Coleford residents invited to take part in citizen visioning for their town
Residents of Coleford are being invited to help shape the future of their town by taking part in a new climate citizen visioning project and sharing their ideas for a happier, more sustainable community.
As part of this process, 22 local people will be selected to develop a set of recommendations in response to the question: ‘How can we create a happy and fair future for Coleford while working together to respond to the challenges of climate change?’
Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “If you live in Coleford, you will have received – or will shortly be receiving – a letter inviting you to take part in the citizen visioning.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone aged 18 years and over who is interested in being part of this process. You don’t need any skills or experience, just a willingness to listen to others and share your views. We want to hear from a real cross-section of the Coleford community to make sure everyone is represented.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to share what matters most to them as Coleford works towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, in ways that prioritise people’s wellbeing and are fair to all.”
The project is being led by Forest of Dean District Council in partnership with Coleford Town Council as part of the Innovate UK Net Zero Living programme that provides support to local authorities and communities to scale and adopt net zero solutions.
Citizen visioning is an established democratic process used around the world. It brings together a small group of people to explore key issues in depth, ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard.
Participants will be selected at random via a lottery process, must be available to attend five visioning sessions, and will receive £315 for their time - as well as lunch at full day sessions plus travel expenses. Additional expenses will also be considered to help ensure accessibility for all. The sessions will take place on:
- Wednesday 18 June 6.30 – 8.45pm
- Wednesday 25 June 6.30 – 8.45pm
- Saturday 28 June 9.30am – 4.30pm
- Wednesday 2 July 6.30 – 8.45pm
- Saturday 5 July 9.30am – 4.30pm
The outcomes of the project will directly influence Council strategies and decision-making in areas such as climate action, wellbeing, active travel, and equity, diversity and inclusion — ensuring the community’s voice is at the heart of shaping Coleford’s future.
To find out more or express your interest, please visit www.sortition.uk/coleford or call 0800 009 6486. The deadline to register by is Sunday 1 June.
Contact Information
Forest of Dean Communications Team
Notes to editors
What is citizen visioning?
This event will follow an established democratic process used all over the world. It brings together a group of people selected by lottery, who broadly represent the entire community. The people who attend will reflect on their local area and what they value, learn about the issues, and then discuss them with one another. They will then make recommendations about what should happen and how things should change.
Who is running Coleford Climate Citizen Visioning?
Forest of Dean District Council is the local government authority for the Forest of Dean area in Gloucestershire, England. It provides a range of services including waste collection, planning, housing, and Council Tax administration.
Involve is the UK's public participation charity, working to create a healthier & more vibrant democracy, with people at the heart of decision-making.
The Sortition Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation. They specialise in recruiting for these kinds of events. They select people by lottery, in a way that is representative of the wider population.