Fishponds Locality Action Group
Who are you?
Fishponds Locality Action Group is a not for profit community enterprise based in Hillfields. Our contribution to improving the quality of life for the local community is the current construction of a FLAG nursery. We are also engaged in a project to turn a derelict garage site into a environmental centre for the community.
We aim to re start out of school work with 8 to 13 year olds when
the demands of establishing the nursery have lessened or
resources become available.
When and why did you start up?
We started in 1998 as a result of residents and people being
involved in the Hillfields Park estate wishing to set up a community
group to address community safety and halt the decline of the
community. FLAG came about in 1999 when the original name of
Hillfields Action Group was felt to be excluding people from outside
the estate. Besides FLAG is better set of initials than HAG! We
obtained a start up grant from Bristol City Council Community
Development Unit.
Describe your organisation in three words.
Striving, innovative, persistent.
If your group ruled the world, what would be your first act as world leaders?
To bring people together, to emphasis that we have more in common with each other than the barriers that seem to appear when progressing community aspirations. To put time and support to the aim not just lip service.
What is your most memorable achievement?
Seeing the foundations of the FLAG nursery being dug as it is the first community led building in Hillfields for 50 years. FLAG with the help of others overcame a number of obstacles to achieve this start.
Do you belong to any partnerships?
FLAG are members of Voscur, Hillfields Neighbourhood Renewal Steering group, BS16 Learning Network, Social Economy Development Project, BACEN, Plus links with other partnerships.
Who are your funders?
Main funders are New Opportunities Fund, Department for Education and Science, Bristol City Council, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Neighbourhood Support Fund, plus companies and organisations supporting the nursery build.
What do you get out of being a member of Voscur?
FLAG obtains information, networking opportunities, support and learning from being involved with Voscur.
How can we contact you?
FLAG Nursery Contact: Sue Clarke, c/o Hillfields Youth Service, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 4 EH. 965 7882. Email: flag.east_bristol@virgin.net
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Fishponds Locality Action Group became a company limited by guarantee in July 2003. This change reflected how FLAG needed a legal identity in line with its responsibility of becoming a service provider in Fishponds. FLAG is currently based in an office to the rear of Hillfields Park Community Association, which is on the same site as the FLAG nursery. FLAG is still a small organisation and is keen to develop its links with the wider locality of Fishponds. However the barriers of time and money require a realistic approach to this key aim.
Thanks to Fishponds Locality Action Group for this profile. If your group would like to be profiled in a future Voscur newsletter or on our website, please contact the Voscur office on 0117 909 9949, or email: info@voscur.org