Community Cohesion Strategy

A report from The Campaign Company

Summary

Recommendations

7.1 There are currently a number of significant barriers to the engagement of some residents in Barking and Dagenham. Many of the key issues raised by residents will require good partnership working.

7.2 There needs to be a strong community engagement element to the community cohesion strategy. This will ensure representative involvement of the community. It will also provide authenticity and legitimacy.

7.3 In addition to communicating the information that can rebut myths and misinformation, it is necessary to create space for people to feel able to express their feelings, concerns and anxieties.

7.4 We saw clear evidence that it would be fruitful to employ deliberative approaches. Such initiatives might include citizens' panels and the appointment of a team of 'barefoot consultants'. Ordinary residents recruited, trained and supported to conduct engagement programmes within and extending beyond their own networks.

7.5 There was a repeated call for a return to the perceived community spirit of the past. Any measures that can stimulate connections between people will be positive. These might include:

Events (several Tenants and Residents Associations expressed the desire to run events that celebrated the diverse cultures represented within their area)
Communications (such as community newsletters that feature local people)
Support for the creation and maintenance of residents organisations
Shared challenges (Shared challenges might include the identification of 'hot spots' within the community of litter, graffiti or other form of blight and the recruitment, training and support of residents to take action together)

7.6 It is important that there is clear and rapid feedback from this process to the participants. The production of a simple flyer would be one relatively easy and inexpensive measure.

Contact

Heather Wills

Head of Community Services, Libraries and Heritage

Civic Centre

Rainham Road North

Dagenham

RM10 7BN

Tel: 020 8227 2786

Fax: 020 8227 2241

Textphone: 020 8227 2462

Email: heather.wills@lbbd.gov.uk|