Community Unboxed
Community Unboxed celebrates the power of people coming together. Each episode is packed with stories, laughter and insights from our Community Connectors and the residents and groups they meet across our Norwich neighbourhoods: Mile Cross, North Earlham and Mancroft.
Join Saskia, Chloe, Rainy, Sonya, Claire and Ally as they drop in on local activities, chat with residents and uncover the special keepsakes people would place in our imaginary shoebox – personal treasures that represent connection, resilience and what really matters in their communities.
We’ll be releasing five episodes in total: two from Norwich City Centre, one from Mile Cross and two from North Earlham. Keep an eye (and ear!) out as we share them over the coming weeks.
Brought to you by The Shoebox Enterprises CIC - a social enterprise empowering people to connect with their communities and lead fulfilling lives in Norfolk.
Community Unboxed
S1 EP2: What Makes a Community? Stories from North Earlham
"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.
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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
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