Conflict and Change Valuing conflict as an opportunity for creative change

Women In Newham

We attended a series of events organised by NVSC faith worker Becci Fry, held in East Ham, Forest Gate, Manor Park and Beckton. They were organised for women of all faiths and communities and called Women in Newham Together. We ran workshops on bridge building, and staffed a stall. The workshop at the Froud Centre in Manor Park was very well attended. A mixed group of women participated, and many of them came to later workshops.

The most recent piece of work has been very successful and we hope to find a couple more schools to work with in the next month. It does take a high level of trust for a Head/school and is best if we already have a relationship.

Primary schools in multi-cultural areas are ready-made communities and most people recognise the observation that although the children work and play together, parents in the playground tend to stay within their own communities. This is such a lost opportunity.

The Community Conversations project is inspired by the Public Conversations work from the USA.

The aim of the Community Conversations project is to bring "far apart" groups in the community together to talk and have a "conversation" in a safe and supported way.