Cherish Risi-Elford Email & Phone Number

As a SPLAT team member it is my responsibility to encourage, support and empower young people at youth clubs across the county. This role has given me more experience in how to connect and build strong relationships with young people, as well as use my own skills and initiative to create a fun and friendly environment.

Shinfield North

Using the main principles of Community Development and acquired knowledge of the area, both from local authority data and relationships built with residents; my role has been to work with local people to ensure continuous positive development within Shinfield North. The Community Flat where I am based has been a central focus point for residents, in an area of recognised deprivation within Wokingham Borough, Berkshire. It is used in a variety of ways depending on local needs and current issues. Some of the strategic aims of the project include encouraging the community to take ownership of the flat and various groups and initiatives, to ensure a sustainable, positive future for themselves and their neighbours. A substantial part of my role has been building effective relationships with residents. At times this has been challenging but the project continues to grow, and since January this year (2014) I have recorded over 700 visits to the Community Flat. I have also built up a wide network of contacts and resources across various organisations, which has a direct impact on residents seeking their services and support. I am responsible for all aspects of running a community building, which includes budget management, Health and Safety and ensuring the flat is a pleasant, welcoming space, which reflects the ever changing needs of the local community. I have also been responsible for several projects which run alongside the main development work, including the Community First programme which has brought much needed funding and its partnering research project; which has focused attention on the impact of community work, and encouraged universities to have more positive involvement in their local areas.