Barne Barton: Belonging Through Stories

In Barne Barton, something powerful happened. We gathered as part of Belong in Plymouth, not just to discuss ideas—but to listen to the personal, grounded stories of what belonging really means.

Karen Pilkington shared one moment that stuck with us: 'One comment that we can share is: “I feel like I belong when I cycle through my local area. I open my eyes to my environment, my space, my senses of smell, the touch of the breeze and the sight of sunsets. And I love living here!”' These fragments are more than quotes. They’re windows into people’s lived experience.

Our workshops featured co-design activities that sparked creativity and gave voice to those who don’t always get heard. 'It works in a group of 4 who have been working together previously so relationships are strengthening,' read one note from a round robin session. That relational work is key.

Facilitators stepped up—Juliette, Leona, Sandra, Cathy, Matt, Jane—and helped hold the space. Karen noted a need for more agile planning next time: 'We need a process to cope with less than expected numbers more easily than just randomly giving out sheets with group numbers.'

As Simon Sherbersky led another round robin, people generated real, practical ideas—about improving informal spaces, transport, winter loneliness. It’s this blend of the personal and the systemic that’s helping us reimagine what belonging looks like in Plymouth.

These workshops are more than events. They’re a shared practice of care, creativity, and community building.