Voice4Change England was honoured to join Locality Convention, the biggest community sector event of the year for people who believe in the power of community, on 12 and 13 November in Manchester.
During those 2 days, we had learned the best practices and new approaches community organisations are taking to survive, adapt and thrive, and how collectively, we can best influence more support for our sector, along with other inspiring leaders, policymakers, thinkers and doers, whose ambitious work transforms our communities.
Reflections from Shuqi, Marketing and Communications Officer at V4CE
Through Locality’s arrangement, I had the opportunity to experience my first skateboarding session at the Projekts MCR Skatepark. During this visit, I witnessed how skateboarding has revitalized an underutilized urban space, transforming it into a vibrant community hub that attracts over 25,000 visitors annually. As someone who firmly believes in the transformative power of physical activity, I was inspired by Projekts MCR's commitment to inclusivity, actively engaging the community and encouraging participation from women, individuals with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds.
Reflections from Jennifer, Environmental Strategy Intern at V4CE
This year’s Locality Convention was a memorable celebration what our sector stands for, and how it could not exist without the people and places that we care for. There was a resounding call from sector leaders to ensure an asset-based approach that recognised the strengths and potential of local communities. The need to restore trust in communities and depart from siloed public services that fail to provide preventative and sustained care could not be more relevant. With the introduction of the new English Devolution Bill this year, the promise to establish devolution in new areas more quickly and enhance local powers over economic growth, transport, employment, and strategic planning is a highly anticipated one.
‘Carbon Co-op is an energy services and advocacy co-operative that helps people and communities to make the radical reductions in home carbon emissions necessary to avoid runaway climate change.’
Climate work is community work. During a workshop on Green Business Models, we heard from Aneaka Kellay from Carbon Co-Op. Based in Manchester, Aneaka stressed the role of community hubs in providing energy advice to minoritised communities who often suffered in silence and reached crisis points when dealing with energy bills and enduring cold, damp, and mouldy housing conditions. Engaging effectively and meaningfully with these communities came through meeting them at their own venues, events, and times to break the barrier of how energy advice is shared.
‘Energy advice is often done by someone at the community hub out of the good of their heart when really, it should be properly funded’, Aneaka Kellay
Another climate highlight included a site visit to Hulme Community Garden Centre. Established 20 years ago, it is a charming 2-acre site that includes a woodland walk, wildlife pond, café, play areas, a strawbale built classroom with a green roof, and community garden. Before it was transformed into a public green space, it was a car park. The centre runs various workshops, activities, and volunteering sessions to engage people with nature in meaningful ways. As a green urban sanctuary, the centre is a reminder that nature can be a way of grounding ourselves and nurturing new and existing communities.
Reflections from Christabelle, Policy and Influence Officer at V4CE
The Locality Event in Manchester brought together people united by a powerful shared narrative: building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. It was a heartening reminder that communities are the backbone of our sector, offering belonging and support—especially critical as loneliness surges and society becomes more divided.
“Without this sector, community does not exist.”
The housing crisis in the UK is a national emergency, but it’s not just about building houses; it’s about creating neighbourhoods and vibrant places with heart and purpose. There is a public health case for social housing. Our homes are key to our health, and the bricks and mortar of our homes can provide a foundation for our health and wellbeing, whilst ensuring affordability.
“A big problem of policy is trickling it down to action.”
Community-led housing stands out because it’s driven by grassroots groups who transform vacant spaces and prioritise inclusive, thriving communities. These projects don’t just address housing shortages; they support vulnerable groups—such as Black and Ethnic Minoritised communities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals—creating safe, collaborative neighbourhoods.
With limited land and traditional methods falling short, it’s time to rethink our approach to housing to a more community centric model. We must also show gratitude to construction workers and architects—without their expertise and dedication, housing simply wouldn’t exist. Policy changes in the UK have turned homes from sources of good health and stability, both in body and mind to places that are causing a public health crisis. We need solutions that not only provide shelter but also uplift health, wellbeing, and connection.
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