Featured case study

FolesHillfields Vision

The FolesHillfields Vision Project (FHVP) based in Foleshill and Hillfields, two Coventry neighbourhoods blessed by diversity, struggling with disadvantage. These neighbourhoods (28,000 people, over 50% BME with over 47 languages spoken) are two of the highest ranking on government indices of poverty and deprivation. FHVP aims to support people in these neighbourhoods, and surrounding areas, by building strong bridges between communities; to promote community involvement and social inclusion; and to advance local and international friendship, peace and co-operation.

The project brings local people of different communities together to interact, listen and develop understanding of their differences and commonalities within a global perspective in ways that are friendly, warm and welcoming.  It supports people, builds their confidence, and encourages their active engagement and leadership in their families, communities and neighbourhoods.

It does this by:

• Working with schools delivering a global citizenship programme. A diverse group of over twenty volunteers works creatively with year 6 children on issues of citizenship, racism, identity and belonging through a tried and tested programme of activities.
• Setting up a group of about 25 young people committed to overcoming discrimination and prejudice to make their area more peaceful and a better place for everyone to live in.  A meeting place and adult support is provided to help them plan and undertake activities such as an Eid and  Diwali party, celebrating 60 years of Indian and Pakistani independence, devised by young Muslims and Sikhs and their friends, which over 120 people of all ages and backgrounds took part.
• Developing and supporting women's leadership. A diverse group of over 40 women meet monthly for lunch at FHVP offices, working together to combat social isolation, develop their confidence and leadership skills and their understanding of different faiths and cultures.
• Engaging volunteers. An active and diverse group of about fifty volunteers contribute to FHVP projects and activities, engage in other work in the community, and contribute to and learn from the project's continually growing intercultural competence and perspectives.
• A range of public events and activities: picnics and parties; talks and trips; international linking and informal lunches.

The project's diverse core team of volunteers and part-time staff share many years of experience living and working here. We see the divisions and damage caused by racism as the main thing weakening local resilience to continuous, sometimes rapid, social and economic change - and the building of many strong intercultural relationships as the key tool in overcoming this.

The FolesHillfields Vision project was the 2008 Awards for Bridging Cultures (ABCs) winner in the category for Voluntary sector organisations with a turnover of under £1m.

See the full case study here