Everyone likes to feel like they’re part of their local community. There’s nothing nicer than walking down the street in your hometown, and having familiar faces smile and wave as you pass by. Unfortunately, that’s an occurrence which is becoming less common by the day – life in a small town or village doesn’t have the same sense of closeness and togetherness that it used to have.
The Changing Face of the Neighbourhood
People’s focuses are turning away from the streets, their neighbours, and their ins and outs of their town, and instead they’re turning inwards. Many people stay in touch more through social media like Twitter and Facebook that they do in person these days; this is having a noticeable effect on the atmosphere of small-town life.
Power To The People
Fortunately, there is a way to bring these two concepts together. You can work to build community spirit and forge relationships with neighbours and friends through a local community themed website called Neighbourhood Web.
What Neighbourhood Web does is very simple. A county or borough council can purchase the software and use it to set up a website that can be thought of as a sort of localised Facebook. This website allows all constituents (or even those from surrounding areas) to set up individual community pages, themed around a club or organisation in the county or area. Your local birdwatching group might have a community page, for example, where they list the types of local bird their members can expect to see and give details of any upcoming events or important information. Your local bakery might have a page, to interact with fans of their pastries, and keep in touch regarding new offers or products.
Although Neighbourhood Web is aimed at local councils, to be purchased and set up for use by residents of the surrounding area, that’s not to say that other groups couldn’t set up their own local network using the software. Any local community group with a budget could purchase the Neighbourhood Web system, and work to make their residents feel more engaged and invested in their local areas.
Take The First Step
If you’re interested in getting a similar network set up for your local area, your first port of call should be to speak to your local council. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, after all – and your council may not be aware of the Neighbourhood Web software or the advantages that it can bring. Bring the facility to their attention, and you may find that they are only too happy to invest in it on your behalf.
If you feel like your local community is missing something it once had, or you would just like to bring people that little bit closer, then a local community website is a measure you should seriously consider. You may need some form of minor financial backing in order to purchase Neighbourhood Web, but local councils usually have space in their budgets allocated to the development and wellbeing of the community. Appeal to your councillors, and request that they look into purchasing a local network for your town or village.
You’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your community.
If you’re interested in having Neighbourhood Web set up for your area, check out the website at www.neighbourhood-web.com.
The Benefits Of A Community Website
