In this time of need we will be coordinating with foodbanks, shops and local volunteers to provide resources for everyone who needs it. A group of local residents in Fishersgate have led the way in starting up a new community newspaper for their area. As well as a printed newspaper, the project will also boast a Voice website, page, Youtube channel for budding local filmmakers, and even
a mobile app. Organisers want to encourage as many people as possible from their community to share information and tell their stories via the newspaper. Their aim is to help encourage community pride, put Fishersgate on the map, and develop the talent and skills of local people by offering free training in journalism, design, social media and photography. The Action Eastbrook partnership* organised a well-attended public meeting at the Fishersgate Centre in March 2015 to discuss setting up a community paper. A small committee was formed to put together a 12-page trial edition. The ‘Voice’ committee are appealing for more local people to get involved, with a first issue ‘proper’ planned for October, and then every two months thereafter. The project was largely funded in its first year by the Think Family Neighbourhoods programme, with a third of costs being contributed by Adur Homes tenants, along with some advertising revenue from local businesses. Local schools have pledged to donate use of their media facilities, and involve pupils. Two Voice volunteers successfully underwent a week-long intensive professional journalism training course at Brighton Journalism Works, based at the Argus offices in Brighton. David Simmons, Adur District Council’s cabinet member for Health & Wellbeing said,
"Fishersgate Voice is an excellent example of community in action and underlines the determination of local people to put Fishersgate on the map. This new community-led initiative will not only encourage local people to learn new skills, but also generate pride in their community and increase aspirations in younger people. I urge more people to get involved, and also local businesses to lend their support through advertising and support in kind, in recognition of the importance of this project in developing local opportunities and skills." To get involved, contact [email protected] or call in at the Meet in Place in Laylands Road, Fishersgate or phone 07968 515407
For more information contact Lee Billingham, Neighbourhood Worker at Adur & Worthing Councils on 07968 515407 or via [email protected]
*Action Eastbrook partnership is coordinated by Adur District Council, to bring together local public services, agencies and community groups, to share information and ideas and to work together to improve things for the local community.
