University sparks ‘vital discussions’ on building cohesive communities

Published on 4, April, 2025

How we build cohesive communities has been explored at a free public event at the University of Sunderland.

Academic experts and representatives from the voluntary, community and public sectors came together for Building Stronger Communities: Fostering Cohesion & Inclusion, which took place at Hope Street Xchange, City Campus, on Thursday 3 April.

The event, organised by the University’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, provided a wide range of community groups with the opportunity to share their insights and perspectives on how to foster and sustain cohesive and inclusive communities.

Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at University College London (UCL) and leading expert in regional development, John Tomaney, was keynote speaker. Professor Tomaney’s research examines social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape communities, particularly in ‘left behind’ areas.

Dr Suzy O’Hara, digital art curator and researcher at the University of Sunderland, joined a panel of experts alongside Fanni Ngambi, from Sunderland-based charity Friends of the Drop-In for Asylum Seekers and Refugees (FODI), and health and wellbeing practioner Deborah Doyle, who is part of Sunderland’s Unity in the Community committee.

Karen Noble, from Pallion Action Group, also on the panel, said: “Events like this are great for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as we can represent residents and get their voices heard.

“This will lead to building a more cohesive and inclusive community together.”

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Dr Robin Finlay, Social Science Researcher at the University’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, who helped organise the event, said: “This event sparked vital discussions on building cohesive, inclusive, and healthy communities.

“Our speakers tackled what strengthens and hinders community wellbeing and social cohesion, offering insights about their work to support communities and practical strategies for action. Most importantly, it fostered collaboration between academia, the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and the public.”

For more information on the University of Sunderland’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion, click here.