Forward Thinking’s ‘Resilient Communities’ project holds meetings in Manchester, Batley and Bradford 16th-17th March 2017

Between 16th – 17th March 2017, Forward Thinking held meetings across Manchester, Bradford and Batley with community leaders, organisers and activists. Participants were asked to share strategies and tactics underpinning successful community cohesion initiatives.Discussions focused on the need for a community-led approach, more investment in grassroots projects, and the replication of examples of good practice. Key examples of good practice that emerged from these interviews included early and frequent dialogue between local and institutional bodies; efficient co-ordination between community groups to facilitate collective responses; and the capturing and sharing of model projects. Guidance towards better governance, trust-building and improved access to funding were among the recommendations made by communities. The importance of the empowerment of community organisers and greater recognition of the work that is done was emphasised.The results of these interviews will be gathered together in the forthcoming Resilient Communities report, which aims to highlight good practice within grassroots and community groups in order to facilitate communication between diverse community groups nationally.