When our Community Engagement Officer Nicholas Richardson began working more closely with residents in 2024, his focus was on building trust, being present, and creating opportunities for our customers to feel safer and more connected.
Working Together for Change
Partnership working was central to this progress. Nicholas teamed up with Neighbourhood Officer Sarah Turner, the police safer neighbourhood team, and our estates services to take visible action. Fly-tipping was cleared, overgrown areas cut back, and regular monthly drop-in sessions introduced, giving customers the chance to raise concerns and access support in person.
“Being consistent and present means residents know there is always someone they could turn to. It has also helped build confidence for people to take action themselves, like reporting issues directly to the police,” says Nicholas.
Alongside this, new opportunities were created for residents to improve wellbeing and community pride. The NHS Community Health Bus has begun offering health checks, our Successful Tenancies team provide extra support at drop-ins and customers are taking part in digital skills sessions to boost confidence and employability.
It was about listening and showing that support was there. By working alongside residents, the police and colleagues across Platform, we have started to see real change.
Bradley Thursfield Court and Mill Street are home to a diverse community of residents, many of whom were facing challenges around antisocial behaviour and a lack of connection with their neighbours. Issues such as fly-tipping and vandalism were also affecting how people felt about where they lived.
A Community Growing Together
Creating Pride and Belonging
One of the most popular new initiatives is the gardening club, developed with residents through our Community Chest fund. What began with a small gesture - helping a customer set up a washing line so he could safely do his laundry - soon grew into a collective effort to transform the outdoor space.
Together, residents have created a therapeutic garden that brings people together and fosters a sense of pride in their homes.
“This small step showed residents that positive changes were possible. Now the garden has become a shared space where people want to connect and spend time,” says Nicholas.
Customers are also reporting reduced antisocial behaviour and feeling more confident to take collective responsibility. The police have disrupted county lines activity in the area, and more residents are stepping forward to volunteer to become Platform Community Reps like Asfana.
Reflection and Looking Forward
Nicholas has seen first-hand the difference that community connections can make.
“The most rewarding part for me is to see a community develop into a friendly, engaging environment. Every time I visit, I see neighbours supporting one another, whether it’s with health challenges, everyday worries, or even car problems. People are coming together in ways that amaze me,” he reflects.
While he acknowledges that there may be some ongoing challenges he remains positive and committed.
“What matters is creating a welcoming, supportive environment where our customers feel they belong. As long as I can do my best to help build that, I’ll be happy working alongside our customers and my colleagues to continue making a difference.
Partnership in Action
The progress at Bradley Thursfield Court and Mill Street shows what can be achieved when our customers, colleagues and local partners work together to create safe, supportive and connected communities.
