What.
Flowhesion is about Community Cohesion. We simply want all communities to live better, feel better and achieve more! Our vision is one of vibrant, balanced communities where everyone feels they belong. Areas that value each other’s cultures and contributions. Localities that have high aspirations for themselves and others and places where people who want to build strong, civic and social foundations do just that!
Our services span a wide range of needs, including health, wellbeing, substance misuse, community empowerment, resilience, education, employability, leadership, and criminal justice. These services are designed to empower minority communities, promote social responsibility, tackle health inequalities, and enable systems thinking for sustainable change.
Holistic.
Our interventions are holistic in nature. We understand that individuals are part of complex social units. In order for meaningful change to occur with the individual we will work, where we can, with their whole social unit. Our range of interoperable services allow us to do this comfortably. We allow personalisation of our delivery pathways for beneficiaries that take in to account their individual needs. We are deeply embedded In Communities experiencing racial inequalities(CERI). We partner with our statutory and third-sector partners across Greater Manchester and East Lancashire, leveraging our networks in disadvantaged wards to bring meaningful social outcomes to our beneficiaries.
View our Collaboration and Partnership Standards.
We know the greatest journeys start with a first step so we have got to work right away!
Outcomes.
Flowhesion’s work is grounded in research, knowledge, and expertise in community cohesion. We aim to positively influence policies and practices related to community cohesion across the United Kingdom, drawing on our extensive experience in working with diverse communities. We are committed to tackling barriers between communities and promoting integration through collaborative efforts with public, private, and charitable sectors. Our vision includes disseminating research and literature on community cohesion through local, national, and European platforms, ensuring that the conversation around cohesion is framed in a way that prioritises tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.
Our outcomes are measurable and impactful. Flowhesion delivers sector-leading, bespoke training packages for public and third-sector organizations, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to engage with communities on pressing issues such as child sexual exploitation, gangs, substance misuse, and harmful practices like FGM and forced marriage. Additionally, we commission and undertake research projects that advance community cohesion and improve outcomes for marginalized communities. We also provide expert advice to local councils, the NHS, and other public sector bodies on how to engage effectively with diverse communities to improve social cohesion and inclusion.
Structure.
Flowhesion’s strong governance, led by a board with extensive experience in third-sector management and lived experience, supports our work. Portfolio Managers oversee the delivery of activities across various towns and cities, working closely with service leads to ensure the quality and impact of our work. Together, we are building a future where every community is empowered, supported, and united in shared purpose. We invite investors and commissioners to join us on this journey of transformation, where their investment will help create sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities. You can learn more about our service leads here.
Approach.
Flowhesion’s approach is unique because it is rooted in current social research, particularly in sociology, social capital, and community integration theories. By utilising concepts like bonding and bridging capital, we ensure our programmes foster trust and mutual understanding between different communities. Bonding capital strengthens in-group loyalty, but bridging capital—the connection between diverse socio-economic groups—is essential for building sustainable relationships and combating societal isolation. Our programmes are designed with these principles in mind, ensuring that they not only address immediate issues but also promote long-term, positive change for cohesive, integrated communities.
Creative approaches to building community cohesion and resilience is needed more than ever. This has been outlined by numerous government and third sector reports. Recent far-right rights that took place in late July and early August 2024 is a case in point, see some reports below.
Read: After the riots
Read: The Casey Review
Track how community cohesion policy, practice has developed over time here: Resources