City Wide: Insights

Conversations held City-Wide

Disclaimer : The following reports are not thoughts of any one individual but are the amalgamation of conversations from the community.

The number of times accessibility and inclusivity was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Accessibility & inclusivity

Accessibility and inclusivity represents a small sample of the community conversations. While the conversations highlight a range of challenges and concerns, it is important to remember that they only represent a fraction of the broader community dialogue.

The data does provide some valuable insights into the experiences of people with disabilities and other marginalised groups. It is clear that there are significant challenges to accessing community resources and activities, and that there is a need for more awareness, education, and resources. However, it is also important to acknowledge that there are many positive stories in the data, and that there are many people and organisations working to make communities more accessible and inclusive.

Ultimately, the data suggests that there is a need for more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of community accessibility and inclusion. While the small portion of comments provide some valuable insights, they cannot be considered representative of the entire community dialogue. Further research and analysis would be needed to gain a more complete understanding of the challenges and opportunities for creating more accessible and inclusive communities.

The number of times community was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Community

The Norwich community, encompassing various neighborhoods, is a dynamic and multifaceted region with residents engaged in diverse professions, interests, and community activities. Arts and crafts are a shared passion, with a focus on painting, knitting, embroidery, and upcycling. Volunteering is a prominent theme, with residents actively contributing to organisations like Samaritans, Surrey Chapel, St. Catherine's Church, and the Salvation Army. Larger community events like the MX Festival play crucial roles in fostering connectivity and outreach initiatives throughout Norwich.


The prevailing sentiment within the community is one of strong unity and positivity about the broader neighborhood. Acts of kindness, such as assisting with bins, contribute to a sense of camaraderie. Residents express a desire for networking and volunteering to deepen connections within the community, evident in their interest in setting up art groups and workshops, as well as applying for funding to support such initiatives. Supportive networks and organizations like Voluntary Norfolk, Samaritans, and Citizens Advice play integral roles in enhancing the overall well-being of the community. A notable focus on mental health and well-being is evident, with residents recognizing the value of community spaces like the Phoenix Centre for promoting mental health. The community also expresses a keen interest in starting an art therapy group, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. The community's mutual support, rich history, and interest in local events, reflect a collective pride in Norwich City's heritage.


In summary, the Norwich City community, including neighborhoods like Mile Cross, stands out for its inclusivity, diverse interests, and the active role its members play in shaping a vibrant and supportive city.

The number of times cost of living was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Cost of living

The data reflects a diverse range of individuals facing economic difficulties, spanning across different age groups, employment statuses, and family structures. Redundancy, unexpected bills, and the inability to access essential services due to financial constraints are recurring themes. The increase in the use of food banks is indicative of the tangible impact of financial struggles on basic needs.

Elderly individuals express specific concerns about housing prices, lack of affordable amenities, and feelings of neglect by support systems. Working individuals, including those with two jobs, emphasize the challenging trade-off between long working hours and the ability to afford basic necessities, leaving little time for leisure or personal enjoyment. Families with children are deeply affected, facing worries about providing three meals a day, childcare costs, and the inadequacy of benefits. Additionally, there's a notable emphasis on initiatives and organisations working to address these challenges, such as food banks, community cafes, and various workshops aimed at providing support and resources.

The collaborative efforts of community members, churches, businesses, and organizations stand out in the data. These efforts range from discount days at barbershops to free walking groups, workshops, and creative solutions like a trade-in scheme for toys. The emphasis on inclusivity, warmth, and affordability in various community initiatives reflects a collective commitment to supporting one another through challenging times. The interconnectedness of various initiatives and the community's determination to address financial challenges underscore the need for comprehensive and inclusive solutions to alleviate the widespread impact of the cost of living crisis.

The number of times crime and ASB was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Crime & ASB

Residents of Norwich paint a mixed picture when it comes to feeling safe in their city. While some feel secure, thanks to increased police patrols and community initiatives, others express concerns about drug use, anti-social behaviour, and a decline in perceived safety in recent years. Parks and public spaces are frequently cited as hotspots for both issues, leaving some residents feeling unsafe, particularly at night. Concerns about drug activity top the list, with mentions of dealing and use in parks, streets, flats, and beyond. This raises safety fears, especially for children and vulnerable individuals. 


While some advocate for community programs and support for users, others lament the perceived inadequacy of police responses to anti-social behaviour complaints, which encompasses littering, fly-tipping, noise, vandalism, and even aggression. The reputation of certain areas casts a shadow, with residents feeling unfairly stigmatised. Despite the mixed feelings, a common thread emerges: the need for more police presence and resources, coupled with community involvement through initiatives and programs, to tackle these issues and build a safer, more vibrant Norwich. 

The number of times education, employment and learning was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Education, employment & learning

The data presents a diverse set of interests, activities, and concerns across multiple individuals. Various community engagement initiatives are evident, including nature-related activities like bushcraft and survival courses, nature photography workshops, and participation in Forest School for Adults. Different people express enthusiasm for art, music, and cooking, with some actively involved in teaching these skills to others.


