Networking among families
To strengthen the network between families by creating opportunities for them to meet, get to know one another and forge closer bonds.
Families and the local community
Porte Aperte Association (A.P.A.)
A social promotion association made up of volunteers and families from the Novara area, set up to foster relationships, engagement and a sense of community.
About us
A network of volunteers and families
A. Porte Aperte (A.P.A.) is a social promotion association made up of a group of volunteers and families from the Novara area.
It grew out of the activities of the ‘Porte Aperte’ project (2018–2022), aimed at families with children aged 0–6, in collaboration with numerous local partners with whom it maintains a network of contacts and co-planning.
The group of volunteers has been working together since 2019 and was formally established on 23 June 2020.
Its registered office is located on the parish premises, whilst its operational headquarters are at ‘Pinetina Alessia’, Strada Cervina 6.
The initiatives are open to residents and families in the Novara area, with a particular focus on the needs of the Sant’Agabio neighbourhood. Following the completion of the project from which it originated, the association has broadened its target audience by organising or collaborating on initiatives open to the whole community.
Objectives
Families, the local area and participation
Building a community
To encourage active participation, a sense of belonging to the local area, and care for and respect towards communal spaces, with a focus on sustainability and inclusion.
Co-design
To forge links with local organisations working with families, and to participate in discussion forums and co-design initiatives, representing the views of the people we meet.
Activities
Proposals born from listening
The association’s proposals stem from listening and from the needs expressed by the people we meet.
APArco
A series of initiatives running from March to October, in which a communal space – a square or a green space – is chosen; we look after the space – cleaning it, tidying it up and making it suitable for play – and then stop, linger and meet people. Using simple and often recycled materials, we organise individual or team games, play-based motor skills courses, creative workshops and participatory storytelling sessions. During these activities, we raise awareness of recycling, sustainability and best practices for using communal spaces, giving adults and children the chance to express their views on these issues.
STARTING WITH US
A gathering for volunteers and those close to the association, where they can meet up, eat together and nurture the bonds within the network and the spaces used. On these occasions, the collaborative planning of future initiatives gets underway.
PEF
This is the type of training programme for parents that the association has chosen to offer to support family bonds and parenting. These are preventative group sessions that involve discussion and active participation.
Open Days at Pinetina
In collaboration with the parish, the Pinetina Alessia hall has been refurbished and returned to the community. Volunteers look after the premises and help to manage the sharing of the spaces with families and other local organisations. The hall is open free of charge to families on a fixed day each week and hosts training sessions or recreational and social activities.
lAPAusa
An informal gathering for adults where, using various methods and tools — such as picture books, images and brainstorming — we aim to encourage conversation and active participation. The aim is to get to know one another and build relationships, but also to raise awareness and discuss issues, sometimes suggested by the participants themselves.
Calls for proposals and projects
Initiatives carried out in the neighbourhood
Since its establishment, A.P.A. has taken part in various calls for proposals and projects dedicated to the city.
“Let’s Play Outdoors” (2022)
The project, led by the Municipality of Novara in collaboration with the Legambiente Association “Il Pioppo Ovest Ticino e Novarese” APS and Sermais APS, involved the Bellini Comprehensive School and the Family Centre. The theme was that of the ‘spread-out park’: children from two primary school classes designed ground-level installations inspired by traditional street games, some of which were set up in Piazza Mons. Brustia, to enable children and families to make the most of communal spaces by experiencing opportunities for play, physical activity and socialising. The association focused in particular on engaging families, raising awareness and organising events to present the ‘diffused park’.
“ConversAZIONI” (2022)
Support for the literacy activities of the Cassiopea Novara ODV association. A co-design process was launched to create spaces for conversation in Italian for women enrolled on the literacy course. The aim was to provide greater skills and tools for everyday life, but also to encourage socialising, the sharing of stories and knowledge, engagement, integration and active participation in the neighbourhood community and its initiatives.
Neighbourhood Festival (since 2021)
In the post-Covid period, the association, together with numerous local organisations in the neighbourhood, supported the parish in organising events during the neighbourhood festival.
Contact
Where to find A.P.A.
Operational headquarters
Pinetina di Alessia
Strada Cervina 6
28100 Novara, Italy