New Social Media Network to Launch in Wolverhampton

Published by Kate Hughes for Wolverhampton Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Low Hill in Wolverhampton is set to benefit from £7,000 of funding won by Wolverhampton Homes to launch an online network.

The aim of the online network is to give people living in Low Hill the opportunity to chat about their area, help each other solve problems and give them a sense of pride about where they live.

The two year project will start in July with a meeting with local groups in Low Hill about how they can get involved.

There is no set format for the network; it will be up to local residents to decide what type of network they want and how they will use it.

The funding from the Barrow Cadbury Trust will be matched by staff time from Wolverhampton Homes.

Low Hill was selected after analysing areas across the city and the different factors that would support this project to succeed, such as existing tenant groups.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, and a Low Hill ward Councillor, said: “This is good news for Low Hill residents, giving them the opportunity to develop their IT and web knowledge and skills.

“The project should enable residents to showcase their neighbourhood in the best way possible to the wider world.

“We are grateful for the support from the Barrow Cadbury Trust and welcome the support that will be provided by Wolverhampton Homes."

Wolverhampton Homes will be working with Networked Neighbourhoods, an organisation which specialises in online community development, to deliver the project.

Kevin Harris, of Networked Neighbourhoods, said: “Our research shows that neighbourhood websites encourage neighbourliness, increase the sense of belonging and pride in an area, and encourage people to get involved. They increase face-to-face contact and generally improve relationships with authorities.

“We’re keen to help bring these benefits to the people of Low Hill. We’ll work with local people to help set up the site, support the process of choosing and editing content, and help people to develop the necessary skills to run the site.”

Lesley Roberts, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes, said: “We are grateful to the Barrow Cadbury Trust for recognising the potential in this project.

“I know how important the internet is becoming to our customers to give them a voice and play their part in the community and I look forward to seeing this project in action.”