Our definition of social cohesion
Social cohesion is where diversity is valued and positive interactions between people of all kinds are enjoyed. It is a vital part of what makes communities feel strong and safe. It happens when people from different backgrounds meet, mix and get along.
The work of cohesion and integration is about having living, working and social spaces where difference is welcomed and celebrated. It is about creating a place where empathy and curiosity about people ‘not like me’ is encouraged.
When this happens, we can move beyond ‘us’ and ‘them’ towards kindness, trust and social cohesion between groups of people.
We are committed to all the people of Calderdale being able to live a larger life. Social cohesion and reducing inequality are part of what is needed to make that possible
Our Ethos
Our approach is shaped by 5 themes:
- Sharing the benefits of diversity.
- A sense of belonging for all our people.
- Feeling safe.
- Valuing volunteering, civic and democratic engagement.
- Aspirations can be met and our people are able to live a larger life
Sharing the benefits of diversity
We will build on our value of kindness to celebrate the value of diversity in our population and workforce.
We will make more chances for people of all ages and backgrounds to spend high quality and positive time together.
People who have come to Calderdale seeking a safer life will be able shape the services we deliver. They will be celebrated for what they add to our society for the better.
We will listen to feelings from all the people in Calderdale about changes they see in their culture and communities. We will both highlight how these changes can be better for everyone whilst also celebrating the importance of established traditions.
Everyone in Calderdale will be able to make their cultural input, bringing to life the unique identities throughout the borough.
We will build social cohesion into all that we do. Our workforce will know and care about different cultures and faiths.
We will work with business to build celebration of and more diversity in the wider workforce. This will mean more positive links between different sorts of people through work places.
A sense of belonging for all our people
We will increase and improve the ways that people can have a say in how green spaces look and feel. This will help them be safe and well cared for by both our services and our people.
Through our Local Plan we will make places where people who are different to each other can spend time together. They will be places that everyone can access and use.
Having good housing that we can afford is vital to having a sense of belonging, well-being and safety. So, we are focused on seeing an increase in good housing stock that people can afford through our housing strategy.
Growing feelings of belonging and positive contact between people will be a major part of our health and well-being services.
We recognise and value that people of all faiths and none make to strong communities. We will continue to support this through our covenant with Calderdale Interfaith.
Through better skills and knowledge in our workforce we will increase the faith literacy and cultural awareness. This will ensure that our services are the right ones and can include everyone.
Our bereavement services will meet the needs of all the people of Calderdale in the right way. They will show good knowledge of the different cultures in our communities.
Our health and wellbeing strategy and our services will show that feelings of belonging and safety are vital for everyone.
Feeling safe
The Community Safety Partnership for Calderdale will address the worries of people who want to feel safer. This includes tackling anti-social behaviour and the dumping of waste and litter. For all people to be free from violence and in particular young people, women and girls. They will work together to stop those with extreme views from undermining our values of mutual respect and tolerance.
To build and keep strong communities we need to know about what tensions and challenges happen in places. We will make sure that we have ways of knowing about these through our strong links into communities. This will mean that any issues of friction and unease can be identified and reduced in positive ways.
Valuing volunteering, civic and democratic engagement
Our Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Strategy will make sure that there is a strong VCSE sector. This will mean that more people can enjoy the benefits and positive impact of being a volunteer.
The VCSE sector will reflect the diversity of Calderdale and bring a more joined-up approach to volunteers across the borough.
People will have a say in what our services are like through the Engaging and Empowering strategic framework.
People with lived experience will be able to affect how our adult services are made.
We will make it easier for young people to become active citizens who get on well with each other. They will gain skills and meet and spend positive time with different sorts of people.
People who have not taken part in democracy, voting and decision making will get greater chances to do so. Our Neighbourhood teams and community sector will support people to be more involved in democracy in Calderdale.
We will celebrate our volunteers across the borough through campaigns and events. These will recognise and celebrate the impact volunteers make every day to building stronger communities.
Aspirations can be met and our residents are able to live a larger life
Our priorities are to reduce inequalities, create strong and thriving towns and places and taking climate action. Through these we aim to achieve the vision that all people in Calderdale can live a larger life.
This means creating a place where there is a strong economy and where there is good work. Where everyone can get a good job that they enjoy. We will do this through our anti-poverty, inclusive economy, housing, climate and transport strategies.
We will focus on the education of all our children. Making sure that children are ready for school so that they have the best start in life. We will do this through our Starting Well Strategy and Family Hubs Programme.
There will be better chances for young people to have good work through the:
The focus on community wealth building in our Inclusive economy strategy is a people centred approach to economic development.
Community wealth building puts wealth into the local economy and puts control and benefits into the hands of local people.
Along with a strong VCSE sector this will bring greater chances for everyone to live a larger life in Calderdale.
The culture industry in Calderdale is thriving and we can build on its strengths for our economy and our people. Through our Cultural Strategy every community in Calderdale will be able to grow and sustain its own culture. This will celebrate and bring to life the unique identity of each place and community here.
For the full strategy document, please read:
