Work is underway to provide opportunities for eligible residents in the Boscombe area following the arrival of the new ASPIRE hub in Churchill Gardens. The hub will be the home of the Boscombe ASPIRE project, a new food and health community project, which will offer residents who have been long-term unemployed opportunities to grow fresh produce, learn new skills, focus on health and wellbeing, whilst improving their employment prospects. Research has shown the link between unemployment and weight gain, which is the focus of the Aspire project.
The new ASPIRE hub, which will also be the new home for the Joy Café, will accommodate a space for learning, cooking, relaxing and community use and new toilets.
Boscombe ASPIRE is part of a project which aims to support innovation and change in communities by addressing economic and social issues in areas in northern France and southern England. (FCE). This has been made possible by funding which has been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund to help deliver programmes to support those in our community who need it the most. The funding has also provided improvements to the recreational areas in Churchill Gardens, including new fitness equipment.
Boscombe ASPIRE has been developing a network of local community businesses and organisations to offer a wide range of activities available to residents. Some projects will be available to all residents. However, the focus of Boscombe ASPIRE will be for eligible residents to access a 12-week programme, including work experience, sharing of skills, opportunities to reduce food waste and to celebrate the diversity of our community. There are plans to provide a passport of activities – mapping what is available in the area and when – so residents can easily navigate between ASPIRE and existing activities.
Kelly Ansell, Director of Communities, BCP Council said:
“The arrival of the new ASPIRE hub in Churchill Gardens is an exciting step forward for the project. This will provide the most vulnerable residents of Boscombe access to new opportunities to learn new skills as well as adopting a healthy lifestyle by getting involved in food skill projects and being able to participate within the community to create a positive change for all.”
To get involved in the ASPIRE project or to find out more: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/Aspire