Thanks to the work of Pride in Camp Hill, and the determination of local people, residents in Camp Hill are transforming their lives and making a real difference to their communities.

Here are a few of the faces influencing the work we do.

Camp Hill Partnership Activity Group
The Partnership Activity Group was established in March 2005 by local people keen to rekindle social events. It organises leisure and social activities for residents, including day trips, nights out, fundraising events and quizzes.

Successful events include an Elvis tribute night, Stars in their Eyes charity event and numerous table top sales. All events have been well-attended, showing an increased sense of community spirit in the area.

The Cedar Tree Residents' Association
Steve Wilks, chair of the Cedar Tree Residents' Association, has worked hard over the years to help improve the area, including  teaming up with the police and Neighbourhood Watch on various community safety initiatives. Particular highlights include Steve Wilks' visit to Downing Street to meet  Tony Blair for a ceremony honouring the Taking a Stand Award, and also the successful Boots and Laces Football Coaching Programme. 

Lewis Robinson
The Robinson family are making their mark on Camp Hill, and beyond. Son Lewis, 13, has been picked to represent his country after taking a spot on the GBR windsurfing team. The teenager, whose sister Robyn was runner-up in the first Miss Camp Hill competition, hopes to represent the UK at the 2016 Olympics.

Mum Mandy has three jobs to finance Lewis' dream and shows the determination of local residents to provide a better future for their children.

Maggie Smith
Maggie has been a Camp Hill resident for 28 years. She is the chief organiser of the Camp Hill Festival and also the Miss Camp Hill competition.

Sean Brown
Sean dug for victory in 2004 when he launched his own garden design business with the help of CHEERS. The 31-year-old set up SB Garden Designs after being made reduntant from his job in a local factory.

He said: "Visiting CHEERS was one of the best things I have ever done. They helped me with everything, from writing my CV to getting funding from the Prince's Trust. I couldn't have done it without them. It changed my life."

Julie Purkiss
Mum-of-two Julie juggled motherhood with machines to achieve her CLAIT computer qualifications. The 36-year-old gave birth to baby Hannah just days after sitting her final exams. She was the first client through the doors of the Opportunities Centre and completed her training whilst looking after her son.

She said: "I wanted to do it so that when the children are older I have the choice to go back to work. I had to double-up sessions towards the end to finish in time before the baby arrived, but luckily she hung on and was late. Bringing up two children is my challenge now."

Ann Corbett
Ann is one of the eight members of the Camp Hill Residents' Forum. Along with her fellow members, Ann is working on an action plan to make Camp Hill a better place to live.

The forum's achievements include a visual audit identifying environmental improvements, and a new community clean-up scheme.

Ann said: "The Forum is about giving residents the chance to have their say. I've lived in Camp Hill since 1958 and it needs to have a community again. I joined the forum to help make a difference and I really do think we will."

Alan Lunt
The Friends of Whittleford Park group is determined to improve the apperance of the Camp Hill estate. As chairman of the group, Alan campaigns to protect the 43-hectare wildlife site. The group meets every month and carries out regular fly-tipping clean-ups to improve the appearance of the estate.

Alan is also a member of the Camp Hill News editorial panel.

Kiren Kimberley
Along with peers Jason Ward and Adam Davies, Kiren has been picked to become a Lovell apprentice. The 16-year-old was selected following an extensive recruitment campaign which included interviews and numeracy and literacy tests.

Kiren has started his two year apprenticeship towards his brick-laying qualification.

Davina Kimberley, Kiren's mum, said: "We are really pleased Kiren has been offered this position. Lovell is such a large company that it's great to know he has a career to build on."

Shola Shobowale
Shola, 16, is working hard with Pride in Camp Hill to ensure the area's young people have their say. He is a member of the National Youth Parliament and is committed to ensuring that Camp Hill's future reflects the needs of the next generation.

Shola was instrumental in organising a recent audit to determine what young people felt was lacking in the county. The results of this audit have formed part of an action plan for Warwickshire.

He said: "It is my aim to give young people in this county a voice, rather than adults speaking for them.

"Youngsters are the future and we should be listened to."

The Camp Hill Gardening Project
The Camp Hill Gardening Project is blooming. The scheme, managed by the bubbly Trish Matthews, helps to clear community areas and tidy individual gardens. Trish and her army of resident and probation volunteers are working across the estate to make it a brighter and cleaner place for all.