Spazio Ambra is a community hub in the Compagnoni district in Reggio Emilia (Italy). Managed by Acer Reggio Emilia, the project has been highly successful in bringing together local residents, engaging children and young people, and providing a range of educational opportunities.
Neighbourhood development
The Compagnoni district is a historical residential area. There is a mixed housing stock, but the majority is public. There is a strong social mix, with many children, young people from diverse backgrounds, and older people experiencing loneliness. The area has undergone a major redevelopment to improve living conditions, promote wellbeing, and strengthen social cohesion. This has included the creation of 56 new family units.
A reference point in the area
Spazio Ambra was created in one of the newly built buildings. By opening the space, Acer Reggio Emilia – in collaboration with the municipality, social services and third sector organisations – wanted to create a reference point for the company in the local area. It therefore began as a ‘social concierge’ service, open for one afternoon per week.
A bottom-up approach
The project’s strength lies in its bottom-up approach. The presence of Acer Reggio Emilia colleagues directly in the neighbourhood helped to build relationships with residents, especially children and young people. From these conversations, many ideas about activities for local children started to flow.
Based on these ideas, Spazio Ambra is now a lively focal point of the community, offering recreational and sports activities, after-school clubs, creative workshops and summer events. The local children were also involved in decorating the community room, encouraging them to take ownership of the space.
Strong collaboration
Two street educations help to build bridges with local children and teens, creating educational dialogue through recreational activities. Spazio Ambra also receives support from a retired volunteer in the community who helps children with their homework, as well as a colleague from the civil service who organises sports activities.
Due to the popularity of the space, Acer Reggio Emilia has extended the opening days and added more activities. These include an afterschool activity twice a week and activities with the Scout group once a week.
Find out more
To find out more about this project, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Acer Reggio Emilia Coordinator (CISPEL) through the Members Only Zone. If you are not yet a member of Eurhonet, find out about joining us.
