How We Began
 WELCOME
OWTON MANOR WEST RESOURCE CENTRE
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To bridge the gap between Owton Manor as a deprived area and the rest of the country by providing the local community with access to opportunities to build confidence and improve skills through learning and development.
To work in partnership with other agencies to provide additional resources and services to local people when and where it is needed.
To empower local residents to reclaim their community and negotiate the design and delivery of services to ensure provision is appropriate to the needs of local people.
To continually strive to build a safe and friendly community that can provide jobs for local residents and keep revenue within the neighbourhood.
PURPOSE AND VISION
The area in which the organisation exists is identified as a deprived and disadvantaged area of Hartlepool. The Owton Manor area encounters the following core problems:
• Low levels of employment
• High levels of poverty
• Low levels of literacy and numeracy among adults
• Low education attainment levels
• High rates of teenage conception
• High levels of crime and resident arrests
All of the above act as a magnet for crime and anti social behaviour and results in residents feeling disengaged from the community through fear or isolation.
To tackle such issues Owton Manor West Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Association formed in October 2002 to improve the conditions for residents living in the area by developing new facilities, creating provision of recreational, leisure and educational activities, providing safety initiatives and encouraging community involvement and participation in projects.
The organisations membership and activities have increased dramatically since Oct 2002. Over 250 dedicated households are now involved in planning, organising or participating in resident lead activities for all ages, ranging from young people to pensioners.
A survey undertaken in the area confirmed the success of the Association and identified the need to expand the existing level of support for individuals and to the community by providing a easy accessible facility within the heart of the community.
From this vision, the Management Committee and local people launched a campaign to develop such a facility.
The Community Resource Centre was officially opened on 27th February 2004 and is already an established resource for the community.
The Centre, which is manned solely by a number of dedicated volunteers represents that people must lead change for it to be meaningful and sustainable and gives the community the recognition that they are the driving force behind neighbourhood renewal.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
* The aim of the project is to deliver economic prosperity in the area and develop a safe community to tackle the core problems of a deprived community.
* To stimulate and support community activity, representing all sectors of the community
* To hold regular meetings and provide opportunities to involve local residents in the delivery of services and decision making process
* Work in partnership with the statutory and voluntary sector to complement existing services and provide additional resources
* To respond to the needs of the local community and tailor the services to match those requirements
* To build the capacity of individuals and support the efforts of people to transform their own lives and the community where they live.
ACTIVITES
The following activities are offered on a regular basis:
* Meetings to bring residents together to discuss issues of concern
* Opportunities to greater involve the community
* Youth Group activities – leisure, social and educational
* Building confidence and self esteem activities
* Awareness and diversions from criminal activity and anti social behaviour
* Access to the internet and use of Information Technology equipment
* Homework club
* Team building events
* Advice, information and guidance offered on housing issues, safety initiatives etc
* Jobsearch services including faxing, photocopying and producing c.v’s
* Surgeries from partner agencies including Action Team for Jobs, The Volunteer Bureau and Adult Education
OUTCOMES/RESULTS
* To maintain the above services fundraising remains a vital and continual part of our work. * Applications have been made to several funding providers with funding already awarded by Hartlepool Community Chest.
* Additional funding will assist in achieving the following desired outcomes:
* Increase employability for residents
* Improve levels of basic skills and ICT skills for all ages
* Increase education attainment levels for school pupils
* Improve support and further engage the community in local projects
* Improve resident satisfaction and the quality of life for residents
USEFUL
TELEPHONE
NUMBERS.
MANOR WEST CENTRE
******(01429) 273123.
Owton Manor Primary School (01429) - 272255
TAXIS:- 862000 // 860860 // 863333 // 862777 // 232226.
Hartlepool Borough Council (01429) - 266522.
Hartlepool General Hospital (01429) - 266654.
Hartlepool College of Further Educ: (01429) - 295000.
Community Wardens (Owton Manor) (01429) - 405594.
Anti-Social Behaviour Officer (01429) - 302167.
Domestic Violence Officer (01429) - 302168.
CrimeStoppers - A Free Confidential Line - 0800 555 111
Report a Crime - (01429) 221151.
South Hartlepool Community Policing Team - (01429) 867034.
Crime Prevention Officer - (01429) 405578.
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