Heart & Soul 24
 

In 2024, the continuing partnership of Heart & Soul Community Action Team, Waymarking C.I.C., MCRactive and the parks lead from Manchester City Council, agreed to focus their actions on the second largest park in Woodhouse Park, Kirkup Gardens, which is in the greatest need of improvement and needs stronger community engagement.

 

By taking the findings from the 2023 research into parks, and combining the thoughts and ideas from a large number of local residents, the Heart & Soul team co-designed a vision for Kirkup Gardens, with the goal of making it a healthier and more social community space.

 

The vision comprises 28 ideas, and is accompanied by an action plan and a site plan to help deliver the ideas in partnership with local organisations. We held a launch event in May 2024, where Heart & Soul team members gave a presentation, and talked to participants about their work on the vision for Kirkup Gardens and the development of their Wellbeing Trail.

 

Later in the year, the team undertook a series of training sessions to work towards becoming an independent constituted group, sessions included: organisational structures, facilitation skills and decision-making skills.