How hope is helping communities build for the future

Image caption, Dr Audrey Tang says hope is the result of action being seen

"Hope is something that spurs us into action," says chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang.

From arts programmes in Poole to high-street regeneration in Bournemouth, some communities in Dorset say they are trying to use hope to inspire change.

BBC Politics South has been asking what role hope plays in culture, employment and town and city regeneration.

Tang says: "What creates hope is three things: goal-setting, a pathway to reach the goal and determination to go for it."

Image caption, Brook Hopper, 23, first got involved in drama at school after taking part in a play

"There is less drama in schools. There is less of an outlet for kids to be creative and gain confidence and play with friends," says Brook Hopper, an acting teacher at the Lighthouse in Poole.

He got the job a month ago after finishing university and wanting to continue his love for acting.

"Having a base for it [drama], having a place locally where you can go with people who care as much as you, it really gives me hope."

He's not alone in his feelings. Poole Lighthouse arts centre is a non-profit organisation that provides opportunities for people to get involved in and watch the arts locally.

Image caption, Aby is training as a Technical Apprentice at Poole Lighthouse

Technical apprentice Aby says: It's given me great hope I can be a part of this industry as a career.

"I joined Poole Lighthouse through the Young Technicians weekend course and really enjoyed it."

From a free weekend course, Aby applied to the technical apprenticeship and having only started a week ago she helped set up and take down the Heathers Musical set.

"It's made me realise I want to keep learning, I want to keep doing this," she says.

Image caption, Paul Kinvig says the Bournemouth regeneration project is about going forward not looking at the past

Hope can also come from changes to where people live and work, such as changing a local high street or town.

In nearby Bournemouth, a number of projects are under way to improve the town's offering, including turning the former Debenhams department store into a multi-purpose building.

Paul Kinvig, who works on the Bournemouth Regeneration Project for the Business Improvement District, said culture can have a positive impact.

"If you get it right, you get more people into a town centre or a city centre, they spend in their shops and they're likely to return more positively," he says.

Watch on iPlayerTang agrees that people's surroundings can influence how they feel.

She says: "If you walk through a street and just see broken-down cars, uncared for areas people feel that themselves.

"But the minute you spruce up a community into something that's beautiful and something the community can be a part of or has built it, then people feel included.

"They'll think I'm going to look after that. As long as it links to action, absolutely hope is the way to go."

It is a thought mirrored by Kinvig, who calls hope "a fragile thing".

He says: "It can take decades to build and a day to lose, but if played right with partnerships in the public and private sector and you end up with a real boost to the local economy that's both obvious and hidden."

Do you have a story BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight should cover?

Contact formContact formRelated topicsBournemouthPoolePsychologyCommunityUK High StreetsMore on this storyTram system in seaside towns' growth plan

Work begins on £23m neighbourhood of council homes

New powers approved for seaside town empty shops