Building Bridges Pendle

Pendle Schools Linking Network; Learning Through Dialogue:

Year 7 pupils from Marsden Heights Community College and Park High School have been taking part in an important learning experience exploring attitudes towards diversity, racism and community cohesion.

Through the programme, pupils have stepped outside their comfort zones to take part in meaningful and sometimes challenging conversations — reflecting on different perspectives and how we move forward with greater understanding and respect for one another.

Now, these pupils are touring their respective schools, engaging fellow Year 7 classes in interactive discussions, helping to spark wider conversations about acceptance, belonging and how we build stronger communities together.

It’s inspiring to see young people taking the lead and becoming positive voices for the future.

We’re delighted to welcome Lauren, who will be working with us over the next few months on our Good Neighbours initiative 🌿

Lauren will be out and about reconnecting with local residents, meeting new neighbours and helping us celebrate the amazing community spirit across our neighbourhoods. She’ll also be organising a special Good Neighbours Celebration event; a chance to say thank you and bring people together.

Most importantly, Lauren will be listening - she’ll be working alongside local people to help shape what the next chapter of Good Neighbours looks like.

Pendle CEP has commissioned artist to work with Year 8 students from 4 local schools through a series of creative workshops held at Building Bridges Pendle. Bringing two schools together at a time, students explored ideas, created original design work, and learned about creative careers directly from a professional artist.

Charlotte has since taken inspiration from the students’ designs, developing them into a large-scale, vibrant mural title Folded Forest that will be installed on the hoardings surrounding Pendle Rise during its demolition and rebuild, as well as at Sagar Street.

In the spring, Nelson & Colne College students will work alongside Charlotte (Emmeline North) to help install the murals; creating a powerful collaboration between young people at different stages of their creative journeys.

This project supports the aims of the Pendle Schools Linking Network, using creativity to build connections, understanding and pride across Pendle.

A brilliant example of creativity, collaboration and young people shaping Pendle’s future. Keep your eyes peeled for the finished result.

Colne Park High School Fisher More RC High School Colne Primet Academy Nelson St Philips CE Primary School

Our Shared Futures – Together We Belong, Together We Grow.

After many years of working alongside residents, schools and partners with our current 'Good Neighbours' scheme, we’re entering an early phase of our new 'Our Shared Futures' plan with a continued focus on dialogue, shared action and community leadership.

We’re delighted to share some important news: BBPendle has been awarded £82,600 from The Clothworkers Foundation towards the purchase of our premises from Pendle Borough Council, helping to secure a permanent, community-owned base for our work. https://www.clothworkersfoundation.org.uk/

We’re also awaiting decisions on further funding applications that would enable us to bring the ground floor of the building and the Talking Lounge into full community use, creating more accessible space for connection, conversation and shared activity.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this journey.