Working with Local People

What are the stresses and strains facing people in the East End in their everyday lives? And  how are people handling related conflicts?

The Newcastle Conflict Resolution Network is working with 'Engage for Change' (E4C)  and local residents to hear people's stories.  E4C is an initiative by an number of community groups celebrating good relationships in family and community life, and the  positive things people do to resolve conflicts and relieve stress.

E4C wanted to use community artists to help people tell their stories. So at a Taster Day on January  16 at St Vincent's School, Walker, people from local groups met a variety of community artists to get a taste of  the art forms they could offer.

The weather was atrocious, but  almost 50 people of all ages came along and enjoyed what the eight artists had to offer. This included radio drama, video-making, cartoons, singing, textiles and creative writing.

In addition, a  taster  workshop  on handling conflict was  run by the network.

Since the taster day, community groups are deciding which of the community artists to help tell their stories.  An interim event on April 29 will share progress. The final showcase event is on Saturday July 3.

Workshops are being offered to residents exploring causes of friction, and practical ways of handling conflict.

Reports of other previous events/activities  (click here)