Our Project
Exploring current approaches to strengthen social cohesion in neighbourhoods
The Cohesion Network CoNet brings together experiences in neighbourhood based and integrated approaches to local development. Central to this are
- Strengthening communities and neighbourhoods
- Education
- Economy and employment
CoNet collects, reflects and improves the knowledge about integrated approaches to strengthen social cohesion in neigbourhoods. The knowledge is implemented in innovative local projects espacially in the fields of community life, education, economy and employment.
Integrated approaches do have more impact to improve the situation than traditional sectoral projects. This is highly needed especially in CoNet's concerned deprived urban areas.
The Cohesion network CoNet has three pillars: firstly the work of 11 Local Support Groups working on Local Actionplans. Secondly 11 thematic meetings, one in each partner city and thirdly a city to city project support scheme bringing officers and experts from one city to an other city to ensure a direct transfer of know-how.
TOPIC
Challenges
Social segregation and polarisation are increasing even in rich European cities - despite the fact that a lot has been done to improve sustainable living conditions in deprived areas.
Key point of focus
CoNet's focus is on education, employment and community life. Our special focus is on integrated projects and approaches to strengthen social cohesion in neighbourhoods.
A word from the lead partner
What motivates you to be part of the URBACT adventure ?
Since 1999 the Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development uses ERDF to finance many integrated projects within the Berlin Neighbourhooud Management scheme to strengthen social cohesion in neighbourhoods. The URBACT programme gives us the possibility to share our experience with other European Cities and to profit from profit from the experience and know-how of our partners who help us to improve our work.
Who would you like to benefit from the work achieved in your project?
Ultimetaly the people living in the 11 CoNet partner cities will profit from our work in this URBACT network. Especially those living in the project neighbourhoods will see the benefit of the Local Action Plans involved. The members of the CoNet Local Action Groups, the participants to the network meetings and the city to city project support scheme are from a variety of backgrounds. Local politicians, administrators, representatives of NGOs, associations, residents-groups and housing providers. CoNet offers them the chance to improve their work through a joined learning process of 11 cities from 11 EU countries.