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.

@evefrancisholt.bsky.social & Tabz O’Brien shared insights from GM's place-based approach to prevention.

A core part of the Live Well movement is a network of welcoming centres offering integrated financial, employment, well-being, health & social support – and a chance to build social connection.

In a panel on building community cohesion, it was great to hear that unlocking physical spaces is a core part of both Calderdale & Lichfield’s approach.

💬 “The power we have as local authorities is to facilitate that kind of magic to happen, this is where our power as place shapers can bear out.”

In 3ni’s session on building social capital, we heard about the Portland Inn Project – a community-embedded arts organisation in Stoke-on-Trent working alongside local people to develop pioneering community spaces – from a disused pub to a repurposed shipping container.

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’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...