Language development emerges as a common thread, with individuals expressing a desire to learn and improve English skills. Organizations like English Plus and New Routes play a role in supporting language learning, and there's a focus on teaching language skills to others. Education is a significant aspect discussed across conversations. Some individuals are pursuing art teaching, drama teaching, or barber hairdressing courses, while others are involved in various educational initiatives such as the 100 Day Challenge, gardening workshops, and efforts to set up courses for the community. Challenges related to the educational system, bullying, and limited adult education opportunities are also raised by different individuals. The importance of community support and engagement is evident, with various activities aimed at building connections, from running clubs and workshops to volunteering at community centers. There's a notable emphasis on inclusivity, with mentions of support for SEND children, therapy sessions with listening dogs, and efforts to involve schools in the community.


Despite the positive aspects, challenges and concerns are apparent. Financial constraints affecting tuition payments, issues with bullying in schools, and a desire for more adult education opportunities are recurring themes. The lack of support from schools and concerns about the effectiveness of the educational system are also highlighted by different individuals.

The number of times health and wellbeing was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Health & wellbeing

The data suggests that there are several strengths in the community when it comes to health and wellbeing. There are a number of assets in the community that support mental health, including groups, hubs, and individuals who are passionate about mental health. 


There is also a lot of support available from health services. However, there are also some areas where more needs to be done. One area where more needs to be done is to address social isolation. Social isolation is a significant issue in the community, with many people reporting feeling lonely and isolated. There are a number of groups and activities that can help to reduce social isolation, but more needs to be done to reach those who are most at risk. 


Another area where more needs to be done is to improve communication between the community and health services. There appears to be a conflict in opinions when it comes to what is on offer from wellbeing services in the area. Signposting for people with mental health issues, a wellbeing network and just better communication in general are all things that could be improved upon in the community to help move in the right direction.

The number of times natural and built environment was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Natural & built environment

The insights derived from the data, encompassing 23% of the entire conversation corpus, highlight multifaceted concerns within the community. Residents express apprehensions regarding the state of local parks, citing issues such as drug dealing, unsafe atmospheres, and negative perceptions that deter park utilization. Waste management emerges as a substantial worry, encompassing problems like littering, flytipping, insufficient dog poo bins, and challenges with the council's waste collection practices. Community centers face scrutiny, with residents noting closures, lack of awareness about available services, and the need for more community events. 

Housing conditions, gentrification fears, and concerns about traffic-related issues are also prevalent themes. The ongoing redevelopment projects, notably the Anglia Square initiative, evoke mixed sentiments, with residents expressing hopes for improvements but harboring anxieties about potential community transformation. Allotments and community gardens experience challenges such as allocation issues, internal politics, and waning community engagement. Education and awareness gaps regarding available services and resources are evident, emphasising the need for improved communication. 

In conclusion, these findings underscore the diverse challenges faced by the community, necessitating collaborative efforts between residents, local authorities, and relevant organisations to address these multifaceted concerns comprehensively.

The number of times vulnerable circumstances was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Older People

While currently only around 2% of conversations specifically mentioned supporting older people in the community, the insights gathered from these conversations indicate a strong interest and desire to address the needs of older individuals within the community. This finding suggests that there is a need to raise awareness about existing support services and initiatives, and to explore ways to proactively engage with older adults to understand their specific needs and preferences.

The limited discussion of older adult support in conversations may reflect a lack of knowledge about available resources or a perception that these services are not accessible or relevant. Therefore, enhancing community outreach and promoting existing resources is crucial to ensure that older individuals are aware of the support available to them

Whilst the conversation data suggests that support for older adults is not the primary focus of community discourse, the underlying sentiment indicates a willingness to address the needs of this demographic.

The number of times vulnerable circumstances was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Parents & Children

A small number of the community has expressed concern about the lack of activities and groups for children in the area, particularly for children aged 5-11 and children with special educational needs (SEN). Specifically, parents wished for more after-school clubs, sports clubs, arts and crafts groups for children aged 5-11, and more groups for children with autism, ADHD, and anxiety. 

Additionally, parents sought more opportunities for mothers and babies to socialize and receive support, including breastfeeding support groups, parenting classes, and play and stay groups. Finally, parents expressed a need for more opportunities for children with mental health issues to socialize and receive support. 

The number of times vulnerable circumstances was mentioned as a theme (dark blue) as a proportion of the total number of conversations held (light grey)

Young People

Although the theme was only mentioned by a small proportion of the community, the concerns raised about young people's behaviour and the lack of activities for them, these concerns were significant and warrant attention. The specific concerns raised by these community suggest that there is a need for more youth clubs and supervised spaces for teenagers to engage in productive activities and build positive relationships. 

Additionally, the concerns about young people's behavior highlight the need for increased support and guidance from adults and community organisations to promote responsible behaviour and prevent youth from engaging in negative activities. By addressing these concerns, the community can create a safer and more supportive environment for all residents, including young people.