Today I had a meeting with officers to discuss the current role and objectives of our fantastic Street Champions.
We are very fortunate and lucky to have over 3000 fantastic volunteers, who give up some of their free time to champion their local community. Feedback which I have received from some of those volunteers I have met, are saying they do not feel that the Council has past recognised their hard efforts, and it has gone unnoticed by the Council. My aim is to change this very worrying perception.
Today I had a meeting with senior officers within this department, and asked that we look at launching a survey with the group to identify the key issues as they see it. I will then be looking to host a meeting together with the Mayor, Jason Perry, to discuss with the current group of volunteers, and how we can better work together.
We need to recognise more what these people do, and I would like to restart a recognition programme, which has not been active since 2018. It is very important we highlight the fantastic work that is going on throughout the borough. It is hard sometimes to see the light through the trees, and I hope that this is one step we can take to showcase and highlight what a fantastic community we have in Croydon.
If you would like to get involved please find out how on the councils website:
https://www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/dont-mess-croydon/street-champions