pride-in-place

Community Conversations

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:22:32 GMT

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.

EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk in West Earlham.

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:10:43 GMT

The Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, Rebecca White, together with founding Board Members Clive Lewis MP and Cllr Jenny Knight, met with journalists from the EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk in West Earlham.

They discussed what a fantastic opportunity the Pride in Place funding is for West Earlham & Bowthorpe, and emphasised that decisions will be made by local people for their neighbourhood.

If you would like a say in how £20m of Government funding is spent, and to play a part in shaping the future of West Earlham & Bowthorpe, please apply to join the Neighbourhood Board.

You don't need any previous experience as training will be provided. If you're worried about something that you think could hold you back, please let us know. We can provide lots of support.

Please visit The Board page to apply and have your say.

Out and About in West Earlham & Bowthorpe

Wed, 20 May 2026 10:43:34 GMT

Over the past few days, we’ve been out and about across West Earlham and Bowthorpe, putting up posters and helping spread the word about the opportunity for local residents to join the new Neighbourhood Board.

It’s been a great chance to meet people, walk around the area, visit local shops, community spaces and noticeboards, and do our bit to make sure people know about the investment coming into their community. With £20 million set to support West Earlham and Bowthorpe through the Pride in Place programme, it’s so important that local voices are at the heart of the decisions being made.

The Neighbourhood Board will help shape how this funding is used, and we want residents from all walks of life to feel encouraged to get involved. You don’t need previous board experience, just a connection to the area, a love for your community, and a willingness to help make a positive difference.

Putting up posters might seem like a small thing, but every conversation, every noticeboard, and every person who spots the opportunity helps bring the community one step closer to having its say.

We’re excited to see residents come forward, share their ideas, and help shape the future of West Earlham and Bowthorpe together.