Reflecting on Lancashire Citizens' Weaving Trust: A Powerful Tool for Building Trust Across Difference
Reflecting on Lancashire Citizens' Weaving Trust: A Powerful Tool for Building Trust Across Difference
By Hannah Mason, Director of Membership Voice – University of Lancashire Students’ Union
I had the chance to take part in the Weaving Trust event at 53 Degrees and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful events I’ve been part of in a long time.
The premise is simple, create space for people who might never normally cross paths to talk, listen, and build relationships – but the impact was anything but simple.
I found myself in conversations I wouldn’t usually have, most memorably with members of Preston Windrush. One of them happened to be an LFC fan, so naturally football found its way into our conversation but beyond the laughs and shared interests, it was powerful to hear stories, perspectives, and experiences that were completely new to me. It reminded me just how much connection can happen when we’re intentional about bringing people together.
For me, the event really highlighted why our work as the Lancashire chapter matters. Something as straightforward as conversation can open doors, shift understanding, and spark the beginnings of real collective action. Especially as the chapter continues to grow and develop, it’s a crucial time to start building those relationships.
It was also the first Lancashire Citizens event that the University of Lancashire Students’ Union has helped host as a new member of the chapter, and I couldn’t be prouder. Seeing our organisation step into this space, building relationships with our wider community and exploring how we can work together, felt like a real milestone.
The afternoon left me feeling inspired and motivated — not just about the Students’ Union’s growth in community organising, but hopeful for the wider Lancashire community. And this all comes at an important moment.
Citizens UK has just been selected for The Guardian’s 2025 Christmas Charity Appeal, with this year’s theme of hope shining a light on the power of community cohesion. I left the Weaving Trust reminded that even in a time of increasing social division, there is still so much hope around us — we simply need to create spaces where people can come together and share it.
Strong organising starts with strong relationships. This session showed just how powerful that first step can be, and I’m excited for where we go next — starting with booking in some relational 121s!
Citizens UK is delighted to have been selected for The Guardian 2025 Christmas Charity Appeal. This year’s theme is ‘Hope’, and will aim to tell the stories of community cohesion up and down the country, highlighting what communities have in common - not what divides them.
We want to hear from you! Find out how you can get involved through our #BuildingHope campaign.