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Shining a Spotlight on Community Activity in Norwich
Shining a Spotlight on Community Activity in Norwich
By Ruth Jenkins, Community Connector Coordinator, The Shoebox Enterprises CIC
By Ruth Jenkins, Community Connector Coordinator, The Shoebox Enterprises CIC
Community Connectors Saskia and Chloe, part of The Shoebox Enterprises CIC, have been working to shine a spotlight on community activity in the Norwich Over the Water area. Their work collecting conversations has identified thriving communities and helped to connect them to other groups in the area.
St. George's Warm Spot: A Beacon of Togetherness
St. George's Warm Spot: A Beacon of Togetherness
One remarkable community that the Community Connectors discovered was the St. George's Church Warm Spot. Following a discussion with the Vicar, the Connectors identified that there was a need for funding and promptly connected the church with Norwich City Council’s Community Conversations Officer for the area. Through their collaborative efforts, they secured funding for the Warm Spot during the winter months. While the group initially started as a small coffee morning, the Connectors were able to help spread the word about this nurturing space with other people they met, attracting individuals from various backgrounds and helping to grow the community.
"People will want it even when the weather improves"
The Warm Spot evolved into a vital hub, providing people with the opportunity to gather, share food, and engage in conversations. Beyond offering respite from the cold weather, this space became a catalyst for building social connections and combating social isolation. One attendee commented that "People will want it even when the weather improves".
When funding was reduced in March the group still continued with members providing their own food to share. It has gone from strength to strength and for the coronation held a very successful community party.
Celebrating Diversity
Celebrating Diversity
In their ongoing pursuit to ensure they reach diverse communities, the Connectors have been building connections with the LGBTQIA community. Through participating in the inaugural Queer Fest held in February 2023, the Connectors discovered the importance of organisations run by and supporting the LGBTQIA community. One person commented that ‘it's so important for people to have a safe place to come and have other support especially if they don't have that from their family and friends yet’.
The Connectors have continued to build connections with the drag scene in Norwich by attending a coronation event, which included drag, at the Catherine Wheel. Here, they witnessed firsthand the importance of spaces such as pubs in nurturing community life and embracing individuality. One person shared that ‘there is such a big LGBT and drag queen community in Norwich, I feel like us here at the Catherine Wheel are one big family.’
"‘There is such a big LGBT and drag queen community in Norwich"
Bringing Communities Together
Bringing Communities Together
Inspired by conversations at the Catherine Wheel and St. George's Church, the Connectors proposed an event to bring together the diverse communities of Norwich Over the Water. Collaborating with the Conversations Officer for the area, a celebration event has now been arranged for July, aimed at networking and sharing knowledge on what makes communities thrive in the area.
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