Chris and Gary often get envious comments from councillors in different parts of the city who notice that residents in their wards either just give up or spend a lot of time complaining without helping with a solution.  In Knowle they see people working together, volunteering and coming up with solutions.  It has been our job over 20 years to provide support and encouragement, and where possible get the council to listen to local opinions and solutions.  It is not our job to direct them but often to offer advice on ways they can exploit the system for the good of the area.  One of the key areas is building confidence that as a community we can change and influence things.