How to develop a community cohesion project
How did we identify areas with cohesion problems?
• RMBC – tension monitoring group• OMBC – Hate crime monitoring group• ASB, hate crime incidence, anecdotal evidence –if
gathered in a systematic way.• Cohesion/Place/You and Your Community surveys• Alt (Oldham) and Falinge (Rochdale). Both council
estates with poor cohesion, high unemployment – overarching objectives
Choosing projects and providers• Talk to local agencies• Attend relevant meetings – find out about
existing activity, build partnerships• Build on previous good practice• Wanted to test and evaluate different activities• Selected sport and dance project for Alt, Arts
project for Falinge
What did we learn?• Allow plenty of preparation time• Consult with community• Build in pre and post evaluation framework
from the start• Think through beforehand how impact will be
assessed• Need solid partnerships and steering group• Tight brief, clear objectives, keep on track but
flexible if need be
What did we learn - continued
• Short term projects a problem – disaffected community
• Evaluation process – pros and cons• You can make a difference• Successful activity improves perceptions about
neighbourhoods
Youth Focused Community Cohesion Project
• Project Aim
• Our Approach - Dance Uni - Multi Sports
Recruitment and Retention of participants
Recruitment:• Know your audience• Think Imaginatively• Use those respected in the community to champion your project • Maximise the community
Retention: • Listen to participants• Be aware of participants needs• Offer positive incentives • A bit of luck!
Managing Risk – know the project
• Gain respect – consistency of staff• Attendance at activities – Marketing strategy • Overcoming negative attitudes – challenge/perseverance• Adapt to need – being flexible and having community involvement• No volunteers – outline benefits, encouragement and support• Expectations – Honesty • Capturing a sense of ownership & belonging – Evaluation process• The weather – Impossible!
Lessons Learned
• Build good community relationships (grass roots level)• Listen and adapt accordingly to communities needs• Be prepared to challenge myths and stereotypes• Encourage intergenerational dialogue• Offer a diverse range of regular community based events• Youth Workers need to be flexible and reliable
Impact • Active involvement of people aged 3 – 76 yrs• Increased satisfaction in the local area• Increased sense of belonging
What Next?• Line Dancing
• Multi Sports
• Introduction of a ‘Volunteering Pack’
For more info visit:
www.gwor.org.uk
Spiral Dancewww.spiraldance.co.uk
Spiral DanceFolkways
Spiral Dance
www.spiraldance.co.uk
o Folkways
o Structure
o Partners
o Participants
Spiral Dance
www.spiraldance.co.uk
What worked well.....
o Folkways Questions
o Creative Choice
o Partnerships
o Folkways Event
Spiral Dance
www.spiraldance.co.ukOvercoming challenges.....
o Confidence
o Commitment
o Time
Spiral Dance
www.spiraldance.co.uk
What next.........