You can help to strengthen community cohesion by working with others, including people from all backgrounds and circumstances, to develop a local vision and values for your area to challenge and change perceptions.

To help you get started, it may help to ask yourself and others the following questions:

• What does it mean to people to live in this area?
• What are the perceived and actual differences within the community?
• What are people's aspirations for the area?
• What types of interaction and messages do you want to promote in your community?

What is a cohesive community?

A community in which people from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds can live and work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

Cohesive communities:

• Appreciate and value the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances;
• Support similar life opportunities for people of all backgrounds;
• Build strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds and circumstances.

Why work towards cohesion?

Community cohesion lies at the heart of what makes a safe and strong community. Cohesive communities are better able to tackle common problems, to provide mutual support, work together for a positive future and prevent the spread of extremism.