This page contains information about events, projects, initiatives and consultation that we have been involved in or are currently working on. It may be that there is something you would like to get involved with, or you may be involved in something that you think we could help you with. If that is the case, contact us and we can discuss how best we can work together.

Wildlife Audit  |  Harroby Road Doorstep Green  |  Asian Health Event  |  Consultations

Wildlife Audit

The Forum wants to find out what wildlife is in the area, so that we can see whether such schemes as the proposed NET Tram route will impinge on local wildlife.

Our Partnership Development Coordinator and a Committee member have met with Dr Graham Walley from Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum, where they hold detailed information on sites throughout Nottinghamshire, and he is enthusiastic about the project.

Meetings have also been held with Amanda Blicq of Groundwork Greater Nottingham, and links made with Notts Wildlife Trust to begin developing the range and scope of the Wildlife Audit.

The planned project hopes to include local schools, residents and groups across the Dunkirk and Lenton area. If you would like to be involved or get more information about the Wildlife Audit please contact the Forum office.

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Harroby Road Doorstep Green

An expression of interest was submitted to the Countryside Agency over the summer to begin the application process to gain National Lottery New Opportunities Fund monies to transform the sloped, concreted-over area between Park Street and Harrowby Road in Lenton, into a green open space.

A Steering Group, made up of local residents, City Council Housing and Leisure and Community Services and local councillors has been formed to progress the project, and has recently met at Lenton Community Centre.

Following a site visit on 20th September by advisers from the Countryside Agency, at which local residents and Forum members impressed the Agency with their ideas for the project’s potential, we are pleased to report that we have now been invited to apply for a Project Preparation Plan grant to carry out the initial planning phase of the project. This will enable the Steering Group to fully consult the local community about the proposed project, produce a budgeted design and management plan, and to buy in specialist advice.

If you would like to join the Steering Group and be involved in this potentially exciting project for the area, please contact the Forum office for more information about forthcoming meetings.

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Asian Health Event

This took place on Sunday 22nd September at Lenton Primary School, and focused on three main health issues: Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, and Healthy Lifestyles. The mayor was present, and a lovely lunch was provided.

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Consultation

We have carried out a number of consultations over the last year. The results of these consultations will be used to identify what the priorities are for local people. The Forum and its Working Groups will look at the issues raised and try to find solutions, alongside relevant bodies such as the City Council, the Police and the Primary Care Group.

Health Consultation  |  Consultation with Elderly Residents

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Health Consultation

In March and April 2000, the Forum held Spotlight On Health Activity Days, which gave local people a chance to get involved in activities, find out information and give their opinion on health in the local communities. The days included the chance to be tested for diabetes and carbon monoxide, and to undergo a 'Full Body MOT', checking weight, blood pressure, fitness and peak flow.

Around 200 people returned the questionnaire sent out with April 2000's issue of News From the Forum. Most of the respondees (151) saw their doctor between one and four times a year, and well over three quarters (155) of those who answered the question found it easy to see their doctor. Reasons for not finding it easy included waiting time for appointments (13 responses), being too busy (5) and the surgery being difficult to get to (3). Nearly three quarters of respondees did not use complementary medicine, and among those who did, aromatherapy was the most popular (20 responses), with homeopathy (7) and herbal medicine (6) the next favourites.

Sixty per cent of respondees regarded themselves as 'generally fit'. The most popular fitness activities were walking (97 responses), swimming (72) and cycling (29).

We asked what services people would most like to see near them. The top five responses were access to low cost leisure activities (108 responses), chemists (84), relaxation classes (74), exercise classes (72) and walk-in health checks (67).

Some of the issues and concerns raised included:

• lack of good fresh food shops
• waiting time for medical treatment
• cars speeding in residential areas
• pollution and accidents from traffic
• safety in poor quality housing
• lack of play facilities and youth clubs
• access to emergency contraception
• security for the elderly
• cancer, stroke and heart disease

There were a number of suggestions for ways to improve local health, including:

• self defence classes
• gentle exercise classes for elderly people
• more support for Asian people suffering from depression
• First Aid training
• meningitis checks for children and students
• warden aided housing for elderly people in the area
• a play area between Lenton Boulevard and The Park
• support groups for elderly people

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Consultation with Elderly Residents

In November 2000, elderly residents of Dunkirk and Lenton met to discuss the area. The event was organised by the Forum, Lenton Care Link, Lenton Local History Society, local churches and the City Council.

Lenton Local History Society presented a fascinating collection of old photographs and a slide show about Dunkirk and Lenton as they were in the past.

Positive aspects raised by discussions included easy access to the city centre (except from Abbey Bridge) and being close to facilities such as a cinema, parks, temples, churches or Mosques, and lunch groups. Those in Lenton were the happiest about facilities, while those in Abbey Bridge felt rather forgotten. Most people agreed that there was a good sense of community.

However, the residents felt that the area was neglected, with wheelie bins left out, too many parked cars, unswept leaves, and rubbish and old furniture dumped when student houses were cleared.

New businesses tended to be aimed at students, and it was felt that there were no real 'local' pubs. Some people felt that the age range in the area was becoming unbalanced, as high house prices meant fewer families were moving in.

Other issues raised included:

• Street lighting, particularly around railway bridges
• A lack of accessible information
• Dunkirk and Abbey Bridge lack a local doctors' surgery
• Abbey Bridge lacks access to good bus services and local shops
• Church Square in Lenton looked neglected

Suggestions included:

• More classes and clubs such as languages, art or fitness
• More social events
• A warden-aided complex

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