The public is being asked to have its say on a vision for a more cohesive and united Stoke-on-Trent.
The city council has updated its Community Cohesion Strategy following a major listening exercise which aimed to understand the views and feelings of different communities.
The new draft strategy contains a number of priorities – including helping more people take part in community life, giving people a real say in their futures, celebrating the city’s identity and responding early to any community tensions.
The public are being asked to have their say before the document is finalised later this year.
The strategy builds on the One Stoke-on-Trent campaign, which was launched in February.
One Stoke-on-Trent is a broad coalition made up of leaders from the council, police, fire service, NHS, schools and colleges, local football teams, the media, faith and voluntary sectors, and community groups. It is backed by £600,000 of government funding and has distributed grants to amplify initiatives that promote cohesion. It has also worked with schools and community groups to provide training and education, and run a joint awareness campaign spearheaded by the city’s football clubs.
The One Stoke-on-Trent board also commissioned a major listening exercise which has gathered views from more than 1,000 residents from across the city to help it develop the updated Community Cohesion Strategy. Those responses identified a number of strengths – but also a number of challenges.
Strengths included the fact Stoke-on-Trent has strong community spirit; community organisations are trusted, there is a lot of pride in the city’s cultural heritage; and residents are keen to get involved in making decisions that affect their lives.
Challenges include low trust in institutions; a feeling of powerlessness; and a feeling that Stoke-on-Trent’s sense of pride is too “stuck in the past”.
Economic hardship was a common theme, with people describing their struggles with food insecurity and rising bills. These pressures drain people’s time, energy and confidence to engage in wider society.
In addition to consulting on the draft strategy, the council aims to build on Centenary celebrations to leave a more lasting legacy of unity and civic pride.
A Citizens Assembly will be put together to give people a more direct say on the way the strategy is delivered.
And a workplan will be drawn up for one of the Future 100 Mission Boards overseeing work to strengthen communities, education and skills across Stoke-on-Trent.
Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “When it comes to building united communities, we know this city has great strengths.
“Stoke-on-Trent is the friendliest place in the UK, and our culture – including our sporting and industrial heritage – is a major unifying force.
“But we also face real challenges. Economic hardship and the cost-of-living crisis have hit hard, and too many people feel their voices – and their legitimate concerns - simply aren’t heard.
“We need to change that. This new draft strategy can only work if it delivers results - and if people feel they are included every step of the way. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and to help us build a thriving, united Stoke-on-Trent.”
The draft community cohesion strategy can be read www.stoke.gov.uk/communitycohesion. Anyone wanting to have their say can complete a survey https://www.stoke.gov.uk/xfp/form/2051.
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