Last week, Valley Street Community Centre brought the people of South West Burnley together for a day of helping improve the neighbourhood, raising awareness and looking forward.
The event was set up in response to concerns raised by residents, Councillors, and Burnley’s MP. Its aim was to give residents a chance to come together, show pride in South West Burnley and highlight the support already available on their doorstep.
Across the day, more than one hundred people got stuck into tree planting and litter picking, with Incredible Edible also on hand to talk to residents about the new community garden at the centre. Additionally, the Community Grocery, youth boxing sessions and local support groups opened their doors to explain what they can offer to imprisoned local lives and opportunities.
The event also encouraged people to make use of the centre, meet the teams who run regular activities and find out what help is available if they’re struggling.
MP Oliver Ryan, who joined residents outdoors in planting trees on Rossendale Road, spoke about how much the event means to all involved.
He said: “We’re all out today getting our hands dirty and trying to spruce it up, which is a great effort.
“I think it shows people that we’re keen to make sure this area is the nicest it can be because people deserve to live well, so we’re all here trying to pitch in with that.
“It’s nice that the community has really joined in and taken that to its heart.”
Having organised the day, Emmy Dickinson, Calico Homes’ Customer Engagement Officer, said the event was about showing how much the centre already does, while inspiring people to get involved in their community.
“First and foremost, it showcases what happens at the centre, so everybody in the area can see what is going on,” she explained.
“We have people constantly asking what time things open, what else is going on, what groups do you have, so we’ve tried to get everybody who has a group along to come and set up a table to introduce themselves and have a chat about what they can offer to the community, and help them get involved.
“Putting roots down makes you see what’s going on in your area. People should belong, and Valley Street is a centre for the community. As soon as they put roots in there, then it’s theirs. It’s ownership.”
Organisers said the turnout and enthusiasm throughout the day show just how much potential there is when people come together with a shared purpose.
With new connections made and plenty of interest in future volunteering, the hope is that this momentum will continue long into the future.