In this final episode of series one of Community Unboxed, we return to the Mancroft area (City Centre) of Norwich. The area pulses with community spirit despite lacking a traditional community centre, proving that connection happens wherever people choose to gather with purpose.

At St George's, what began as a small carers group has transformed into the vibrant Hotspot, welcoming dozens weekly. "It's a great sense of community that is lacking in most of society," explains Brian, one of its founders. This entirely volunteer-led space connects residents with wider services while fostering genuine relationships. Despite its success, Brian highlights the ongoing need for grant funding to sustain the work - the building needs renovation, and without it, these community groups could be at risk.

Music creates profound healing spaces through the Colgate Singers for Wellbeing. Members speak movingly about how singing together has helped them navigate grief and isolation. "I lost my husband last year and it's been lovely feeling safe here," shares one participant, while another who lost her spouse after 58 years of marriage calls it "the best day of my week." For newcomers to Norwich in their 70s, the group offers that rarest of gifts: new friendships at a time when making connections feels most challenging.

Abigail Taylor’s story shows how a personal passion for the arts, combined with frustration at the limited opportunities available for her daughter, led her to channel her creative energy into an affordable after-school art club. What began with four children gathered around her kitchen table has grown to twenty regular attendees. Her motivation comes from seeing arts education steadily disappear from schools: “It’s brilliant for child development, wellbeing and social skills, and it gives children a massive sense of achievement.”

Finally, we hear from Penny Chung, whose community garden at Sherbourne Place tells its own story of connection. During lockdown, her simple act of cleaning a dirty fence snowballed as neighbours arrived with pressure washers and gardening tools. Now with raised beds and council permission, the space brings together people who previously lived side by side without ever speaking. "Those young people that had been doing the vandalism, they actually did the first planting," Penny reveals, "I put them in charge of making sure that nobody trashed it and nobody ever has."

Feeling inspired? The episode concludes with a comprehensive guide to low-cost activities across Mancroft. Whether it's coffee mornings, lunch clubs, or children's activities, there's something for everyone seeking connection. As one connector puts it: "They've set these up to help people like yourselves... and there's literally nothing to be embarrassed or feel uncomfortable about."

Hear more about the insights gathered in our neighbourhoods by visiting www.communityconversations.info

There's something for everyone at The Shoebox, get in touch today to see what's on offer. Head to www.theshoebox.org.uk and get involved.

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The Community Connector project was delivered by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC and supported by Norwich City Council, with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board's Community Voices programme.

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Grab a cup of tea and pull up a chair as we drop into North Earlham, where Community Connectors Rainy and Sonya reveal the vibrant soul of their neighbourhood that most outsiders never see.

"I feel privileged living in North Earlham. I don't think I'd want to live anywhere else," shares Rainy, overflowing with passion for the community she's called home her entire life. After three years of connecting residents, documenting stories, and witnessing transformation, these two community champions take us behind the headlines about "deprivation" and "antisocial behaviour" to show us what community truly means.

Hear powerful stories including a once-neglected alleyway transformed through a community mural project. During the hottest week of summer, residents of all ages came together, leaving handprints that became butterflies and taking ownership of a space previously avoided.

Through intimate conversations and grassroots organising, Rainy and Sonya have uncovered the hidden strengths of North Earlham. They've documented these through an Insights Hub - giving residents a voice, and signposted isolated individuals to vibrant local groups. Most importantly, they've planted seeds of leadership throughout the community.

Though their official roles are ending, their legacy of connection continues: "We're going to be signposting forever, I think."

Listen now to discover how community conversations create ripples of change that transform neighbourhoods from the inside out.

Hear more about the insights gathered in our neighbourhoods by visiting www.communityconversations.info

There's something for everyone at The Shoebox, get in touch today to see what's on offer. Head to www.theshoebox.org.uk and get involved.

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The Community Connector project was delivered by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC and supported by Norwich City Council, with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board's Community Voices programme.

View insights from the community conversations

Follow us on social media:

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In this episode, Mile Cross Connectors Ally and Claire share what it’s like to support and connect people in one of Norwich’s most misunderstood areas.

They talk about grassroots initiatives like the Green Hearts gardening group and MX Care Free for young carers, as well as the often-overlooked assets that keep the neighbourhood going - from community centres and churches to small volunteer-led projects.

