In today’s fast-paced world, community engagement and trust-building have become crucial elements for creating stronger and more resilient societies. Across the globe, numerous inspiring community projects are emerging to bridge the gaps between individuals, foster collaboration, and enhance social cohesion.

Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Playing With Trust was created as a board game that takes public health advice seriously whilst recognising people of all ages still need to play. The game was designed to support people’s health and wellbeing by encouraging safe play in public spaces whilst incorporating the advice to maintain a recommended safe physical distance of two metres apart from each other. The game is designed to encourage its players to look at their city in a whole new way – to imagine improvements that could be made to it and its surroundings and most importantly to think about how the space might be used to support safe social interaction between the people that live and visit there. Through ChangeX, this social innovation has spread to the United Kingdom, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S.

In this blog, we’ll delve into a Playing with Trust project that is making a significant impact is Socializarte in Carmo, Rio de Janeiro. This project aims to create a safe and inclusive space where trust is nurtured through the power of play. the project’s objectives, activities, and the positive changes it has brought to the community.

The importance of trust in community development

Trust is the foundation upon which communities thrive. It fosters a sense of belonging, encourages cooperation, and strengthens social bonds. However, building trust in diverse communities can be challenging, particularly in areas facing socio-economic disparities. Recognizing this need, Socializarte in Carmo seeks to harness the potential of play to break down barriers and build a culture of trust among residents.

Objectives of the project:

The primary objective of the “Playing with Trust” project is to create a safe and inclusive environment where community members can engage in various recreational activities, fostering trust and understanding. By providing spaces for interaction and play, the project aims to:

1. Enhance social cohesion: The project brings together individuals from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and common purpose within the community. Through shared experiences, residents learn to appreciate and celebrate their diversity.
2. Empower children: The project prioritizes the involvement of young people, recognizing their role as key agents of change. By engaging children and youth in organizing and leading activities, the project aims to empower them and cultivate leadership skills.
3. Promote physical and mental well-being: Play and recreational activities have been proven to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. By providing opportunities for exercise and leisure, the project contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

This community project offers a wide range of activities and initiatives tailored to cater to different age groups and interests. Some notable ones include:

1. Sports tournaments: Organizing friendly sports competitions helps promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition while breaking down barriers between community members.
2. Cultural events: The project hosts cultural events, such as music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions, to showcase the talents and traditions of Carmo, RJ’s diverse community.
3. Workshops and skill-sharing sessions: The project conducts workshops on various subjects, including leadership development, sustainable practices, and vocational skills. These sessions provide valuable learning opportunities for community members and empower them to contribute to the project’s success.
4. Community gardening: The project encourages residents to participate in community gardening initiatives, creating green spaces and promoting environmental consciousness. Through collective efforts, participants learn about sustainability and the importance of nurturing the natural environment.

Positive impact on the community

Socializarte’s Playing with Trust project has brought about numerous positive changes in Carmo, RJ, since its inception. Some notable impacts include:

1. Strengthened social ties: By fostering trust and promoting interaction among residents, the project has strengthened social ties within the community. Residents report feeling a greater sense of belonging and connectedness to their neighbours.
2. Youth empowerment: Through their involvement in organizing and leading activities, young people have developed crucial skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This empowerment has translated into increased confidence and a greater sense of agency among youth.
3. Improved well-being: The project’s focus on physical and mental well-being has had a positive impact on the community. Residents have reported increased levels of happiness, reduced stress, and improved overall health due to their participation in recreational activities.
4. Enhanced community pride: Socializarte has instilled a sense of pride in the community of Carmo, RJ. Through cultural events and community initiatives, residents have gained a greater appreciation for their heritage and have become more active participants in shaping the community’s future.

Looking ahead and how to get involved

Socializarte is a shining example of how community engagement and play can build trust and transform societies. By providing a safe and inclusive space for interaction, the project has successfully nurtured stronger social bonds, empowered kids and improved the overall well-being of the community. As we reflect on the project’s success, it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of trust and the importance of fostering inclusive communities worldwide.

Interested in starting a play-based community project? Visit our website to see our current funding opportunities.