1. 1 A Local Government Perspective Setting the agenda for community cohesion – a local government perspective Councillor Tony O’Neill Coventry City Council

2. 2 A Local Government Perspective Commitment and Strategy City Council Community Cohesion Strategy – keeping it real Cross party support – formal through scrutiny and informal discussion with own/other groups Involvement of local communities Wider partnership – developing a vision; protocol and guidance Monitoring and reporting progress

3. 3 A Local Government Perspective Developing a sense of belonging and involvement for all communities Working with a range of partners and user groups Develop a strategy by consulting widely and getting sign up from stakeholder partners and organisations Adopting the statement of community involvement Encouraging attendance at neighbourhood and ward forums etc

4. 4 A Local Government Perspective Appreciating and positively valuing diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances Promoting diversity and tackling prejudice Tackling hate crime Providing training First class communications

5. 5 A Local Government Perspective Ensuring people from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities Ensure better, more equitable access to services Tackling barriers in areas of education, employment, housing, health, crime and the environment

6. 6 A Local Government Perspective Develop strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds Leadership role of elected members Involving community groups – give them a voice to influence decision makers Ensure opportunities in culture, leisure and education with a strong focus on young people

7. 7 A Local Government Perspective Communicate the message Reflecting positive messages about communities – no dreary pictures of Councillors – no jargon Put your money where your mouth is – quality publications (Citivision) Celebrate diversity (Celebrating Coventry Campaign – Our City Our People) Myth busting leaflets

8. 8 A Local Government Perspective

9. 9 “Celebrating Coventry” Campaign

10. 10 A Local Government Perspective Some key ingredients… Heads above the parapet Clear and consistent messages Positive images and rebuttals – Myth Busting leaflet High quality campaigns and images Civic pride…in all its forms – celebrating difference and being a “Coventrian” Letters in a stick of rock….it runs through all we do