Community-focused blueprint / Culture

Community-focused blueprint

The Idea: Invite local artists, community groups, and schools to design and create a series of vibrant banners. These banners would represent the real Bognor.
How it Works: Each banner could be a "Truth Banner," depicting a specific story of local kindness, a hidden gem of the town, or a youth-led initiative. For example, one banner could celebrate the volunteers who run a community food bank, another could showcase the art of local school children, and a third could illustrate the history of a beloved Bognor landmark.
Positive Impact: It would celebrate the town's genuine strengths, foster civic pride, and create a visible, ongoing display of community spirit.

The Idea: Establish a regular, free public speaker series called "The Torch of Truth." The series would feature local leaders, business owners, and residents who are willing to speak openly and honestly about the challenges and successes of Bognor.
How it Works: Each session would be framed around a key issue. The format would be a short, honest presentation followed by an open Q&A. The speakers would be encouraged to be transparent about what's working and what's not.
Positive Impact: It would foster a culture of transparency and accountability, and provide a platform for genuine dialogue.

The Idea: Launch a town-wide challenge to beautify and improve public spaces, with a focus on community-led, low-cost projects. The name "Bognor Regis Beautiful" is a nod to existing beautification efforts but with a broader, more inclusive scope.
How it Works: Residents could submit project ideas—from planting a community garden in an unused plot of land to painting a mural on a drab wall or creating a public art installation from recycled materials. The town council or a local committee might provide small grants and support to help these projects get off the ground.
Positive Impact: This would empower residents to take direct ownership of their community, transforming areas that may have felt neglected. It would be a tangible way to create the "beauty" and the collaborative nature of the projects would build stronger bonds between neighbors.

The Idea: Create a unique apprenticeship program that pairs young people with a diverse range of local mentors—from local government leaders and small business owners to artists and community organisers.
How it Works: This would be a short-term, paid placement where the young people would not just work, but learn about the inner workings of their town. They might spend a week shadowing a councilor, a week with a local charity, and a week with a small business. The program would culminate in them presenting a project or idea for improving Bognor.
Positive Impact: This initiative would directly address young people’s engagement by providing opportunity and mentorship. It would foster a new generation of engaged citizens who understand the complexities of their town and are equipped with the skills and passion to lead it forward.