A Year of Growth for PACE: A Community that's connecting Engagement and Collaboration
Supported by Active Withernsea, the Physical Activity Community Engagement (PACE) Network is the future of physical activity and community engagement in Withernsea. Built on our love of Withernsea, trying new things, and engaging with the whole community, this fun, innovative network is here to connect us together. The purpose of the network is to champion physical activity and together tackle the barriers to being active. The PACE network is free to join, open to anyone who has an interest in supporting Withernsea to be more active and involves workshops, events, and networking.
The Withernsea PACE (Physical Activity and Community Engagement) Network celebrates a year marked by significant engagement, collaborations, and the identification of key areas for community development. More than 120 individuals, including residents, clubs, partners, and various groups, have actively participated in the network and its subgroups, contributing to its success and vibrancy.
Key Successes and Focus Areas
The PACE network has identified communication, volunteering, and disability, accessibility, and inclusion as crucial areas for collective development. In response, dedicated subgroups have been established to collaboratively address and enhance these aspects, with the aim of supporting more people to be active. The call to action is extended to anyone with an interest in contributing to the town's progress to join these subgroups and the network to be part of this collective effort.
Throughout the year, the PACE network has consistently delivered on a quarterly basis, workshops and events that have brought partners, residents, and organisations into a safe space to delve deeper into the discussion and development points raised by the community. Collectively, during the PACE Next Steps sessions, seven priorities for the future have been identified.
1. Steering Group/Leadership Roles: Establishing a strong steering group and defining leadership roles to ensure effective decision-making, accountability, and sustainability.
2. Centralised way of meeting people: Creating a centralised platform or system that facilitates networking and collaboration among PACE members.
3. Regular communication about the progress of PACE: Having a consistent and transparent communication strategy to keep all members informed about the progress and developments of PACE.
4. More face-to-face networking events: Organising regular face-to-face networking events to build stronger connections and collaborations within the PACE Community.
5. PACE Website/Digital Hub: Developing a website or digital hub that serves as a central resource for information, updates, and resources related to PACE.
6. Sharing information about what PACE is: Having a communication plan to ensure that the wider Withernsea community understands the purpose and goals of PACE.
7. Identify ongoing funding opportunities: Exploring and identifying sustainable funding opportunities to support the growth and development of PACE.
The network is currently in the process of exploring its structural framework, and a proposed model will be presented in January. Additionally, the creation of one-page profiles has been rolled out to those who have expressed an interest in the PACE Network, aimed at facilitating stronger connections within the network and extending into the wider Withernsea community. During the latest communication workshop which took place on the 28th of November, members have organised for an event to be held on Thursday 25th of January 2024, providing yet another avenue for community members to engage and share ideas on how Withernsea can be a more active town.
Upcoming Plans and Next Steps in 2024
The PACE network is gearing up for a promising start to 2024. The network will reconvene in January on the 25th, hosting a networking event focusing on confirming the shared PACE vision through a practical activity and following up on the developments of the seven priorities previously identified. Moreover, the commitment to community engagement remains top priority, with quarterly meetings to be scheduled throughout the entirety of 2024, ensuring a consistent platform for collaboration and progress.
Meanwhile, the subgroups continue their essential work, driving initiatives that contribute to the overarching goals of the PACE network.
Get Involved: Shape the Future of Withernsea
For those who are passionate about shaping the future of activity in Withernsea, there is still ample opportunity to get involved. Whether you are an individual, part of a club, or represent a community group, your input is valued and welcome. To become a part of this dynamic movement, express your interest or seek more information by contacting us via email active.withernsea@eastriding.gov.uk, call us on 01964 782299 or drop in to the Active Withernsea shop at 170 Queen Street.
The Withernsea PACE network remains committed to fostering partnerships, promoting activities, building communities, and encouraging engagement. As we look ahead, the collective effort of the community promises a future filled with vibrancy, collaboration, and positive change.
