Councils work towards stronger community connections

An ambitious undertaking with the aim of strengthening community connections gets underway this month across southern Oxfordshire.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council have launched a project to help build stronger communities, develop connections and foster neighbourhood togetherness across the districts.

Earlier this year the Councils launched a series of community-led initiatives, under the theme of ‘Be Together’, ranging from yoga, 'have a go' days and community arts events to bike repairs and food skills courses.

Its core aim is to foster integration by encouraging social participation, cultural understanding, and mutual support. It also aims to build long-term independence and resilience among the communities it supports.

Linked to these smaller community initiatives, the Councils’ longer-term ambition is to develop a new, evidence-based Community Cohesion Strategy.

This will set out a clear set of priorities, and a practical delivery plan that coordinates work across the Councils and with key partners over a five-year period.

To support development of the strategy, the Councils are working with Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network. Belong is experienced in supporting the development of community cohesion strategies and has worked with a number of local authorities.

Throughout September and through to November, representatives from Belong will be out and about in the districts on behalf of the Councils, talking to a range of organisations, community groups and individual residents, as they gather evidence for the strategy. People can also take part in an online survey and share their views and experiences within their own communities.

Cllr Georgina Heritage, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities: “Building healthy, safe, and resilient communities are key priorities for our area.

“It will take all of us to ensure we have joined up community that works for everyone. One that supports opportunity, dignity and fairness for every person who calls this place home.

“Our towns and villages are known to be welcoming and embracing places with people from all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. We would like to warmly offer opportunities for deeper connection, shared learning and understanding.

“Our successful Be Together programme started earlier in the year and is an integral part of our wider vision for communities across our district. Our longer-term ambition is to formally set out a vision of our communities in a Community Cohesion Strategy – and that important work is now getting underway. If you are approached by our partners at Belong, please do take the time to chat to them and share your opinions and thoughts on what belonging and community means to you. You can also take part by going to the online Belong survey.”

Cllr Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We want to ensure that everyone in the Vale is treated fairly, feels valued and welcomed. Whether your family has been here for generations, or you arrived last month – belonging is at the heart of everything we do. We are all a part of what makes the Vale such a good place to live.

“We already have a strong, proven engagement approach that supports our local communities – through for example, our Community Hub, Active Communities, Move Together and You Move. The work we’ve started through Be Together and this coming strategy seeks to build on this strong foundation.

“I want to encourage everyone who is approached by our partners Belong to take part and feedback. If people want to have a say they can also comment in the online survey.

“We want to capture a multitude of voices to ensure our strategy is robust enough to make an impact in the future.”