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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 25 years ago
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Walterton and Elgin Community Homes

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Walterton and Elgin Community Homes (WECH), a resident-controlled housing association in London, campaigned to prevent the local authority from redeveloping the area as private housing for sale at prices beyond the reach of local people. The resulting community housing was ultimately upgraded and resolved numerous health issues among residents.
Communication Strategies

WECH's objective was to raise government and public awareness of the negligent actions of the Westminster Council and preserve their homes. The campaign secured a large amount of coverage in the specialist press, the local and regional media, the national newspapers and broadcast outlets. Aspects of the campaign entered national cultural life through the posters and images generated and references in popular TV drama.

Development Issues

Health, Rights.

Key Points

Walterton and Elgin Community Homes (WECH) arose out of a community campaign to prevent the local authority, Westminster Council, from destroying social housing to create private residences beyond their means. The buildings were badly in need of repair, the worst problem being the wide range of asbestos products used in construction. This problem combine with many other building issues were causing major health issues among residents. Part of the campaign involved forcing the Council to, not only refrain from the demolition but to create healthy living environments in the current housing.

Partners

Paddington Churches Housing Association.

Sources

"Walterton And Elgin Community Homes" by Jonathan Rosenberg.