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Parklife Community Interest Company

A - DESCRIPTION OF THE GOOD PRACTICE

A1 - Title in original language
Parklife Community Interest Company

A2 - Title in English
Parklife Community Interest Company

A3 - Location of GP (national)
UK

ParkLifelogoA4 - Location of GP (regional)
Hampshire

A5 - Economic field of activity
I Accommodation and food service activities

A6 - Ultimate purpose of GP
To improve social cohesion/inclusion
To provide amenities for local people

A7 - Spatial scale
Local

A8a - Start date
July 2011. Set up as trading arm of Friends of St James Park, a charity which has regenerated St James Park (FoSJP) in Southampton.

A8b - Anticipated end date (if applicable)
Ongoing

A9 - Short description of the GP
Organisation runs a community café and community room in St James Park in Southampton. A variety of activities take place in the community room and hard to reach individuals are encouraged to get involved. The café supplies a variety of products, to cater for all 'pockets', and uses local suppliers and Fairtrade products.

A10 - Key words relating to the GP
Profit/no profit partnership / cooperation
Training / mentoring
Work inclusion / employment
Communication
Social inclusion

A11 - Objectives of the GP
To provide a café in the park for all members of the community, providing reasonably priced goods, using local and fairly traded produce. Tor provide a room for the community to use for health, education and social purposes. To make a profit to plough back into the social enterprise (not yet achieved!).

A12 - Activities that have taken place
Activities in the community room include: yoga, job club, room hire (at 4 different rates), parenting courses, supper club for local businesses, use by Filipino Association, special events, eg. Sausage week, Bastille Day, Diwali event.

A13 - Achievements of the GP
Encouraged people from all different backgrounds to use St James Park. Provided point of contact for vulnerable members of society. Achieved valuable health education and social impact through use of community room. Provided employment for 15 people, one apprenticeship and also voluntary work. 2 former employees have set up own business. Provided local businesses with trade.

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