Trish Elphinstone

I am committed to building a stronger Leys community by working hard for better public services and opportunities for all residents. The best thing about growing up on the Leys are the people. I grew up on the Blackbird Leys and went to school in Redefield. My friends and family live on the estate. I was a youth worker at the Blackbird Leys youth centre for many years and enjoy bringing people together through music. I have seen neighbours come together to support families in need, and young people express their creativity through music events at the youth centre and venues. In the 1990s I organised local musicians and volunteers, secured funding, resulting in over £5,000 raised which established a live music project that ran for many years and I wrote a music proposal which later evolved in Soundwork Studios providing ongoing music education and creative opportunities for hundreds of young people in our community. I feel passionately that our young people should have even more opportunities – not just in music but good jobs, homes and a future. There are generations of people who make the Leys the good place that it is to live. My vision is to build on the compassion and inclusiveness of Blackbird Leys by working hard to improve public services for everyone and a vibrant new community centre. Having grown up on the estate and worked as a youth worker at Blackbird Leys youth centre, I have seen firsthand the talent and potential in our community. That’s why Ibelieve we need better housing, roads, jobs, and healthcare. As your representative, I will ensure residents’ voices are heard at City Council and that residents get the public services they deserve Join me in building a brighter future for the Leys – where every resident has access to quality housing, jobs, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive.