Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

Regional Social Strategy – the strategy to achieve social inclusion throughout the East of England
also associated with increased risk of a range of health problems (Health Impacts of Flooding in Lewes: a
comparison of reported gastrointestinal and other illness and mental health in flooded and non-flooded
households, Health Protection Agency, 2004).
Indeed, the Stern Review report, The Economics of Climate Change (2007), predicts that temperature
increases related to carbon emissions will result in increasing examples of extreme weather patterns.
In this region, as elsewhere, it is socially excluded people who will be most vulnerable to the ensuing
environmental and economic impact of climate change.
iii) Cultural opportunities
A lack of opportunity to participate in cultural activity can exacerbate many of the components which are
used to define social exclusion, such as low self-esteem, isolation from wider society and other individuals,
low aspirations, poor educational attainment and lack of basic skills, as well as lack of civic pride and
identification with the interests of the local community.
Involvement in culture can build relationships between people from different backgrounds and create vibrant,
inclusive, safer and more cohesive neighbourhoods. Community cultural initiatives provide a focus for social
interaction, reducing the likelihood of neighbourhoods falling into decline. A positive self-image, strengthened
by the sense of belonging generated by culture, means individuals feel motivated and committed.
Places like libraries, museums and sports clubs build social capital – not just through their work, but by
creating a shared social space where different people can come together and learn more about each other.
Schemes to provide cultural activities for people in rural areas can help to reduce feelings of isolation and
develop community cohesion.
Culture can engage young people, including those who are at risk or marginalised, in a variety of productive
and socialising activities and give them access to new skills. Taking part in cultural activities can also help to
divert young people from crime, providing a constructive and positive focus for interest and effort.
Culture brings people together, helping to celebrate diversity while respecting differences. It is what turns a
disparate group of people into a community.
iv) Crime
There is more crime in the poorest and most deprived areas. The Policy Action Team Report 6 (SEU, 2000)
found that nationally 40% of crime takes place in just 10% of areas. 25% of BME residents in low-income
multi-ethnic areas reported racially motivated attacks as being a significant problem.
Perceptions of crime can also vary significantly from the actual statistical evidence. Certain groups such as
young people are often perceived as being perpetrators of crime, yet the statistical evidence shows that they
are at high risk of becoming victims of violent crime. Across the population the risk of being a victim of violent
crime is recorded at 3.6% (British Crime Survey, 2006-7), whereas 13.8% of young men aged 16-24 who
were interviewed as part of this survey had experienced some form of violent crime in the preceding year.
Although annual crime statistics published by the Home Office show that the East of England is still one of the
safest regions to live, work and visit in the country (with rates of recorded violence, robbery, burglary, vehicle
crime and criminal damage below those recorded for England and Wales) this is still a significant community
concern. Latest information (Home Office Drugs Strategy, 2002) suggests that heroin, crack and cocaine
users are responsible for 50% of crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, vehicle crime and theft. Therefore,
interventions targeting drug users and preventing re-offending by ex-prisoners will have a significant impact
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