- Changing -Perceptions

Changing Perceptions is a community based project in Bury. We recognise that the perceptions that di� erent groups within our society have of one another and in particular their perception of the military, are often based on false information, misunderstanding, biases both innate and transferred.

At the heart of all of us is comfort in the familiar and fear of the di� erent.

Generally the focus tends to be on di� erences and all too often overlooks what we have in common.

Changing Perceptions seeks to bring people together from di� erent groups through the medium of football in order to allow entrenched views and misconceptions to evolve into a

more informed, tolerant and fairer understanding of other groups within our society.

We have chosen football because it is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion and ability.

Changing Perceptions is led by The OppO Foundation working with the Ministry of Defence, 42 brigade and local youth and faith communities.

The projected is hosted by Bury Football Club who are providing tickets to their home games.

A cross section of the local community (made up of service personnel, veterans, reservists, members of youth groups and members of faith groups) will be invited

to watch the match and participate in a positive conversation to build understanding, challenge misconceptions and create long lasting benefi cial relationships that they can then take back to their communities.

Over the course of the season we aim to dispel some of the myths and propaganda that taint our beliefs and create damaging divides within our society.

We do not want a broken society. We want a society where people feel welcome, safe, secure in their identity, happy and proud to live in Britain irrespective of their religious beliefs.

For further information please contact info@theoppofoundation.com

www.theoppofoundation.co.uk @OppOFoundation/TheOppOFoundation