The Civic Observatory
The Civic Observatory is a new way of understanding Bodmin.
Rather than measuring the town through statistics alone, we're bringing together local people to explore the stories, relationships and everyday experiences that shape community life. By noticing how small actions create wider ripple effects, we're building a shared picture of what helps our town thrive—and using those insights to inform future action, collaboration and positive change.
FAQs
What is a Civic Observer?
A Civic Observer is someone who is curious about how Bodmin works. You'll work with a small group of local people to notice patterns, explore connections and build a richer understanding of our town. You don't need to be an expert - just interested in people, places and community life.
What will I actually be doing?
You'll take part in a series of creative, facilitated workshops where we'll explore what's happening across Bodmin and learn simple ways to map how change happens.
Between sessions, you'll spend time noticing what's happening around you - through everyday conversations, observations and experiences and bring those insights back to the group.
Do I need any experience?
No.
You don't need any research, community development or facilitation experience. We're looking for people with different backgrounds and perspectives who are willing to be curious, listen to others and share what they've noticed.
Who are you looking for?
We're hoping to create a balanced group.
Some participants will be local residents who simply care about Bodmin.
Others may already be involved in local organisations, businesses or community projects and can bring an understanding of how change happens in practice.
Together, those different perspectives will help build a richer picture of the town.
Is this a consultation?
No.
This isn't a consultation or a public meeting about a particular issue.
It's also not a space to campaign for a single cause or simply air frustrations.
Instead, we're interested in understanding how change happens across Bodmin - what connects people, what creates opportunities and what helps our community thrive.
How much time will it take?
We'll begin with an introductory workshop in September, followed by a small number of sessions over the following months.
We'll ask participants to make a commitment to the whole pilot if possible, as the value comes from building understanding together over time. The pilot runs until March 2027.
Is this just a pilot?
Yes - but only the beginning.
The Civic Observatory is starting with a pilot group of Civic Observers, made possible through funding from Safer Stronger Communities, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
The ambition reaches much further.
The hope is that the Civic Observatory becomes a lasting part of Bodmin: an independent community of local people who continue to observe, reflect on and map how the town changes over time. Rather than creating a one-off snapshot, the aim is to build an evolving picture of Bodmin that grows year after year, helping future generations understand not just what changed, but how change happened.
The first Civic Observers won't simply be taking part in a project - they'll be helping to establish something that could continue for decades to come.
What happens in the workshops?
Each workshop is practical and interactive.
We'll use creative activities, discussion and visual mapping to explore the stories, relationships and ripple effects that shape life in Bodmin.
There are no presentations to sit through and no right or wrong answers.
What happens to what we discover?
Together we'll create a picture of the connections and ripple effects shaping Bodmin.
The learning from the pilot will be shared publicly and will help inform future community conversations, local projects and the ongoing development of the Civic Observatory. In your discussion, you also talked about this becoming part of a wider cycle that could feed future projects.
Will my views be anonymous?
We'll explain how information is used at the first session.
The project is interested in patterns, stories and connections rather than attributing individual opinions to named participants.
Who will lead the Civic Observatory?
The pilot will be facilitated by Lizzie Hilton, an arts and cultural engagement consultant specialising in participation, evaluation and community engagement. Lizzie will guide the first Civic Observers through the pilot, introduce the methods and support the group to develop its own way of working.
The longer-term ambition is different.
Rather than remaining an intoBodmin project, the Civic Observatory is intended to become a community-led initiative. During the pilot, participants will help shape what the Civic Observatory becomes and explore how it can continue as an independent, evolving resource for Bodmin long after the pilot has ended.
I'm keen! Where to I sign up?
Fantastic - we'd love to have you involved.
Places are limited to 15 Civic Observers to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and the group can build strong relationships over the course of the pilot.
Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To register your interest, simply book a place on the Introduction to the Civic Observatory session using the link below.
Once you've booked, we'll send you everything you need to know before the first meeting, including specific details, what to expect and the full pilot timetable.
What's the commitment?
CURRENT FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
The Old Library Refurbishment project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority forthe fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
