All In Alliances invite residents for festive nibbles at community meeting

RESIDENTS in Witham, Braintree, Halstead and Colchester are invited to enjoy some festive nibbles and exchange ideas around tackling local issues at three resident meetings this winter.  

The All In Alliance groups were created by Eastlight Community Homes last year for residents who want to find ways to enhance their local neighbourhoods and communities.  

So far, more than 300 residents have met up at quarterly meetings and agreed how they will take action to tackle the issues that matter most in their communities. 

Throughout November and December, the Alliances are hosting three evening drop-in sessions in Witham, Braintree and Halstead, to find out how we – together as a community – can overcome pressing local challenges that are impacting residents.  

The sessions will give local people the chance to share their experiences and voice their concerns around ongoing problems in the local area. Essentially, they’ll also be encouraged to propose potential solutions and explore opportunities for enhancing their local communities, with the support of Eastlight and local partners. 

The sessions will be building on feedback from previous All In Alliance meetings and related resident surveys, which were held and circulated this summer and autumn. 

Festive nibbles and a free raffle (with great prizes) will all be on offer at these free, community-driven events.  

In Witham, residents will be tackling the local parking issues, in preparation for an upcoming meeting on the matter with Howbridge Infant and Junior Schools. 

In Braintree, the community will be discussing ideas proposed for a potential Community Hub, which will seek to bring people together, boost social connection and enhance residents’ wellbeing.  

In Halstead, residents will be discussing anti-social behaviour in the area. Representatives from the local police and the Halstead Town Council-backed ‘Safer Streets’ programme will be in attendance, ready to hear residents’ experiences and explore potential opportunities for tackling the ongoing issues.  

In Colchester, residents can propose solutions and ideas for new community projects or services – or for enhancing pre-existing ones – and to explore how we can tackle the cost-of-living crisis together, as a community.  

Details of the meetings are as follows:  

• Witham: Tuesday, 28 November, Dengie Halls (Dengie Close, Witham, CM8 1DJ) from 6.30–8.00pm. Doors open at 6pm.  
• Braintree: Thursday, 30 November, Glebe Community Hall (Glebe Avenue, Braintree, CM7 5RB), from 6.30–8.00pm. Doors open at 6pm.  
• Colchester: Tuesday, 5 December, Greenstead Social Club (Blackthorn Avenue, Greenstead, Colchester, CO4 3QD), from 6.30-8pm. Doors open at 6pm.
• Halstead: Thursday, 7 December, St Andrews Church Hall (Halstead, Parsonage Street, CO9 2LD), from 6.30 – 8pm. Doors open at 6pm.  

Lauren Brimson, Eastlight’s Community Engagement Officer, said:

“The Alliances are a great opportunity to bring like-minded residents together, share experiences of local issues and explore potential solutions. In this festive edition of our meetings, we’re really looking forward to welcoming local residents for a bite to eat, a free raffle and some Christmas cheer, as well as exploring ways to enhance our local communities for the benefit of everyone. By coming along and getting involved, residents can meet new people, have their say and make a real difference in their communities.” 

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