A new project designed to empower communities and get people talking can make a big impact, says a Sutton Bridge inspector where the scheme is being piloted.
World Café events – which are designed to bring people together so they can discuss their needs, concerns, and opportunities for change – will be held at four places in Lincolnshire, including at The Curlew Centre, with the first one on September 11.
Lincolnshire Police say the idea behind the cafe is ‘to develop a culture of trust, shared values, care, and supportive networks’.
A spokesman said: “World Cafés give us the opportunity to listen and capture the experiences, insights, and thoughts of the community.
“The ‘café’ increases opportunities for networking and making connections, there are many examples in which groups established through this process have continued to prosper and create increased friendships, the most important aspects of the World Café.
“On arrival at the World Café, participants will walk into a room that looks, smells, and sounds like a Café.
“They will be sat at tables with a trained facilitator, or table host, and will be asked a series of questions that relate to the purpose of the World Café.
“At the conclusion of the day we, together, will have voiced our concerns, worries and ambitions and begun the plan for change. The ‘World Café’ cannot just be ‘talk’, it is the catalyst for community driven change.
“The next stages are called participatory budgeting events, where you as a community decide what you want to do, and how you want to spend your money.”
Inspector Nick Waters believes it will get people in the area talking to each other.
He said: “Our community in Sutton Bridge is at the edge of Lincolnshire and like so many areas in the county, has raised concerns around anti-social behaviour and crime.
“There is an appetite among those who live here to tackle these issues so they can make their village a better place to live.
“The World Café event will bring together people from all backgrounds, all walks of life and all ages in one room.
“This is an opportunity for those with good ideas and a sense of community, but whom perhaps haven’t had the chance before, to offer their thoughts in a relaxed environment.
“The biggest thing for me will be getting people talking to each other, people who may not have spoken to each other, otherwise.
“Mutual Gain has got a great track record of running these events and we hope and believe it will have a positive impact on the community.”
District councillor Christopher Brewis says he is excited about the upcoming event and believes it can make a significant difference.
He said: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the community. Marc Jones has been heavily involved and this great chance to get young people involved.
“The more we can get people involved and give them influence over the local area, the better.”
Councillor Brewis said young people have already got involved in the project, with youngsters in the area producing logos for the event.
Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, previously said: “Supporting communities to be and feel safe is a priority for my office and any attempt to engage with those communities is to be supported.
“Solving problems and addressing issues will always have a better chance of success with a partnership approach and the world café project is an innovative proposal.”
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