Building local social cohesion

Belong believes that the recent social unrest was driven by social inequalities, grievances and weak social networks, which were far too easily exploited by bad actors and misinformation by groups of violent thugs. This situation was not helped by unimplemented and lapsed recommendations from several Government reviews dating back over 20 years, a lack of a national cohesion measurement framework, limited local strategic approaches, insufficient investment in skills to bridge difference and lack of tension monitoring systems.

Belong is building a social cohesion programme with Local Authorities backed by the UK Government to support communities most at risk of further unrest. This includes consultation and engagement, capacity building, project funding and ongoing advice and guidance. The programme in each area will last up to 3 years and will draw heavily on our research, practice and the experiences of our network. The cohesion programme will be tailored to local conditions, involve extensive consultation with the establishment of an innovative local project fund designed to bring people together across difference.

We wish to engage with funders to tackle challenges such as:

• Strengthening local networks to build greater trust and understanding across difference
• Creating greater inclusivity in places
• Ensuring every community has an authentic story to tell
• Creating and sustaining an easy-to-use approach to social cohesion measurement
• Collectively pooling and analysing impacts and outcomes
• Understanding and disseminating what works in achieving better social cohesion outcomes
• Establishing cohesion focused funding streams.