Putting Hendon back on the map

Back on the Mapis a charity passionate about enhancing the quality of life of people living and visiting Hendon and the East End of Sunderland.

Born out of the New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme, which delivered a £54million injection to regenerate Hendon. Back on the Map has been working for more than a decade transforming Hendon, working with and for local people to change the area and lives for the better.

Here We'ar Shining The Light reporter Lynne Wilson tells us about her experiences of Back on the Map as a service user and volunteer.

I have always used Back on the Map centre, myself, daughter and granddaughters. We have taken part in story time activity, toddler group, stay and play and much more. Sophia, who is three years old did a cookery course with Davi from Social Chef, it was lovely to watch her gain life skills and enjoy herself and being independent. It was very messy but a lot of fun for both of us. When the tall ships came to Sunderland, we were given the opportunity to take part. We made costumes with the children for them to ware in the parade. We paraded from the Eastend along the docks.

We also participated in the Halloween parade, again the children were involved in the process of making their costumes. All the children had a great time. It was a great experience; they were excited to tell their teacher and friends about!

The children were involved in litter picks in Barley Mow Park and Hendon Promenade. This teaches the children from a young age to have pride in their surroundings, knowing how to recycle and reuse litter.

I became a volunteer two years ago, being part of a group of people who care about where they live is very special. I have lived in Hendon for thirty-five years. Walking into the centre gives me a warm feeling like coming home, a big warm hug. Back on the Map want to improve Hendon and help the people makes me want to do more.

I am very good at talking, maybe too much but it has helped me to approach someone I think needs help, or just to say "Hi , how you doing ?".

Last summer I spent a couple of hours in Barley Mow Park talking to a lovely lady she was 86 years old. She came to the park to be out of the house, to be among people. Talking to Flo I learnt how her life had been from such a young age, right through to her marriage and children. We both parted with smiles on our faces, feeling uplifted!

I myself needed to have someone listen to me. There was a time I suffered from depression feeling isolated, Back on the Map staff were absolutely, marvelous, kind, caring and compassionate. I came away feeling like I mattered. I was somebody. This is what Back on the Map does they make you feel important working together to solve a problem or putting your in touch with other resources.

Back on the Map, works for and with the community, we want to help the residents of Hendon make their surroundings pleasant. The railing in the main street has been painted and there has been planters attached. It really brightened up the area.

There was two weeks of planting, and the first week the workshop made bug hotels from Backhouse Park. We had volunteers from McCarthy's Stone and EE, and worked together with the Dunham Wildlife Trust, showing how the bug hotels would attract all sorts of species.

A variety of flowers were free for anyone who turned up. It was nice to see people getting involved with this activity, repotting, and learning how to care for the flowers. The second week we had strawberry plants, potatoes, seeds such as beans, lettuce, radish, pea pods and broccoli. It was fun taking part, I potted strawberry plants in an old pair of my granddaughters' wellies. Not having green fingers, I learnt a lot about how to look after my plants.

Being apart of the community and wanting to make it a better place to live is quite special!"

For more information about Back on the Map go to: https://backonthemap.org