Gateshead Community Cohesion Strategy 2026 to 2031

Strong communities are built on connection, fairness, and shared responsibility. When people feel part of where they live, trust the systems around them, and see that everyone is held to the same standards, communities are more resilient and safer for everyone. 

Over the next five years, this strategy will focus on building stronger connections between people and places, removing barriers that leave residents feeling excluded or overlooked, and supporting local leadership and community action. Alongside this, we will take clear and consistent action to promote safety, challenge harmful behaviour, and support young people to play a positive role in their communities. 

These priorities will work together; building connection and pride helps prevent harm, while firm and fair responses to crime and anti-social behaviour protect the conditions that allow communities to thrive. 

1. to build stronger community connections

Strong communities are built on trust and relationships. We will create opportunities for people to come together, build positive relationships, and develop a shared sense of belonging. Strengthening cohesion also means building trust between residents, communities, and public services. By being visible, responsive, and fair, we will increase confidence in local authorities and partners, helping people feel heard, represented, and supported. By supporting inclusive activities and community spaces, we will continue to strengthen the social fabric that holds Gateshead together.

2. to promote fair access and trust in services

Everyone should have fair access to the opportunities and services that allow them to take part fully in community life. We will identify and tackle barriers such as language, mobility, digital access, or inequality in service provision so all residents can access services opportunities and support fairly, including any barriers related to an individual's protected characteristics. We will work closely with communities to understand their experiences and make sure our approach reflects their needs and aspirations. We will raise the profile of local advice and support guidance agencies by making routes into support clearer, promoting what each service offers, and strengthening links with trusted community partners.

3. to support local leadership and community action

Communities are strongest when people have the power and confidence to lead change, take action, and influence decisions that affect their lives. We will support residents, community groups, and local organisations to take a leading role in building stronger, more cohesive communities. People should have real influence over local decisions and feel ownership of the changes that affect them. By supporting grassroots initiatives and local problem-solving, and creating spaces for collaboration, we will strengthen the capacity of communities to lead change and shape the neighbourhoods they live in fostering local ownership and pride. 

4. to support young people to shape safer communities

Young people are central to Gateshead's future, and their voices and choices shape the communities they live in. We will engage with young people as active partners in shaping their communities. By promoting positive opportunities, a voice in decision-making, and access to support, we will help them challenge prejudice, promote respect, and prevent harmful attitudes and behaviours from taking root.

5. to promote safety, respect, and shared responsibility 

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their community. We will aim to prevent and respond effectively to hate crime, intolerance, and behaviours that divide communities. Our focus will be on early intervention, building trust, and strengthening confidence in local systems that tackle harm. We recognise that different groups experience harm in different ways. This includes the specific risks faced by women and girls, including harassment, domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence. These harms are often linked to misogyny and gender-based hostility. When incidents occur, we will take clear and consistent action where possible, support recovery, and work with communities to rebuild relationships and resilience so that individuals and neighbourhoods feel safe, confident, and connected.