Your home magazine (April 2013)

Page 20

Step up and become a community champion

What does a community champion do?

Community champions get together at the White City Community Centre

T

Volunteers to give up some time to work with local people

giving advice about how to access their he search is on for community local services. champions to represent Onyeka Ezenagu, volunteer coordinator residents throughout the for the community champions, said: “One White City estate. Would you like of the issues in White City is that a lot of to get to know your neighbours people don’t know where to go or better? Do you want to be e what trained to point people in n wha to do with whatever issue y or concern that they have. the right direction for the e t i un “Expanding the help they need? Comm ns act io p community champions will If you live on the White m n a e ch betwe help reach those hard-toCity estate, you could k n i l as a ents and reach people who might be become a community resid ervices stuck in their homes with champion – and learn s local s nowhere to go.” confidence-boosting skills no There are no strict rules about while supporting local people. le. who ca can or can’t be community There are already more than 20 at champion work around the estate, and th the plan l iis h i – as long as you are willing to listen to people, give up a little of your now to recruit at least one volunteer for time and learn new skills. each of the 32 different blocks. Community champions act as a link Onyeka said: “We want to empower you to serve your community by helping between residents and local services, you be an effective message bearer, giving listening to people’s concerns, passing a voice to he voiceless.” on any issues to the professionals and

20 | Your Home Magazine

Listens to people to find out about their concerns Points their friends, families, and neighbours in the right direction for health care, social care, children’s and housing services Gives feedback to professionals working in the neighbourhood Encourages awareness of initiatives affecting the community

Join the team The team are based at the White City Community Centre, India Way. Call volunteer coordinator Onyeka Ezenagu on 020 8811 2494 or 07432 499 444, or email onyeka@ communitychampionsuk.org

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