St Neots Initiative Launches New Citizen Gatherings for 2025

22 Dec St Neots Initiative Launches New Citizen Gatherings for 2025

The St Neots Initiative (SNI) is excited to announce the launch of its Citizen Gatherings Quarter 1 Series for 2025, a series of monthly events designed to bring the community together, spark dialogue, and shape the future of our town. With themes ranging from health and education to arts and infrastructure, these gatherings are open to all residents and offer a unique platform for connection, learning, and involvement.

Why Citizen Gatherings Matter

At the heart of SNI’s mission is a commitment to energising St Neots by focusing on its people, places, prosperity, and principles. Citizen Gatherings are a critical part of this vision. They provide a space for residents to come together, share their ideas, and influence the town’s development.

These gatherings are more than just conversations, they’re about action. The insights gathered from these sessions directly inform our projects and initiatives. Whether it’s feedback on improving local amenities, ideas for fostering community connections, or support for specific challenges, the Citizen Gatherings ensure that every voice in St Neots has the power to make a difference.

How We Use What We Learn

The feedback and ideas generated during Citizen Gatherings play a vital role in shaping SNI’s initiatives. For example, insights from previous sessions have informed projects like the Citizen Hub, eco-mapping, and educational workshops. We believe in a collaborative approach, where the community isn’t just consulted but is actively involved in decision-making and implementation.

By listening to the community, SNI ensures its efforts remain aligned with the real needs and aspirations of St Neots residents. This approach fosters transparency, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose, key values that drive everything we do.

What You Can Expect

Citizen Gatherings are held once a month for two hours at the Citizen Hub, located at 58 Market Square. The events are free to attend, with sponsorships covering light refreshments and, occasionally, entertainment. Each session revolves around a specific theme, designed to address pressing community topics or explore opportunities for growth.

Here’s a glimpse at the first three sessions planned for 2024:

January: Welcome to St Neots
Kick off the year by connecting with your community and learning more about what makes St Neots such a special place. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or have lived here for decades, this gathering is an opportunity to explore how SNI is working to make St Neots a better place to live, work, and play.

What to Expect:

• An introduction to SNI’s vision and the Support, Network, Involved framework.
• Updates on current projects and plans for the year ahead.
• Opportunities to meet fellow residents and share your thoughts on what you’d like to see in St Neots’ future.

February: Sport and Health
Health and well-being are cornerstones of a thriving community. This session focuses on promoting active lifestyles, connecting residents with local sports and fitness resources, and fostering a culture of well-being in St Neots.

What to Expect:

• Presentations from local sports clubs and health advocates.
• Information on available health and fitness services in St Neots.
• Volunteer opportunities to get involved in promoting health and sports in the community.

March: Education
Education is vital for personal and community growth. This gathering will explore learning opportunities for all ages, from school programs to adult education initiatives. It’s also a chance to discuss how we can better support our schools and students.

What to Expect:

• Insights into local schools, training programs, and skill-building workshops.
• Networking opportunities with educators and community leaders.
• Discussions on how education can drive St Neots’ economic and social development.

Why You Should Attend

Citizen Gatherings are more than just meetings—they’re a chance to be part of something bigger. By attending, you’ll:

• Stay informed about what’s happening in St Neots.
• Have a say in the projects and initiatives that shape the town.
• Connect with like-minded residents and contribute to the community’s growth.

Whether you’re passionate about improving local infrastructure, fostering inclusivity, or simply meeting new people, there’s a place for you at these gatherings.

Get Involved

As part of the Support, Network, Involved framework, Citizen Gatherings provide residents with multiple ways to contribute:

• Support: Access valuable resources and information tailored to each theme.
• Network: Build connections with fellow residents and community leaders.
• Involved: Volunteer, share ideas, and take an active role in shaping St Neots’ future.

How to Join

Registration is easy and free! Visit the Citizen Hub website to secure your spot for the next Citizen Gathering. Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for updates on upcoming themes and sessions.

Let’s come together to make St Neots an even better place to live, work, and play. See you at the Citizen Hub!

Chair on behalf of St Neots Initiative