DRAFT North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy 08 - 26.pdf

Partnership Priority: Develop strong and inclusive communitiesWhy this is a priority• North Somerset has higher than the national average population of older peopleliving in the area (23% as opposed to 18% nationally) with a projected increase of19% in people over 75 by 2015.• 26,000 new homes are to be built across North Somerset by 2026, of which at least30% should be affordable housing. These new developments need to be designedwith appropriate infrastructure meeting, balancing homes with jobs, services,transport links and facilities.• There are 760 registered charities, and at least hundreds of unregistered voluntaryand community groups. They provide services for children, young people, andadults across a spectrum of health and social care, culture, environment, learningand many other interests. Demand will continue to grow for these services.• North Somerset has the 11 th biggest “inequalities gap” in the country. NorthSomerset is generally prosperous with higher than average earnings and some ofthe wealthiest communities in the country. However, some areas within Westonsuper-Mareare in the top 10% most deprived areas in England.• Rural communities cover a third of North Somerset and have their own issues andneeds that are often hard to identify and evidence due to remoteness anddispersed nature of some locations.• North Somerset is increasingly diverse, culturally. Currently there are an estimated 58first languages spoken across the area. The 2001 Census showed North Somerset tobe a multi-faith area.What our communities told usWe received over 5,500 qualitative comments from local people through a range ofmethods to describe the complex issues that have helped shape the work under thisshared priority. These cover:‘Fostering community spirit through increased sense of belonging, identity and pride ofplace’ by:• Encouraging and supporting people to be involved within the community andinfluence local democracy.• Creating more opportunities for young people to be involved in helping shape localservices and facilities.• Encouraging integrated communities by bringing together people of all ages to tackleissues.• Fostering integration between new developments and existing neighbourhoods.• Ensuring that new housing developments have appropriate and accessible communityfacilities and services.’Support the development of our voluntary and community sector’ by:• Improving and supporting community facilities, services, activities and groups.• Encouraging the development of volunteering opportunities.• Promoting volunteering opportunities to support vulnerable adults and young peopleand tackle social isolation.20