The Belong Network Library

Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.

The Belong Network Library

Research and resources on social cohesion theory and best practice.

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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Power of Events Report Launch Event October 2024

Author: Dr Jeni Vine, Belong Network

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.

Enough is Enough: The Psychology Behind Authoritarian Populist Discourse October 2024

Author: Míriam Juan-Torres González

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.

Social Integration in Schools and Colleges – Department of Education Report October 2024

Author: Miles Hewstone

The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned this report to provide a resource on strategies that could help schools and teachers to promote social integration and community cohesion, which was defined as 'the development of positive relations between different social groups'.

Building Connection: Exploring What Works October 2024

Author: Roxi Rustem and Sara Masters

Set out in this paper are ten techniques and approaches designed to foster meaningful connection between people from different generations, backgrounds and experiences. The research demonstrates that creating meaningful connection requires intention, focus and skill, and that there are deliberate steps we can take when bringing people together.

Power of Events: Report on the findings from the Spirit of 2012 archive about the impact of events on social cohesion and connection October 2024

Author: Dr Jeni Vine & Dr Marion Oveson, Belong Network

This report synthesises learning from Spirit of 2012's archive and other relevant literature to encourage and support event organisers to maximise their benefits to social cohesion and connection.

After the riots: Building the foundations for social cohesion September 2024

Author: The Belong Network, British Future, The Together Coalition

This joint paper from the Belong Network, British Future and the Together Coalition looks at the 2024 riots in the UK and examines some of the causes of the disorder and recommends the key elements that should be included in the Government’s strategic response, as it seeks to build and strengthen the foundations of social cohesion in the UK.

Moments to Connect: Building Social Connection into Events Webinar July 2024

Moments to Connect: Building Social Connection into Events Webinar, Thursday 20 June 2024

Moments to Connect: building social connection into events July 2024

Author: Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network

A free guide from the Belong Network in partnership with Spirit of 2012.

Redefining our political process and culture: the introduction of PR is the place to start May 2024

Author: Ted Cantle

A look at the need for political reform to build cohesion and the role that proportional representation can play.

Belonging in Britain: A Manifesto for Social Cohesion May 2024

Author: Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network

Belonging In Britain: A Manifesto for Social Cohesion calls upon the next Government to work on a set of practical recommendations to improve social cohesion in the UK.