Building shared communities

One of our key aims is to encourage mutual respect and recognition between all those living in our local communities. At heart, people share the same needs, no matter what their background - a roof over their heads, food for their families, education for their children, good friendships, a sense of safety and belonging.

Many conflicts are a product of misunderstanding, and within communities, rumours and allegiances often make small conflicts worse. By encouraging clear and direct communication, we want to help people develop the skills to unpick their own difficulties, or at least to know where to turn when problems arise.

Small community organisations working with limited resources and support are also vulnerable to internal stress and conflict. As part of a community development grant in 2005-6, we produced a legally checked template for a complete 'employee handbook', aimed at small community groups and voluntary organisations. This can be adapted by anyone for their own use - more. We also provide training and facilitation for those working with small organisations at affordable rates.