network of recharging points receives government approval.

An East of England consortium, including Peterborough City Council, green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), other councils and local businesses, has been asked to develop a detailed business case for a £5.4 million network of recharging points.

It follows confirmation that the consortium’s initial ‘expression of interest’ in being part of a £30 million ‘Plugged in Places’ initiative has been shortlisted by the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

If chosen as one of the pilot projects, the East of England scheme would see around 500 charging points established in Peterborough, Bedford, Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, Luton, Thames Gateway and London Stansted airport within two years plus another 100 in the third year.

It would also mean that the East of England clusters would put electric vehicle drivers within range of charging points already established under a first phase scheme in London and Milton Keynes.

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has coordinated development of the proposal with support from more than 50 businesses and local authorities throughout the region. The scheme would provide charging posts at public, private and on-street parking locations, leisure and retail sites and transport interchanges.

It is hoped that the Plugged in Places project will stimulate faster development and adoption of electric vehicles and act as a catalyst in the development of new technologies, services and industries. For more information visit: www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/olev.

Celebrating Future Jobs Fund success

2010-08-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

There will be a Future Jobs Fund showcase on the 12^th August at the Kingsgate Conference Centre in Parnwell from 9.30am to 12.30pm to celebrate the success of phase one and reward all involved for their hard work. All Future Jobs Fund employers, employees, and the Future Jobs Fund team are invited to join in the celebrations and welcome phase two.

At the event there will be speeches from Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council and the Mayor. The winner of the email signature competition will also be announced and presented with a £50 HMV prize voucher. There will also be speeches from Future Jobs Fund employees and Gary Condor, Project Manager, who will share their experiences of the Future Jobs Fund, including a video diary made by youth workers. To top it off, Sean Dunthorne, magician and Future Jobs Fund employee, at Peterborough Museum will take to the stage.

The showcase will draw to a close with lunch for all involved.

Nadine Tatlow, Future Jobs Fund events co-ordinator said “The Future Jobs Fund team are really looking forward to the showcase! This is a brilliant way to celebrate our success by sharing what we have achieved throughout phase one of the scheme. It has been a real pleasure to be given the opportunity to organise this event, giving a future jobs fund employee like myself valuable experience! It’s going to be a fantastic morning and a great way to celebrate such an achievement.”

Chambers of Commerce to help Peterborough Managers get ‘Back to Business’

2010-07-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

Peterborough Back to Business Club will be joined by Peter Watts, Membership Development Officer from the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce on Thursday 29 July.

Peter will join the Club, which offers guidance to managers and professionals seeking work, to give members an introduction to Chamber Services and the services it provides, including free networking sessions and support to new businesses.

Peter said, “Many people do not realise just how much the Chamber has to offer to business people and also those seeking professional employment. Through our links with many local businesses and organisation, the Chamber holds a great deal of knowledge regarding Peterborough as a city which is continuously developing and growing.”

Peter will also give an update on the changing economic climate and employment market in Peterborough. Peter added, “With large employers such as Eddie Stobart moving to Peterborough the prospects for the employment market in the city are looking increasingly positive. I will be sharing recently updated figures on Peterborough’s changing job market within the city and provide insight on what professional job seekers can expect in the coming months.”

The Back to Business Club was established by the Greater Peterborough Partnership and aims to help out-of-work managers and professionals to maintain their confidence and motivation as they seek to return to the workplace, through networking with others in the same position and through introductions to support services.

The Club was set up in September 2009 following a rise in professional redundancies due to the economic downturn. Since opening its door in September 2009, the Back to Business Club has seen 210 managers and professionals who are seeking work pass through its doors, with 50 people confirming they have returned to work.

Amanda Papworth, JobCentre Plus advisor and facilitator of the Back to Business Club said, “Through the Back to Business Club we have met many highly qualified Peterborough professionals who are looking for work. If your business is looking to recruit in Peterborough, I would definitely recommend you contact the Back to Business Club and we will share your vacancy with this highly qualified pool of local talent.”

The Back to Business Club is held every Thursday from 14:00 to 17:00 at Peterborough College of Adult Education. Brook Street. There is no charge for attendance – just contact the Back to Business Club on 01733 207214 or email backtobusiness@gpp-peterborough.org.uk. For more information, visit www.backtobusiness.org.uk.

Conference to share good practice in Building Community Leadership

2010-07-14T02:57:00.000-07:00

The Muslim Community Reference Group have organised a conference on sharing experience about “Building Community Leadership for Tomorrow”. This will be held on Saturday (17th July 2010) from 10.30am – 1.30 pm. The conference is free to attend and will be held at Gladstone Park Community Centre, Bourges Boulevard in Peterborough.

The Muslim Community Reference Group which is a newly formed group aims to provide a united platform for the Muslim voice in Peterborough and foster better community relations for the good of a bigger and better Peterborough. One of its theme groups is “Capacity Building” focusing on projects that build capacity in the community and aims to empower the local community to fully contribute and be an integral part of the wider society.

The conference is designed to bring together key note speakers from the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) from Leicestershire, along with local Peterborough schools, to share their experience of building community leadership.

Local Secondary schools will also have the opportunity to share how they contribute to building leadership.

Local partners and service providers will hold stalls to promote the current projects being delivered which will benefit young people and also promote community empowerment.

Guests have been invited from the Council Cabinet as well as leaders from other faith and community groups.

The conference will include plenty of opportunity for questions and answers with discussion around the topic.

For any further information or to register, contact Hameed on 07852 919 903 or by email mcrg@hotmail.co.uk.

Motorcyclists To Get Certificates For Completing Safety Course

2010-07-09T01:33:00.000-07:00

More than 30 motorcyclists who completed a city BikeSafe course will be presented with certificates at the Perkins Learning Centre on Edgerley Road in Fengate, Peterborough on Tuesday 29 June 2010 at 7pm.

The SaferPeterborough partnership has been urging motorcyclists to brush up on their riding skills by attending the free BikeSafe course, which is delivered by Cambridgeshire Constabulary's advanced police motorcyclists.

BikeSafe covers motorcycle control including cornering, positioning, overtaking and group riding. People who went on the course also undertook an assessed ride, under the guidance of a police motorcyclist, to put their new-found skills into practice.

Clair George, road safety officer for the SaferPeterborough partnership, said: "Motorcyclists represent just one per cent of total road traffic but account for 19 per cent of all road user deaths. Last year, 75 motorcyclists were injured on Peterborough roads. In 2008, 493 motorcyclists died and 5,556 were seriously injured in road collisions in Great Britain. The BikeSafe course is a great way for riders to become more aware of their own abilities and improve on their skills with excellent tutorage by advanced police motorcyclists.

“Motorcyclists are 57 times more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers. The summer brings an increase in the number of motorcycles on our roads and drivers should be more aware of bikes by paying extra attention to the road and their mirrors.”

To attend a BikeSafe course contact the SaferPeterborough road safety team by calling (01733) 453576 or email roadsafety@peterborough.gov.uk

Healthy meal help, cooking demonstrations, street dancing and bite size exercise sessions

2010-07-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

These are all part of a National Childhood Obesity Week events taking place in Peterborough next week.

To raise awareness of National Childhood Obesity Week, NHS Peterborough are holding a Change4Life event at Cathedral Square on Wednesday 7 July, starting at 9:30am and running until 4pm.

The event includes:
-cooking demonstrations from Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) promoting healthy meal options and interactive healthy lifestyle activities
-street dancing from nacro, a national organisation helping to reduce crime by changing lives
-a visit from Youth Bus sponsored by local partners to promote NHS Baby and Teen Lifecheck and various with healthy lifestyle and healthy weight activities
-bite-size exercise sessions for children and families from NHS Peterborough public health team
information on Carnegie Weight Management Clubs for children and families 2 to 17 years of age.

The Youth Bus will also be visiting Orton Children's Centre on Tuesday 6 July and Caverstede Children's Centre on Thursday 8 July. The bus includes interactive games at the locations to encourage physical activity.

Dr Andy Liggins, Director of Public Health at NHS Peterborough, said, “In Peterborough, an estimated 30% of children and young people of compulsory school age are overweight or obese, of which up to 16% will be obese. We want to encourage young people and their parents or carers to have a good diet and a healthy lifestyle, which will help them grow well and protect them against chronic illnesses later in life.

“If you want to help your child lose weight and don’t know where to begin, then come at see us at Cathedral Square. We’ll have all the support you need to help you take a step in the right direction.”

Peterborough heart check project shortlisted for national award

2010-06-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

An innovative pilot project to identify and help the people most at risk of heart disease, which included patients across all GP practices in Peterborough, has been shortlisted for a national award.

NHS Peterborough experiences higher death rates from heart disease than national rates; based on this need, it became an early adopter of the Department of Health’s National Vascular (heart) Checks Programme. This is a programme of heart risk assessment and management through GP practices for those aged between 40-74.

The project has been shortlisted for the PharmaTimes Joint working project 2010 which recognise good examples of Joint Working Projects. The nomination is a culmination of work by NHS Peterborough, pharmaceutical company Takeda and the Anglia Stroke and Heart Network.
Chas Ryan, improvement and development manager at NHS Peterborough, said, “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award which shows the importance of joint working and how it can be vital to the progress of a project.
"Through a proactive approach to our project, a significantly and previously unassessed group of patients have received health advice, reassurance, and where appropriate managed heart disease at an earlier stage than would occur otherwise.
“Part of our five-year strategic plan is to reduce deaths and numbers of people suffering from heart disease, and we hope that the work carried out in this project will contribute towards this.”
The award ceremony takes place on Thursday 1 July 2010 at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Peterborough celebrates 170 Future Jobs Fund employees

2010-06-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

The Peterborough Future Jobs Fund has now employed all 167 young people in Phase 1 of its project.

The scheme has been a resounding success, with more than 20 public and voluntary sector organisations in the city coming together to create jobs for young people who have been unemployed between 26 and 50 weeks.

Three extra Future Jobs Fund positions were created in the city by the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers, Cambs Fire and Rescue and The Peterborough Women’s Centre, bringing the total number of people employed up to 170.
Future Jobs Fund roles include microbiologists at NHS Peterborough (pictured right), community development workers at Peterborough City Council, heritage assistants at Peterborough Museum and many more.

