Strong & Active Communities

Poole: Many communities. one town. The future of Poole will be shaped by the actions of people, organisations and partnerships working together.

People in Poole have said that they want to live in communities where they have opportunities to be heard, to get involved and see things happen as a result - and many have a strong association with the part of the town they come from, adding to the importance of strong local centres.

Developing partnership working in building active communities, the Stronger Communities partnership will, for example, coordinate actions by a wide range of agencies in engaging with our diverse communities.

Reviewing community strengths will help to identify where capacity building of communities is needed. Through the regeneration of Poole's central area and town centre there will also be opportunities and challenges - for example, to involve existing and new residents in influencing new developments and responding to aspirations for community and cultural facilities and activities.

The Safer Neighbourhood initiative, led by Dorset Police, provides a community engagement approach which can, through partnership working, give greater public accountability and influence the delivery of services in neighbourhoods by hearing the views of local people and the taking of joint action.

The voluntary, community and faith sectors play a vital role in strengthening and serving Poole's communities. Local and national initiatives have recognised the importance of these sectors and provided resources to build their capacity.

Within Poole the BME population (the community whose ethnic origin is other than White British) is in the minority, although numbers are increasing, for example migrant workers from accession countries have found Poole an attractive place and they make an important contribution to the local economy. The fact that many groups are in the minority can cause them to feel especially vulnerable, isolated or insecure.