Listening, Learning, and Leading Change in Our Community
Our Town in County Durham is the gateway to the Wear Valley. Only a short distance from Durham City, Crook, albeit smaller right now, is set to become the next big thing in the coming years. New Administration in Ward and County Councils opens up opportunity to forge new partnernerships between established pillars of the community and contemporary counterparts.
One such partnership, is the newly incorporated Croft@Crook CIC. A collaboration between Wear Valley Renewables, TLP and Durham County Council. Our aim, to restore the social spirit, cultural heritage and provide the ways and means to connect our broad community through engagement and empowerment.
A Deep Dive into Community Needs
For twelve months, TLP immersed itself in the local community of Crook. This wasn't just a survey; it was a participatory observation, a dedicated effort to truly listen and
understand the existing community options and services. The core task was clear: pinpoint where new provisions could be most effective and design programs specifically tailored to combat social, digital, and cultural exclusion within the town
The Power of Listening: What We Learned
The insights gained from this extensive research were compelling and clear: there's a persuasive need for more broadly inclusive services. The people of Crook are yearning for opportunities to forge new, beneficial, and positively impactful bonds within their community. Crucially, the research highlighted that restoring trust in established venues, services, and providers can only be achieved by genuinely doing better for the people – and at the heart of that success is authentic listening.
Our findings converged on a crucial conclusion: more centrally located, accessible, and engaging provisions are essential. These are key to significantly improving Health and Wellbeing, boosting Social Engagement, and proactively tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. The path forward demands strong leadership and solidarity to re-establish a balance of inclusion and robust support throughout the town.
Forging Partnerships for a Brighter Future: The Croft@Crook CIC
A compelling new chapter is unfolding in Crook, County Durham, as a powerful collaboration between Wear Valley Renewables, TLP The Listening Project, and Durham City Council gives rise to The Croft@Crook CIC. This newly formed Community Interest Company is not merely an organisation; it's a testament to the power of collective action, born from a deep understanding of local needs and a steadfast commitment to community upliftment.
The establishment of The Croft@Crook CIC marks a significant milestone, solidifying the shared vision of these key stakeholders to create tangible, positive change within Crook. Crucially, the very essence of The Croft@Crook CIC's efforts will meticulously reflect the word and sentiment of its Community Interest Statement. This commitment ensures that every initiative undertaken directly addresses identified community priorities, fostering genuine impact and accountability.
In a pivotal move, The Croft@Crook has successfully acquired property in Crook, paving the way for the imminent launch of vital services. Soon, the doors will open to offer much-needed Breakfast Clubs, providing a supportive and nurturing start to the day for local children. Beyond this, The Croft@Crook will also introduce Skills Internships, creating invaluable opportunities for individuals to gain practical experience, develop new expertise, and enhance their future prospects.
This strategic acquisition and the upcoming programs underscore The Croft@Crook CIC's dedication to holistic community development. By addressing fundamental needs like nutrition and offering pathways to skill-building, The Croft@Crook aims to empower residents, foster social cohesion, and contribute to a more resilient and thriving future for the entire community of Crook. This partnership truly embodies the spirit of working together for a brighter tomorrow.