2. How to develop a community cohesion project

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Youth Focused Community Cohesion Project Project Aim Our Approach - Dance Uni - Multi Sports

8. 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!

9. 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!

10. 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

11. What Next? Line Dancing Multi Sports Introduction of a ‘Volunteering Pack’ For more info visit: www.gwor.org.uk

12. Spiral Dance www.spiraldance.co.uk Spiral Dance Folkways

13. Spiral Dance www.spiraldance.co.uk o Folkways o Structure o Partners o Participants

14. Spiral Dance www.spiraldance.co.uk What worked well..... o Folkways Questions o Creative Choice o Partnerships o Folkways Event

15. Spiral Dance www.spiraldance.co.uk Overcoming challenges..... o Confidence o Commitment o Time

16. Spiral Dance www.spiraldance.co.uk What next.........