A place for everyone. One place. One community.
We have launched a project to help build stronger communities, develop connections and foster neighbourhood togetherness across the districts.
Our longer-term ambition is to develop a new, evidence-based Community Cohesion Strategy for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Council.
This will set out a clear set of priorities, and a practical delivery plan that coordinates work across the Councils and with key partners over a five-year period.
Belong – community engagement
To support development of the strategy, we are working with Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network. Belong is experienced in supporting the development of community cohesion strategies and has worked with a number of local authorities.
Belong has also been commissioned by central government (MHCLG), in partnership with the Local Government Association, to develop national guidance and training to help councils build cohesion.
During September through to November representatives from Belong will be out and about in the districts on behalf of the Councils, talking to a range of organisations, community groups and individual residents, as they gather evidence for the strategy.
There will also be an online survey available soon.
A Community Cohesion Board made up of both statutory and voluntary agencies will oversee the strategy ensuring it is focused on all communities across southern Oxfordshire.
Be Together
Earlier this year we launched a series of smaller community-led initiatives, under the theme of ‘Be Together’, ranging from yoga, ‘have a go’ days and community arts events to bike repairs and food skills courses.
Its core aim is to foster integration by encouraging social participation, cultural understanding, and mutual support. It also aims to build long-term independence and resilience among the communities we support.
Be Together is an umbrella programme supporting a range of smaller, community-led initiatives within the Communities service and beyond. Its core aim is to foster integration—particularly for migrant communities—by encouraging social participation with established communities, cultural understanding, and mutual support. It also aims to build long-term independence and resilience among the communities it supports, helping to reduce reliance on council resources over time.
Background to the project
The Be Together programme and the Social Cohesion Strategy currently being developed follow on from South Oxfordshire District Council’s Fair Treatment for all residents motion and Vale of White Horse District Council’s Sanctuary and Fair Treatment for all motion.
In February 2026, both Councils agreed to dedicate a budget towards Community Cohesion. At present, neither South Oxfordshire nor Vale of White Horse District Councils have a Community Cohesion strategy to support delivery towards community initiatives. The programme focuses on building long-term independence and resilience among supported groups.