Highcliffe Link is an ambitious project being launched by Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council in response to the Cost-of-Living Crisis.
We know that many Highcliffe & Walkford residents are struggling to balance household bills. Many homes are making hard choices around heating, eating and providing for family needs. We want to support our community during these challenging times, and help residents access the right resources where possible. And we’re reaching out to every household to let them know what we’re doing.
Our plan
The Parish Council may have limited statutory powers, but it has a unique position in the local community. Our discussions with local groups, businesses and residents have shown a need for a central agency to raise awareness of existing support services and venues, and where possible to coordinate new activities. We’ve designed Highcliffe Link to address this, and to bring our community a little closer together.
We’re focusing on three areas:
Social spaces
There’s been a lot of coverage in the media about warm spaces. We believe the solution is to provide as much choice as possible, across as many venues as possible.
We’re identifying and publicising existing clubs, groups and social venues, which can provide you with a warm welcome. From parent-toddler groups to craft circles, from churches to cafés, we’re trying to cover everything within the parish.
We’re also actively supporting the creation of new groups, so that residents have choices throughout the week. You can find more information on these on our Venues & Activities page.
Family resources
The financial burden of this crisis is weighing down on many local families. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 30% of homes in Highcliffe & Walkford are below the UK’s median income threshold, and over 15% of Highcliffe schoolkids qualify for Free School Meals.
We’re in discussions with a range of groups, to provide assistance to local families, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. This could range from sports shoe & trainer trades to Christmas gift events.
Discussions are ongoing, and we will update with more information soon.
Food support
The Christchurch region has a very busy and hard-working food bank at St Joseph’s in Purewell. Many of our own residents already use this and other facilities (see our Useful Links page).
We’re currently exploring the potential for a dedicated food support service in Highcliffe. This could be a satellite food bank or a local mobile service. This would take a little longer to set up, but we aim to provide starter services where we can.
In all of these projects, we’re aware that we can’t solve every problem that a household might have. But if together we can help to reduce some of these challenges, it might give residents the space to focus on the others.
How we’re publicising Highcliffe Link
We’re delivering information leaflets to homes across Highcliffe & Walkford. We’re asking people to get in touch with us if they can support any of these projects, or if they need help themselves, or if they know someone else in need.
You’ll also see posters at Highcliffe and Walkford notice boards, stores and cafés, with fresh information.
This website will also be updated on a regular basis, as new projects arrive.
We need your help today!
To make this work, we need community volunteers. That could mean collecting or distributing resources, helping to staff a local food bank or social group, helping with donations, or something else. If you’re interested, let us know.
Right now we also need help delivering leaflets. If you can give up just one hour of your time, let us know. We can arrange for you to deliver on a route near your home, so you don’t even have to travel.
Get in touch
The leaders of this project are parish councillors Adam Sofianos and Jenni Cooper. You can contact us at highcliffelink@highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk.
We’re keen to support the community and to raise awareness of its needs. Please do get in touch if you’d like more information about support, if you’d like to volunteer, or if you have any ideas yourself.
Support communications will be treated in confidence, and we won’t share any individual data ourselves without your consent.
We look forward to hearing from you!