Page 51 - Barrow Town Deal Board Agenda 14/4/2020

civic society and challenging loneliness demonstrates the government’s drive to encourage more

independent, connected communities.

However, the effectiveness of this policy in driving change will depend upon engaging the communities
on whom it impacts. While a Connected Communities approach cannot be a silver bullet – whereby simply

involving individuals in community development and strengthening community capital will overcome all
social issues experienced in any given area – there is definitely value in community-led action and targeted

inventions. It is not only the end product that is of value but the process of being involved in a co-
productive exercise that can benefit the individual and the community.

Study Purpose

The Connected Communities study aims to build on the key principles identified in the original research

by Parsfield et al. (2015). Specifically, it seeks to:
1. Build community consciousness and cultivate citizenship in children living in Ormsgill through
involvement in participatory action research.

2. Involve Ormsgill residents of all ages in the co-production of interventions to strengthen

community capital.
1
3. Strengthen bonding social capital in Ormsgill by connecting key partners with residents in most
need.

1 the connections within a group or community (Putnam, 2000)

8