Apassionate member of the north Halifax community has been appointed as Chair of thePride in Place Neighbourhood Board, helping to guide plans for significant investment across Mixenden and parts of Illingworth.
Mixenden and neighbouring parts of Illingworth have been included in the Government’s new Pride in Place(external link) programme, meaning the area will receive £20 million over the next 10 years to fund local improvements chosen by people who live and work there.
Following an application and interview process, led by Calderdale Council and the MP for Halifax, Kate Dearden, Reverend Robb Sutherland, has been appointed as the new Chair to lead the programme.
Robb, who has lived in the Mixenden area for almost 15 years, works as a vicar, serving the parish of Mixenden and Illingworth. He previously worked as a teacher at Ryburn Valley High School in Sowerby Bridge before entering the Church of England. He is also Chair of the Board of Governors at Ash Green Primary School in Mixenden.
Reverend Robb Sutherland, said of his appointment:
“It is an honour to have been offered the role of Chair of Pride in Place for Mixenden and Illingworth. Our community is a brilliant place to be part of and I am really excited about the next ten years. Pride in Place gives us a once in a generation opportunity for genuine community-led investment that should pave the way for decades to come.
“I have lived and worked here for nearly fifteen years, and I can’t think of a better place to be. Over those years, I have learned so much from our community about how local volunteers can make a lasting impact upon the place we live in. I am really hopeful that we will bring together the right people to help shape our future together.”
Robb will guide the Board’s work to bring together residents, local organisations and businesses to support and improve opportunities across the area.
Under the leadership of the new Chair, the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board will focus on:
- Shaping a long-term vision for the area, including the development of a 10-year investment plan.
- Championing community voices by listening to residents and ensuring their priorities help shape the programme.
- Strengthening collaboration by bringing together community groups, local organisations and partners to deliver shared ambitions.
Work is also taking place to help to build the rest of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board to ensure strong local leadership and representation from across the community.
Applications are open until Sunday 7 June to express an interest in joining the Board. No prior board or governance experience is required, as support, training and guidance will be provided. Applications are encouraged from people of all ages and backgrounds. To find out more visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/jobs/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities/pride-place-volunteer-board-members(external link)
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“It’s wonderful news that the Reverend Robb Sutherland has been appointed to lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. He brings a wealth of experience to the role and having lived and worked in the area for nearly 15 years, is committed and passionate about Mixenden and Illingworth. Together with the rest of the board, he will help guide the significant Pride in Place investment, in partnership with the wider Mixenden and Illingworth community.
“We’re ambitious about making the area a better place for everyone, and we look forward to working closely with the Chair and appointing the rest of the Board to turn our shared priorities into action.”
Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Revd Robb Sutherland as Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Mixenden and neighbouring parts of Illingworth.
“This partnership brings together residents, local organisations and businesses with a shared commitment to working together to improve the area and give local people a stronger voice in its future. Robb’s leadership will be vital in helping shape a strong, community-led vision and ensuring we work collaboratively to deliver lasting, positive change for the area.”
The investment in Mixenden and neighbouring parts of Illingworth supports Vision 34 – a shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone, based on the stories that unite us.
The Vision 34 themes are enterprising, opportunity, kind, welcoming, hope, heritage, nature and creativity. Through these themes, organisations and people from all walks of life are encouraged to share their positive stories about life in Calderdale.
Share your story on the My Calderdale Story website: https://my.walls.io/mycalderdalestory(external link)