Plymouth Joins National Partnership to Strengthen Community Bonds
New initiative with the Belong Network aims to foster a more connected and welcoming city for all residents.
By Verity Coombes
••4 min read
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Diverse group of people collaborating on a community project in Plymouth.
Organisations across Plymouth are collaborating with the national Belong Network to enhance community connections and foster a stronger sense of belonging throughout the city.
A new partnership between various Plymouth organisations and the national Belong Network aims to build stronger, more connected communities. The initiative will explore how residents experience belonging in the city and identify ways to strengthen relationships, activities, and networks that contribute to making Plymouth a welcoming place for everyone.
The Belong Network, which works with local authorities and communities across the UK, will lead the project with financial support from the National Lottery Community Fund. Local funding is provided jointly by Plymouth City Council, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Devon and Cornwall Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Plymouth Community Homes, aligning with the ambitions of the Plymouth Plan.
The initial phase will focus on listening and learning from diverse communities across Plymouth, including individuals of different ages, backgrounds, faiths, abilities, and identities. The goal is to ensure all voices are heard and reflected in the city's future approach to community cohesion, preventing any community from feeling overlooked.
Belong Network will collaborate with local people, charities, faith groups, community organisations, and public sector partners to identify existing strengths and opportunities for enhancing community connections. The project seeks to gather as many perspectives as possible to shape future plans based on residents' experiences.
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"Plymouth is a city built on community spirit, and we want to make sure every resident feels welcome, connected and able to play a full part in city life. This work is about understanding what is already working well, celebrating the fantastic efforts of local groups and organisations, and identifying where we can do more. By listening to communities and working together with partners, we can create a stronger, more connected city for everyone."
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"We know that thriving neighbourhoods are created when people feel connected to one another and proud of where they live. Across Plymouth there are already many fantastic examples of communities coming together. This project gives us an opportunity to learn from that success, support local people and help ensure every neighbourhood has the opportunity to flourish."
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"Good health and wellbeing are shaped by far more than healthcare alone. Feeling connected, supported and part of a community plays a vital role in people's lives. We are proud to support this work and look forward to hearing from communities across Plymouth about what matters most to them and how we can help strengthen social connections across the city."
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"Strong, cohesive communities help people feel safer and more confident in the places where they live. The relationships built between neighbours, communities and organisations are fundamental to preventing harm and promoting understanding. We welcome this opportunity to listen, learn and work alongside communities to help build a city where everyone feels they belong."
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"We’ve all got a job to do to help make our communities feel as safe as possible, and this is an important project which deserves all our support. Making communities safe for all residents remains one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan."
The project will map existing activities, identify best practices, and explore opportunities to strengthen community connections. Findings will inform a new city-wide Community Cohesion Framework for Plymouth.
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"Strong communities do not happen by accident. They are built through trust, relationships and opportunities for people to connect and work together. Plymouth has a strong foundation to build on, and we are excited to work with residents, organisations and partners across the city to understand local strengths, identify opportunities and help develop a shared framework that reflects the city's ambitions and helps everyone feel that they belong."
A grant scheme will also be introduced to support local projects that bring people together. This initiative aligns with the Plymouth Plan's vision for a welcoming and inclusive city where all residents feel valued and can contribute.
