With roots based in community development that grew from the 2012 Olympics, the Association of Residents of Canford Heath (ARCH) works to inform, involve and support a diverse community on a vibrant housing development created nearly 60 years ago. ARCH’s main aims are to share information, develop events and bring people together.
As well as coffee mornings, Christmas light switch-ons and networking sessions with health, community and business groups, ARCH’s amazing volunteers connect people to activities that help to improve lives across the Heath.
ARCH Chair, Sasha Morgan told us: “With passionate people and a great sense of community, it’s incredible what can be done. As well as our own events we support and promote other groups and services. We love to collaborate, share ideas, resources and skills. We focus on what matters to people living here and create a bigger impact. Simple things like Saturday Friends we run with PramaLife can help to prevent loneliness.
Being part of CAN has been fundamental to us, from setting up in the early days to recent help to change our constitution so we can grow and develop for the future. Having their expertise when you need it is fantastic.”
Bounded by rare and internationally important SSSI heathland (site of special scientific interest), work to protect the environment is important to the local community.
Sasha added; “Our location is unique, so developing community knowledge and passion for our environment is important. Supporting The Parks Foundation with funding for a Woodland Walk Way has helped protect a wildlife haven and given people better access to it. We’re also working on new wildlife interpretation panels to showcase the thriving wild bird species at Hatch Pond Nature Reserve with BCP Council.”
Plans for the future include Canford Heath Remembers, supporting the British Legion as well as celebrating ARCH’s 10 year anniversary in 2025.
Anyone interested in joining the group can email: canfordheatharch@gmail.com or visit ARCH – Association Of Residents Of Canford Heath (canfordheathnetwork.org) for more information.