Through residents’ stories, we see why Mile Cross is more connected than many assume - and why people who leave often find themselves drawn back.

Ready to see Mile Cross through fresh eyes? Listen in and let us know what you think.

Hear more about the insights gathered in our neighbourhoods by visiting www.communityconversations.info

There's something for everyone at The Shoebox, get in touch today to see what's on offer. Head to www.theshoebox.org.uk and get involved.

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The Community Connector project was delivered by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC and supported by Norwich City Council, with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board's Community Voices programme.

View insights from the community conversations

Follow us on social media:

Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

"The community come together, we look out for each other. We're one big family." These aren’t just empty words in North Earlham - they’re lived experiences of residents working as Community Connectors in their neighbourhood.

Join Rainy and Sonya, two dedicated Connectors, as they uncover what community really means to their neighbours. From the bustling energy of Freedom Friday at Cadge Road Community Centre to the welcoming spaces of St Elizabeth's Church, this episode takes you on a journey through the places where friendships grow and community-led initiatives thrive.

You’ll meet Christine, an older resident whose mobility challenges keep her homebound, yet whose spirit remains connected through thoughtful outreach. You’ll hear local MP Clive Lewis reflect on why these initiatives matter so deeply in a world where isolation is on the rise. And you’ll discover how John, a retiree with a passion for music, brings joy to people living with dementia through his digital DJ project.

The West Earlham Library emerges as more than a place for books - it’s a hub for knitting groups, reminiscence sessions and digital skills support. The NR5 Family Partnership help local organisations coordinate their activities to maximise their impact. And everywhere you turn, you’ll find evidence of what happens when residents take pride in their neighbourhood and support one another.

This episode challenges stereotypes of communities often labelled as “in need” by revealing the strong bonds and neighbourliness that already exist. As Julian, the local curate, puts it:
“I love North Earlham. I love the community. It’s so rich with people, diverse, different backgrounds. There’s always a buzz around here. People often see North Earlham as a place of great need - but while there’s truth in that, I think it’s actually rich in people who want to make a difference, who want to care about each other.”

Hear more about the insights gathered in our neighbourhoods by visiting www.communityconversations.info

There's something for everyone at The Shoebox, get in touch today to see what's on offer. Head to www.theshoebox.org.uk and get involved.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Community Connector project was delivered by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC and supported by Norwich City Council, with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board's Community Voices programme.

View insights from the community conversations

Follow us on social media:

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What happens when two strangers are tasked with connecting an entire neighbourhood? In this revealing conversation, Community Connectors Saskia and Chloe share their transformative journey working in Norwich's Mancroft ward over the past three years with The Shoebox Enterprises CIC.

Their story begins with hesitation and uncertainty, as they navigated unfamiliar streets with nothing but a map and a mission to discover community assets. What unfolds is a remarkable transformation – not just of the neighbourhood, but of the Connectors themselves. "This job has physically changed my whole outlook on life," Chloe reveals, describing how the role shifted her perspective from being a passive resident to an active community member.

The pair take us behind the scenes of their most challenging yet rewarding task: door knocking. Initially terrified of rejection, they discovered the profound impact of simply showing up on doorsteps with genuine curiosity. Through these conversations, they uncovered isolated elderly residents, hidden talents, and neighbours who'd lived meters apart for decades without ever speaking. Most surprisingly, they discovered that many people simply needed "permission" to take ownership of their community spaces.

Their work has sparked tangible change across Mancroft – from resident-maintained flower beds to thriving social hubs like the St George's Hotspot and the Arts Table children's group.

With over 5,500 conversations documented across Norwich, the insights gathered now serve as evidence for community initiatives and funding applications.

As the project concludes, Saskia and Chloe don't see an ending, but a springboard for continued community action. Their parting wisdom? Inspired by the principles of Asset-Based Community Development: look for what's strong, not what's wrong. The most valuable assets in any community are often hiding in plain sight – they're the people themselves.

Have you noticed untapped potential in your own neighbourhood? What small connection could you make today that might spark a wider community transformation?

Hear more about the insights gathered in our neighbourhoods by visiting www.communityconversations.info

There's something for everyone at The Shoebox, get in touch today to see what's on offer. Head to www.theshoebox.org.uk and get involved.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Community Connector project was delivered by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC and supported by Norwich City Council, with funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board's Community Voices programme.

View insights from the community conversations

Follow us on social media:

Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn