ROC Nottingham Launch
Event aims to inspire change through joint action in local communities
New ways of tackling poverty, addiction, crime and isolation were showcased at a special forum in Hucknall on Wednesday June 15th which brought together a host of local organisations keen to work together to make a difference across local communities.
The special event entitled, ‘ROC Nottingham’, was jointly organised by the national Redeeming Our Communities* charity, the Bishop of Sherwood and Nottinghamshire Police. About 140 people gathered for the evening on Wednesday, 15th June, when representatives from charities and organisations shared some of their work in tackling debt, poverty, rehabilitation of offenders and helping people conquer addictions.
The Bishop of Sherwood, the Rt Revd Tony Porter said: “It was fantastic to see so many different organisations coming together to make a difference. There are some absolutely inspirational people working across Nottinghamshire and if we begin to spread the word about these projects and see them rolled out in more communities, we will see the city and county continue to be transformed and people’s lives turned around.” Debra Green, the Director of ROC, shared something of the national vision and was delighted to see ROC events take off in Nottingham. She spoke about one of the projects enjoying success in other parts of the UK, the ROC Cafe, a multi-agency youth drop in centre and expressed hope that new projects would start in Nottingham.
Speakers at the event included John Kirkby - the founder and International Director of Christians against Poverty (CAP) – who began the charity after the collapse of his own business left him almost destitute. Today CAP is an international charity with a growing network of centres helping to move people out of the cycle of debt. Other contributors on the evening included representatives from Nottingham Street Pastors and the international charity ‘Betel’ – working with the vulnerable and addicts. The last two speakers were Gareth Sands, Director of HMP Lowdham and the Deputy Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Chris Eyre.
Speaking at the close of the event, DCC Chris Eyre said he had been privileged to meet some of his personal heroes including John Kirkby of CAP and the founder of ‘Redeeming Our Communities’ Debra Green. He said: “Let’s make this evening part of our vision and make sure that the inspiration that has brought us together continues and we make our communities a fairer place for everyone.”
The event provided opportunities for people from local authorities, business, sport, the emergency services and the faith communities to meet, share ideas and projects and see how they could work together more closely in the future.
Music for the event was provided by members of God’s Vineyard Church, based in Nottingham.
Footnote:
*Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) is a National Charity founded in 2004 with outlets and partnerships across the UK. The aim of Redeeming our Communities is to be a catalyst for community transformation by promoting partnerships which open up more opportunities for crime and disorder reduction, and enhanced community cohesion.
The organisation brings together community groups, churches, the police, the fire service, local authorities and voluntary agencies to encourage them to work together in positive partnerships for practical change. As a result, statutory agencies have improved access to the support of community/church groups, and thousands of volunteers are enabled to better serve the needs of their community. This idea is proving to be even more valuable in the light of the current economic climate and the Big Society.
This approach has seen crime fall and fresh hope brought to some of the bleakest parts of the UK. Statutory authorities and agencies working in the local community are tapping into the support, expertise and resources we provide, and community groups are adopting proven social transformation strategies from across the country.
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