A COMMUNITY development worker’s efforts to support a host of town-wide groups has been highlighted to Keighley Area Committee.

Jo Horrox has worked with groups concerned with mental health, child sexual exploitation, women’s issues, exercise and the environment.

Much of her work has centred on Keighley Central ward, where she is based, but others have benefited dozens of community groups across the town.

Jo is employed by Keighley and Ilkley Community and Voluntary Action and her post is being funded by Bradford Council until the end of this month.

A report earlier this month to the council’s area committee, part of the council, gave an update on the various projects.

Jo recently visited Keighley College to recruit students willing to help with the new Junior Parkrun, which is held regularly in Lund Park.

She visited Holycroft Primary School this month (March) to promote recycling, with the hope of creating a greenhouse from recycled bottles, organising a poster competition, and running after-school family craft sessions using recycled items.

As part of the United Keighley group to tackle child sexual exploitation, Jo has made links with secondary schools to look at having information stalls at parent consultation evenings.

Jo is involved in a mental health pilot project organised by Bradford District Partnership and running in the Knowle Park area of Keighley.

As part of the project, she has investigated strengths within the community, with the aim of building on these once organisations know what funding could be available.

Jo has spearheaded the Green Spaces Network, open to Friends and support groups for any local park, open space, woods, tarns or cemeteries, share information and develop ideas.

Jo has worked closely with the Women of Keighley group to explore how the various members came to live in Keighley, and write and record a special song about Keighley.