Often communities don't know how to solve an issue they have, and feel that it makes no difference what they do, as their views don't matter. Yet, across the UK there are examples of how communities can start improving their quality of life by joining together to get things done.

TIDY Communities provides information and support to help community groups to work together and with other agencies, to create a better environment for the whole community.

How TIDY Communities works

TIDY Communities starts with a look at the community's physical local environment - quantitatively looking at the quality of the area in which they live, and assessing (with the community) ways in which everyone can change it.

The Agreement

A TIDY Communities agreement is formally set up between the community, the Council, TIDY Northern Ireland, the Housing Executive and other relevant statutory bodies.

The Community Survey

Undertaking surveys helps the council find out what local people see as priorities for action, and identifies the real needs of people in the community. Together with TIDY Northern Ireland, the community and the council carry out a survey looking at the levels of litter, and other issues such as graffiti, fly posting, fly tipping and dog fouling, in the local area. An attitudinal survey is also undertaken.

Independent report for ACTION

Based on the findings of the Community Survey, TIDY Northern Ireland writes an independent report for use by the community and the council, housing executive etc, and offers suggestions for future action. The continued relevance of this initial report will be tested every six months, or annually, as the community group carries out further neighbourhood surveys.

Action Plan

This is developed by the community in conjunction with all relevant statutory bodies and is based on the independent report written by TIDY Northern Ireland. It contains all the problems areas that were highlighted during the physical neighbourhood survey and the public attitudes survey. Points for action are assigned to the most suitable body, whether the community, the council, the housing executive or TIDY Northern Ireland.

The TIDY Communities Pack

Community groups are issued with a CD containing relevant information to help initiate their action plan. In addition to relevant legislation, information is also included on who is responsible for various adverse environmental quality indicators and how community groups can get action on these. The pack also contains template surveys and action plans that can be used by the community.

TIDY Communities is about empowering people and helping them take responsibility for the community in which they live and work.