Community Cohesion

Community cohesion is about people - all different types of people living and getting on well together in their communities. It goes without saying, that on an individual level we all have our own personalities, but is our common identities such as our age, race, belief, interest, values that historically has brought us together, or alternatively driven us apart.

Community Cohesion

A cohesive community is a place where there is respect and trust, differences are celebrated and recognised through equal opportunities and everybody has shared values and a real sense of belonging. This in turn all constitutes for the community being a safe and harmonious place to live which is resilient to any risk of threats or conflicts that may arise. Community Cohesion is not something new, but has long been the focus of much activity and good practice across Blaenau Gwent which has set out to tackle inequalities, promoting employment opportunities and breaking down barriers between groups.

Blaenau Gwent has long been recognised as an area with close-knit and vibrant communities. However, it is important to acknowledge how our communities are changing as part of an ongoing social cycle or pattern. Citizens of Blaenau Gwent today are diverse, with different needs, aspirations and expectations. It is important that these are addressed, along with any ongoing challenges, such as the current economic climate, which in turn can put added strain and pressure on community life.

The Welsh Assembly Government launched 'Getting on Together' the national community cohesion strategy for Wales and funding stream in 2009 which commits to achieving 'a fair and just society, a place where all citizens are empowered to determine their own lives and shape the communities in which they live'. It is the key documents which supports service providers and their partners to develop a strategic approach to promoting and maintaining cohesion in their local areas.

How will this be achieved in Blaenau Gwent?

Partnership Working

Safer Blaenau Gwent Community Safety Partnership set up the Blaenau Gwent Community Cohesion Steering Group. Membership of the group consists of representation from key partner organisations including Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Gwent Police, Communities First Partnerships, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Blaenau Gwent Public Health, Youth Offending Service, Victim Support, Valleys Regional Equalities Council and G.A.V.O.

Community Consultation and Engagement

A series of surveys were conducted to identify exactly what residents experiences, thoughts and opinions were about living in Blaenau Gwent. Also workshops were held which brought key service providers and agencies together to discuss what community cohesion means for Blaenau Gwent. Findings from this research led to four key aims being established as the focal point for all community cohesion work being carried out:-

1.Helping our communities
Creating communities where people get on well together

2.Tackling Discrimination get on well together
Reducing unfairness in our communities

3.Getting people involved
Having a say in what happens in the community

4.Making cohesion count
Embedding community cohesion into decision making

Funding

Welsh Assembly Government made funding available to each local authority area to carry out work to support cohesion. Blaenau Gwent to date has received over £200,000 which has been used to deliver numerous, successful projects including: Community Engagement through Media; After-school Outreach Boxing Club; Show Racism the Red Card; Hate Crime Awareness Training and Mentoring Schemes; Building Bridges Programme, Research and many more. For more information please click on the following link: Community Cohesion Projects.

Finally, community cohesion work is fundamental in supporting Blaenau Gwent to realise its full potential and to help 'keep our communities strong' and prosperous places to live. Importantly, what we must remember is that on an individual level we all need to take ownership of our actions as Community Cohesion is collectively everybody's responsibility to work and contribute towards.