Background

Before the Hawkinge Partnership, there were limited opportunities for residents to access information about local activities, services and facilities.  There was no where for residents to get help with their enquiries about public services and no base for public service providers to work from in Hawkinge. 

Our baseline assessment showed that there were many agencies, clubs and  community activities operating in Hawkinge but some residents, particularly those who are disadvantaged in some way, were not aware of what was available locally.

Records indicated that there are a high number of residents living in Hawkinge who claim a state benefit.   Data shows that many claimants are able to go back to work with the right support.  However, in Hawkinge there was no local support into employment such as job search, interview techniques or CV writing advice. 

The Hawkinge Partnership has helped to raise awareness about events and services available in Hawkinge by producing a newsletter that goes out to all residents.  This provides a useful update on the role of the Partnership, what's on and how residents can take part and get involved in local activities.

Progress

Between 2005 and 2007 the Hawkinge Partnership has: 

• Developed the Community Office as an access point to services and information
• Brought services like Connexions, Occupational Therapy, Job Centre Plus, Kent Children’s Information, Coast and Countryside Housing and Social Services into Hawkinge to make them easier for residents to access
• Welcomed over 3900 residents in the Community Office
• Between January 2007 and June 2008, 541 residents have used the public computer and 516 residents have come into the Community Office with an enquiry.  Out of those 516 enquiries, 101 have been signposted to the Community Warden, 46 have been signposted to Kent Highway Service and 36 have been signposted onto local clubs/groups.
• Provided an office base for the Hawkinge Youth team, Hawkinge Community Warden, Hawkinge Parish Council Clerk and the Hawkinge Children's Centre team
• Launch of a Hawkinge Partnership Website to support local people in accessing information about services and facilities
• Development of a bi-monthly newsletter giving information about services, community news and project updates which is delivered to all households in Hawkinge

Baseline Data

• 9% of residents state that access to employment opportunities is a major obstacle (MORI Poll 2004)
• 70% of all Hawkinge residents attended clubs and community activities between May and December 2005. Of these, 12% live in our priority focus area. (Hawkinge Partnership Community Chest and Fun Day Monitoring 2005)
• In North Downs East ward 60 lone parents claiming income support (DWP 2004)
• In North Downs East Ward, 1/3 of working age residents are economically inactive (Census 2001)