The Linking Network inspires and equips schools to support children and young people to build meaningful connections across all forms of difference.
Our work offers teachers and school leaders training and high-quality resources that can be used to support explorations of identity and belonging in ways that are embedded in the curriculum.
Our approach has evolved since the inception of Schools Linking 20 years ago in Bradford to now have national reach supporting schools across the country through our network of committed local facilitators. Our range of locally-embedded programmes offer a unique opportunity to build social cohesion, countering the conditions fueling misperception and fear and creating a considered approach to challenges facing local communities.
What is 'Linking'?
At the heart of our work is the unique process of ‘linking’ which we’ve developed over the past two decades. Linking is the sharing of time and experiences with people from different backgrounds. This might be socioeconomic background, nationality, faith or belief, age or other differentiating characteristics.
To reduce prejudice and challenge stereotypes, simply bringing people together is not enough. Effective Linking takes careful thought and preparation.
Our work at The Linking Network is rooted in research around intergroup contact. ‘Linking’ provides opportunities for meaningful positive social contact.
Principles for Linking
- Equitable benefits for all partners
- Safe but challenging processes
- Meaningful, enjoyable encounters and thought-provoking work in class
- Time and space for reflection between encounters
- Recognition of and respect for diversity
- Continuing professional development (CPD) for staff
- Institutional support and sustainable programmes
- Children and young people at the heart
Click below to find out more about the research underpinning the linking process.
We use four questions to structure our work
Who am I?
Creating opportunities to explore the multiple aspects of identity including faith and belief
Who are we?
Celebrating diversity, including similarity and difference
Where do we live?
Promoting community, understanding locality and developing a sense of belonging for all, locally, nationally and globally.
How do we all live well together?
Championing equality, challenging prejudice in all its forms and promoting active citizenship.
