Who is your Community Development Officer?
Jamie Rawle is the Community Development Officer for Weymouth. He joined the Community team in 2024, having previously spent five years working in our Independent Living team.
I enjoy being a community development officer because it allows me to make a positive impact on our customers and their communities. The role gives me the opportunity to engage directly with customers and implement different initiatives based on community feedback. Each day brings fresh ideas, creativity, and problem-solving, which keeps me motivated. I also have the chance to collaborate with new partners who are already offering vital support to the community.
What's been happening in your area?
Great British Spring Clean - April 2025
Across our geography over 100 customers joined us in supporting the national campaign of the Great British Spring Clean, taking part in our community litter picks, collecting more than 50 bags of litter. Participants included youth groups, sports clubs, community associations, six town councillors and three housing associations.
In Bridgwater we partnered with Bridgwater Town council and supported the litter pick in the Kingsdown area, collecting 10 bags of rubbish within just 2 hours.
Mingle Café: 10-Week Pilot of Chill Chat and Craft Café
We funded a 10-week pilot of Chill, Chat & Craft Café. The aim of the project was to provide a supportive, welcoming space for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of community. Each session included a hot lunch offered at a low cost, followed by a relaxed crafting activity led by a rotating group of talented local artists. Mark, a qualified local counsellor who facilitates a men’s mental health group at the café, volunteered his time throughout the sessions for anyone seeking a private one-to-one chat.
Over the course of the pilot, we welcomed approximately 20 residents in total, with individual sessions drawing between 8 to 15 participants. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the café’s significant impact on participants’ wellbeing.
Residents shared that the sessions helped boost their confidence, create new friendships, and provided opportunities to learn new skills—including crochet, pottery, and word art. One participant even gained the confidence to lead a session themselves and has since agreed to continue in this role. In light of the positive outcomes and strong community response, Mingle Café has continued to run beyond the initial pilot period.
