In the early spring of 2018 local politicians decided that they wanted a new strategy for social vulnerability and exclusion. A two-year development plan for City of Sharing was developed to be implemented between 2019 and 2020. The development plan works as a tool that is legislative and as the ambitious vision of reducing social vulnerability and exclusion in Fredericia, located in the south-eastern part of the Jutland peninsula in Denmark. The development plan contains principles, activities, actions, success criteria, baselines and guidelines and is established with the present work and input from the ambassadors.
In June 2018 a kick-off event to co-create the strategy took place in Frederica, where 120 people participated. There was an opportunity to brainstorm ideas, thoughts and input to implement the strategy. People were asked: ‘What topics must we work with in Fredericia, to reduce social vulnerability and exclusion, from your point of view?’ The participants’ words were subsequently converted into 12 themes, which now form the foundation of the strategy. The themes are the following:
Theme 1: We want to focus on the whole human being
The strategy will meet socially vulnerable and excluded people at eye level and through equal dialogue. We want to see the person rather than a case, and create an understanding of how many factors play a role in relation to their vulnerability. We will give room for diversity and have an eye for where the individual has their strengths.
Theme 2: We want to be a city for everyone
There must be room for everyone in Fredericia. In Frederica, effective solutions must be created including how to incorporate them into the cityscape. It is about this city, and the diversity.
Theme 3: We want to practise sports in communities
Physical activity helps to create relationships and communities. It can create space and motivation that can be used in other aspects of life. Physical activity must be an equal part of the social services.
Theme 4: We want to involve citizens
Citizen involvement creates ownership and better solutions. The strategy will take advice from the target group, establish a framework how to approach goals and objectives, and welcome inputs from the community.
Theme 5: We want more people included in communities
Vulnerable people also want to be part of communities. The strategy will work to prevent loneliness and to get more people into cohesive communities. We want to focus on accessibility, openness and support to enter these established communities.
Theme 6: We want to move people from being vulnerable and excluded to being an employee
Vulnerable people also want to be part of a working community and be self-supporting. We want to focus on flexibility, relationships and easily accessible help. The strategy will look for resources rather than limitations.
Theme 7: We want to be a good friend
For many, it gives security and motivation to have a friend. It can be through peer-to-peer schemes or role models and mentors. Friendships and mentors can prevent loneliness and provide encouragement with a loving push and a hug.
Theme 8: We want to network and communicate
There are already many good activities and initiatives in Fredericia, but sometimes it is about making them visible and creating awareness about them. In City of Sharing, an action network will be assembled that makes it possible to create better communication and information to all citizens.
Theme 9: We want to co-create
We must work together to reduce vulnerability and exclusion, because together we stand stronger. The strategy will strengthen co-creation across municipalities and civil society, and focus on the local community as an important player.
Theme 10: We want more people to volunteer
Voluntary resources and opportunities must be linked wherever possible. Volunteering gives value to everyone involved.
Theme 11: We want physical and mental health
There should be equal access to all aspects of mental and physical health, to include healthy lifestyles.
Theme 12: We want to work preventively.
Preventive and early efforts must be given priority to prevent people from being in danger. The strategy will focus on co-creating actions that prevent more people in Fredericia from becoming socially vulnerable or excluded.
Since ‘collaboration across’ was one of the most prominent themes in the material that the participants prepared at the kick-off event, this also became the theme of an event through the Youth House on 9 October 2018. The event was held at the Panorama Cinema in Fredericia. There was the premiere of 12 short films, and the introduction of the action networks. During this event, the participants were given the opportunity to become ambassadors in City of Sharing. On the day, 52 chose to become ambassadors and many more have joined this effort since the kick-off. There are now 102 ambassadors in the strategy. The home page and the strategy’s Facebook page were also launched at this event.