Summer Simpson
@summersimpson.bsky.social
Research and engagement @wearenewlocal.bsky.social
New paper from @ippr.org explores what the loss of pubs, parks, youth clubs and other third spaces means for social connection and solidarity, and how it can give rise to the radical right.
Read in full here: www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
Read in full here: www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
Places to come together: Rebuilding local solidarities against the far right | IPPR
In late July 2024, the seaside town of Southport in Merseyside burst into the national consciousness when it suffered two different, violent events in succ
www.ippr.org
July 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
New paper from @ippr.org explores what the loss of pubs, parks, youth clubs and other third spaces means for social connection and solidarity, and how it can give rise to the radical right.
Read in full here: www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
Read in full here: www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
"The 10 Year Health Plan will set out how the government plans to rebuild the NHS and tackle widening inequalities in people’s health through fundamental reforms to our health system"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Landmark plan to rebuild NHS in working class communities
The 10 Year Health Plan will set out how the government plans to tackle inequalities in people’s health through fundamental reforms to our health system
www.gov.uk
June 25, 2025 at 1:31 PM
"The 10 Year Health Plan will set out how the government plans to rebuild the NHS and tackle widening inequalities in people’s health through fundamental reforms to our health system"
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Eastside Community Trust responds to Where People Meet - our latest report on the future of community centres.
They make the case brilliantly for investing in these vital spaces that "anchor communities, foster connection and improve wellbeing".
eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/local-issues...
They make the case brilliantly for investing in these vital spaces that "anchor communities, foster connection and improve wellbeing".
eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/local-issues...
Community Centres are Not a Luxury - EASTSIDE COMMUNITY TRUST
We urge policymakers, funders and partners to recognise and champion community centres.
eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk
June 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Eastside Community Trust responds to Where People Meet - our latest report on the future of community centres.
They make the case brilliantly for investing in these vital spaces that "anchor communities, foster connection and improve wellbeing".
eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/local-issues...
They make the case brilliantly for investing in these vital spaces that "anchor communities, foster connection and improve wellbeing".
eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk/local-issues...
What does it mean to sustain change?
I had a great time at the Place-based Systems Change Community of Practice meeting hosted by Renaisi.
We talked about the risks of not sustaining change for places & communities – from broken trust and relationship breakdown to reverting to the status quo.
I had a great time at the Place-based Systems Change Community of Practice meeting hosted by Renaisi.
We talked about the risks of not sustaining change for places & communities – from broken trust and relationship breakdown to reverting to the status quo.
June 25, 2025 at 8:46 AM
What does it mean to sustain change?
I had a great time at the Place-based Systems Change Community of Practice meeting hosted by Renaisi.
We talked about the risks of not sustaining change for places & communities – from broken trust and relationship breakdown to reverting to the status quo.
I had a great time at the Place-based Systems Change Community of Practice meeting hosted by Renaisi.
We talked about the risks of not sustaining change for places & communities – from broken trust and relationship breakdown to reverting to the status quo.
Yesterday was my third time at #StrongerThings, but my first time on stage.
It was great to be involved in a workshop on the future of community centres, talking through the findings of our latest research (more here 🔗 www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...).
It was great to be involved in a workshop on the future of community centres, talking through the findings of our latest research (more here 🔗 www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...).
June 4, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Yesterday was my third time at #StrongerThings, but my first time on stage.
It was great to be involved in a workshop on the future of community centres, talking through the findings of our latest research (more here 🔗 www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...).
It was great to be involved in a workshop on the future of community centres, talking through the findings of our latest research (more here 🔗 www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...).
Reposted by Summer Simpson
ICYMI this is an excellent report👇
There's few more important building in neighbourhoods than the community centre.
"Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, as places where people can meet, mix and connect; where care, fun and friendships bloom and problems are shared."
There's few more important building in neighbourhoods than the community centre.
"Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, as places where people can meet, mix and connect; where care, fun and friendships bloom and problems are shared."
🆕 Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
In a report out today, we make the case for meaningful investment in community centres at the national and local level to dismantle the challenges standing in their way.
buff.ly/OFY7FBE
🧵
June 2, 2025 at 8:39 AM
ICYMI this is an excellent report👇
There's few more important building in neighbourhoods than the community centre.
"Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, as places where people can meet, mix and connect; where care, fun and friendships bloom and problems are shared."
There's few more important building in neighbourhoods than the community centre.
"Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, as places where people can meet, mix and connect; where care, fun and friendships bloom and problems are shared."
Reposted by Summer Simpson
“There is one policy option open to the Government which would lay the groundwork for a deep shift in how public investment secures better outcomes”.
