Coordinating and managing a community engagement group in Épalinges

Arenas was tasked with coordinating activities for the Observatoire de la cohabitation d'Épalinges, a community engagement group founded in November 2017. After a two-year feasibility study, this impartial and independent body was approved by the Municipality of Épalinges on 12 September 2019.

A Management Committee and a wider Board were established, with the former consisting of five professionals from various backgrounds working within the local area and two external experts.

The group is active throughout the local area and aims to strengthen social ties and prevent and resolve issues linked to antisocial behaviour and vandalism.

First they listen to the community's concerns. They then triage and list the problem areas highlighted, working to find solutions in line with the relevant rules and regulations. Finally, when useful or necessary, it directs those reporting issues to the appropriate services.

The engagement group is run by representatives from the community centre, the local police and, depending on the circumstances, is supported by several delegates from public bodies such as the Lausanne transport board, school board, migrant support organisations in Vaud and neighbourhood associations.