Community cohesion is about
recognising the impact of change and
responding to it. It is about people within communities coming
together to interact and participate with one another. Community
Cohesion is principally the process that must happen in all
communities to ensure different groups of people get on well
together.
Suffolk’s diversity is developing – socially, culturally and
economically. This has brought enormous benefits. For example, more
than 105 languages are spoken in Suffolk schools, which adds to the
richness of the county. The inward flow of migrant workers into
Suffolk is supporting the economy in positive
ways. Responding to these changes, and the needs
of existing communities, will ensure that Suffolk
County Council continue to develop services that take into
account the needs of our communities.
This risk of not developing community cohesion will be:
a) Lack of opportunity for individuals to contribute to the
development of local services.
b) An increase in tension and levels
of exclusion within communities.
c) A breakdown of understanding
between different groups and communities where they feel
unsupported and devalued.
d) Lack of trust within communities
and of statutory agencies.
To support this area of work within the County Council, a
Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion strategy and a
Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion
Toolkit have been developed. This includes five
social inclusion principles which will be embedded across the
organisation:
1. Understanding the needs of individuals, families,
neighbourhoods and communities
2. Recognising, planning for and responding to the changing
demography of Suffolk
3. Recognising that social exclusion can affect anybody
4. Understanding the specific barriers to participation faced by
individuals and communities
5. Involving individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds
in planning services
Social Exclusion, Social Inclusion and Community Cohesion are
inextricably linked. Sometimes the terms are used as one and the
same. However, there are subtle differences between them as
outlined below.
Social Exclusion
“Social Exclusion occurs when people or places suffer
from a series of often multiple problems including: unemployment,
poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments,
rural isolation, poor health and family breakdown” Cabinet
Office, Social Exclusion Unit
Social Inclusion
“Social Inclusion is the term given to policies and
procedures, through which the problems causing social exclusion are
tackled. Social Inclusion is not simply a remedy; it is also about
preventing the circumstances that lead to exclusion.” Cabinet
Office, Social Exclusion Unit
While the majority of people living
in Suffolk enjoy a good quality of life, there are certain groups
and communities who suffer from social exclusion. It is the
responsibility of the Council and its wider partners to respond to
this, and to develop a more inclusive and prosperous environment
for the people of Suffolk to work and live in.
Community Cohesion
“Community cohesion is about recognising the impact of
change and responding to it. It is about people within communities
coming together to interact and participate with one another.
Community Cohesion is principally the process that must happen in
all communities to ensure different groups of people get on well
together” Commission on Integration and Community Cohesion
2007