@jydenham.bsky.social & @jesstud.bsky.social set out 5 reasons the Government should launch Total Place 2.0.
@jydenham.bsky.social & @jesstud.bsky.social set out 5 reasons the Government should launch Total Place 2.0.
Five reasons the Government should launch Total Place 2.0 - New Local
John Denham and Jessica Studdert make the case for Total Place 2.0 - to shift public investment for better outcomes.
buff.ly
May 29, 2025 at 9:45 AM
“There is one policy option open to the Government which would lay the groundwork for a deep shift in how public investment secures better outcomes”.
@jydenham.bsky.social & @jesstud.bsky.social set out 5 reasons the Government should launch Total Place 2.0.
@jydenham.bsky.social & @jesstud.bsky.social set out 5 reasons the Government should launch Total Place 2.0.
New report reveals stark regional inequalities in high street decline - calls on govt to work with communities to restore local amenities & rebuild pride.
Particularly welcome proposals to incentivise third spaces where people can gather as part of transition to more resilient forms of high street.
Particularly welcome proposals to incentivise third spaces where people can gather as part of transition to more resilient forms of high street.
THREAD:
The Government needs to take urgent steps to reverse the deterioration of England’s High Streets - particularly in the North, deprived & coastal areas, according to our new research with @newcastleuni.bsky.social and @manchester.ac.uk 1/11
www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/report-calls...
The Government needs to take urgent steps to reverse the deterioration of England’s High Streets - particularly in the North, deprived & coastal areas, according to our new research with @newcastleuni.bsky.social and @manchester.ac.uk 1/11
www.healthequitynorth.co.uk/report-calls...
Report calls for decisive action to reverse the decline of England’s High Street “Ghost Towns” - Health Equity North
Read the report here The Government needs to take urgent steps to reverse the deterioration of England’s High Streets – particularly in the North, and in more deprived and coastal areas. A new report ...
www.healthequitynorth.co.uk
May 23, 2025 at 12:15 PM
New report reveals stark regional inequalities in high street decline - calls on govt to work with communities to restore local amenities & rebuild pride.
Particularly welcome proposals to incentivise third spaces where people can gather as part of transition to more resilient forms of high street.
Particularly welcome proposals to incentivise third spaces where people can gather as part of transition to more resilient forms of high street.
Really important piece mapping health outcomes against voting patterns.
In some regions, people can only expect to live in good health until their early fifties. It is in these same places where people have the lowest trust in government.
www.ft.com/content/4594...
In some regions, people can only expect to live in good health until their early fifties. It is in these same places where people have the lowest trust in government.
www.ft.com/content/4594...
How health inequality in the UK maps on to political upheaval
Tackling deprivation and illness in neglected places could be the prescription for beating Nigel Farage
www.ft.com
May 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Really important piece mapping health outcomes against voting patterns.
In some regions, people can only expect to live in good health until their early fifties. It is in these same places where people have the lowest trust in government.
www.ft.com/content/4594...
In some regions, people can only expect to live in good health until their early fifties. It is in these same places where people have the lowest trust in government.
www.ft.com/content/4594...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
"Spaces like community centres are not a ‘luxury’, but a must have if we want to see communities across the country thrive".
Samuel Kirkby runs the Sutton Centre - a vibrant community centre in Bradford.
He reflects on the importance of physical assets for communities.
Samuel Kirkby runs the Sutton Centre - a vibrant community centre in Bradford.
He reflects on the importance of physical assets for communities.
Where People Meet: Creating community ownership - Rayne Foundation
What the Foundation has learned about the challenges and opportunities facing adult social care, and our future plans for proactive funding into the sector.
buff.ly
May 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM
"Spaces like community centres are not a ‘luxury’, but a must have if we want to see communities across the country thrive".
Samuel Kirkby runs the Sutton Centre - a vibrant community centre in Bradford.
He reflects on the importance of physical assets for communities.
Samuel Kirkby runs the Sutton Centre - a vibrant community centre in Bradford.
He reflects on the importance of physical assets for communities.
Delighted by @mattleach.bsky.social’s response to Where People Meet - our new report on the future of community centres.
"The report offers a vision for the future that’s refreshingly grounded. Not utopian. Not flashy. But deeply real."
www.raynefoundation.org.uk/where-people...
"The report offers a vision for the future that’s refreshingly grounded. Not utopian. Not flashy. But deeply real."
www.raynefoundation.org.uk/where-people...
