Building Bridges, Not Walls

The Centre for Creative Conversation (TC3) is helping to lead two major peacebuilding initiatives in the Northeast of England, working alongside local authorities in Newcastle and Middlesbrough.

Backed by Government funding, these projects aim to strengthen relationships, bridge divides and foster more connected communities in the light of last summer's violent disturbances.

Through a series of half-day workshops, hundreds of community leaders, professionals and volunteers will be trained in the skills of ‘community bridgebuilding’ – how to forge new connections, reinforce existing ones and repair those that have been damaged or lost.

Each initiative will also establish a long-term network of bridgebuilders to sustain collaboration and understanding in their respective cities.

A modern paradox

The work responds to a paradox of modern life: despite unprecedented connectivity, many people – especially young people – feel more isolated than ever.

The initiatives emphasise that true connection depends not on the quantity of interactions we have, but on their quality. When bridges are weak, conversation breaks down, trust erodes, walls go up and polarisation grows.

At its worst, this can lead to ‘enemy thinking’ – seeing those different from us as a threat rather than as fellow human beings.

Our communities have been tested by the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and recent conflict. But history shows that connected communities thrive and are more resilient, healthier, happier and stronger in the face of challenges. 

So now is the time to build better bridges!

Six workshops

Newcastle’s programme launches in May with a workshop on conflict and the social construction of race, led by Neil Denton (Durham University and The Relationships Project) ) and Ngozi Lyn Cole (North East Anti-Racism Coalition).

This will be followed by four workshops led by Peter Osborn and Eddy Canfor-Dumas (TC3), focused on the skills of creative conversation. The final workshop will forge specific plans for future action. 

Middlesbrough’s programme follows in the autumn, building on the same model. 

We'll bring you more news as both of these exciting initiatives unfold.