Additional information

What makes 32 Steps to Togetherness valid?

32 Steps has been developed iteratively, and based on several different sources and evidence bases. Jon Yates’ well-researched book “Fractured”was the initial inspiration for the 32 Steps concept. The book, which is aimed at individuals from all sections of society, focuses on how social relationships can be established and strengthened in our local neighbourhoods, our workplaces, and through our habits and hobbies. To translate the 32 Steps in Jon Yates’ book into practical, accessible steps, CSC drew UK Campaign to End Loneliness’ literature, which CSC has translated into an accessible Loneliness Learning Programme currently being rolled out in UK communities thanks to Government funding, and on Noreena Hertz’s book “The Lonely Century”, which asserts that we need to reconnect “not only with those similar to us but also with the much wider community to which we ultimately belong”.

Last but not least, in developing 32 Steps to Togetherness, the CSC team drew on its own experience: (1) working with grassroots organisations in disadvantaged communities across the UK during and in the wake of the pandemic and (2) building connections between civil society organisations through initiatives such as Stories of Togetherness and the Book Club for Wellbeing and Connection. 

ENORB is well-placed to lead the ‘Europeanisation’ of 32 Steps: ENORB represents and connects different European communities, constantly working for a more inclusive society in matters of religious hatred, racism and any other kind of discrimination. Combining the two organisations' resources, and with your help, we hope to deliver a universal manual capable of making a difference for as many as possible. 

Why should I care about loneliness and social fragmentation?

Loneliness is deemed by many as one of the most significant health concerns we face. Older people and lower-income communities are particularly at risk of experiencing loneliness. The consequences of loneliness on health are well-researched and documented. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, Loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and increases the risk of death by 26%. For more information on loneliness, its impacts on health and its prevalence, visit the Campaign to End Loneliness. 

However, loneliness is not only a health matter, it is also a political one. It has long been theorised that loneliness and social fragmentation are the foundations upon which terror and totalitarian regimes are built. The ability to act together and assemble is the source of one’s political power and a fundamental right. But what happens when repressive policies like lockdowns, climates of insecurity or individualistic lifestyles threaten such rights? Citizens feel powerless and totalitarian regimes prey on that feeling to sneak back into governments. We are witnessing it right now in many European countries: populations are polarised, and fascism is rising. Reducing loneliness and social fragmentation is the first step to empowering people to fight back against repressive governments. For more information on the political consequences of loneliness, you can read this article.  

About Us

• About the European Network on Religion and Belief (ENORB)

ENORB is a European network for mutual understanding, collaboration and common action between religious and non-religious groups. As a membership-driven organisation, we strive to provide a civil society platform of different religions, beliefs and convictions to facilitate dialogue, solidarity and promote the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Articles of the Treaty of Lisbon 2008 and the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights and in other international human rights conventions. 

ENORB aims to work collaboratively and in partnership with faith, belief and anti-racist based civil society organisations and their leaders to combat community harms, racial and religious discrimination, hate crimes; and to promote stronger, safer and more resilient community responses, and strengthen mutual understanding and harmony in the field of Religion and Belief. 

www.enorb.eu

@enorb_eu 

• About Civil Society Consulting Community Interest Company (CSC)

Civil Society Consulting CIC  is a London-based not-for-profit. CSC wants to contribute towards making communities healthier, more equal and more cohesive, and believe civil society organisations (CSOs) are the key, particularly those which are led by the communities they’re seeking to serve. With a mission is to support, catalyse and empower civil society, CSC’s work falls into three categories:

• Being a reliable source of excellent but affordable consultancy support for small and medium sized charities, to enable them get key outputs off the ground and over the line;

• Providing free support to grassroots organisations ‘led by and for’ marginalised communities through our flagship initiative, Steps to Sustainability;

• Commissioned-based work: As well as supporting civil society organisations of various sizes, CSC also works with funders, think tanks, corporates and housing associations, who want to do a better job at working with civil society, or develop a better understanding of communities they’re not reaching. For example:

• We were commissioned by a thinktank, NPC, to explore how to embed DEI principles in grantmaking. 

• We conducted community research into generational poverty in eight ‘priority’ communities across the North East of England, to inform community investment priorities for North Star Housing Group.

www.civilsocietyconsulting.co.uk

@CivilSocietyCIC

• About United Religions Initiative (URI)

United Religions Initiative is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.

URI implements its mission through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our member groups and organizations, called Cooperation Circles, to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s and youth programs, and advocacy for human rights.

Europe is one of the eight URI regions, alongside Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Multiregional Region, North America, South East Asia and the Pacific (SEAP). In the European region, more than 60 URI Cooperation Circles are active in nearly 30 countries.

www.urieurope.org 

@URIEurope