Where People Meet: Neighbourhoods need places to belong - Rayne Foundation
What the Foundation has learned about the challenges and opportunities facing adult social care, and our future plans for proactive funding into the sector.
www.raynefoundation.org.uk
May 13, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Delighted by @mattleach.bsky.social’s response to Where People Meet - our new report on the future of community centres.
"The report offers a vision for the future that’s refreshingly grounded. Not utopian. Not flashy. But deeply real."
www.raynefoundation.org.uk/where-people...
"The report offers a vision for the future that’s refreshingly grounded. Not utopian. Not flashy. But deeply real."
www.raynefoundation.org.uk/where-people...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
Some thoughts sparked by a great event in Leeds yesterday on neighbourhood health and the UK government's Test, Learn and Grow intiative. How do we make neighbourhoods engines of change?
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
Neighbourhoods as engines of change
On the need for bridges from the edges to the centre
medium.com
May 9, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Some thoughts sparked by a great event in Leeds yesterday on neighbourhood health and the UK government's Test, Learn and Grow intiative. How do we make neighbourhoods engines of change?
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
Jason Stockwood has written a thoughtful piece in the NS reflecting on losing the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral race. This bit in particular I agree with.
May 10, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Jason Stockwood has written a thoughtful piece in the NS reflecting on losing the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral race. This bit in particular I agree with.
Reposted by Summer Simpson
🧵 Our democracy is in poor health.
Trust in political parties and government has hit a new low.
But we think there's a different way forward 👇
Trust in political parties and government has hit a new low.
But we think there's a different way forward 👇
May 9, 2025 at 8:02 AM
🧵 Our democracy is in poor health.
Trust in political parties and government has hit a new low.
But we think there's a different way forward 👇
Trust in political parties and government has hit a new low.
But we think there's a different way forward 👇
Reposted by Summer Simpson
"community centres need to be recognised as a core part of the essential infrastructure of a place" - @summersimpson.bsky.social shares insights from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social report. With recommendations for local gov, policymakers & funders.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
“This is the place”: The case for investing in community centres - New Local
Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, but we are losing these spaces at pace and at scale.
www.newlocal.org.uk
May 8, 2025 at 1:05 PM
"community centres need to be recognised as a core part of the essential infrastructure of a place" - @summersimpson.bsky.social shares insights from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social report. With recommendations for local gov, policymakers & funders.
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/the...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
"When a community centre is thriving, it is both a place where people can meet their basic needs and somewhere that adds colour to people’s lives".
@summersimpson.bsky.social introduces our new report and its key ideas.
@summersimpson.bsky.social introduces our new report and its key ideas.
“This is the place”: The case for investing in community centres - New Local
Community centres have long stood as pillars of local life, but we are losing these spaces at pace and at scale.
buff.ly
May 8, 2025 at 7:10 AM
"When a community centre is thriving, it is both a place where people can meet their basic needs and somewhere that adds colour to people’s lives".
@summersimpson.bsky.social introduces our new report and its key ideas.
@summersimpson.bsky.social introduces our new report and its key ideas.
It’s a very big day for me – @wearenewlocal.bsky.social launches Where People Meet: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
May 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
It’s a very big day for me – @wearenewlocal.bsky.social launches Where People Meet: Where People Meet: How We Celebrate, Sustain and Reimagine Community Centres.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
The aid cut is so depressing. I know it's politically popular but it's going to cause an enormous amount of harm.
It's deeply frustrating that we've never found a way of explaining why it matters to UK voters even though it really does.
It's deeply frustrating that we've never found a way of explaining why it matters to UK voters even though it really does.
February 25, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The aid cut is so depressing. I know it's politically popular but it's going to cause an enormous amount of harm.
It's deeply frustrating that we've never found a way of explaining why it matters to UK voters even though it really does.
It's deeply frustrating that we've never found a way of explaining why it matters to UK voters even though it really does.
Reposted by Summer Simpson
January 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Reposted by Summer Simpson
With the Devolution White Paper expected imminently and Starmer's 'plan for the change' this week, now is the time for government to show it's serious about empowering communities.
Interesting read by Peter Hyman on the need for urgent, decentralising reform to achieve Labour’s missions…https://www.newstatesman.com/the-weekend-essay/2024/11/keir-starmer-must-remember-his-mission
Keir Starmer must remember his mission
During the election, Labour promised to empower Britain. Now is the time to make that happen.
www.newstatesman.com
December 3, 2024 at 9:52 AM
With the Devolution White Paper expected imminently and Starmer's 'plan for the change' this week, now is the time for government to show it's serious about empowering communities.
