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THETFORD PARTNERSHIPWorking Together for a Better FutureThetford Partnership is an alliance of major public, private and voluntary organisations working to achieve lasting improvement to the quality of life for people living in Thetford. The partnership meets to discuss issues affecting local people and to agree action in the short, medium and long term. It is supported by a number of "Teams" who are working on the "Fit for the Future" scheme which focuses on the regeneration of West Thetford. This seven year programme will result in some £12million being invested in the area, including £2.5million from the Government’s Single Regeneration Budget. Other opportunities for bringing investment to the town are being explored. The partnership is made up of representatives from: Thetford Town Council Breckland Council Norfolk County Council Norfolk and Waveney Training and Enterprise Council East Norfolk Health Authority Peddars Way Housing Association Norfolk Constabulary Thetford Schools Thetford Chamber of Commerce Thetford Business Forum Thetford Christians Together Norfolk and Norwich Voluntary Services. Fit For the FutureThe Fit for the Future scheme is focused on people living in the most socially deprived areas of the town, in West Thetford. The Partnership is also helping to resolve issues of wider importance; e.g promoting a joint review of local bus services and the promotion and development of the heritage of the Town and its surrounding area. The major priorities of the Fit for the Future Programme are:
Working with Local People,The Thetford Partnership is committed to working with local people to bring about lasting improvements to the quality of life in the town. Work is underway to establish forums for different groups of people to discuss local issues and provide a way of influencing decisions. A Youth Forum is already discussing the development of a Young People’s Centre. A West Thetford Community Forum will provide a focus for discussion of matters affecting the areas where action under the "Fit for the Future" Scheme is concentrated. Ways of involving existing Forums such as Residents and Tenants Associations are being developed. Local, specially appointed Development Workers are helping local people identify the need for action and take steps to build up their capacity to ensure that this action happens. A regular News supplement - Outlook- is distributed to all households in the town. This and special consultative events provide local people with information and contacts for local developments. A special importance is given to communicating with local people when particular projects are approved for funding support. A Panel of experts is available to help develop the Partnership’s Communications Strategy. A Lasting ImpactThe Fit for the Future Scheme is working to achieve some significant results over the next seven years. Over 1,000 people will achieve qualifications and nearly 9,000 weeks of training will be provided. There will be faster progress towards national qualification targets than that achieved nationally. Education and training will be expanded and made more accessible to local people; free courses in local communities with free child care. There will be improved facilities for children and young people, including a Young People’s Centre, play areas and holiday play schemes. Young people will have a voice through a Youth Forum and there will be increased opportunities for volunteering. Businesses will be able to access advice, information and training through a new Business Centre and there will be improved links with local schools. Nearly 200 new businesses will be created. Over 300 jobs will be created or safeguarded. Unemployed people will receive improved advice, information and training to improve their employment prospects. There will be internal and external improvements to nearly 200 homes. There will be 70 additional homes provided including a Hostel for Homeless People and accommodation for single people. Safety initiatives will help to reduce crime and the fear of crime such that crime levels are at similar or better levels to the whole Southern Police Division. Community Centres and other facilities will be improved. People will have a voice in the future of the scheme through a Community Forum. Other articles on Thetford
and the Brecks
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