Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the lead agency for an exciting new project funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It is a partnership project drawing on expertise in social psychology research and data from the Beyond Us and Them research project via the Centre for the Study of Group Processes at the University of Kent and drawing on volunteer knowledge, practice and expertise from the Shaping the Future coalition and one of the local authorities that piloted the Integration Area programme (Bradford).
A toolkit was launched earlier this year in July 2023, containing guidance and best practice examples on how volunteering can best strengthen social cohesion at a local level. It draws on the latest research and evidence on volunteering and social cohesion using a bespoke theory of change developed for the purpose. We are hosting a free workshop on Thursday 7 September to demonstrate how to use this innovative resource to build volunteer programmes to bring about longer-term change within communities. The toolkit is also a resource for businesses and workplaces who want to foster stronger connections and trust with the local area in which they are located through workforce volunteering schemes.
If you would like to find out more on this project please contact Jeni Vine, our Research and Development Manager – jeni@belongnetwork.co.uk
