EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk in West Earlham.

Community C onversations are now well underway, bringing residents, community organisations and local partners together to help shape the priorities for the Pride in Place programme. Delivered by The Common Lot and Social Action Solutions with experts coming alongside the Community Researcers. Delivering weekly workshops, creating opportunities for people to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations for the future of the neighbourhood. Each session focuses on a different theme, including young people, housing and community wellbeing. Early conversations have already highlighted some recurring themes across the area, including the need for greater support for young people, the impact of the cost of living, and the importance of strengthening community connections and local opportunities. Spotlight on Community Energy One of our most thought-provoking Community Conversations so far explored Community Energy, led by Libby from Our Power. The session looked at how local people can work together to take greater control of their energy future, from reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency to exploring opportunities for community-owned energy projects. The discussion generated lots of interest and raised important questions about how communities can work collectively to address fuel poverty, improve resilience and ensure the benefits of the transition to cleaner energy are shared locally. If you missed the session, you can view the presentation slide s and summary notes to learn more about the ideas discussed and the opportunities community energy could bring to local neighbourhoods. Coming up The Community Conversations continue, every Thursday throughout November, and there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved and have your voice heard. Do join us at our new slightly later time between: 6pm - 7.30pm at The Football Development Centre Clover Hill Road, NR5 9ED 5 November: Our fifth Community Conversation is on the topic of Neighbourhood Futures, hosted by Imandeep Kaur from Civic Square. Civic Square helps local people take charge of their area - looking after land and buildings together, and making homes warmer and cheaper to run. If you want to have a conversation about how these principles can help in West Earlham and Bowthorpe, then come along. All residents welcome. November 26th: Come and join our conversation on Social Investment, led by our Chair Rebecca White We're also planning further themed conversations with a range of guest speakers, so watch this space for updates as new sessions and speakers are confirmed.