As we’re beginning to ease out of lockdown, the new term may have brought about an enthusiasm to “get back to normal”, starting up groups that we’ve missed during the pandemic. The busy schedules we had before, the chance interactions we didn’t get online. But you may have noticed some of the old things don’t sit right any more, perhaps you’ve changed, or your community has. It’s time for an audit. 

In this second of three reflections on connectivity, we’ll examine ways we can listen to the changes in our community. 

Listening to our community
The toddlers from our Under 5’s group are now settled in school, there are gaps on our high street where businesses have closed, the building site is now an inhabited housing development. While daily walks in our neighbourhoods may have hinted at these changes, now it’s safer, nothing can beat getting out and talking to people. It’s a great time to start using the principles of asset-based community development, as you build up a shared life together. This is explored in more detail in our resource, Fullness of Life Together

Surveying people in your high street, door knocking house-to-house, or starting a social media conversation can be great ways to understand people’s experiences, and their hopes for the future. You might hold a community open day to showcase different interest groups who meet locally, invite everyone from care homes to community cafes to have a stall, and talk about what you’re learning to catalyse people around shared interests. When we hold space for people to connect, we can facilitate new things emerging that fit, that work for our present situation, that people truly want. 

The experiences of lockdown, the impacts of Brexit, and simply the passage of time will have changed the once-familiar patterns of community life. In many ways we have grown stronger, we’ve joined WhatsApp groups on our streets, become more aware of our neighbours’ practical needs, and recognised the patterns that support our own wellbeing. But bereavement, key worker burnout, financial insecurity, and homeworking and homeschooling pressures have made for a tough ride for many of us. Our new patterns of living may mean we’re open to community where we once weren’t, around flexible or home working, redundancy or retirement. Where the upheaval of the pandemic has turned the soil, we can plant seeds of connection, build community, and see what grows. 

 

 

 

What does ‘inclusivity’ boil down to in real life? What does an inclusive community look and feel like, if you’re part of it? Livability’s annual Ability Sunday, on 21 November, encourages churches to explore the difference between welcome and true inclusion.

In this episode of Reflections broadcast by Torch Trust, we hear from members of Christ Church Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury on what does an inclusive community look and feel like? Livability’s annual Ability Sunday, on 21 November, encourages churches to explore the difference between welcome and true inclusion.

Sensory gardens enhance the wellbeing of people with disabilities and complex needs. But not all of our care homes have one. You can help Livability create sensory gardens in more of our homes. 

 

Access to outdoors and spending time in nature are such a key part of the care we give, the therapeutic benefits are undeniable. An effective sensory garden has an intentional blend of natural and lanscaped features, such as different heights and scents to stimulate sight and smell.

 

A sensory garden is somewhere we can help alleviate stresses and stimulate any or all five senses in a balanced, calm and constructive way - it's the gift of wellbeing.