Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.
The Belong Network Library
Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.
The Belong Network Library
Welcome to the Belong Network Library
The Belong Library is free to access and brings together a wide range of online resources produced by the public, private and civil society sectors to build the evidence base around social cohesion.
It is regularly updated and includes:
- measurement and evaluation frameworks,
- ‘what works’ guides,
- relevant research,
- best practice sharing
- training materials for small and large charities and other volunteer-involving sports and community organisations.
Please contact us if you are unable to find what you need – we’d be delighted to help.
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The role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion February 2026
This report explores how sport, arts and culture can support community cohesion. The Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned the report in partnership with Belong, the Cohesion and Integration Network.
Annual Review 2024-25: Building social cohesion, promoting integration February 2026
The Belong Annual Review 2024-25 highlights some of the remarkable work we have done in 2024-25 to build stronger, more connected and cohesive communities.
Literature Review: The State of Us (Community strength and cohesion in the UK) February 2026
A comprehensive literature review examining how well communities in the UK live together, the forces shaping trust, belonging and participation, and the policy responses needed to strengthen cohesion. Developed for the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, it brings together research, data and learning from practice to inform future action.
Parallel Lives: 25 years on November 2025
This findings paper summarises the results from the first year of Parallel Lives: 25 years on. This three-year ESRC funded project (2024-2027) is a partnership between the Universities of East Anglia, Oxford and Bristol, and the Belong Network.
Parallel Lives Research Project Launch Event Presentation September 2025
This presentation was created by Professor Rose Meleady (University of East Anglia) and was delivered at the online launch of the 'Parallel Lives: 25 Years On' research project.
The State of Us: Community strength and cohesion in the UK July 2025
‘The State of Us’ is a joint report by the Belong Network and independent thinktank British Future, offering an authoritative picture of cohesion and community strength in the UK. The report is a foundational input to the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion launched in summer 2025.
Parallel Lives Launch Webinar: Three Year Study into the Drivers of Interethnic Contact June 2025
This webinar took place on 20 May 2025 to mark the launch of Parallel Lives - 20 Years On: Exploring the Drivers of Interethnic Contact in the UK - a joint three-year research project between Belong and the Universities of East Anglia, Oxford and Bristol.
Power of Events Launch Webinar October 2024
This webinar took place on Weds 2 October 2024 to mark the launch of the Belong Network's research project into learning from the Spirit of 2012 archive on the impact of events on social cohesion.
Power of Events Report Launch Event Presentation October 2024
This presentation, delivered at the launch of the Power of Events Report, highlights the report's key findings and recommendations aimed at helping event organisers enhance social cohesion and strengthen community connections.
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Enough is Enough: The Psychology Behind Authoritarian Populist Discourse October 2024
In recent years, political scientists, psychologists, and commentators have grown increasingly interested in the psychological theories that explain political and social attitudes. Moral Foundations Theory is a model that can help us to understand the current moment and build empathy for those who have a different worldview - wherever you stand. The theory also illuminates the processes underpinning othering and how those dispositions can be activated by authoritarian populists – or in this case, mainstream politicians adopting their frames.