Entertainment Swindon

A group of community driven volunteers from Penhill have set up a group to support the residents of Penhill. The group called The Elise Effect.

Speaking to one of the volunteers, Nickie McCormack, she told us: “Our goal is simple, we aim to signpost people to the services and support already available in and around our local community. We don’t intend to replace existing services, we aim to signpost people to these existing services”.

The Elise Effect was named after a mother who did not give up in a crisis, a reminder that early support can change outcomes long before situations escalate. The group aims to collaborate with local organisations, services, and council to help residents, to support them in the simplest possible way.

The Elise Effect found that residents needed a bridge the gap between the residents of Penhill and the services the community needs, so residents don’t feel overwhelmed or alone.

The Elise Effect began with an idea that grew from community life, neighbours helping neighbours, parents exchanging information, residents supporting each other during difficult times.

Over the past 13months, local volunteers have been working together to map out existing services, build partnerships with community groups, listen to what residents want, design a simple, safe and welcoming system that anyone can use.

Why not drop in to the groups first drop-in service which will be held at the Everleigh Centre between 1-3pm. No appointments are needed, just come along.

There will be various supportive partners on site, for the first drop-in, including Voluntary Action Swindon, Paragon, Owen’s World, Local Community Groups, and a holistic therapist, along with PCSO and parish representatives invited, with real support and access to services on the day with residents.

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DROP-IN SESSION DETAILS

Location: Everleigh Centre, Penhill, SN2 5HB.

Date: 18th December

Time: 1pm – 3pm

****Free, open to all, no booking required****

Residents can:

• ask questions

• explore the boards

• meet local organisations

• take away support leaflets

• complete optional feedback forms

• simply sit, breathe, and feel part of the community again

Future sessions:

Every 3rd Thursday of the month (subject to securing tenancy).

The group has hopes of working more closely with parish, VAS, local council, PCSO, local schools, youth groups, wellbeing practitioners and other organisations and services.

With a long-term goal to secure a consistent tenancy at the Everleigh Centre, making it a stable hub of early, preventative support, with a hope to expand this model across Swindon as a prevention-focused, community-powered approach to wellbeing.

Local organisations, community groups, wellbeing services and support initiatives are warmly invited to collaborate.

The Elise Effect is designed to complement — not compete.

The Elise Effect invite interested organisations come and speak to them at any drop-in session if you’d like to partner with them.