Open invitation: get in touch and get involved
We’re interested in working with people and ideas that work for our local community that are inclusive, realistic and based on sound experience of making thing happen.
In due course we hope to set up a steering group and we would really like to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.
Who is involved at the moment?
The One Folkestone team is currently not formalised or finalised. Those involved come from local civic and community groups and have been talking around the need for a more concerted and coherent approach.
At this stage, One Folkestone is a platform reflecting conversations with people from different backgrounds and surprisingly varied political perspectives. What we have in common is a passion for change and an honest recognition that change needs careful planning and good management.
We’re not interested in political tribalism or extremism, but we’re very interested in pragmatism and a positive future.
Our current website facilitator is Jon O’Connor – effectively acting as coordinator and editor to present developing ideas and make connections.
Jon’s background includes considerable experience in community partnership and community action:
- 45 years in the state education service
- key roles in major community regeneration projects in Hertfordshire and Essex
- trustee with Sunflower House
- facilitator of AFRA – the Alliance of Folkestone Residents Assocations
- current chair of the Folkestone Community Forum
The Community Building Network
One Folkestone is a growing collaborative, supported through Sunflower House, which uses the strapline of Community Building, Building Community.
A tangible development which will help to make One Folkestone more visible and show how practical partnership can make a real difference is the Community Building Network, a group of around 10 community spaces which demonstrate a commitment to empowering individuals and community groups. We work together on new projects and programmes, communications and practical assistance.
The group currently includes:
- Sunflower House
- Kollectiv coffee house and arts collaborative
- Folkestone Bookshop
- Hythe Youth and Community Centre
- Cheriton Community Network
- The Woodshed Gallery
- The Community Room
- Fourth Wall
