Getting people together ...
was the theme of Who is Your Neighbour?’s summer, as we attended events around Rotherham.
Team members chatted to passers-by at a seasonal fair, local market - and to more than 200 people at WiYN?’s first-ever Rotherham Show stall.
At the time, divisions, violence and problems dominated news headlines and, in all three places, difficulties and fears came up in our chats. But what people said again and again was that they believed in togetherness and community and wanted more - or wanted it back.
Many appreciated the chance to be heard and to talk. We invited those attending the Clifton Park show on September 6th and 7th to choose one thing they want to bring back to their neighbourhoods. Most chose a feeling of togetherness:
the sense of everyone knowing each other – like a big family.
Second most popular, at WiYN?’s nostalgia-themed stall shared with Voluntary Action Rotherham, was:
local events, shops, and places we used to gather – they brought us together.
What community means ...
was the focus of conversation at the summer fair in July, when people talked about what it is, for them. Many said it:
teaches you to live with difference - you’ve got to be prepared to work at it
About a month later, at the local market, most residents said caring about one another - not necessarily agreeing with one another - was the most valuable aspect of community life:
good neighbours don't always agree, but they do look out for each other
Needing opportunities to talk and connect
People felt chances to talk about community and change were few and far between. They wanted to express how much rising costs making life tough and lonely - especially when community services, once free or cheap, are now unaffordable. One man said:
It would be nice to have opportunities to talk, meetups for people on low incomes - affordable things. I feel isolated , left behind
Immigration, social media and coping with change were other challenges often mentioned.
Who is Your Neighbour? makes spaces in which people are respected, can talk openly, have a chance to listen and become curious about themselves and others. This summer, our team was encouraged by positive feedback. We hope there will be many more chances to get out and listen to people around South Yorkshire as the seasons progress.
Here are a few of the nice things people said:
- “What you are doing is a good job”
- "Thank you for the conversation; thank you for listening"
- “It’s been lovely to speak to you, nice having a chat"
- “You are welcome back anytime - guaranteed one of the old buggers will talk to you!”
- “It’s good what you do, bringing people together”
Thank you, Rotherham, for taking the time to talk and be encouraging. If you want to hear more about Who is Your Neighbour? , contact us at team@whoisyourneighbour.org.uk