Purpose and vision
The area in which the organisation exists is identified as a deprived and disadvantaged area of Hartlepool. The Owton Manor area encounters the following core problems:

•  Low levels of employment
•  High levels of poverty
•  Low levels of literacy and numeracy among adults
•  Low education attainment levels
•  High rates of teenage conception
•  High levels of crime and resident arrests

All of the above act as a magnet for crime and anti social behaviour and results in residents feeling disengaged from the community through fear of isolation.

To tackle such issues Owton Manor West Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Association formed in October 2002 to improve the conditions for residents living in the area by developing new facilities, creating provision of recreational, leisure and educational activities, providing safety initiatives and encouraging community involvement and participation in projects.

The organisations membership and activities have increased dramatically since October 2002. Over 250 dedicated householders are now involved in planning, organising or participating in residents lead activities for all ages, raging from young people to pensioners.

A survey undertaken in the area confirmed the success of the Association and identified the need to expand the existing level of support for individuals and to the community by providing a easy accessible facility within the heart of the community.

From this vision, the Management Committee and local people launched a campaign to develop such a facility. The Community Resource Centre was officially opened on 27th February 2004 and is already an established resource for the community. The centre, which is manned solely by a number of dedicated volunteers represents that people must lead change for it to be meaningful and sustainable and gives the community the recognition that they are the driving force behind neighbourhood renewal.