supporting inclusion, challenging exclusion
community cohesion
Small-scale research project designed to identify key issues for promoting community cohesion in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
This project was commissioned by the Black Development Agency as brokers for the Race Equality and Human Rights Services for Bristol and South Gloucestershire to support the development of a Community Cohesion Campaign for the two local authorities. The School of Education, UWE, Bristol working together with the Centre for Studies in Inclusive Education (CSIE) have been engaged in the work developed in close partnership with the commissioning bodies. The project runs from mid-November 2007 until the end of March 2008 and there will be a Community Cohesion Campaign Launch in the summer at BAWA, Southmead Road, Filton, which interested people are invited to attend.
To date the project has included a summary overview of the national and local policy initiatives in relation to community cohesion together with a review of the concept itself and how different groups have understood the term. There has been an online survey which attracted 120 responses from people across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The project is currently engaged in two small scale case studies one based in Severn Ward, South Gloucestershire and a second in Easton, Bristol. This process has involved research assistants in giving out disposable cameras to young people, mothers and other community members and asking them to photograph places in their neighbourhood where local people can meet. The photos have acted as a stimulus for interaction with young people, mothers and other community members through one-to-one interviews or meeting together in a focus group in each of the two localities.
At the moment the data from these case studies are still being collected and it is intended that this will form the basis of the recommendations to be shared at the Community Cohesion Campaign Launch Conference in the summer.
For more information on this event or to book your place please contact seniz@blackdeva.org.uk or info@blackdeva.org.uk.
Page last updated: Wednesday 30 April 2008