The Home Secretary also set up a Ministerial Group to look at what the government could do to minimise the risk of future disorders and help build stronger, more cohesive communities.

The resulting reports highlight the important role that sport and arts can play in engaging those at risk of disaffection and promoting community cohesion. 

We are working as part of a cross government team to maximise the potential of our sectors to make a significant contribution to:

• Developing social capital  We commissioned the London School of Economics to carry out a literature review looking at social capital and the cultural sector which was published in 2005
  
• Strengthening community networks and capacity In 2004 we published the booklet, Bringing Communities Together Through Sport and Culture inspired by a seminar held in Oldham in March 2004, to discuss ways in which culture and sport can create a sense of local pride and belonging.
  
• Developing individual skills, confidence and self-esteem  In January 2005 the Government launched Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society - its race equality and community cohesion strategy - which reiterates the contributions that culture and sport make to cohesive communities.

Contact  - General Enquiries:  020 7211 6200 enquiries@culture.gsi.gov.uk