Reposted by Summer Simpson
REPORT 📑 | We know that a torn social fabric lay behind the disorder this summer. Our new paper explores community cohesion, empowerment and growth in response to the riots across the UK.
Quick read here or see thread 👇 www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
[1/7]
Quick read here or see thread 👇 www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
[1/7]
November 26, 2024 at 4:37 PM
REPORT 📑 | We know that a torn social fabric lay behind the disorder this summer. Our new paper explores community cohesion, empowerment and growth in response to the riots across the UK.
Quick read here or see thread 👇 www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
[1/7]
Quick read here or see thread 👇 www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
[1/7]
Reposted by Summer Simpson
In the run-up to the election, Labour talked of producing a national cultural infrastructure map.
In this blog for Culture Commons, we set out some thoughts on the practicalities of mapping out cultural infrastructure.
www.culturecommons.uk/post/cultura...
In this blog for Culture Commons, we set out some thoughts on the practicalities of mapping out cultural infrastructure.
www.culturecommons.uk/post/cultura...
Cultural infrastructure and why it matters
Owen Garling and Professor Michael Kenny from the Bennett Institute share insights from their ongoing work on 'cultural infrastructure'.
www.culturecommons.uk
November 20, 2024 at 6:27 PM
In the run-up to the election, Labour talked of producing a national cultural infrastructure map.
In this blog for Culture Commons, we set out some thoughts on the practicalities of mapping out cultural infrastructure.
www.culturecommons.uk/post/cultura...
In this blog for Culture Commons, we set out some thoughts on the practicalities of mapping out cultural infrastructure.
www.culturecommons.uk/post/cultura...
Reposted by Summer Simpson
The starter pack you have been waiting for: the local government policy and practice crew 🥳
This list of folk engaged in local innovation, ideas & commentary includes people in non-political roles both in and broadly “adjacent” to the sector…
go.bsky.app/VBM66q7
This list of folk engaged in local innovation, ideas & commentary includes people in non-political roles both in and broadly “adjacent” to the sector…
go.bsky.app/VBM66q7
November 14, 2024 at 6:52 PM
The starter pack you have been waiting for: the local government policy and practice crew 🥳
This list of folk engaged in local innovation, ideas & commentary includes people in non-political roles both in and broadly “adjacent” to the sector…
go.bsky.app/VBM66q7
This list of folk engaged in local innovation, ideas & commentary includes people in non-political roles both in and broadly “adjacent” to the sector…
go.bsky.app/VBM66q7
Reposted by Summer Simpson
I've created a "Communitarians" starter pack.
Might be of interest to followers of: @renewaljournal.bsky.social @morganj0nes.bsky.social @hopenothate.bsky.social @anthonypainter.bsky.social @mds49.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/H5rQDgh
Might be of interest to followers of: @renewaljournal.bsky.social @morganj0nes.bsky.social @hopenothate.bsky.social @anthonypainter.bsky.social @mds49.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/H5rQDgh
November 8, 2024 at 2:16 PM
I've created a "Communitarians" starter pack.
Might be of interest to followers of: @renewaljournal.bsky.social @morganj0nes.bsky.social @hopenothate.bsky.social @anthonypainter.bsky.social @mds49.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/H5rQDgh
Might be of interest to followers of: @renewaljournal.bsky.social @morganj0nes.bsky.social @hopenothate.bsky.social @anthonypainter.bsky.social @mds49.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social @jesstud.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/H5rQDgh
How can community power unlock our fraught planning system?
Really pleased to have worked on this new research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social arguing that the government's bold housebuilding targets are at risk unless the planning system gives communities more power to shape local development.
Really pleased to have worked on this new research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social arguing that the government's bold housebuilding targets are at risk unless the planning system gives communities more power to shape local development.
🆕 Constructing Consensus: The case for community-powered development and regeneration
In a report out today, we argue for a better system of development in England – one that fully involves and empowers communities in decision-making.
https://buff.ly/4f6Ks7q
🧵👇
In a report out today, we argue for a better system of development in England – one that fully involves and empowers communities in decision-making.
https://buff.ly/4f6Ks7q
🧵👇
Constructing Consensus: The case for community-powered development and regeneration
How can community power unlock our fraught planning system?
buff.ly
October 21, 2024 at 12:18 PM
How can community power unlock our fraught planning system?
Really pleased to have worked on this new research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social arguing that the government's bold housebuilding targets are at risk unless the planning system gives communities more power to shape local development.
Really pleased to have worked on this new research from @wearenewlocal.bsky.social arguing that the government's bold housebuilding targets are at risk unless the planning system gives communities more power to shape local development.