Linking Communities
Since 2005 the Diversity Exchange has successfully run three rounds of the Linking Communities project. Our aim is for groups from across the Bradford District to meet with others who they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet. The project provides support and encourages people to cross boundaries of age, ethnicity, sexuality, culture and geography to link together to share activities and common interests.
Linking Communities helps groups build friendship and develop better understanding of different communities. So far over 430 local groups have linked together and over 5000 individuals have been involved.
We believe that the project has made a positive contribution to the Bradford District by supporting those taking part in Linking Communities to:
· Build confidence, trust, respect and develop good relationships between diverse communities
· Increase skills and knowledge by shared learning experiences which celebrate diversity
· Increase confidence to challenge and be challenged attitudes and behaviours
· Improve relationships between and within communities
· Encourage groups to work with others outside of their own communities and neighbourhoods
What next?
Linking Communities Stage 1 is currently run once a year, with support and funding of up to £300 available to groups from April to June to hold link-ups over the summer. This funding is aimed at groups who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet.
From the success of Linking Communities Stage 1 we have developed Linking Communities Stage 2 which will build on linking work which has already taken place. Groups who had taken part in linking work told us that whilst they enjoyed the opportunities to meet, they wanted to further develop the links made in one-off activities. The aim of Stage 2 is to support work that develops relationships and builds understanding with groups who share a common goal, aim or interest. We are currently piloting Linking Communities Stage 2 and hope to secure further funding to run both Stage 1 and Stage 2 in the Bradford District.
Year 6 Pupils from Heaton St. Barnabas C of E School linked with the local Mothers Union to learn more about each other and share a traditional English meal.
The children all played a part in the preparation of the event, from peeling vegetables, to learning more about someone they didn’t know. It was clear from some of the conversations that took place that the women from the Mothers Union enjoyed sharing their experiences with the children.
The Anchor Project St Clement’s Church link with Shree Krishna Elderly Day Centre
The Over-60’s Lunch Club linked with the Shree Krishna Elderly Day Centre to learn about Diwali and see the Hindu Temple. A return visit took place which focussed on learning more about Christmas and a visit to the Church.
Over 60 people took part in the link-up, and several months after the link-up the two groups were still meeting.