Changing is not easy, actually getting up and doing something about it can be a pretty challenging experience. Where do you start from? who do you go to? how can you be heard? what change is needed? Often these daunting realities deter us from engaging in ambitious ideas that can become flagships for the area.
That’s why The Lotus Foundation with its very ambitious plans have gone from being a small team of young professionals seeking local change to now offering ideas that city council planners could use to regenerate communities and providing Northampton’s faith forum with a national model for engaging insular communities in wider participation for the county.
The Lotus Foundation believe change is necessary if we are to capitalise on the economic and social opportunities embracing Northamptonshire. We have highlighted six core reasons for justifying why it’s time for change;
With an ageing population a vast improvement is needed in support services.
Poor internal connectivity with many people relying on cars to access such services and cultural barriers often means they do not receive the required level of support.
By consulting communities on the issues they face The Lotus Foundation will partner with charities and organisations to deliver tailored services and activities.
Northampton’s faith communities, unlike some of the larger conurbations of London & Birmingham are really good at getting one with one another with little rivalry or political antics. The Lotus Foundation believes by utilising this good harmony and working with different faiths to identify common needs, Northamptonshire can help build a shared service mindset that is beneficial for community integration.
Many Northampton students relocate to other cities post graduation, due to a shortage of well-paid jobs in the area and a lack of 'lifestyle', restricting economic diversity. Losing professional skills leaves local employers a with a skills gap issue.
The Lotus Foundation wants to motivate new business; start-up sectors, community enterprise models which can provide the sustenance for revitalising local economies and keeping people in Northampton.
Now a gateway between London and the Midlands, Northamptonshire is a prime site for companies.
Many families and professionals are relocating to the town and still able to commute comfortably.
The Lotus Foundation sees the need to fulfil the social, faith and parenting needs of these families so that they continue remain in the area.
Many building developments comprise of industrial and office units on the town outskirts.
Landmarks create character for an area and The Lotus Foundation believe that Northampton can celebrate and encourage its cultural and heritage strengths through strong purpose built designs.
Ethnic and faith communities face a shortage of space to expand services in order to cater for a growing demand from larger communities.
Having historically settled near the town centre, they are unable to expand, relocation is often dependant on identifying suitable sites which are quickly acquired by developers.
Building sustainable facilities with room for future expansion is a core component inbuilt into The Lotus Foundation’s design.
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