What we have achieved so far
What we are working towards
- Played a crucial role in obtaining £47M funding for the Oxmoor area of Huntingdon in 2000.
Oxmoor was described as an area of high deprivation with low-income households, poor health, high unemployment and high levels of crime and drug abuse. - Hosts monthly resident meetings to address issues such as crime, drugs, anti social behaviour and provides information and signposting to community services.
- Promotes the wellbeing of residents through active participation in local decision making and community activities.
- Hosts regular community events and supports activities such as Moor in Bloom, Unity in the Community, annual firework display, allotment composting schemes.
- Was a key partner in the success of the 2006 Royal Town Planning Institute’s Planning Awards 2006 in which the award went to the New Heart of Oxmoor Plan.
- Aims to continue supporting local residents and hosting community activities to make the area a vibrant community in which to live.
How
OCAG projects benefit the community
OCAG’s main objective is to raise the profile of resident involvement at all levels and focus on community engagement through practice and activities. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to use significant calendar dates to arrange events and activities.
OCAG brings together many resident groups who are keen to organise events and activities, but otherwise have modest expertise, developing awareness of health and safety, insurance, who other wise have limited access to equipment. OCAG has the ability to organise volunteers to help and support an event on a large scale
Moor in Bloom
Relies heavily on help, support and donations from local organisations, groups and a team of volunteers to ensure the project runs smoothly and is well managed. Bringing together Unity in The Community.
Firework Display
Is one such event and is well attended by the whole community in the Huntingdon area. It promotes social inclusion by bringing together young and old to have fun and enjoy the firework display. There are various activities for young children including a Fun Fair and light refreshments provided. Providing a local community event such as this helps in reducing the number of residents who would otherwise undertake their own firework display which could potentially be dangerous in terms of health and safety.
The event also provides an “activity” for the youth in the area to attend. If no such event was available, some would take the opportunity of organising their own form of fireworks with an underlying element of criminal intent. Last year’s firework display saw a 75% reduction in crime and OCAG are hoping for a similar figure this year.
It is for these reasons that OCAG and its members dedicate their time and effort in committing to such a project.