‘I really liked talking to her‘

We are one year into our XID (Experience Improvement District) pilot in Ramsgate. 

An XID is a governance framework that puts human-centred design and ‘experience’ of place at the heart of place-making. 

As part of the pilot we have completed our 4th mini- place activation (improving small derelict public realm spaces across Ramsgate).

The front of this church hall was an unloved, overgrown piece of land and for some, a rubbish dump and a dog toilet. Over four weeks, and during two-hour weekly sessions, seven members of our Happy Mondays group (attended by vulnerable adults who are unable to work due to mental health and or physical health challenges) showed up with their tools and enthusiasm to make a difference. One of the group used to come to the hall when it was a homeless shelter ten years ago. 

Together we cleared piles of rubbish, cut back the weeds and created some simple mosaics. 

Passers-by would stop and talk to us and share their stories of the area, an older lady stopped to congratulate us. One of our team proudly shared the story of our group and what we were doing – a positive 5-minute conversation ensued. 

A few moments later my team mate said ‘I really liked talking to her’. The way this was said really struck me. It was an interaction that she wasn’t used to, one where she felt empowered, valued and recognised for her efforts. These moments can spark significant change in a person’s life.

The commitment from the group was so uplifting, one of our team had been in hospital with suspected pneumonia over the weekend, he showed up to the session, with his carer ready to help where he could. 

Our investment:

8 hours of time by eight people, some tools, skills and knowledge 

What is the impact:

Increased bookings at the church hall 

Church community inspired to take up the continued care of the space

The sessions provided positive engagement activity for our Happy Mondays community, quote ‘ if I wasn’t doing this, I would just be sitting at home doing nothing’

Pathway to employment – one of the team said, doing this voluntary work is helping her to see that she could take on some light touch part time work.

Permanent improved public realm – helping to increase a sense of civic pride in the local community 

Reduce prejudice – the public facing nature of the activation, gets people talking and brings communities together. 

How do we scale this – Experience Improvement District

These are the experience owners within the XID model, they show up and contribute to their community. This is where the focus and investment should be. 

I am really looking forward to sharing my experiences of the XID pilot in https://www.wrldcty.com/ this October.