Reports: Communities in Control
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From the Ground Up
Empowering communities through environmental action Taking a community centred approach to policy and practice will be vital to ‘levelling’ up, addressing health inequalities and supporting a just transition to a low carbon economy. Groundwork is expert in achieving community development through environmental projects and, through our forty years of experience, we have identified key ingredients…
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Regeneration and a green recovery
This report looks at the role town centres play in regenerating urban areas and helping communities towards a green recovery. It explores ways that town centres can contribute to our social and environmental wellbeing in the future through: connecting people with nature; community hubs; cultural spaces; sustainability centres; and high street communities. Published May 2021.…
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Out of Bounds
Natural spaces in our towns and cities have lots of benefits: for our mental and physical health, for communities and for the local economy. However, not everyone has equal access to these benefits. This report looks at the evidence on equity in access to urban nature and how we can address it. Published May 2021.…
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Community Groups in a Crisis
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted on every section of society. This research looks at the experiences of grassroots community groups during 2020, how they responded to support their communities, and how they can be empowered to continue playing a key role in their neighbourhoods through the next phase of the crisis and recovery. Published November 2021.…
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Growing Spaces
This report explores the social and environmental benefits created by community hubs, looking at three inspiring examples from across Groundwork: @theGrange in Blackpool, Grozone in Northwich and The Green Patch in Kettering. These hubs combine community food growing with a wide range of activities, helping local people improve their quality of life. Published September 2020.…
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The Groundwork Movement
Groundwork Trusts have been working in the country’s most excluded communities since 1981. This study, published in 2002, reviewed the activities of eight local trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to explore the nature of Groundwork’s contribution to neighbourhood renewal and identify lessons for current policy. The report: Reviews the policy context Describes the…
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Communities Taking Action
As we navigate uncertain times, harnessing the assets of passion, pride and knowledge that already exists in local areas – and investing in the people and groups that can drive change – will help ensure that no area is ‘left behind’ when it comes to having strong and resilient communities. Graham Duxbury, September 2019 This…
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Our Place, Our Planet
Communities know the places they live in, what they need and often have huge untapped assets of ingenuity, commitment, creativity and passion. They have a vital role to play in making local areas more physically and economically resilient to meet any challenges they face. Dave Facey, Communities Team Leader, Department for Communities and Local Government…
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Looking for Leaders
How do we invest in the sustainability of our communities in an age of austerity? How do we inspire and mobilise people to think as global citizens given such divisive political discourse? Where should we look for environmental leadership as government immerses itself in Brexit negotiations and councils struggle to meet the basic needs of…