Sinéad McConnell, one of our Planning and Engagement Officers, recently had the privilege of presenting a guest lecture to final year Masters’ students studying Planning, Regeneration and Development at Ulster University.
Sinéad gave the students an insight into the work Community Places carries out across the region, our various engagement methods, including our #JargonBuster Series which we publish via our social media channels. There were some lively discussions on the role of community engagement in the planning process and how it could be improved for everyone.
The students were keen to learn about Participatory Budgeting, its role in strengthening community connections and creating positive actions within and for the community through the democratic process.
There was even some time for some games – students had fun using both our My Place Card Game and Planning Snakes and Ladders. My Place is a participatory card game developed in collaboration with pupils from Abbey Community College. It provides an interactive and fun way for all age groups to frame a conversation around the quality of local places. Our Planning Snakes and Ladders game breaks down a complex planning scenario into bite size chunks of information. It takes players through some of the key steps you need to go through when responding to or commenting on a planning application for a major housing development in a local community.
Thank you to Ulster University for inviting Community Places and to the students for their lively participation.