A delegation of visitors from Riga, Latvia visited Hull this week. From September 11-15, Riga City Neighbourhood Residents’ Care Coordinators spent time with their Hull counterparts. The group toured the city visiting key projects and people which showcase community initiatives, focus on community cohesion and combat issues including social isolation.
The visit was led by members of Hull’s own Neighbourhoods and Housing Team, as well as key portfolio holders and Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council. The three-day stay comprised trips to community initiatives including Men in Sheds, which addresses isolation and mental health, Sector Connect Hull, which supports charities and other organisations with training, consultation and financial advice, and Back to Ours, which creates arts and cultural events within communities.
The group also visited the Tigers Trust, refugee support Welcome House and Hey Volunteering. A highlight was a Civic Dinner attended by all visitors, as well as the Lord Mayor.
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We’re very much enjoyed welcoming our Latvian colleagues. So much positive work happens in Hull and this was the main reason for the visit. Our visitors want to learn from what we’re doing here and see how they can implement it in their own city.
“However, it has very much been a two-way process. We have also heard all about the work they do in Riga, and had very interesting discussions about elements we could implement here. It was also very really interesting to hear their perspectives and feedback on our initiatives.
“We have also enjoyed introducing them to the city itself and showing them all the things we’re proud of. Exchanges like this are incredibly valuable for all parties, providing everyone involved with opportunities to learn and gain insight”.
Ilona Stalidzāne, Head of the Neighbourhood Development and Community Integration Department at Riga City Council, said: “The Neighbourhood Residents’ Centre coordinators were inspired to implement new practices in their daily work, discovering innovative approaches to invigorate neighborhood associations, bolster community leadership, and empower communities by actively engaging them in the city’s development
“The City of Hull representatives valued our expertise in executing participatory budget initiatives and commended the dedicated daily efforts of our Neighbourhood Coordinators to communicate with our city’s residents, providing comprehensive answers to a diverse array of inquiries”.
Zane Matesoviča, Director of the British Council in Latvia, added: “As an integral part of the People to People Cultural Engagement Programme, for over eight years we have actively supported initiatives that foster cooperation and the exchange of ideas in Latvia, thereby strengthening social cohesion and promoting civic engagement.
“The study visit offered Riga City Neighbourhood Coordinators invaluable insights into effective urban development and community engagement strategies implemented in the UK. International collaboration and knowledge sharing serve as catalysts for positive change, and I am confident that the participants will return to Riga with valuable ideas to implement, continuing to build a vibrant and inclusive city”.