Gary Conder, Peterborough’s Future Jobs Fund project manager said; “It is fantastic that we have been able to fill all FJF positions allocated in Phase 1 and more. Each young person who is currently working in a Future Jobs Fund post who I have met has shown fantastic potential and enthusiasm.”

The Future Jobs Fund is beneficial to all Peterborough residents. All Future Jobs Fund roles must be of benefit to the local community, roles fall into the category of improving health, improving the environment or community work.

Gary continued: “The initiative aims to create a lasting benefit to Peterborough by helping young people gain the essential skills for them to prosper in our growing city and at the same time make a difference to the communities and individuals they will be working with. This is brilliant news for all of Peterborough’s residents, not just those young people employed through the Future Jobs Fund.”

Recently, Future Jobs Fund young people have been volunteering by picking litter in Peterborough’s streets as part of the BIG Tidy Up litter picking campaign (pictured right).

For more information on Peterborough’s Future Jobs Fund visit http://www.futurejobsfund.org.uk/.

Around the World in 80 Plates

2010-06-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a taste of Peterborough’s cultural diversity with an opportunity to sample some of the different foods from the many communities in the city.

As part of the Peterborough Festival, visit Central Park over the weekend of June 26 and 27, between 12pm and 3pm, and you can sample a range of dishes and exotic flavours from many different areas.

All of the dishes will be prepared by different cultures and communities living in Peterborough. Food to sample will include dhakla, bhel, raita, bhaji and puri.

The ‘Around the World in 80 Plates’ event has been organised by the Peterborough Festival team, in partnership with the Greater Peterborough Partnership (GPP). GPP’s Assistant Cohesion Manager, Sue Rampal said, “Everyone is invited to join us in Central Park to try the wide variety of locally prepared foods. This is a great opportunity to taste a number of different foods which you may not have tried before.”

Peterborough’s Desi Ladies Group will be offering dhokla and puff pastry for visitors to try on Saturday, and bhel and chutney on Sunday. Maz Syed, chair of the Desi Ladies Group said, “We are very excited to be taking part in the ‘Around the World in 80 Plates’ event. We are looking forward to sharing our food with the Peterborough residents, and I can’t wait to try the dishes of the other communities involved and perhaps swap some recipes and cooking tips too.”

Please contact Sue Rampal for further information on how to get involved and funding by calling 01733 207330 or email sue.rampal@gpp-peterborough.org.uk.

PETERBOROUGH’S FIRST COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE

2010-06-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

Saving energy ultimately means saving money. With the ever increasing price of fuel and the cost of electricity rising fast there has never been a better time for residents to be more energy efficient. The Community Energy Challenges are the perfect project to help residents focus on this topic in a competitive yet interesting way.

· The aim of this project is to raise awareness of domestic energy usage and efficiency in a fun and interesting way.
· The first challenge was held in February 2010 which saw 100% of the volunteers needed come forward, a total of 62 meters loaned out.
· The project will now be rolled out across other interested communities in Peterborough.
· This project has directly contributed to the city’s Environment Capital agenda.

Background: This project builds upon the successful Peterborough City Council ‘Your Footprint Counts’ climate change campaign. That campaign has already seen the same energy meters (efergy) placed in libraries around the city. The Community Energy Challenge adds a competitive element which we believe has really helped in achieving such a high uptake within the community.

How the initiative worked: Residents in the Werrington community were invited to take part in the first Peterborough Community Energy Challenge initiative. Whilst the trial was run by the council's climate change team it had full support from the all the local councillors within that area.

The launch took place on February 3 at Werrington village hall. All volunteers borrowed an energy monitor for three weeks and were asked to maintain a diary of their energy consumption, using the figures obtained from the monitor. The monitors enabled residents to see how much energy they were using at any given time, the consumption in terms of cost and KWh, as well as help them to learn which household appliances use the most energy.

The results of the challenge were revealed in a special event to mark the end of the trial on Monday 22 March at Ken Stimpson School. There were prizes for the most energy saved as well as goody bags for all participants.

Key findings:
The volunteers were predominantly families, although all aspects of the community were represented in the sample.
66% of participants returned their energy diary within the competition timescale.
Of the surveys completed, 83% found the energy meter easy to use, 69% preferred to watch the KWh mode and 67% of those who responded said that the meters would help them change their energy habits around the home.

Conclusion: This has been the climate change team’s first personalised community initiative. Its has received full support form all ward councillors, something which has really ensured the success of this project. Lessons learnt from this challenge will be carried forward to result in many more successful energy challenges across the city.

Meet Lee Wyer- Future Jobs Fund General Project Assistant

2010-06-08T03:41:00.000-07:00

Lee Wyer was unemployed for 6 months before being introduced to the Future Jobs Fund Scheme and gaining the role of General Project Assistant. His new role started on 21st December 2009.

Lee said, “The FJF role gives me the chance to gain the required work experience and knowledge to advance in my new career path, as well as giving me a chance to provide for my young family. I am excited to be given a chance to prove I can do something to help others get back into work. Being part of such a great project that is making a real difference to the young unemployed in Peterborough is something I am glad to be a part of.”

“My job role as a General Project Assistant for the Future Jobs Fund is to support the project team of the FJF. I liaise with the host partners and employees and maintain the FJF Blog, Facebook and Twitter to promote the FJF Project.”

“In the first two weeks at work I was put straight into action and I found this slightly manic, however I found it helped me settle in much easier as I didn’t have time to feel nervous at all! I find my job role very interesting because I am able to meet the new FJF employees and write blogs on them. It has been very rewarding to see how happy the employees are to finally get a chance to get back into work.”

“Everyone in the FJF team has been great. The whole team is so enthusiastic and works to make a real difference to people. The team are always helpful and I have received help with all my needs, ranging from re-writing my CV to which benefits I am entitled to.”

The Greater Peterborough Partnership asked Lee - If you had a chance to recommend this scheme to other unemployed people what would you say?

“If you are 18-24 and have been unemployed for 6 months, speak to your JobCentre Advisor now as you too could be a part of this great opportunity and experience.”“At the end the 6 month contract I hope to gain enough experience and skills to progress further within an office based role and environment and know enough to gain further employment.”

Lee (pictured above) is shown taking part in Peterborough's BIG Tidy UP, a Keep Britain Tidy Initiative which saw many Future Jobs Fund employees volunteering to work together to collect litter in a Peterborough park.

Sunny-Side Up or Over Easy?

2010-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Peterborough Back to Business Club have their own blog, which is updated every week by Job Centre Advisor and Back to Business Facilitation Alan Boyer. Below is a snippet of what Alan wrote this week:

Speaker-wise, last week we had a substitution when the star striker was the subject of a last minute transfer deal and had to leave her club so we had to draft in a replacement. The sub played an absolute blinder and everyone went home well happy and over the moon with the result of a great afternoon's entertainment, complete with crowd participation (no Mexican Wave, though).

This week were able to play with the advertised team, but attendance was down on what it had been for previous matches. Unfortunately, those not there missed out on a cracking performance that would have inspired and excited a crowd that is looking for inspiration at this stage of their journey.

Let's hope they are not as unwell as the proverbial Psittacus Erithacus for missing out on a chance to enhance their promotion prospects at this stage of the season.Has anyone else noticed the World Cup (Come on England) is about to start?It was a little disappointing that more people did not turn up for Paul Raper's seminar on "Helping You Back to Work" as it would have been very useful to anyone currently in jobseeking mode, but I presume the combination of the good weather and school break was a contributing factor. When our summer usually consists of around 28.5 hours in total, spread over about 4 days I suppose you need to take full advantage of it whilst it is there. Paul works for Renovo, one of the Jobcentre support providers, who give help with a combination of Internet and telephone services, and unfortunately he has to travel from York to see us, so a bigger audience would have made it a little more worthwhile for him.It was quite amazing how much information and advice he managed to pack into about an hour and a quarter, from spelling out exactly what his company offers, to explanations of the different ways to write the same CV, through to using Linkedin to it's full potential. Apart from Ray Clear, there was no-one in the room that had been around when Paul visited us back in January, so everything he had to say was fresh information to nearly everyone, and in fact before he left, Ray signed up to use Renovo's services, so even he was impressed with what there was on offer.

To read more visit the Back to Business Blog: http://www.backtobusiness.org.uk/BacktoBusinessclub_blog_3.html

Cathedral Square Fountains

2010-06-03T01:37:00.000-07:00

The fountains in Cathedral Square have been switched on this week, grabbing the attention of lots of passersby who stopping to watch the 6ft high jets of water.

It was great to see the fountains switched on and fantastic to see so many people enjoying watching the water display.

Children are obviously having great fun dodging in and out of the new water jets. It is fantastic to see some much excitement, laughter and energy in Cathedral Square.

Peterborough's BIG Tidy Up

2010-06-01T02:15:00.000-07:00

Peterborough’s first ever BIG Tidy up was help from 24 May to 30 May which saw a staggering number of communities committing to picking litter.
Organised by Naomi Jones (pictured right) of Peterborough’s Council for Voluntary Service, the week of litter picking brought communities together to tidy up city streets and villages.

Naomi Jones said, “I am really pleased with the amazing response to Peterborough’s first ever BIG Tidy Up. With so many people getting involved it was fantastic to meet so many residents who are passionate about Peterborough and were so enthusiastic about cleaning up our city.”
Areas that held a BIG tidy up included: Parnwell, Orton Brimbles, Paston, Dogsthorpe, Fengate, Werrington, Bretton, Hampton, Orton Longueville, Walton, Newark, Stanground, Millfield, Orton Waterville.
It is hoped that the BIG Tidy Up will become an annual litter picking event.

To find out more about Peterborough’s BIG Tidy Up contact Naomi Jones, at PCVS on 01733 342683 or l naomi.jones@pcvs.co.uk. To see pictures of the litter picking events and to find out about future events search, ‘Peterborough’s Big Tidy Up’ on facebook.

Council commits to stretching carbon reduction targets

2010-05-31T04:40:00.000-07:00

NEW TRAVELCHOICE WEBSITE LAUNCHED

2010-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Peterborough City Council's Travelchoice team has launched a new website making it easier for people to access travel information in Peterborough.

The new website - www.travelchoice.org.uk - is easy to use and includes information about bus timetables and journey planning. There are sections specifically for businesses working on travel plans, for parents about alternatives for the school run and information specifically for a journey purpose such as shopping, leisure, accessing healthcare or commuting.

