Devon Heartlands Community Partnership

Some Comments about the Devon Heartlands Community Forum Concept

Local residents and Forum regulars Dave and Valerie Cushing said: “We found that the Devon Heartlands Forum meetings helped us to see and hear from those who are working to represent us. We probably wouldn’t go to a formal Council meeting, but feel welcome and encouraged to take part here and think the forum is very good for local communication” Valerie and Dave proposed the idea of a ‘Community Question Time Event’ so that people had an opportunity to ask the candidates of different political parties about their policies ahead of the European Elections in June 2009.

Jonathan Ludwig is the Neighbourhood Beat Manager based at Okehampton Police Station and a regular at the Community Forum meetings said…

‘The Police service is committed to providing the best possible service for the

People of Okehampton and its surrounding Parishes. The Devon Heartlands

Community Forum allows me, as Neighbourhood Beat Manager for Okehampton,

to get a better understanding of the needs of individuals and the different communities. It provides a relaxed way for members of the local community to get together on a monthly basis to discuss issues that may interest or concern them. The forum benefits from being free from political bias and has an open door policy to all’.

“Creating an environment in which people feel they can influence decisions about where they live is central to empowerment. Community Forums such as that led by Devon Heartlands Community Partnership, which enable community groups, local authorities, and agencies to work together, are vital for connecting people to the complex power structure running from Parish and Town Council to Local Strategic Partnerships. The case study by Devon Heartlands clearly highlights the value of local Community Forums as a key mechanism for sustained community engagement and empowerment. As public authorities become more aware of their new duty to involve, and the implications of the Comprehensive Area Assessment, the importance and

influence of forums such as this must increase”.

Replies to DH Forum Representation to Bus Passenger Consultation

Department for Sandra Gayle
Concessionary Travel Division
Transport for
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR
Direct Line. 020 7944 5980
Fax. 020 7944 2212
Devon Headlands CDT E-mail sandra gaye@dft si qov uk
Community Forum
Okehampton Town Hall Web Ske www dft gov uk
1 Fore Street 8 March 2006
Okehampton
DEVON EX2O 1AA

Dear SrIMadam,
Options for strengthening bus passenger representation Consultation paper.
Thank you for your email of 13 March concerning the consultation paper. Options for strengthening bus passenger representation.
The Department for Transport welcomes your response and in due course will publish the findings of the consultation.
4Yours Sincerely,

Sandra Gaylo

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Further reply sent to Hyder Ali Pirwany

Thank you for your response to the 'Options for strengthening bus
passenger representation' consultation.

The Government has announced today that the remit of Passenger Focus
will be extended to include the representation of bus passengers.
Government is committed to improving public transport and giving people
a real alternative to the car. As part of this we are determined to
improve the experience of public transport users. This new body will
play an important part in that.

Further details regarding the announcement can be found at:

http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=364855&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=True

The Analysis of consultation responses is available to view at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/buspassenger/analysisofresponses

Kind Regards,

Jonathan Drea
The Department for Transport

NEW Course Could Help YOUR COMMUNITY To Become More Active, More Often!

An exciting new course to help people learn about physical activity, nutrition and health is coming to the Okehampton Area. Please inform your clubs, groups and community members of the opportunity. Places are limited so anyone interested in attending the course should contact Stuart Lord as soon as possible to book their place!

The ‘Healthy Lifestyle Active For Life Course’ is designed specifically to help people who are overweight, affected by a medical condition or are not active enough at the moment (It is recommended that adults undertake 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, 5 times a week to stay healthy).

This course will give attendees the information and motivation needed to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle! There is also the chance for people that would like to learn how to run this course to attend the sessions and an additional training day which will allow them to go on and run a similar course! To discuss whether this may be suitable for you, please contact us.

This 5X30 Project and Active for Life six-week course starts on the 26th September in Okehampton, and takes place on Wednesday’s between 1pm and 3pm.

It costs just £5 for all six sessions, and its essential to book your place! For information or to book your place, contact Stuart Lord, 5X30 Okehampton Community Activator. Tel: 07967 179662 / 01884 234390 or email admin@5X30.org.

For more information on the 5X30 Project and the course you can also visit www.5X30.org and www.plymouthguild.org.uk/active-for-life/

The project covers Mid and West Devon, with five locally based ‘Community Activators’ that are on hand to provide free support and motivation towards getting active, as well as helping to establish new physical activities in your area. If you would like more information about the 5X30 project, its events, grants, support or for information on activities available in your area please see the 5X30 Project website www.5X30.org

Yours Sincerely

Lindsay Cameron

5X30 Project Assistant

Tel: 01884 234387

www.5X30.org

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