Repository
A curated and searchable collection of community-related research reports, case studies and publications
Now they see us: Communities responding to COVID-19
Published: 2021
The study is based on primary data collection from 26 communities across England and a literature review. Over 500 learning conversations have taken place with members of the community, activists and workers, alongside interviews with Big Local reps (individuals appointed by Local Trust to offer tailored support to a Big Local area and sha…
Smaller charities, SORP and issues of financial accounting and reporting
Published: 2021
This research is concerned with the use and impact of the Charities SORP on smaller charities across the three jurisdictions of the UK (England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). The report is structured around eight core research questions, with the findings from each research method synthesised to produce answers to these questi…
A community response to loneliness
Published: 2021
Social connections are the fabric of our communities. They enable all those day-to-day interactions that provide us with a sense of belonging. And they create the conditions for us to do the things we enjoy and that matter to us most.
This handbook offers a unique insight into how community and resident groups can address loneliness.
You can…
Case Study: ARK at Egwood
Published: 2021
ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) at Egwood is a land-based day facility in South Somerset set up in 2019. It offers therapeutic activities, experiences and support services on 12 acres of land with animals, horticulture and communal buildings to improve people’s health and wellbeing. It has two paid staff and about 35 volunteers who regularly su…
Case Study: Hyde Park Source
Published: 2021
Hyde Park Source is a community organisation in Leeds set up in 1998. It runs a range of projects including a Design-and-Build service, Outdoor Education and Community Garden groups. It aims to improve health and wellbeing by working with local communities ‘to help them improve their surroundings, designing and creating attractive, exciting a…
Case Study: Seadream Education CIC
Published: 2021
Seadream Education CIC is a not-for-profit organisation based in Devon, delivering science and engineering activities to instil an interest and understanding about the natural world with a particular focus on the marine environment. Its activities include creating and teaching national curriculum-related science resource kits in schools, traini…
Case Study: Star and Shadow Cinema
Published: 2021
Star and Shadow Cinema is a community hub in Newcastle upon Tyne set up in 2006. It has multiple facilities including a cinema, music venue, café, bar, meeting rooms, dark room and a community garden. It offers a unique space for grassroots community organisations, independent artists and members of the public to promote cultural ideas through…
Case Study: Target Football
Published: 2021
Target Football is based in Toxteth, Liverpool, and runs sporting programmes and grassroots football across the city. It was set up in 2010 and currently has seven employed staff and about 15 volunteers. Volunteers are integral to Target Football’s continued success, ensuring football coaching and matches take place and pitches and grounds ar…
Case Study: Windmill Hill City Farm
Published: 2021
Windmill Hill City Farm was set up in the 1970s and is an important community hub in south Bristol. In addition to a community farm, it has a café, day care nursery and outdoor play areas, and an education department to welcome school visits.
Financial analysis of the Liverpool City Region community business market
Published: 2021
This study follows on from research conducted on community businesses in the Liverpool City Region in March 2019. The original work aimed to build a detailed evidence base to demonstrate the size and scope of the community business market in the region, and to provide insight into how growth and financial sustainability can be achieved.
T…
Green Synergy
Published: 2021
Green Synergy uses community gardening and horticultural therapy to build skills for life and work, improve mental and physical health and educate people about the environment, food and farming. The organisation works in disadvantaged communities and with vulnerable people, including those living with mental health conditions, learning dif…
Halifax Opportunities Trust
Published: 2021
The aims of Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) span from relieving poverty and unemployment to promoting community safety and improving health and wellbeing. They are practically addressed by services which help people to find new or better jobs, learn new skills, start or grow businesses and help raise their families.