What is Community Cohesion?

Community cohesion is that element in an empowered community that enables all members to take part in decision making and respects and values cultural diversity.

Community cohesion is inclusion, a sense of belonging, working and living together.

Community cohesion is to foster and absorb dialogue between different communities – to work together to achieve shared common values despite differences

What leads to the breakdown of Community Cohesion?

Lack of strong civic identity and shared social values to unite communities.

Fragmentation and polarisation of communities amounting to segregation.

Not involving local communities, especially young people in decision making and planning.
Inter-generational tensions

Increasing territorial mentality in asserting different racial, cultural and religious identities.
Inadequate provision of youth services and facilities

High level of unemployment, especially young people

Activities of extremist groups