COHESION (Belonging)
One Voice Blackburn works closely with partner organisations to create a harmonious and cohesive borough that celebrates the diversity of our communities. We deliver several impactful social media campaigns and community events each year, focused on bringing the community together, with highlights around Ramadan and Christmas. Many of these projects have received national recognition, serving as examples of real community cohesion.
At One Voice Blackburn, we believe that strong communities are built through understanding, respect and meaningful relationships. Our community cohesion work brings together people from different faiths, cultures, generations and backgrounds, creating opportunities for conversation, shared experiences and lasting connections. By working alongside local residents and community partners, we help build trust, reduce isolation and celebrate the diversity that makes Blackburn with Darwen such a vibrant place to live.
At the heart of this work is A Sense of Belonging, our flagship community cohesion programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund through its Reaching Communities programme. Through regular gatherings in trusted community spaces across the borough, the project creates welcoming environments where people can share stories, explore different cultures and discuss the issues that matter most to them. Led by our Youth Leadership Group alongside local residents and community organisations, A Sense of Belonging empowers people to shape the conversations, challenge misconceptions and strengthen relationships within their own neighbourhoods.
Alongside A Sense of Belonging, we continue to deliver a range of well-established initiatives that promote understanding and inclusion, including I’m Not a Muslim But I Will Fast for One Day, I’m a Muslim and I Love the Festive Period, our 12 Acts of Kindness campaign, and our annual Community Cohesion Afternoon Tea. Together, these programmes reflect our commitment to creating a borough where everyone feels welcomed, valued and connected. We are grateful to the National Lottery players whose support through the Reaching Communities programme enables us to invest in stronger relationships, empowered young leaders and more inclusive communities across Blackburn with Darwen.
One Voice Blackburn holds an annual Afternoon Tea, where members of the local community come together to celebrate diversity and cohesion across Blackburn with Darwen. Organisations and individuals from across the borough join for an afternoon of networking, socialising, and food.
Since its inception in 2016, the One Voice Blackburn Afternoon Tea has become a highlight of the local calendar, promoting diversity, inclusion, and social harmony. Each year, the event provides a welcoming space for people from all walks of life to connect and celebrate the positive impact of community initiatives across the borough.
Hosted by the charity’s youth leadership group, 2020 Vision
‘I’m Not a Muslim, But I Will Fast for One Day’
Nearly 2,000 people have participated in the ‘I’m Not a Muslim But I Will Fast for One Day’ project during the Islamic month of Ramadan since its launch in 2015. The project won an Excellence Award at the national Inclusive Companies Awards in 2018.
Ramadan is the holy Islamic month during which Muslims forgo food and water between sunrise and sunset. It lasts for 29 or 30 days, culminating in the Eid festival.
The aim of this project is more than just building community cohesion, although that is a key element. It is about building and sustaining cohesive communities and fostering understanding across our diverse local population.
Our young people have been spreading festive cheer and community spirit across the borough through a new initiative called 12 Acts of Kindness.
Delivered throughout the festive period, the campaign saw young people lead 12 different acts of appreciation aimed at strengthening community cohesion and wellbeing in Blackburn with Darwen. Activities included:
Handing out hot chocolates to Christmas shoppers
Donating items to local foodbanks
Writing Christmas cards to hospice patients and care home residents
Delivering gifts to the local fire service in recognition of their ongoing service to the community
Members of One Voice Blackburn’s Mini WEGs group also took part by sharing festive baubles and small tokens of kindness with residents, encouraging moments of connection and conversation.
One Voice Blackburn hopes the campaign will inspire residents to continue acts of kindness beyond the festive season, helping to nurture a lasting sense of community cohesion across the borough.