The site includes a ‘virtual’ bus stop which has been designed to help people easily find the information they need. There is also a new Flickr image upload facility, events calendar and free downloads section.

The site will be regularly updated and will eventually include additions such as You Tube video links.

Councillor Matthew Lee, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment capital and culture, said: "Our Travelchoice team offers a wealth of information for anyone wanting to access more sustainable forms of transport to the car, such as walking and cycling, to create a healthier, safer and more vibrant city.

"Whether you're looking for someone to carshare with for your journey to work, planning a journey on foot or by bike, or looking to access health services using public transport, information about all these and more is available on the new website.

"Encouraging people to use their cars less is a key objective for us and adds to Peterborough’s growing reputation as the UK's environment capital."

Residents are being asked to give their views about the new website by completing a feedback form on the homepage. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a week’s free bus travel.

Recipe for Sustainable Communities

2010-05-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

Positively Parnwell is hosting a ‘Recipe for sustainable communities’ conference on Thursday, May 20th between 9am and 1pm at the Kingsgate Community Centre in Parnwell.

The event aims to tackle the main problem that most grant funded programmes experience - “What to do when all the money runs out?”

The event will include a variety of speeches including the ‘Seven Steps to Sustainability’ by key note speaker, John Hume of Third Republic and author of a recent guide on creating sustainability in the community for the Fair Share Trust.

There will also be the opportunity for attendees to get involved in interactive workshops covering a role for: business, communication and young people.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, Jane
Darlington commented: Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridgeshire Community
Foundation, Jane Darlington commented: “This event will provide the perfect
opportunity for a whole host of individuals to come together and contribute to
securing the future of the Positively Parnwell project. We have a strong list of
attendees already signed up to attend but there is space for others who are
interested in how to build a sustainable legacy of community engagement.”

To reserve your place at the event either call Hannah Barrett at Athene Communications on 01733 207340 or send an email to Hannah@athene-communications.co.uk.

Conference to share good practice in education of children

2010-04-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

A day of practical advice about parenting and education will be held on Sunday (18 April 2010) from 10.30am – 4.00pm organised by the Muslim Community Reference Group. The conference is free to attend and will be held at Gladstone Park Community Centre, Bourges Boulevard in Peterborough.

The Muslim Community Reference Group a newly formed Community group aims to provide a united platform for the Muslim voice in Peterborough and foster better community relations for the good of Peterborough as a whole.

The convener of the session is Shaukat Warraich, CEO of Faith Associates, an organisation which strives to train and develop organisations around faith based communities, youth and women from the ethnic minorities.

Speakers at the conference are Dr Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari OBE, Director of Karimia Institute, Nottingham, who will be speaking on the needs of our children in relation to Madrassa education in the UK. Dr Musharraf is the author of ‘7 Steps to Moral Intelligence’, a reference book for parents which aims to help them become role models for their children whilst helping to build strong character.

Tahir Alam will also speak at the event on the role and responsibilities of parents in supporting children’s education. Tahir Alam is Director of Al-Hijrah Training Academy, an organisation which aims to provide educational empowerment of the Muslim community, with a great deal of experience working with both public and private schools and organisations.

The conference will include plenty of opportunity for questions and answers with discussion and reflection on key actions needed in Peterborough.

For any further information or to register, contact Rehana on 01733 207339 or by email rehana@gpp-peterborough.org.uk.

Presentation skills for getting ‘Back to Business’

2010-04-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

ITN Sports presenter Graham Miller will join the Peterborough Back to Business Club on Thursday (15 April) to share his wealth of knowledge on presentation skills to professionals who are currently seeking employment. The session will be held between 2pm – 5pm at Peterborough College of Adult Education.

Graham Miller has over 25 years experience presenting and reporting news, sport and current affairs throughout the ITV Network, and is most commonly recognised as Sports Correspondent for ITN.

Alan Boyer, Jobcentre Plus Personal Adviser and Back to Business Club Coordinator said, “Graham is sure to sprinkle his seminar with numerous anecdotes from the world of sport and broadcasting whilst advising on seminar skills, so it really will be an afternoon not to be missed.”

Alan continued, “We are always happy to welcome new members to the Back to Business Club. Anyone living in the Peterborough area who is actively seeking work at a professional level is welcome to attend the Back to Business Club on a drop-in basis. There is no charge and no need to register in advance for a meeting.”

The Back to Business Club is held every week, from 2pm – 5pm at Peterborough College of Adult Education. Sessions include weekly seminars on topics such as confidence building, interview techniques, and volunteering opportunities. The Club operate as a drop-in networking event, providing opportunities for out-of-work professionals to meet others in similar circumstances to exchange views and advise each other on getting back to work, as well as signposting the range of support services available in Peterborough.

To find out more about the Back to Business Club visit www.backtobusiness.org.uk, join the LinkedIn group ‘Back to Business’, call the Back to Business team on 01733 207214 or email backtobusiness@gpp-peterbough.org.uk.

It’s time to invest in Green, as Peterborough launches its own environmental accreditation for businesses...

2010-04-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

The scheme is being launched by Leader of Peterborough City Council, Cllr Marco Cereste on 15th April at 5pm, at the Eco Innovation Centre in Peterborough.

Investors in the Environment will provide businesses with a framework for cutting their environmental impact and an accreditation stamp for achieving different levels of reduction – bronze, silver and green.

Participants measure their environmental impact and are guided through how to make reductions in areas like water use, energy use, and the amount of waste produced. The scheme focuses on practical ways businesses can implement green changes to make it as easy as possible for them to take part.

Hugh Cripps, Chief Executive of Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) believes that an environmental accreditation built around the needs of business is well overdue. He said, “The idea behind Investors in the Environment is to encourage businesses in the Peterborough area to get smarter when it comes to using resources and producing waste. Not only will this reduce their environmental impact, but it will also save them money.

“Ten businesses have already started the Investors in the Environment accreditation process and a further 300 have pledged their support for the scheme.”

Unlike most environmental accreditations, Investors in the Environment takes a bold approach insisting that actual environmental savings are made, rather than just having the right paperwork in place.

The scheme is being led by green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Peterborough, Greater Peterborough Partnership and Peterborough City Council. It is being supported by green heavyweights including The Environment Agency, commercial and residential energy management consultants WTG Associates, and local recycling company Donarbon Ltd. Together, the organisations hope Investors in the Environment will further embed Peterborough’s growing reputation as the UK’s Environment Capital.

Peterborough's St George's Day Celebrations

2010-04-07T01:22:00.001-07:00

Peterborough will be celebrating all things English to commemorate St George's Day this year.

The event will take place on the newly-refurbished Cathedral Square on Sunday 25 April and promises visitors to the city centre a packed programme of entertainment.

St George will ride into the city centre on his white horse to begin the event at 12 noon. His arrival has been timed to coincide with the annual St George's Day parade, which sees scouts and guides from around the city march into the city centre.Visitors can also expect to see Pearly Kings and Queens, Morris dancers, medieval re-enactments and a demonstration from a barber’s surgeon that’s not for the faint-hearted.

There will also be a display of classic English cars, such as Jaguars, Minis and Triumphs and an original London bus, from which food will be served. In addition, local businesses Harriet’s and Sundays will be keeping visitors well fed with typical English afternoon teas and a hog roast. There is also a chance to pick up some fresh local produce at a Farmer's Market.

Gavin Elsey, Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for regional and business engagement, said:

"This is the first time we have chosen to stage an event in honour of the
patron saint of England. We held an Italian Festival last autumn, and will be
staging a World Music event in September, so it seemed fitting to offer people
the chance to celebrate all things English for St George's Day.

"Peterborough is such a multicultural city and staging events such as this
is a great way of attracting more visitors to the city, while at the same time
helping people learn a little more about the traditions of our diverse
community."

Peterborough's St George's Day Celebrations

2010-04-07T01:22:00.000-07:00

"This is the first time we have chosen to stage an event in honour of the
patron saint of England. We held an Italian Festival last autumn, and will be
staging a World Music event in September, so it seemed fitting to offer people
the chance to celebrate all things English for St George's Day.

"Peterborough is such a multicultural city and staging events such as this
is a great way of attracting more visitors to the city, while at the same time
helping people learn a little more about the traditions of our diverse
community."

Voluntary and Community Sector Forum - vote now!

2010-03-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

The Voluntary and Community Sector Forum (VCSF) has been established within the framework of the Greater Peterborough Partnership (GPP), Peterborough’s local strategic partnership, to provide a forum through which the voluntary and community sector groups can influence and contribute to the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) and the Local Area Agreement (LAA). It not only offers those groups a voice in determining the future developments of Peterborough, but also a role in contributing to that success.

The roles of Chair, Vice Chair and members of the Executive of the forum are now due for re-election and we encourage everyone to vote for the person who they feel can help us influence the future developments of Peterborough.

Please click on the link for more information and to vote. This is your chance to give the Voluntary and Community Sector a louder voice so get voting!!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PFJ2PFY

Feel free to forward this onto your own networks or to anyone who may be interested.

Closing date for voting is 1st April 2010 at 5:00pm

Further £1.5 million for Peterborough Future Jobs Fund

2010-03-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

The government has today (17 March 2010) announced a further £1.5 million investment in jobs for young people in Peterborough. This is Peterborough’s second successful bid to the Future Jobs Fund and will create a further 238 jobs for unemployed young people in the city.

The announcement comes just days after the 100th young person started work through the first Future Jobs Fund programme, announced last year.The first of the new jobs will start being advertised in April through Job Centre Plus.

The majority will be for young people aged 18-24 who have been unemployed for more than 26 weeks. Some of the jobs are specifically for unemployed people living in those areas of Peterborough with the highest rates of unemployment.

The 238 jobs will be provided by 35 partners, from across public, voluntary and private sector organisations in Peterborough. The jobs include
· Events co-ordinator at the Women’s Enterprise Centre
· Retail assistant at Best Deal 4 Baby
· Estate ranger and ground maintenance work for Cross Keys Homes
· Wildlife assistant for Peterborough Natural Networks Partnership
· Community support assistants at Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Richard Astle, Director of the Greater Peterborough Partnership said,
“As a result of this successful second bid to the Future Jobs Fund,we will be able to help 405 young people back into employment – a totalinvestment of £2.6 million. The initiative will create lasting benefit toPeterborough by helping young people gain the essential skills for them toprosper in our growing city. At the same time it will make a difference tothe communities and individuals they will be working with. This is excellentnews for all of Peterborough’s residents, not just those employed through theFuture Jobs Fund.”

