Calderdale community cohesion research project

Aims

The research aimed to gain an understanding of experiences and views about ‘community’ among young adults in Calderdale.

Methodology

The research involved 11 workshops across Calderdale with adults aged 18-25 from diverse backgrounds between December 2002 and January 2003 that used mapping and interactive / visual methods. This creative material was analysed alongside tape recordings of workshop discussion.

Key issues

The report presents findings on understandings of ‘community’, which communities individuals are involved with, factors affecting community interaction, barriers and obstacles to community interaction, and the relationship between community interaction and community engagement, including volunteering.

Conclusions

Participants understanding of ‘community’ was complex, multi-various and dynamic. Stereotyping and prejudice are the main barriers to community interaction. Many participants felt they were not actively involved in a variety of aspects of community life.