Understory allows those involved in community action in Braintree to reveal the hidden connections that bind them together. Community representatives come together in a single workshop, to create a network map, and by the end of the session they are able to explore the web of relationships between people and organisations that build resilience.

Understory is a tool for communities to map and explore the connections that lie between its different organisations. It is intended to build community strength by helping a community to understand itself better. The map will enable us to see what goals everyone is working towards, how each of our organisations is connected, and whether we could be working more effectively by building stronger links in certain places. It will also be a useful tool for organising community action and knowing who to talk to from each section of the community, to make sure everyone is represented.

The map will be made together in a joint online / in-person meeting – with the option to take part in whichever version you are most comfortable with. We would like as many local organisations to participate as possible. Whether you will attend in person or via Zoom, please book your ticket. Further information will be emailed to you once you have booked. This is a free event.

We are requesting that one participant book from each organisation for this initial workshop.

The map will be a collaborative tool for all those working in the sector to enable better cohesion and collective working. The map will also be be available to view publicly, however individual names will be anonymised.

This mapping work has been funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Understory has been designed by Onion Collective CIC - a social enterprise from Watchet in Somerset, in partnership with Free Ice Cream – a design studio. More information on it can be found at https://understory.community

Understory Community Mapping Workshop - Braintree