Bognor CAN

In May we heard from Carol Fullick, the Development Manager at Bognor Community Action Network, who has just been awarded the Mayors Good Citizens Award for services rendered to Bognor Regis.

It’s been non stop for the last three years for Bognor CAN - that’s Community Action Network  - for those people who might not have heard of us before.

We work with a team of dedicated volunteers to support children, young people, families and older people who live in the most deprived areas of the town.

Bognor CAN aims to provide activities which develop the skills for people who are socially and economically disadvantaged, regardless of age, ability, culture and religion.

We became a charity in 2006 and over the last three years have worked on lots of projects with the local community. Some of our major successes include three town shows on Hampshire Avenue Recreation Ground themed around the environment and community safety. We’ve also worked with the BBC Southern Counties Radio and young people to make two films about what young people think of Bognor Regis and an education film about the effects of binge drinking.  The BBC South Politics Show featured our work when they looked at the issue of healthy eating and food budgeting.

Bognor CAN is about making things happen, hence its name! We’re not happy just sitting and talking. We like results and, over the last few years, I am proud to say we have delivered lots of activities for children and young people aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, relieving boredom, reducing bullying, improving skills and enhancing educational attainment.

It’s the commitment and dedication of our volunteers which has helped Bognor CAN become so successful. I’m so proud that many of them have also gone on to gain personal achievements and accreditation through their work including IT, First Aid, Community Cook & Eat and Food Hygiene.

We are always looking to the future and, with new funding on the horizon, we hope to be able to offer lots more opportunities for local people.

These are in the early stages of development, but include projects that will reduce social isolation for older people, provide intergenerational activities, reduce anti-social behaviour by children and young people, improve fitness through physical activities and enhance the skills of volunteers.

We are also hoping to offer accredited training for volunteers as parent supporters and community leaders, helping to improve the environment and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Bognor CAN will also be delivering a four week summer holiday activity scheme for children and young people of all ages this year providing structured activities where the participants can develop their skills, learn respect and develop team work.

Many people who have joined us and got involved have told me they have really benefited from their association with Bognor CAN and that’s what we’re all about.

At the end of the day, knowing you have made a small difference to people’s lives and helped them to help themselves is the greatest feeling of all.

But don’t just take it from me!

"Bognor CAN has made such a difference to my life and the life of my family since I have been involved for the past two years. I have gained so much confidence and gained many skills, become a Cook and Eat trainer, had the opportunity to work with the BBC Politics Show, gained accreditation in food hygiene, first aid and IT.  I am really looking forward to being involved with Bognor CAN in its new ventures and learning much more" Kez Bridger Volunteer trainer and local resident

“I have gained more confidence in the past year than I have ever had, particularly after fifteen years of struggling, and have a real sense of community, had fantastic opportunities for gaining accreditation and no longer afraid to move forward with my life. I have also had the opportunity to use my qualifications as an artist.” Marie Davenport, volunteer trainer and local resident.

“Since participating in activities delivered by Bognor CAN my children have gained so much confidence, had lots of new opportunities and gained so much self esteem particularly on Bognor CAN winning the 2009 Bognor Regis carnival." Juliet Lambert, local resident and parent.