Improving lives in the community

KENTON ward was one of 12 neighbourhoods across the country to have been chosen by the Government to take part in its Our Place programme.

Our Place, with a budget of £78k, means putting the Kenton community at the heart of decision-making.

By bringing the right people together including residents, councillors, voluntary and community groups, we’ve been able to improve the quality of life for many people.

Local groups felt that as Kenton has an ageing population, with more than 3,000 residents over 50, a key focus should be on health and wellbeing. For instance, a £25k grant has been given to the Kenton Park Community Association to help develop sports and leisure activities for men and women over 50 at the local sports centre.

A cycle hire scheme will be launched later in autumn.

A ‘trips and falls’ project led by Age Newcastle will be rolled out to meet the needs of 1,402 residents aged over 65.

The council’s welfare rights service has been tasked to work with doctors’ surgeries to target residents aged over 80 who may be missing out on benefits like Pension Credit or healthrelated Attendance Allowances.

So far this project has enabled residents to claim an extra £16,899 worth of annualised benefits. The over75s in the area will be helped next. For more info email joe. hogan@newcastle.gov.uk

STEPHEN LAMBERT, GED BELL, JANE STREATHER, Kenton ward councillors