Working With Communities

‘A magical experience!’ That’s how visitors describe Kay Gallagher’s nursery, which welcomes children from all backgrounds into its happy fold – many of whom arrive having suffered bad experiences or a difficult home life.

Kay’s positivity and openness to new ideas has won the respect of her staff and also earned the nursery high praise from OFSTED, as well as a Gold Award from a local quality framework.

Despite doubling her workload after joining Surestart this year, Kay still finds time to form close bonds with parents, staff and children – which both encourages them and makes them feel valued.

‘Words are not enough to emphasise what a great job Kay does,’ say her two nominators. ‘She’s a very special person who does all in her power to improve the lives of everyone she has contact with. She is truly unique.’

One of the most unique and challenging community projects of the year brought together two very different sides of Aston: historic Aston Hall and contemporary issues surrounding gang culture.

Guns, Gangs and Knives was organised by Rachel (left) and Rosie, together with local community arts group, Kajans. Eight local pupils identified as being at risk used the heroes on the ceiling of the 17th-century hall as a basis for discussion, performance and artworks inspired by their own personal role models.

Occasionally dealing with extremely challenging behaviour (including fights!), the dedicated duo worked overtime to help their charges overcome initial distrust and get the most from the project.

‘Rachel and Rosie met the challenge with sensitivity and professionalism,’ says their nominator. ‘They have contributed significantly to the lives of the participants, giving them the confidence and skills to make better choices.’

‘Liz may bear little resemblance to the Vicar of Dibley,’ say her two nominators, ‘but she does perform an equally pivotal role in her community, bringing energy, enthusiasm and fun to all she does.’

No mean feat considering Liz’s workplace is in a near ‘war zone’ of vandalism and boarded-up flats. Yet she brings ‘that touch of magic that makes people want to join in and has transformed the opportunities available to them’.

Thanks to her, for example, young people might find themselves on a work experience placement or a local learnto-ski course. Liz has also secured funding for DJ equipment and Nintendo Wiis for the use of young visitors, and organises library tea dances for the elderly.

In stretching the boundaries of traditional library activities to include alternative learning and social opportunities, she has helped draw in loyal new visitors across all ages and interests.