NEW HOPE GLOBAL'S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & COHESION
From increasing community events to addressing issues such as mental health exacerbated due to Covid-19, improve physical health, reduce high unemployment, community safety and policing, cost of living crisis, etc. community engagement can help local organisations connect with their residents to address these vital issues together.
We believe that community engagement doesn't have to be difficult, and it is not that communities are 'hard to reach' but organisations need to make services more accessible to communities who are included in services. To enable all organisations to tap into the benefits of community engagement, we have identified one of our key areas that should be Community Engagement and Cohesion to empower, integrate and strengthen our communities. When you invest in community development to create safer more vibrant and communal communities, you can achieve better opportunities for people.
Neighbours in Harmony Project is a multi-faceted community initiative designed to strengthen
connections between diverse groups, build resilience and reduce tensions and bring communities together.
Over the course of the project, NHG worked closely with Birmingham City Council’s Prevent Team and KIKIT to deliver a series of workshops on key issues, including:
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Youth and gang violence,
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Internet safety and fraud prevention
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Substance misuse
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Violence against women and girls
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The impact of riots on Muslim communities
These sessions were interactive, delivered in both gender-specific and intergenerational settings, enabling meaningful dialogue between young people, adults, and elders. Participants shared their lived experiences and stories.
To conclude the programme, a Community Fun Day was held in July 2025 on the beautiful grounds of Birchfield Library gardens. The event celebrated diversity and encouraged residents from different backgrounds to come together in a spirit of unity. Over 200 community members attended throughout the day, along with local councillors, partners, and the MP for Perry Barr, Mr. Ayoub Khan, attended the vibrant day.
The event not only celebrated cultural differences but also created opportunities for socialising, enhancing relationships, and strengthening a sense of belonging. It helped address challenges such as isolation, mistrust, and social divides by fostering shared understanding and community spirit. Activities included music, dance, poetry, children’s entertainment, yoga, arts and crafts, henna art, live workshops, traditional Dhol drumming, and a wide variety of cultural food.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Birmingham City Council for their invaluable support through the Cultural Recovery Fund programme, and to the BCC Prevent Team and KIKIT for their collaboration on the Neighbours in Harmony project in addressing the issues that truly matter to our communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Birmingham City Council for their invaluable support through the Cultural Recovery Fund programme, and to the BCC Prevent Team and KIKIT for their collaboration on the Neighbours in Harmony project in addressing the issues that truly matter to our communities.
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