Future Jobs Fund - Meet Max Casbon, Microbiology Assistant Technical Officer

2010-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Max Casbon started with Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 8th February 2010 as a Microbiology Assistant Technical Officer. Prior to beginning with the Future Jobs Fund Max has participated in voluntary work at Peterborough District Hospital in the pathology and microbiology department, which meant when this position became available it was an ideal opportunity for Max to begin his career in the area of work which he really wanted to do.

In Max's application form for the job he stated that "I believe that this opportunity would provide me with the vital experience that can be used as a good platform to continue my chosen career within the NHS".Since starting his job, Max has been learning about organisms, antibiotics and how to handle plate samples. He has undertaken training in sensitivity, routine bench training and MRSA screening. Max has already started teaching others; he recently showed work experience students how the MRSA bench worked.

"The job is really exciting and is exactly what I thought it would be. There is a real variety of work which is really interesting and everyone is really nice. It is very busy and I have learnt so much already. " Max Casbon

Future Jobs Fund Peterborough

2010-02-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Meet the Team

The Future Jobs Fund Team has recently appointed three new members. Gary Conder has joined us as a placement manager, Lee Wyer has joined as the project assistant and Russell Leigh is the latest addition as administration support.

Gary Conder was working as a personal advisor at the Job Centre Plus before joining the Future Jobs Fund team. Gary started on the 4Th January 2010.

"The Future Jobs Fund is moving at pace now and I have seen many delighted candidates at the start of a beneficial journey, courtesy of the Future Jobs Fund and its partner organisations. On a personal note, I find it very rewarding knowing that I am helping young people of Peterborough gain valuable experience with a view to help them into sustainable employment." (Gary Conder, placement manager, FJF).

Lee Wyer was unemployed for 10 months before joining the Future Jobs Fund, he was one of the first to gain employment through the project and has been here since 21st December 2009.

"Since I have been here I have found the experience very enjoyable, and it has given me many opportunities I didn't think I would ever get. I have currently been working with and along side Gary Conder, in assisting new employee's with their starter forms, CRB checks and other paperwork. Whilst doing this I feel like we have been helping young people obtain great opportunities and experiences, which has given me a great sense of pride and achievement in helping others gain work." (Lee Wyer, Projects Assistant, FJF).

Russell Leigh started with the team on 26Th January 2010. Prior to beginning work Russell had been unemployed for 8 months. To keep himself busy Russell took part in Key Theatre stage productions such as Oliver and West Side Story. He was also studying performing arts at Peterborough Regional College.

"I was unemployed for the better part of eight months before finding and getting a great opportunity with the Future Jobs Fund. In the early days of me learning about this scheme I was given the one thing that made it different from every other job application, assurance of feedback and possibility of an interview. A few weeks later I received a call back from all the organisations I applied to and in the end I received an offer of a job which I really wanted. It is a great experience, I am really enjoying it, and I am smiling right now!" (Russell Leigh, FJF Administration Assistant).

Future Jobs Fund

2010-02-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

What the Future Jobs Fund candidates are saying ;

“Can’t wait to start, I’ve been out of work for such a long time it is brilliant to get a job! I think the FJF is a good idea and it is an added bonus that I will receive training as well. It has given me hope”
LEA JORDAN, Painter and Decorator – YMCA

“FJF gives young people an opportunity to do something they really like, after gaining this experience who knows what I will be able to do! This is a huge opportunity for me and has opened the door to the future, I am so happy”
ASTA REMEZAITE – Community Project Worker

“Looking forward to getting started, getting back into work is brilliant. Last year I would never have thought I would be offered a job like this, FJF is giving kids a chance!”
ALEX AMOS – Carer Support Worker – PCVS

“If it wasn’t for FJF I would never have got this chance. I studied medical science at college and this job will start my career. I am very happy and excited”
NATALIE ROBERTSON – Biochemist - NHS

Future Jobs Fund Peterborough

2010-01-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Meet the Future Jobs Fund Employees

Richard Cooper joined the Care and repair team at Peterborough City Council on Monday 4th January. Richard says "The Future Jobs Fund Project has allowed me to undertake work for the care and repair team at Peterborough City Council.

My first week has been a real experience as it has allowed me to get a feel of office life and learn about what the care and repair team does for the local community. After an initial introduction, I was able to go on a site visit with my colleague to some client’s homes. This allowed me to see the difference the team makes to vulnerable people in the community. Since then, I have been doing all different office duties throughout the week and am currently taking calls and information for the handy person scheme

The future Job Fund has allowed me to find work of which I have always wanted to do and would not have been able to gain such valuable experience if it was not for the Future Job Fund Project."

Russell Carr, Care and Repair manager says "Richard joined us on Monday, most of the first day involved admin and an introduction to the team and its systems. I was surprised how quick Richard was to pick up our processes especially the IT elements.

Richard has assisted our Caseworkers and Surveyors on visits and has already been able to help with general admin work. On Thursday Richard ran the Care & Repair Handy person service for the day dealing with client’s queries by telephone. He allocated, chased and queried handy person work with contractors by e-mail and telephone.

Richard’s input has had a beneficial effect already; the work he has done has allowed other team members to concentrate on other work to assist older, disabled and vulnerable people.

It has been a really positive first week, feedback from the team has been really encouraging. We are now looking to get CRB clearance to allow Richard to have the opportunity to undertake home visits on his own in the future. "

To find out more about the Future Jobs Fund visit www.futurejobsfund.org.uk

Heritage Assets and their Value to the Economic Growth of Peterborough

2009-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

The variety of buildings and landscapes that make up the heritage assets of Peterborough help to embody meaning and notions of worth in many ways. The Dictionary of Landscape Architecture defines a heritage asset as denoting structures, features, and objects of historic interest and value that are potentially viable as attractions.

In Peterborough the heritage of the city provides places to live in and near, and a pleasant environment for work. The Heritage Attractions Group active within the city highlights that heritage also provides what English Heritage have called ‘option value’ as people derive a benefit from knowing they are there and can be visited in the future; this connects with ‘existence value’ where people who live in the city derive pleasure from knowing that such heritage assets exist within the city, without a need to ever actually set foot inside one.

The heritage attractions in Peterborough bring money and visitors into the region. Visitor numbers have gone up across the heritage and cultural sector in the credit crunch as people take holidays in the UK, and in Peterborough the average visitor numbers went up by 3% across heritage attractions over the last year.

While the tourism industry around specific sites is hugely important for the local economy, and we should maximise that, there is a wider economic benefit derived from the wider heritage stock of the city. The re-use of listed buildings for housing stock, for example, is both economically and environmentally beneficial 1, and encourages for the creation of sustainable communities. Historic buildings have a significant role in regeneration projects: a report by EEDA, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund in the East of England found that every £10,000 of heritage investment leverages on average £45,000 of match funding from public and private sources. Major heritage-based regeneration projects have been hugely successful around the country, in Newcastle, Derbyshire and Manchester for example, and have created businesses and jobs as well as attracting fresh inward investment.

Heritage also has a value as an educational tool, and is used by organisations from John Clare Cottage to the Peterborough Museum as a resource for learning. The value is inherent in the pleasure people get from aesthetic experiences such as looking at the Cathedral, and in the volunteering experiences available in the historic sector from the Adult Education College and the PCVS. The heritage of a city is related to people’s concepts of their own identity, allowing them to gain personalised meaning from the environment around them.

Alongside this the heritage of the city provides a recognisable brand, a local distinctiveness that characterises the city and creates a sense of place for people who live and work in Peterborough. If we are to market Peterborough successfully, we need to ‘exploit’ all of its assets.

Alice Kershaw

1Useful Fact 1: Did you know that the demolition of a Victorian terraced house has the same embodied energy to power a car 5 times around the world?

Out in the Country – Rural Heritage

2009-12-14T03:10:00.000-08:00

Peterborough Unitary Authority doesn’t just comprise the city centre but also the surrounding rural areas. Recent debates on reinstating the old name of the Soke show the wide areas covered (although this name doesn’t covered areas such as Thorney) by the Council. Alongside the Council there are the new Neighbourhood Councils and numerous Parish Councils who deal with the rural areas. These come together at groups such as the Rural Working Group, run by the Greater Peterborough Partnership, to discuss issues and strategies relating specifically to the rural environment.

The rural heritage comprises the whole villages, the historical landscape found in aspects such as medieval field boundaries, scheduled monuments and archaeology. The spiritual importance of heritage in the rural area, from Flag Fen to modern places of worship, is often found in buildings such as churches, of which continuing disuse is beginning to become a real issue. These redundant buildings are often listed and of importance to a community, but their lack of daily use and the cost of maintaining them means some slide into disrepair.

The Heritage Strategy for the city covers both the urban and rural areas, and both work together to promote Peterborough as a desirable visitor attraction, and a good place to live, with a wealth of beautiful landscapes and rich architectural heritage.

The west and east of the city both have distinct characters of their own, with Fenland out to the east and stone villages and more forestation out to the west. Individual areas also have their own characters, descriptions of which can be found in documents such as Conservation Area Appraisals, Landscape Character Assessments and Village Design Statements. These all stress the distinctiveness of each area and provide reference points for development to allow positive management of change. The history of a landscape can be used as a guide for its future – a key part of the Opportunity Peterborough’s Integrated Growth Study for the city which set out how we can grow sustainably.

Alice Kershaw

First impressions of Peterborough and its City Centre Heritage

2009-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Getting into Peterborough by train can create a first impression of a not vastly attractive station, multi-storey car parks and underpasses. For a city with a strong railway heritage there is surprisingly little left, with the view of Railworld from the train, alongside the two listed sheds, providing the clues to the industrial past and the previous importance of the city to the railway industry. However whilst Peterborough is considered a New Town it has an old core, and rich archaeology. The rural areas surrounding the city are also rich in heritage.

Views of the Cathedral from the train station are limited - it is best appreciated at long distance from the railway line to Ely, but as you do enter the station you get a hint of this fantastic building at the heart of the city centre.

