Three weeks left to apply for neighbourhood funding

3 September 2007

Only three weeks remain for Christchurch communities to apply for Neighbourhood Week funding to host an event that encourages local residents to get to know the people who live close to them.

To help support community-spirited events, the Christchurch City Council’s six city community boards are providing those who want to run community events and activities to bring their neighbourhoods together with a small subsidy.

The subsidy is available for groups who apply for funding before 21 September.

Neighbourhood Week, from 26 October to 4 November, is about saying hello to your neighbours, chatting to them over the fence, inviting them in for a cuppa or hosting a local gathering. It is time to reclaim your neighbourhood and make a difference, says Community Support Manager Catherine McDonald.

"Neighbourhood Week provides Christchurch residents with the opportunity to begin building stronger communities to help address issues of loneliness, fear of crime, a lack of security and isolation," she says.

"Good neighbourhood support is recognised as helping to create communities where people feel safe and love to live, work and play."

Past events organised by the community have included barbecues, morning teas, street parties, shared dinners, working bees, colouring competitions, family fun days, neighbourhood planting days, open days at community centres and community gardens and community walks. If it brings your neighbourhood together, then your local Community Board would like to hear from you.

Neighbourhood Week is a Christchurch initiative that was first held in 1998. It is now promoted throughout Canterbury by Neighbourhood Support.

To apply for funding for your neighbourhood event, pick up an application form from the Christchurch City Council Civic Offices in Tuam Street, from one of the City’s Service Centres, at your local library or download the form at www.ccc.govt.nz/programmes/neighbourhoodweek

If you require any more information about Neighbourhood Week call 941 8999 or visit the website.

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