Impact

This project has had a very positive impact on migrant communities both in Norfolk and other areas of the UK. It has also received substantial media interest across Europe. It has enabled groups and individuals to promote their community work, projects and events. It was always the intention that it would allow people to make contact with us from overseas before they arrived in Norfolk. This has happened with people enquiring about schooling for their children as well as general enquiries about living in the county.

Although there are a number of Welcome Packs that have been developed across the country none have been web based, or use web forums for dissemination of community information by members for members. The static pages can be replicated in the same format in any language. The site to include PDF files for downloading. This means information/posters for community groups, individuals and businesses can be translated and cost effectively made available to a large number of people. This increases the accessibility of translated materials.

Membership top the forum is free allowing anyone to post information about their services, event or to ask a question. The site also serves as a signposting service
There are opportunities to expand Welcome to Norfolk. It is flexible and dynamic but cost effective. There is interest in corporate sponsorship, this will involve local businesses in building cohesion and developing integrated communities.

We are able to replicate the website format on behalf of other areas upon request. We have the support of our web designer to make the Welcome to Norfolk template available to others at a fraction of the cost of starting from new.

Track record of sharing

We have offered the format to other Criminal Justice Boards who have expressed an interest in developing their own welcome sites. We have supported statutory agencies in editing and translating material into suitable formats for minority communities.

We have worked with Lithuanian Association who have provided feedback on the site layout, content - also working with them to build their organisation to maintain community forums in the future, building on the development of local Lithuanian newsletter.
Examples of other partnership working - site developed working in partnership with businesses and community groups in Great Yarmouth

Working with First Transport services and community groups throughout Norfolk.

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1 - At the start of the project there was no forum on the website. This made the site very static and uninteresting. Adding the forum allowed us to contact people and for people to contact us not only from the local community but from across Europe and around the world.

Lesson 2 - Carefully editing printed material can keep translation cost to a minimum.

Lesson 3 - The Welcome to Norfolk sites content is the work of one person. I would advise anyone starting this sort of project to set up a group to help run and contribute to the sites content. Ideally some of these people will be from the communities you are trying to help.