Christine Frazer is a Gateshead Community Bridgebuilder, based at Bensham Grove Community Centre in the North East of England. She works closely with communities in Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne, focusing on initiatives that empower local residents and enhance community engagement. Currently, she is leading a grassroots enquiry, funded by Lankelly Chase, which investigates the devolution of decision-making in marginalised communities, aiming to create more equitable and inclusive governance structures. In her role, Christine emphasises the importance of collaboration and relationship-building among community members, actively fostering connections that strengthen communal ties. She works in partnership with the Relationships Project, an international initiative that examines the benefits and challenges of relational approaches in community work. This collaboration allows her to share insights and best practices with a broader audience, enriching her understanding of community dynamics on a global scale Christine’s commitment to community development and her innovative approach to challenging systemic barriers make her an influential figure in her field. Through her efforts, she seeks to create meaningful change and empower individuals within her community, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Christine will be speaking on Day 1, in the breakout session on “Understanding the global civil society landscape and placing volunteering within it.” In her presentation, she will explore how the ancient idea of “the commons”—shared resources managed collectively—and how it offers a powerful framework for understanding and renewing civil society.
