Development Worker’s visit to Leicester

I was invited by Derek Brown to introduce my role and the work of NECN at the meeting of the Diocese of Leicester Estates Group on 21st January 2009.

My visit started with a brief tour of Leicester with Chris Florance, the Diocesan Community Development worker. I was struck by the inner city development which had taken place since

my last visit to Leicester a decade ago! But, as Chris so rightly pointed out, building shiny new shopping complexes isn’t the way to truly regenerate a city, especially the overlooked estates outside the city centre. The “tour” ended in the Cathedral where the Diocesen clergy study day conference was taking place, hosted by Bishop Tim. Afterwards, I was delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Tim who expressed his appreciation for the work of NECN and +Laurie Green in supporting those who serve on deprived estates.

We moved across to Diocesan House where I met with members of the Estates Group. After introducing my role and the work of NECN, I asked those present to outline the challenges and successes they experience in their housing estates and any ways in which the NEC Network could serve them.

The challenges/successes range from multi-faith/cultural integration (e.g. one estate has 95% Afro-Caribbean residents) to housing shortages, New Deal programmes to an exciting and innovative CofE Academy School (non-selective) based in the church building on a housing estate!.

I have been invited to visit Leicester again for their April meeting being held at the Academy School/church. They will also arrange for me to visit some of the estates and community projects.

My impression is of a strong estates group who truly care for and support one another in what are very challenging and potentially isolated ministries. For any enquiries regarding the NECN East Midlands regional group, please contact Derek Brown on 0116 278 6288.

David Greenfield
Development Worker

Update: Since this article first appeared, Chris Florance has written a report which you can find here.

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