Alongside the railway the river would obviously also have had a larger role in the city in times gone by, and it is interesting to see any development which makes use of this feature.
Once off the train and through the iron arch which signals the way to the city from Cowgate one walks up into the stone city centre guided by the cathedral spires. The city centre area itself is relatively small, with no more large redevelopment schemes planned for it, so enhancing what is there in the historic core is obviously of importance.

OP’s initiative to remove the 1960’s Corn exchange building and the creation of St John’s square, currently being managed on site by PCC, has led to more attractive views already, and ultimately a more attractive vista into cathedral square and subsequently into the cathedral precincts themselves. The new squares and run-up to the Norman gate provides a showcase of the heritage of the city centre, with St Johns leading to the Guildhall leading to the Cathedral. The surrounding buildings, such as Pizza Express and Prezzo, have some fascinating quirks to them, if only more people could be encouraged to look up!

Leading from the Guildhall the Cathedral can be seen through the arch. An iconic image of Peterborough and the heritage ‘asset’ most connected with people’s image of the city, due to its use on promotional materials. The cathedral precincts have a different environment to the rest of the city centre, as one walks through the Norman gate the visual impact is quite striking.
The earliest known map of the city, drawn by John Speed in around 1610AD shows the Market Place (Cathedral Square). A covered market cross, another cross or post, and a free standing building are shown to the east of St John’s Church. The Old Guildhall was not built until 1671AD. The buildings on this map still provide the cities core and their importance cannot be underestimated.

In my next blog I will take a look at the heritage beyond the city centre…

Alice Kershaw

Alice Kershaw - Heritage Regeneration Officer for Opportunity Peterborough

2009-12-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

Peterborough has a wide ranging variety of heritage, from cultural to built, comprising large stately homes and halls, evidence of medieval land boundaries, scheduled monuments, personality houses, museums, archaeology sites, bronze age settlements, Napoleonic prisoner of war camps, and railways. They make up a broad and valuable resource available to the people who live in the city and the surrounding area.

My post was created by Opportunity Peterborough, with funding from CLG, Peterborough City Council and English Heritage for two years to ensure that heritage plays its full role in the regeneration and growth of Peterborough, and perceptions of the city. It is a unique post; similar roles have existed in two other cities before, but not led by their urban regeneration companies.

My line manager is Steve Bowyer from Opportunity Peterborough. Opportunity Peterborough was established in 2005 to drive forward the regeneration and growth of Peterbrough. Among its objectives are to create a vibrant and attractive city centre - but that should be at the heart of a bigger and better Peterborough, and I will be looking forward to working with groups across both the rural and urban area. I was particularly interested in this role due to the potential of Peterborough to recognise and use the city’s heritage as a valuable part of its future.

It is important that heritage is seen as part of regeneration and not in opposition to it: it is not an either/ or situation or a compromise, but one in which there are a lot of benefits in combining the economic regeneration of the city with the existing heritage assets. Regeneration can be led by the existing fabric of the city, to create a sense of place and a city identity which is connected firmly to its past. Heritage needs to underpin and inform regeneration in order to create pride in the city.

Alice Kershaw

Peterborough Infrastructure Consortium’s Showcase

2009-11-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Now we have got the volunteer awards event out of the way planning is underway for the next big event on our calendar. 3rd December is an important date for the local voluntary and community sector. This is the date of the Peterborough Infrastructure Consortium’s Showcase event.

The Peterborough Infrastructure Consortium is currently made up of 14 local charities. The purpose of the consortium is to strengthen the local voluntary sector by providing better representation, a stronger voice, training and development opportunities for volunteers, paid workers and trustees. The Consortium was officially formed in April 2008 however, as a group we have been meeting for over 2 years.

The Showcase event is being held at the Reception Room in the Town Hall with the formal business during the morning followed by a buffet lunch. During the event delegates will hear about the work of the consortium, future developments and how this affects small and large charities and voluntary groups. Events such as this provide an excellent opportunity for networking with partners from statutory organisations, national and regional representation, local Councillors as well as representatives from voluntary groups themselves.

If anyone is interested in knowing more or would like to book a place at the event please email me at sarah.fletcher@pcvs.co.uk

Good news for the Volunteer Centre

2009-11-23T02:25:00.000-08:00

We have recently had funding success which will enable us to increase the work of the Volunteer Centre. The one thing that always frustrates us is that once funding is secure the deadlines to recruit workers and complete the project are always very tight. We have been busy writing job descriptions, advertising posts and working out where new staff will be based in our already crowded offices. Not surprisingly in our current recession we have had a lot of interest in the new vacancies and we hope to have everyone in place well before Christmas.

The first new piece of work will provide a toolkit for anyone who recruits and retains volunteers. This will look to setting up quality volunteer management programmes which in turn will mean volunteers feel more supported. In addition the worker employed will help 50 small groups with volunteer management.

The second new piece of work is working closely with both GPP and JobCentre Plus helping our growing number of unemployed people in the city. GPP has recently set up the Peterbrough @Back to Business Club', for unemployed people with a focus on professionals and managers recently made redundant. This project is to support them with the running of the club. In addition the Volunteer Centre is working closely with Jobcentre Plus Advisors who are identifying people under the Flexi New Deal Programme wishing to use volunteering as a way of going back into work. Funding from EEDA is at present only guaranteed to March 2010 but it is hoped this can be extended to March 2011.

Creating the UK's Environment Capital

2009-11-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Voyager school in Peterborough has a reputation for creativity and innovative use of multi-media. A year ago two of their students made a film all about Peterborough's ambition to create the UK's Environment Capital.

The film was shown at the official launch of Peterborough's green ambition where local civic and business leaders pledged their support to help the city achieve its goal.

Thank you to Ryan & Luke who spent days and days planning, filming and editing this short film.

Annual Volunteer Awards

2009-11-16T04:40:00.000-08:00

Preparations for our 14th Annual Volunteer Awards Evening went very well with very few last minute emergencies. This we believe is the result of many years of practice and as they say ‘practice makes perfect’. In fact the whole event went so smoothly we felt a little bit too laid back, there is nothing like a problem to get the adrenaline going.

Each year around 50 local volunteers are nominated to receive a certificate of recognition by their charity or voluntary group. We know this is a small representation of the hundreds of people volunteering in our city, but it is lovely to see those that are honoured. Volunteers play such a vital part in our city, without them both statutory and voluntary services would not function to the level they currently do. With service demand increasing, funding for everyone getting more challenging, volunteers help with education, policing, fire services, health, transport, community services, leisure and our environment (to name but a few). Volunteering also provides opportunities for the volunteers themselves to keep skills going, learn new skills, help with social isolation and increase confidence. But running a volunteer programme takes time and a great deal of planning to get the most out of volunteers.

Our Lifetime achievement award this year went to the Reverend Richard Paten. Richard was the founder of Railworld in the city and his family has a great deal of history in Peterborough. We heard a fascinating account of Richard from his Railworld Colleague Brian Pearce. This prompted a standing ovation for Richard when he came onto stage to receive his award.

Once again our volunteer awards were very successful and we would like to thank all who attended and helped particularly Jane Smith from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Mayor Cllr Irene Walsh and Cllr Marco Cereste.

Sarah Fletcher - Assistant General Secretary of Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service

2009-11-06T06:10:00.001-08:00

My name is Sarah Fletcher and I have been the Assistant General Secretary of Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service for over 13 years. Our organisation provides the membership for the vast number of voluntary and community groups in Peterborough.

November is a very busy month for our organisation. We start the month with activities during National Compact Week. The national Compact has been around since 1998 however, Compact was not fully adopted in Peterborough until 2005. What is Compact? It’s about better working principals between the voluntary, private and statutory sectors which lead to better outcomes for communities and people.

On Monday 2nd we had the launch of the Next Steps Compact Working Group. This group is tasked with taking Compact forward. After a lively debate the group agreed that over the next few months we need to set out objectives for the local Compact, enabling it to demonstrate to signed partners the impact it has made. The next meeting is planned for December.

From 10am to 4pm on Tuesday we had a drop in for voluntary groups to come in and ask about Compact with an end result of more groups signing the Compact pledge. Despite heavy rain all day we had a steady stream of voluntary groups come along. Our goal is to have at least 10 more signed groups by the end of November.

On 5th and 6th the NHS Peterborough and Peterborough City Council who are both signed partners engaged in a Compact briefing delivered by me. The plan is to remind signed partners what they have agreed to and start to spread the ‘Compact’ word. I hope my presentation was well received and no one was too put out by Jason from Friday the 13th! (you had to be there). It was really good to see Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council involved this will greatly help Compact move forward locally.

The National Compact document is undergoing a refresh at present to find out more about Compact or the refresh go to http://www.thecompact.org.uk/

We are now preparing for the next big event on Thursday 12th November. One of our projects Peterborough Volunteer Centre is hosting the annual volunteer awards event. A little like the ‘Oscars’ of Peterborough this is a great event for all concerned. I will update you on the Awards Evening next blog.

Have you got a place in Peterborough that evokes strong memories?

2009-10-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

It could be your favourite place in the city, a place that has special significance or simply one that you find interesting. Send us your picture and we'll incorporate your special memory into the fabric of the new St John's Square in the city centre.

Artist Prof John Newling is working on an innovative art project which will see pictures of people's memories of Peterborough collected, printed in a free newspaper, and mulched down to make compost. That compost will be used to plant the trees in the new St John's Square when the Corn Exchange comes down.

This project, which will also be on display at Peterborough Museum, allows everyone in the city to have a stake in the new city centre redevelopment. We need your help to boost the number of pictures so please send your photo to peterborough@john-newling.com or drop it into the museum for scanning.

Sarah Stannage - Cathedral Square project

2009-10-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

Hello, I’m Sarah (age not possible to disclose now I’m no longer able to tick the 18-30 box). I went to secondary school in Peterborough and grew up not far away, so after returning to the area following University I would like to think I can call myself a local.

I’ve been really fortunate to be part of the OP team working with PCC to deliver the Cathedral Square public realm project.

Hopefully I will be able to provide a more of a behind the scenes look at the Cathedral Square project and aim to talk about some of the lesser known aspects of the project including the environmental and arts initiatives the public realm scheme is part of.

