Block 2 Shared spaces for interaction

This Building Block explores how we can work together to:

• share resources and expertise
• use resources to bring people together
• recognise the role of physical and virtual spaces.

The term spaces includes:

• sacred buildings
• neutral rooms within faith buildings
• shared and mutual spaces
• church halls
• community centres
• civic and secular spaces - town halls, civic centres, shops, sports centres and leisure facilities
• personal spaces such as homes and gardens
• enclosed environments that encourage dialogue and sharing experiences.

Being in the same physical or virtual space is an essential ingredient for meaningful interaction and we know that one of the key factors in successful spaces is that they are safe. Safe spaces are not just places which are secure from physical risk but spaces that have an environment or ethos which allows people to be themselves and:

• be honest yet respectful
• be comfortable but not complacent
• be constructive in recognising difference
• be open to sharing concerns and values
• and help people to move out of their "comfort zone" when, and if, they are ready to do so.

The consultation helped to establish that "most people of faith are not anywhere near as easily offended about their faith as many others assume" (quote from a consultation response).

The issues discussed include the range of local authority responses from those that take practical steps, such as making civic space available for faith based organisations, and those where faith groups find it difficult to engage.

Of particular interest to faith based organisations wishing to engage more fully in civil society particularly through the use of their buildings, is the inclusion here of the idea of Community Anchor Organisations. These are multi-purpose community organisations that were the subject of the Quirk Review in 2007 which resulted in the Government commitment to promote an increase in the transfer of public assets to community management and ownership, for use as community centres and other multi purpose community facilities (FbRN will be producing a briefing on this).