Acton Community Forum projects

Angie was invited by Acton Community Forum to meet Jackie Riggon who runs a playscheme for local children in their holidays in East Acton. Jackie has single-handedly decided to take responsibility for keeping the children properly organised, entertained and safe as they play in the areas that have been designated near where they live. Angie heard that not only are the children encouraged to look after each other, but also that Jackie keeps an eye on their performance at school by ensuring that they are getting good reports from their teachers!

Some of the youngsters in the scheme go on to train for qualifications that enable them to take responsibility for groups of children. Jackie also told Angie that anyone who wants to come and join the playscheme must first of all renounce any gang membership, and they are encouraged to burn their bandanas on the doorstep of the playscheme hut.

Angie said afterwards, "Jackie is an absolute star - her level of commitment to these children is wonderful and they absolutely love being around her. This is exactly what David Cameron means when he talks about the Big Society. It is about individuals stepping up to the plate to help their communities. Jackie is exactly the role model that we need."

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