Connecting communities

The Peel Institute

In an age of social isolation and gentrification, how can we create neighbourhoods where people feel they belong and where people are connected to each other?

Community Centred is our answer to that question.

At its heart, Community Centred is a community development model. It connects disparate groups by listening to and working with local people. It brings people together to tackle the issues they face. It involves residents, the workforce, businesses, organisations, and institutions.

When these players connect, communities start to thrive. Don’t just take our word for it – read the full report to see what we achieved together!

We tailor this model to meet the need in each context, and it can work for organisations of all sizes.

Instead of delivering programming to the community, we asked people what they thought Clerkenwell needed to be more unified, celebrated, and equal.
Sara Bloch, Programme Manager at Connecting Clerkenwell

Traditionally, community centres have used a model whereby they offer a programme of activities, events, support services, and volunteering opportunities to the local area. The centre decides what they want to deliver to the community, they source funding for it, and then offers opportunities to people in the local area to get involved… 

…we reimagined the role of community centres in bringing people together. Instead of delivering programming to the community, we asked people what they thought Clerkenwell needed to be more unified, celebrated, and equal.

We found that many people in the community had brilliant ideas on how to improve their neighbourhood and bring people together.

Sara Bloch, Programme Manager at Connecting Clerkenwell

Want to explore new approaches to community development?

Free resources

Movement Building Canvas

The Movement Building Canvas is a practical framework and printable worksheet to help you or your organisation design and build a social movement.

Network Building Canvas

Discover how to create and manage successful peer networks and Communities of Practice using our handy canvas, perfect for both individuals and groups.

See more resources