Everybody is encouraged to do their bit for the environment and the Cathedral Square project is no different. The team has been incredibly committed to ensuring we manage the scheme to the highest environmental standards possible and it’s not just me praising the team. PECT (Peterborough Environment City Trust) and DEFRA have been impressed by the efforts made and recently we were visited by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Peterborough, including the Public Realm scheme, has signed up to be one of six national ‘Zero Waste Places’. For me the Zero Waste Place scheme and looking at the carbon footprint for the scheme is incredibly interesting as I recently qualified in Environmental Management so I’ve been able to put the theory into practice. The main ethos behind zero waste is obviously to reuse and recycle as much as possible, for example most of the old paving will be returned into the City Council’s stock for maintenance of other areas in Peterborough but it’s also fantastic that quite a few community groups, such as the Eco Art Project, the local Rugby Club and Thorney Abbey have benefited from being given some of the old paving and street furniture.

We have also looked at energy usage and associated carbon emissions relating to not just the build stage but also operating and maintaining the public realm scheme, including lighting system and water feature. Commitments to reducing waste production are a priority within the city, including transferring zero waste to landfill during the public realm construction works.

In terms of Carbon footprinting our construction work is relatively neutral on the carbon emission front. The actual construction work itself will result in the emission of 996 tonnes of carbon dioxide, whilst operating the water feature will generate just 94 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Fortunately in the “off set” bracket we have the trees and grassed terraced areas that will form part of the new square, currently being dubbed “St. John’s” square, which will significantly reduce the overall carbon dioxide emissions over a 25 year period. The new lighting system is technically more efficient than the old one but we have had to increase the number of light units in the square to raise light levels overall in order to meet national standards.

Added to this the scheme will use high quality materials as part of the scheme including the street furniture, which will minimise the need for replacement and manufacture of materials in the future, saving carbon and money in the longer run. Unlike some other cities we have sourced material from as close to home as possible – for example, the stone for paving is all from the UK.

For me the Zero Waste Place scheme is incredibly interesting as I recently qualified in Environmental Management so I’ve been able to put the theory into practice.

Next Time… the focus will be on our Public Realm Artist, Professor John Newling (who’s just been made a fellow at the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce).

Future Jobs Fund to bring new jobs for Peterborough

2009-09-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

We are all really pleased that GPP have been successful in bidding for money from a new fund to help create new jobs across the city. This is really great news for Peterborough, for the people who will benefit from some exciting job opportunities and for all the areas of work we will benefit from. The funds will create up to 167 new jobs under the Government’s Future Jobs Fund. We will be working with partners over coming weeks to finalise the exact details of each job.

The Future Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s ‘Backing Young Britain’ campaign – which seeks to help young people into employment. This is a £1 billion national programme creating 150,000 new jobs for unemployed people. 24 organisations from the public and voluntary and community sectors came together to create a range of jobs in health, environment and community work. Some of the jobs that are proposed include:

Creating a dedicated team of young people within the health service in Peterborough to promote healthy living amongst young people
Supporting local conservation organisations to manage nature reserves and engage with local communities
Working with the police to assist community support officers in their day to day duties
Providing teaching support at Peterborough College of Adult Education
Jobs at Peterborough museum to help support additional community events
Supporting the YMCA with its youth delivery programmes

All people who are employed in these jobs will have opportunities for suitable training packages. The jobs will be advertised through Job Centre Plus.

We hope that the new jobs will start in November. The jobs are targeted at two groups of long term unemployed people: those living in 10 unemployment ‘hotspots’ in the City, and young people aged 18 – 25. All the jobs aim to bring a lasting benefit to Peterborough by helping young people to contribute to the community and also proving them with the essential skills needed to continue to work in our growing city.

All the partners will be working hard together to ensure that every young person finishes the programme with a greatly enhanced range of skills and knowledge and a more confident approach to job seeking and that Peterborough benefits from their hard work.

Hello from Susie Hall, GPP Manager

2009-09-14T02:44:00.000-07:00

I am Susie Hall Manager for GPP. My role is to support and facilitate the work of the 8 partnerships:·

We hope that by partners working together from the public, voluntary, business sectors we can together better meet the needs of the whole community of Peterborough. In particular I am working with the Health and Wellbeing partnership, the Children’s Trust and the Adult Learning and Skills partnership, whilst also and coordinating the Value for Money (VfM) People strand of work. The VfM group is looking to develop the whole workforce of Peterborough to support the delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy which has the overarching ambition to deliver a bigger better Peterborough. Click here to find out more about the Sustainable Community Strategy.

We are also working on a number of new projects including the Back to Business Club, a networking and support group for managers and professionals who have been made redundant as a result of the economic downturn. The club meets weekly at Peterborough College of Adult Education from 2pm – 5pm every Thursday. For more information – click here.

We are also currently trying to secure income from the Future Jobs Fund to support the employment of young people – we should find out soon if we have been successful in this bid.

August Holiday

2009-08-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

We are taking a break from blogging over the August holiday period - but be sure to check back in September to see what our next blogger, Sarah Stannage, Senior Regeneration Officer from Opportunity Peterborough is talking about.

Enjoy the summmer!

GPP Team

Pride in Peterborough

2009-07-31T03:45:00.000-07:00

Having come hot foot back from holiday, I want to talk to you about Pride in Peterborough which sits as one of our key objectives in the Local Area Agreement under Strong and Supportive Communities.

My Mother passed away on Monday and I have had to go through the process of organising the cremation. What has really made me proud is that we will be going to one of the top Crematoriums in the whole of the country, which has just won the Green Flag accolade and joins other venues across the city. I know my Mum would be happy with this and I know that my Dad will love to visit.

I have also picked up the fantastic finds that have been uncovered within the city centre as we work on the public realm and as Ben Robinson continues to delve into our history to display our long and historic city’s past. For those of you that would love to know more, then as a Peterborian who went on one of the Museum walks I learnt a lot and I suggest that you pop along to the Museum to find out more. I would challenge any of you that this would not improve your pride in Peterborough.

There is such a lot more within the city to be equally proud of, both in the changes that we plan for the growth of the city and in the continued events such as the Festival, Great Eastern Run etc, this all contributes to Peterborough having strong and supportive communities across the city. I am proud and I want you to be proud too.

Neighbourhood Management. What does it really mean?

2009-07-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Neighbourhood Management. What does it really mean? It will mean different things to different people and recognising this is vital. I want our Neighbourhood Managers of the future to manage short, medium and long term visioning and problem solving. They will know and understand the communities within which they work. They will regularly roll up their sleeves and work alongside those communities to understand and then empower the people to make a real difference. From the council perspective they will OWN the problems within their communities and, through partnership, will problem solve their issues and constantly update the councillors and the public on their actions. They WILL be accessible, responsive and accountable with a can-do attitude. This will drive forward all of our satisfaction indicators within the Local Area Agreement. The Neighbourhood Managers will work closely with locality based childrens services teams and we will all work under the new Council Area committees to make a difference.

So who is Paul Phillipson and what does the title of Executive Director of Operations mean?

2009-07-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

I am a Peterborian who grew up in Stanground. I have 4 children aged 20 months to 18 years, 2 boys and 2 girls. I have just retired from 30 years policing, having finished as a Chief Superintendent here in Peterborough.

I started as a Director initially on secondment, and now confirmed in post, in October 2008. The services I manage can be seen here in a structural chart and cover a wide range of areas. I also have a role as Director of the Strong and Supportive Communities element of the Local Area Agreement.

The key areas this effects are Neighbourhood working, community cohesion, community safety and empowerment. During the month I will talk more about each of these areas.

As you can see from the photo I intend to push these services to a new level challenging the way we deliver and engage with partners to improve services for the people of Peterborough.

So what did you think of the Age of Stupid Film? We asked Julian Sykes, Senior Regeneration Officer from Opportunity Peterborough what he thought...

2009-07-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to PECT for putting on the film at the John Clare Theatre.

There were some interesting stories being told in the film. Personally I had more sympathy for those in the developing world understandably wanting to catch up with the west (even in a way the new Air Plane Company mogul in India), than the frustrated businessman (who the film said operated all over the world) trying to sell his wind farms and the mixed up hero from New Orleans that worked in the oil industry (notwithstanding they were making some good points).

I disagree with comments in the audience criticising the balance of the film and saying there was too much on the Third World. Yes, the First World has been the source for most of the problems up to now and primary responsibility for action should be with us, but I think the comments perhaps missed the point that this film is not just about or for Western Audiences (many people in this country just think it’s about us) as is demonstrated on the Age of Stupid website. Far too often the voices of many in the world are not heard and if we were to be concerned about balance I think it could be easily argued that there should have been more said from the developing world in the film.

As to the overall impression of the film, I think some of the bigger messages of the programme did misfire and I do think its dangerous becoming very political in such matters. It’s a lot about perception and it’s easy to undermine genuine cases if you are perceived to take sides. I note that the film’s director Franny Armstrong previously produced the documentary film, McLibel and further reading online does suggest to me she comes from prospective of being concerned about globalisation.

But whilst saying that I do feel ultimately the film makers message that the responsibility for action is in the hands of the few and the power of the people is relatively weak is spot on – its reality. We, me included (and sometimes despite my best endeavours), look after ourselves primarily. Is human nature to look after number one and our families first (law of the wild), and its difficult fight against those instincts for the greater long-term good. Furthermore we are always looking to better ourselves (essentially greed), we are often weak willed and can be easily influenced (why else do the big businesses spend so much on marketing products we often don’t need), and when it comes down to voting and using the little influence we have the research has shown its nearly always the economy and what’s in it for ourselves that is the driving force behind our decisions. The reality is we are mostly simple ‘stupid’ folk, just trying to get on with our lives, and if we look at each of those lives in isolation we could probably understand most of their decisions.

The message I got from the Age of Stupid is that we need to someone to save us and I suspect it will have to get a lot worse before real action is taken, and potentially too late. The film was trying to shock us and in some ways we need that, but as with other films and world news generally it does have a habit of raising our fear thresholds (another natural coping mechanism), and reason for in action. As the following graph illustrates I can see the problems of climate change having to impact on us all much more in the future before there is real acceptance of needing to take decisive action.

