Episode one of our brand new Shoebox podcast Community Unboxed is now live!
Join our Community Connectors, Saskia and Chloe, to reflect on their three-year journey working in Norwich’s Mancroft ward – home to our Norwich Shoebox Community Hub.
They take us behind the scenes, sharing their experiences of meeting residents, uncovering what truly matters to them and shining a light on the acts of kindness and neighbourliness that often go unnoticed.
From the nerves of door-knocking to the joy of unexpected conversations, Saskia and Chloe reflect on how showing up with genuine curiosity can open doors – sometimes quite literally. Along the way they discovered:
- isolated older residents who were reconnected to local opportunities
- people’s passions for improving their neighbourhood
- neighbours who had lived just metres apart for decades without speaking until community projects brought them together
Their work highlighted the wealth of community spirit in Mancroft – from resident-tended flower beds to thriving local hubs and groups like St George’s Hotspot and the Arts Table children’s group.
With more than 5,400 conversations recorded across Norwich, the Connectors built a powerful picture of what communities care about. These insights are now helping to shape new projects and support funding applications. (You can explore more at www.communityconversations.info).
Although the current phase of the Connector project has ended, Saskia and Chloe see it not as a conclusion but as a springboard for future action. Their parting wisdom, inspired by Asset-Based Community Development, is simple: look for what’s strong, not what’s wrong. The most valuable assets in any neighbourhood are often hiding in plain sight – the people themselves.
Thanks to our supporters and project partners Norwich City Council, Norwich Health and Wellbeing Partnership and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board and the Community Voices programme.