'I care deeply' - New chair reveals how £20m investment will transform South Shields community
Tracey Stephenson, Chair of the Biddick Hall Pride in Place Board, tell the Gazette in her own words how bringing £20 million of investment into the area over the next decade will improve quality of life and building stronger connections in the community.
When people ask why I wanted to become Chair of the new Biddick Hall Pride in Place Board, the answer is quite simple: I care deeply about this community.
I've lived in Biddick Hall for 35 years. Although I was born in London and spent time living in Australia, my family are originally from South Shields and this area has been home for most of my adult life. My son and grandchildren grew up here, went to school here and, like so many families, we've built our lives here. I feel very invested in the area.
Over the years I've seen Biddick Hall change. I've also seen some of the challenges the neighbourhood has faced as resources and facilities have gradually disappeared. There are limited places for people to come together, socialise, celebrate milestones or simply spend time with one another.
That's why the opportunity presented by Pride in Place is so exciting.
The programme will bring £20 million of investment into Biddick Hall over the next decade. It was great to attend some of the recent community engagement events held to encourage local people to share their ideas. What struck me was that most people weren't asking for extravagant things. They were talking about simple but important improvements: somewhere to have a cup of tea and a chat, spaces where families can meet, activities for children and young people, opportunities to learn new skills and places where people feel they belong.
Before accepting this role, my working life included teaching sociology at Sunderland University, and I've also volunteered as a holistic therapist with local organisations and as an appropriate adult supporting vulnerable people through the custody system. Those experiences have taught me the importance of listening to people, understanding different perspectives and recognising that communities are strongest when everyone's voice is heard collectively.
And while I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed Chair, this is not about me. The success of Pride in Place will depend on collaboration and participation. We have a Board made up of people from different backgrounds, organisations and experiences, and every member will have an important and equal role to play.
I also want to be clear that this isn't about politics. For me, this is about investment in local people. It's about improving quality of life, building stronger connections, creating opportunities and raising aspirations.
What is absolutely essential is that local residents remain at the heart of that process. We’re planning more community engagement events and would encourage young people, older residents and everyone in between to get involved and help steer how this could be used.
The feedback gathered so far covers a huge range of change required, infrastructure upgrades from roads and community safety to culture and opportunities for all. Our job now is to carefully consider that information, identify the priorities that matter most and help shape a long-term plan for the area. A plan that will help create visible improvements, access to activities, support local groups and programmes that can help people into employment, build skills and boost self-belief.
I'm very aware of the scale of the challenge before us and I'll admit I’m a little nervous. Our first Board meeting next month will begin to map out the journey and turn our ambitions into a clear plan.
But more than anything, I’m excited!
There is a real opportunity here to create positive change, and I look forward to working alongside residents and partners to help shape the future that the people of Biddick Hall want to see.
After all, nobody understands a community better than the people who call it home.