The difficulty is that we need a mechanism to bring about positive change to turn that curve into at least more of straight line. Market forces and consumerism has benefitted us massively, but in many ways its taken us to the problem we are facing and the reality is it’s the only movement that really spurs action in us. ‘Experiments’ with other forms of regimes have so many downsides (and in any case can be a discouragement for action) that I just don’t want to go there. As in many things it comes back conversely on the one side to the common good against the individual rights (which we understandably fight for), and on the other big government/business versus the powerless individual.

One could get very depressed about this, but we can just campaign for real change and hope it comes as soon as possible, and you can only campaign seriously if you are setting the right example – hence why I support Peterborough’s goal to become Environment Capital!!

Julian Sykes
Senior Regeneration Officer, Opportunity Peterborough

(These are Julian's personal views)

Blogging for Beginners!!

2009-06-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

With June comes the summer and by tradition a young mans thoughts turn to love. Sadly my youth I barely remember so my thoughts turn to what PCVS is doing to make Peterborough a city to be proud of.

From June 1st to June 7th we are celebrating Volunteers Week. Our volunteer centre is seeing 25% more people who wish to help their communities than this time last year. So it was off to Queensgate for three days with a smile, a trestle table and some leaflets. We are talking to an average of 80 people a day who did not know there were so many voluntary opportunities for them to devote their talents and time to.

June has also seen the Mayor adopt our Young Carers Project as one of her charities for the year. We have contact with over 130 young carers, some as young as 8 or 9. We organise events for them and support them to our best abilities. Public recognition of this caring vulnerable group shows that the city is coming together to recognise that our young people our the Pride in Peterborough.
Last week one young carer came up to me to show me a card she had made on our computers. As she said “I wanted the fat bloke in charge to know how much fun we had”. I blame the parents!

Next week is National Carers week (8th-14th) and we shall be out once again with a smile, a trestle table and leaflets. On Friday together with the NHS we will be at the Hampton Shopping Centre. Our Carers Project has contact with 900 carers. People without whom the health services would collapse. Yet we are working closely with the NHS and Social Services to support carers. The last few years has seen the LAA act as the cement to enable the statutory and voluntary sector come together to appreciate each others strengths and work closer together. There is much to do but the growth of the Compact will increase knowledge and mutual respect.

And that brings us to mid June when Gillian Beasley – City Council Chief Executive has agreed to meet with our small groups Forum and discuss with them the role of community groups in the growth of the city. At a time of enconmic decline there is much fear, sadness and worry in our city. But as rarely before there is willingness amongst voluntary groups and statutory services to work together to build a cohesive, strong and happy city. And above all my job has taught me that the thousand of folk who take part in the work of charities and voluntary groups are essential to the success of the LAA. Without them it is merely a dew letters in search of a sentence.

This is certainly a very busy period across the partnerships.

2009-05-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

We are working hard in all areas to drive delivery forward so that we can achieve the visions and aspirations of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

And we have made some real progress. The cranes over Bretton are a clear sign that our health infrastructure is being renewed: the hospital development is one of the most exciting in Peterborough for many years. And the hoardings around Cathedral Square tell a similarly positive story as work progresses with the new public realm. We are also doing well right across our environment capital agenda, hitting our recycling targets and hugely increasing our use of sustainable transport. There have been significant achievements too in key areas of educational attainment and in the rates of smoking cessation, for example.

But for many people the impact of the economic downturn will put these achievements in the shade – and understandably so. If you are out of work or struggling to keep your business afloat, some of these things don’t register too high on your priorities. Which is why we are putting a lot of thought at the moment into how we respond to the economic downturn.

There is no doubt that Peterborough is being hit hard by the downturn. We have over 6,000 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance as of the end of April. So we have to make sure that we are working to today’s agenda, not yesterdays and adjust our work and our priorities to reflect this new reality.

We have already put together a leaflet sign-posting how businesses can help and advice during the downturn and we are now putting similar information online on the GPP website, highlighting a wide range of services available for ordinary people.

We are now working with a wide range of partners, including Job Centre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council, Encluster and Peterborough City Council to develop a bid for Government funding designed to create new jobs for young people. The Future Jobs Fund offers a very exciting opportunity to link up a number of aspects of work. Our ambition is not to employ people on short term contracts that might not lead anywhere but to deliver up to 200 permanent new jobs within a twelve month period aligned to the priorities and outcomes of the Peterborough’s Sustainable Community Strategy.

I’ll keep you posted on this one through the Blog – but if you would like to know more, just send me an email!

Peterborough Green Festival 2009...

2009-04-22T01:50:00.000-07:00

Not long to go before the Green Festival 2009 kicks off. Two weeks of fun, events, competitions and activities to get the whole city involved.

The Festival which is organised by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) starts on 23rd May at 10am with the big launch event in Peterborough City Centre.

This will see three areas of the City Centre transformed into hubs dedicated to this years’ Festival theme – grow it, cook it, eat it. The idea is to get local people growing their own food, eating more fruit and veg, buying from local farmers, and cooking from scratch for healthier meals.

Bridge Street will host an ‘ask the experts’ tent where you can put your gardening questions to the team from Garden Answers magazine. There will be the opportunity to get your hands dirty and do some planting with seeds, pots and compost provided. Children can plant a seed and take it home with them to watch it grow. Staff from Notcutts Garden Centre will be on hand to help plant out a huge construction garden which will be a magical spectacle celebrating home-grown food and flowers.

In the Cathedral Grounds (just through the archway) there will be the opportunity to learn about cooking vegetables and making healthy meals. There will also be willow weaving, bird-box making, nature trails, pond dipping and lots more to keep youngsters entertained.

The third hub, in Queensgate, is where you’ll find me on the day because it’s the ‘eat it’ part of the Festival. You can watch chefs from Riverford organic veg from Sacrawell farm (the organic veg box people) cook food, and then get stuck in with some tasting!

There will also be tree planting and a host of other green fingered activities for the whole family at the Green Backyard community garden (next to the Apex Building on London Road). And Lite FM will be hosting the Bridge Street stage which will feature the fantastic Eden Project junk band making music from rubbish!

After the excitement of the launch day there are two weeks of fun things to look forward to...

Highlights include:

• Wet and Wild weekend at Flag Fen, 24th and 25th May, all day.
• Swish (posh clothes swap for ladies), 26th May, 6pm.
• Eco-fashion show, Queensgate, 28th May, 6pm.
• Screening of film The Age of Stupid, 1st June, John Clare Theatre-Central Library, 6pm.
• Professional bike race organised by Riverford organic veg boxes, Sacrewell Farm (featuring freshly cooked sausages, strawberry picking, farm animals and tractor rides!), 7th June, all day.

The full festival listing with details of all events can be found here.

Green Festival gets help from food experts...

2009-04-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

Local seasonal, organic vegbox scheme Riverford (who used to be called River Nene Organic Veg) are supporting this year’s Peterborough Green Festival. They will be demonstrating how to cook healthy, easy meals, using locally grown food, at the Festival launch on Saturday 23rd May (you will find them in the ‘eat it’ hub in Queensgate Shopping Centre from 10am).

They have suggestions on how to make your five a day effortless. From soups, smoothies, salads and preserves, to quiche, risotto, and pasta, the possibilities are endless!

Riverford grow most of their produce at Sacrawell Farm and they supply their customers in Cambridgeshire with a box packed full of fresh, organic fruit and veg every week. They also offer organic and local ale, fruit juices, dairy and meat products. Getting healthy ingredients delivered in one box alongside a recipe suggestion makes life easy for Riverford’s customers.

One such recipe is their asparagus with lemon crumbs (takes just fifteen minutes to make and serves four)
Ingredients
2 slices of wholemeal bread, crusts removed
1 garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp thyme leaves
1/2 tsp rosemary leaves, chopped, 1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
50g butter, cut into cubes
50g parmesan, grated

Instructions
1. To prepare the asparagus, wash and exert gentle pressure at the bottom of each spear until it snaps/breaks where it is tender.
2. Preheat the oven to 275°C. Put the bread, garlic, salt, herbs, lemon zest and olive oil in a food processor and whizz until breadcrumbs form. Scatter the crumbs on a shallow tray and bake in the oven until golden brown.
3. Blanch the asparagus for 4-6 minutes. Then put the lemon juice in a small pan and whisk in the butter over a medium heat. Remove from the heat when the butter has melted.
4. Place the asparagus spears on plates, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and parmesan. Drizzle with the lemon butter and serve.

You can find more quick, easy, local food recipes from Riverford by visiting www.riverfordsacrewell.co.uk

Zero Waste Places Peterborough...

2009-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Earlier on in the year Nick Goodman, Environment Capital Officer from GPP, blogged about Peterborough's Zero Waste Places Project.

The project (or this phase of it) is coming to an end now after achieving masses of sucess in the shape of thousands of tonnes of waste prevented from ending up in landfill. What's more the project hasn't just stopped the stuff from being landfilled through recycling, it's stopped it being created in the first place!

The project has had three key strands:

1) Visiting all city centre retailers and talking to them about their rubbish and recycling habits. This has revealed what the key barriers to producing less waste, and recycling more are so we can do somthing about them. With help from waste contractor Donarbon, packs of information adressing the issues retailers face have been developed and distributed.

2) Working with Opportunity Peterborough and construction firm Osbornes to reduce the amount of waste being produced during the city centre development. Osbornes has not only ordered suppliers to deliver materials without packaging, but have also negotiated with structural engineers to reduce the depth of pits being dug. (The deeper the hole the more waste you are left with).

3) Identifying opportunities for reuse as part of the redevelopment and construction work in Peterborough. This has included a report detailing everything that can be reused from the Corn Exchange building in Cowgate which is set to be demolished. From urinals to door handles!

Peterbrough was selected as one of six areas in the UK to become a Zero Waste Place and trial innovative methods of reduce, reuse and recycle. The initiatve has been funded by Defra and the project in Peterborough has been managed by Peterborough Environment City Trust, the environmental charity working to create the UK's Environment Capital in the city.

Defra has been so impressed by Peterborough's progress that the Minister for Waste will be in the city to see first-hand what we've done on 28th April.

Find out more...

Peterborough Environment City Trust...

2009-04-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

I’m your guest blogger for this month you lucky, lucky things! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Nyree Ambarchian, Marketing Officer for Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT for short).

I couldn't resist doing an April Fool post yesterday, I promise I'll be more serious from now on.

