Inclusive Communities Project

Below is a brief description of one of our current contracts;

Inclusive Communities Project

There is a strong community infrastructure within Hangleton and Knoll that doesn’t currently reflect the changing cultural make up of the area. The long-term aim of our work is to engage with BME residents and support their participation in wider community activities and decision-making structures in Hangleton & Knoll.

In order to achieve this NewmanFrancis is producing a BME community profile to find out about the activities BME residents are involved in already and what they might like to be involved in, in the future. An advisory group made up of BME residents and service providers is helping to shape our work.

Resident volunteers have also been surveying residents and we’ve linked in with the Bangladeshi and Arabic communities in particular. Initial findings are very positive showing that BME residents are happy living in the area and have good relations with their neighbours. Many are also involved in community groups already.

Our next task is to link existing groups with interested BME residents and explore setting up some new ones. Ideas include a multi cultural festival and taster classes on topics ranging from cookery and DIY to exercise and computing.

The fundamental benefits from this Project will be increased community cohesion and a reduction in inequalities within Hangleton and Knoll. This shall be demonstrated through the following:

• Better BME representation
• A more cohesive community
• Increased sense of belonging
• Greater cultural awareness and understanding within Hangleton & Knoll,
• Development of skills
• The production of a sustainability plan