The team making a difference to your communities
Communities need more than just quality housing to thrive. Support systems, job opportunities, leisure facilities and strong social connections are all key.
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Our vision is Quality Homes. Connected Communities.
Julie, Rosetta, Anne, Isobel, Pauline, Nicky and Fsella
That’s where our Community Engagement Team comes in. They focus on meeting customers and collaborating with local authorities, community organisations and residents to create environments where people can live well.
Rosetta Triolo manages a team of seven colleagues who make up bpha’s Community Engagement Team. They deliver a range of activities and events, all in specific areas where bpha customers live.
The team has recently increased in numbers, enabling us to carry out even more activities in and around Bedford and Cambridgeshire.
Rosetta Triolo
“I support my team to deliver a range of community engagement activities for your communities. These activities are designed to improve your quality of life, and include our Hubs and drop in sessions. We also support and consult on any regeneration work that bpha is involved with. We also help customers when they move into new communities through events aimed at meeting new people and accessing information they may need, including healthcare and money advice.”
Kaye and Zara
Julie Piercey
“I like encouraging customers to enjoy the outdoors. I help organise volunteering on garden and food projects and love improving the use of our spaces with communal gardens. I really enjoy making community connections that improve mental health and wellbeing, and support residents with the cost of living – I’m currently working with customers in Brickhill, Bedford, to find out more about support services they’d like to see in the area. Our community hubs are really making differences to people’s lives and it’s wonderful to be part of it!”
Anne Wigglesworth
“In Cambridgeshire we have various community hubs and drops ins. I help create connections and opportunities to get involved through fun community events, one of which is the VIP Group in Trumpington. This is a group specifically for adults that helps reduce the risk of isolation, and runs events such as music therapy, presentations from local services and fun local trips.”
Nicola Ward
“Linmere is a new development in Houghton Regis, so my role is to help welcome new customers to the area and develop a community hub. I’m especially looking forward to playing a part in shaping and supporting this growing community.”
Roma
Fsella Afzal-Pagliari
“I help the development of community projects and work closely with organisations to run a community hub called Café Connect. The hub is so well attended, it’s a great space to meet people and find out about other local services. We’ve had lots of different partner organisations join us, such as NHS-run health checks, including blood pressure checks and diabetes and hepatitis C screening.”
Pauline Stepney
“I enjoy creating an environment where residents feel safe and have a sense pride in the area they live in. I want the community to know that their participation is valued and improves the lives and future of not only themselves, but the whole community.
“At Kingswell we have run activities like Easter egg hunts, English as a second language courses and creative writing – everyone is welcome, so if you’re nearby and have never dropped in, give us a try!”
Isobel Morley
“I help run activities at the Trumpington Community hubs and the VIP Group. Community is essential to everyone’s health and wellbeing, but it is not always easy to find and maintain. My focus is on preventing social isolation amongst the older members of the community by meeting their needs and organising engaging activities.”
Isobel with customers Hannah, Jessica and Claire
Soni Baleni
“I’m a Community Engagement Regeneration Officer in the Greyfriars area of Bedford. I’m really excited about guiding people through any changes that might take place and making sure the communities affected have a voice. Regeneration work can be unsettling for local people so I’ve recently launched a new drop-in – the Grapevine, where local people can get involved in the decision making about their area.”
Greyfriars area, Bedford