PECT is the environmental charity in Peterborough working to make Peterborough a sustainable city – a cleaner, greener, healthier, happier place…the UK’s Environment Capital.

PECT was set up over fifteen years ago when Peterborough was made one of the four UK Environment Cities (along with Leicester, Leeds and Middlesbrough). We deliver a range of projects from helping businesses go green to working with local schools to set up outdoor classrooms and environmental education.

Did you know?
The Green Wheel network of cycle ways provides 45 miles of continuous sustainable routes around the city.

Did you know?
The Get a Green Grip campaign aimed to encourage shoppers to ditch plastic bags and use reusable shopping bags instead. In total 6,000 reusable, natural cotton bags were given out and the campaign removed an estimated 5million plastic bags from circulation.

Did you know?
Eastex is the materials exchange scheme for the East of England. The scheme works with local businesses and has diverted over 4,500 tonnes of goods from landfill, saved over 7,700 tonnes of carbon, and saved local organisations £750,000 on waste disposal and procurement costs.

To find out more visit www.pect.org.uk

New project will create artificial habitat for Polar Bears…

2009-04-01T02:05:00.000-07:00

Melting polar ice-caps and displaced polar bears have become the iconic images of climate change. Human activity has created harmful CO2 emissions, that in turn has caused global warming, increasingly erratic weather patterns and melting ice caps. All this has put the natural habitats of polar bears at risk.

A new project in Peterborough, the city that is aiming to become the UK’s Environment Capital, will see the creation of an artificial habitat for displaced polar bears.

A section of the River Nene Washes will be frozen to re-create the natural habitat of polar bears. A trial will then be held with four zoo reared bears to ensure the project works successfully. Once the trial has been completed, and as long as no major complications arise, a number of wild polar bears will be released into the area.

The Nene Washes is one of the finest areas of floodplain meadows in the UK spanning over 20 kilometres. A section of the site, which has been carefully selected by scientists, has been set aside for the project.

Carbon dioxide will be captured from the city’s factories and processed to create dry ice with a temperature of -80 oC. The dry-ice will then be used to create an artificial Arctic climate in the specified section of the Washes.

Local officials are delighted that the project is being trialled in Peterborough because the city is aiming to become the most sustainable city in the UK.

Chief Executive of Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), Hugh Cripps said: “This is fantastic news. Peterborough was selected in 1993 by the Wildlife Trust as one of the UK’s four environment cities. Since this time the local council, PECT and the urban regeneration company have been working hard to implement environmental initiatives and projects.

“Whilst our work in Peterborough and work being undertaken across the world has helped reduce CO2 emissions, we simply aren’t acting fast enough. The ice-caps are melting and polar bear numbers are suffering as a result of this devastation to their natural habitat. We’re still working to encourage more sustainable lifestyles, however it’s come to a point where we also have to manage the effects of the damage we’ve already done.”

Some concerns about the project have been raised by wildlife organisations who argue that the introduction of a new predator in the Washes will endanger indigenous species. The Washes are of national and international importance for seven species of wintering wildfowl and hold some of the countries highest densities of breeding waders.

Experts have also raised doubts about the viability of the project, explaining that whilst the Washes may suit shoreline loving female polar bears, male bears may not take to the substitute home which lacks the vast expanses of snow covered areas they are used to.

Nick Goodman, Environment Capital Officer from the Greater Peterborough Partnership, dismissed these fears saying, “I’m sure there will be issues we haven’t planned for, but we hope the trial will help us identify and rectify any problems.

“Polar bears have a diverse diet eating seals, penguins, eggs and even household rubbish. The introduction of the bears may help us manage the city’s waste more sustainably. We will also be introducing penguins to the area so the bears can hunt as they would in the wild. Our only fear is that the bears will struggle to remove the wrappers, but this is an issue we are aware of and are taking steps to avoid.”

Find out more about Peterborough's ambition to create the UK's Environment Capital...

Five Mosques joint activity promote the message of peace

2009-03-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I participated in a very special event organised in partnership with all the five mosques in Peterborough last Sunday 22 March 2009 (2 pm-4.30 pm). The event commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his message of peace in relation to family, neighbours, community and non-Muslims, with national and local Islamic scholars attending to share their understanding of the theme.

The event was held at the Gladstone Community Centre, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, with over 300 people coming along, including members from many different ethnic communities and faiths.

An interesting exhibition of Persian calligraphy was also on display.

General feedback from participants indicated that this was a great opportunity to improve mutual understanding and promote stronger cohesion.

How migration is affecting policing and community cohesion

2009-03-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

I went along to a joint Peterborough Racial Equality Council (PREC) and GPP Community Cohesion Board community session last week on European migration and the impact it has on community cohesion and policing resources.

Cambridgeshire Chief Constable, Julie Spence came along and gave a detailed and thought provoking presentation on how migration is affecting policing and community cohesion . The presentation proved to be a very useful for understanding some of the key impacts of migration on policing and the actions being taken by the constabulary and other partner organisations to deal with challenges.

A discussion followed, with the audience made up of representatives from organisations from across Peterborough giving views on how best to respond to the issues raised. The subject of deprivation, particularly in relation to the recent economic downturn was discussed as well as teenage pregnancy and the honour-based hotline service. Feedback on a number of other subjects was also given during the follow up discussion. These subjects included Open Out Scheme, tackling fascism and child protection.

Sabbath Morning Service

2009-03-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

Today I was invited to attend Sabbath Morning Service with a group of local members of the Jewish community in Peterborough. It was a special experience for people from different faith backgrounds to be participating in the service which had a strong emphasis on peace. Indeed I found that there is a lot more commonality among different faiths than we sometime realise.

A great experience to attend the service.

Jawaid Khan, Community Cohesion Manager

2009-03-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am Jawaid Khan Community Cohesion Manager with the Greater Peterborough Partnership.

My key role involves working with public, private, voluntary and community sector on the theme of community cohesion.

Cohesion is often seen as a challenge and perhaps the starting point is what it means!!

In simple words, perhaps it would be useful to point out that Cohesion is not just about race and faith and integration is not about assimilation. It is about every one and about greater mutual respect and harmony. It is about rights as well as responsibilities. It is about strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

For detailed definition of cohesion and cohesion challenges in Peterborough, please click here to see a recent powerpoint presented to Peterborough's voluntary community sector group.

This presentation is in particularly aimed to provide a brief outline of the Cohesion Board Action Plan as well as seek your input as to how things can be done better. Your thoughts and suggestions will be most welcome.

The creation of strong, vital and cohesive communities is one of the most
important issues we face. This is a critical factor in the quality of people's
lives and for the harmony of the nation as a whole. (Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart).

A Healthy Environment

2009-02-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks the links between our natural environment and health have become very strong. Through the cross cutting nature of the city’s Sustainable Community Strategy we have begun to develop some ideas and projects that contribute to both our health and well-being and strong environmental credentials.

Sometimes it can simply be about linking people to the green lungs of the city, giving better access to green spaces through accessible and sustainable transport, getting a bit of fresh air! It could also be about demonstrating the links between our natural environment and mental well-being, a bit of relaxation on the local allotment or perhaps a stress busting walk around Ferry Meadows. Healthy eating is also high on the city agenda, finding ways we can improve access to fresh and local fruit and vegetables, and show how easy they are to cook and how delicious they can be to eat!

Keep an eye out for this year’s Green Festival which is themed on Grow it, Cook it and Eat it.

Zero waste!

2009-02-13T03:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it is amazing what you can achieve when you all pull together! For the last fortnight the GPP office has been taking part in a Zero waste challenge – reducing, reusing and recycling as much waste as possible. Everyone in the office has really played their part and in 2 weeks we produced less than 200 grams! A great effort and everyone has started thinking more about the waste they produce. It’s not all about environmental benefits however; we have now decided to have monthly office lunches (zero waste of course) where everyone brings some food in to share with each other. A colleague in a neighbouring office has offered to bring in home grown (if thats the right word) chickens eggs for us – healthy, local and very few food miles!

In many ways, this is what our Environment Capital aspirations are all about. Using ideas and projects that some dismiss as simply a green issue, greenwash or too radical and demonstrating that actually its just a jolly good idea, makes sense and leads to improvements in a whole range of areas.

Green day in Peterborough

2009-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

GPP Blog - Nick Goodman, Environment Capital Officer

2009-02-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Well hello there, and welcome to the GPP blog! I have been given the unenviable task of kicking us off on this exciting adventure and over the coming months a number of our partners from the city will pick up the proverbial baton of blogging and write about their experiences. For those of you who don`t know me, I am Nick Goodman, Environment Capital Officer at the Greater Peterborough Partnership. My main duties are co-ordinating, facilitating, networking, developing links and championing our march towards being recognised as the UK’s Environment Capital. For those that do know me, yes I still have a rather luxuriant beard.

The problem with starting something like this is knowing what to write. Well, having looked out of the window and listened to the news over the last few days it does seem pertinent to start with the weather....a truly British topic of conversation! It never ceases to amaze me just how vulnerable we are too extreme weather, particularly in Britain. The effects of snow, wind, rain or prolonged heat always bring the natural environment sharply into focus. People suddenly realise just how reliant we are on the status quo afforded us by our temperate climate and when dear momma nature gets mad, all hell breaks loose. I think in more general terms it is symptomatic of a disconnect with the natural environment; from food production to wildlife and natural resources to energy. The challenge then is to reconnect all those elements to day to day life.....how can access to nature be improved, how can the natural environment be better incorporated into formal, non formal and informal education, how do we dispose of our waste and understand the implications of excessive consumption and production, how can we eat better and with less impact on the environment......all important questions (and the list goes on).

The challenge for us as a city, particularly in such difficult economic times and with a backdrop of our planned growth, is to recognise the key issues, ask the important questions and come up with the right answers. Often those right answers are the most difficult to accept, as in the short term they might not make economic sense (and is reliant on a values system rather than simple financial year based economics) and of course there is always resistance to change. What is needed then is a strong commitment and solid leadership all at levels, it is not just about turning our heads towards Town Hall to see what city council are doing or simply blaming our local supermarket for over packaging the kiwi fruit. It is about shifting our gaze to each other and most importantly to ourselves. Ask not what your environment can do for you but what you can do for your environment.

Over the coming month I will be outlining how, as a city, we are focussing our attention on the most important question of all.....what can we do for our environment?