A Shared Future – One Year On

Greater Manchester marks one year on from the launch of the A Shared Future Report, taking stock of the progress made over the past 12 months and looking ahead to the work that still needs to be done. 

Leaders from across the region were brought together for the first Greater Manchester Cohesion Summit, held at The Audacious Church in Salford on Thursday 11 July.

The event marked one year on from the launch of the A Shared Future Report of the Commission on Preventing Hateful Extremism and Promoting Social Cohesion.

Opening the conference, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes said: “Two years ago in May, Greater Manchester demonstrated to the world the solidarity that our people felt in response to an atrocity that jeopardised not only our safety and security – but also the  strength, unity and cohesion of communities right across our city-region. Greater Manchester stood together at a time of great pain and suffering and whilst people grieved and responded differently, the world was struck by the strength and resolve of our people.

“And whilst the overarching message then from Greater Manchester was one of unity and resolve, we all knew at the time and know now that underneath that response, there’s still a great deal to do to make all our communities feel safe, to ensure that everyone feels included, that everyone experiences tolerance and acceptance.

“The commission that the Mayor established in 2017 was our way of ensuring that we try not only to understand better the issues that lead to division, hatred and conflict in our society - but what we can do as a city region to try to tackle them. It was also about working together to develop the ideas and the pathways that could help us get there.

“We know from events here and around the world that we have to keep a strong focus on this work. We cannot afford to ease up.”

Fiona Worrall, Neighbourhoods and Community Recovery Group Lead of Manchester City Council gave an update on behalf of the ten Greater Manchester districts about the picture one year on, some of the developments outlined include:

• The focus on building on relationships and trust in local communities
• The work being done by the Cohesion and Integration Network in the city-region
• Working with other cities on a national and European level

While good progress has been made, there is still work to be done. Over the next 12 months it is hoped that the Greater Manchester approach and coordination around Hate Crime will continue to be strengthened through the use of existing campaigns such as #WeStandTogether, RADEQUAL and by creating new campaigns that can help target the issue. 

The event was closed by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, he said: “The work of the community recovery group, local authorities and partners is a success in itself since the report was launched. The work they’re doing to help ensure the safety and a sense of belonging for all of our communities in the city-region is second to none.”

“There is something happening out there that is polarising people and that makes it a very challenging world for us all to live in. If we are to be that strong, united and cohesive Greater Manchester that we are today, then all of society needs to take some responsibility. It’s about everyone playing their part.”

Article Published: 15/07/2019 10:22 AM