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.........