Seven adults stand and walk on green grass, smiling and laughing together. A stone building with ivy and large trees are in the background, suggesting a relaxed, outdoor gathering.

Stronger
organisations
and people

Our impact 2025/26

Building the skills, confidence and resilience
that help communities thrive from within.

Stronger foundations

Strong organisations and confident people create lasting community impact

We helped community organisations build stronger foundations through expert advice, governance support, training and funding guidance. Alongside specialist one-to-one support, we introduced new opportunities for social enterprises and community businesses to develop their long-term sustainability.

We also supported volunteers, community leaders and local groups through mentoring, peer support, community mobilisation and volunteering programmes. The aim was not simply to deliver activity, but to build the confidence and connections that enable people to lead change locally.

Practical advice and trusted relationships help organisations move forward.

At a glance

Support that strengthens both organisations and people

These figures show the combined reach of organisational development, training, leadership support and community mobilisation.

660

VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisations supported

Helping groups strengthen their foundations and respond to local needs.

1,906

Specialist support interventions

One-to-one advice across governance, funding and organisational development.

£2m

Funding secured for VCSE organisations

28% increase on last year

562

Training attendances across 55 sessions

Average satisfaction score of 8.1/10

Organisations in leadership mentoring

A 50% increase in participation.

Resident-led groups established

Alongside 16 Community Connectors supported in Rothwell.

What we did

Support for strong foundations, confident leadership and local action

The page brings organisational support, leadership, volunteering and community mobilisation together because these areas reinforce one another.

Governance and organisational support

Specialist advice helped organisations understand their responsibilities, improve their structures and plan for the future.

Governance and compliance
Policies and safeguarding
Organisational planning and resilience

Funding and sustainability

We helped groups identify suitable opportunities, strengthen applications and build more sustainable models.

Funding guidance
Social enterprise support
Community Business Network

Training, skills and leadership

Training and mentoring gave staff, trustees, volunteers and emerging leaders practical skills and greater confidence.

55 training sessions
Leadership mentoring
Peer learning and development

Volunteering and community mobilisation

We helped people develop local ideas, build connections and create more opportunities for residents to get involved.

Community Connectors
Resident-led groups
Volunteer networks and support

How change happens

From practical support to stronger community action

The value of infrastructure support grows as knowledge and confidence are put into practice.

Trusted support
1
Advice, training, mentoring and practical guidance.
Stronger foundations
2
Better governance, funding and organisational resilience.
Confident people
3
Leaders and volunteers with stronger skills and connections.
Local action
4
More sustainable services and resident-led activity.