Power to Change

📢 Our Chief Exec Tim Davies-Pugh in Third Sector on how the new government can learn from the #BigSociety agenda to enhance community engagement. He emphasises the need for collaboration between government, charities, and local communities to address social issues. Read here 👇 👇 https://lnkd.in/e75yuYyx

NEW REPORT 📢 | Department Stories: How Communities are Reimagining a National Institution 🏬 Over the last decade, there's been an 85% decrease in traditional department stores on Britain's high streets. Our polling shows only 7% of shoppers plan to do most of their Christmas shopping in department stores, with almost half (44%) shopping online. Communities across the country are reimaging these spaces as vibrant cultural hubs, workspaces, and health centres 👇 • Department, Ryde: Former Packs department store now a vibrant arts hub thanks to Shademakers. 🎨 https://lnkd.in/eGXXdQAw • Haven Community Hub, Westcliff-on-Sea: Former Havens store now a one-stop hub for older people, offering dementia care, health services, and a community café. 🌟 https://lnkd.in/ejDPJksB • Sparks, Bristol: Old Marks & Spencer transformed into an interactive, sustainable department store. 🌱 https://lnkd.in/edih7HwE • Dewsbury Arcade: Victorian Grade II listed shopping arcade being revitalised to become England’s first community-run shopping centre. 🏘️ https://lnkd.in/eb2AQVJN Communities can transform vacant town centre spaces, but they need supportive policies for a mixed-use, experience-led high street. Policy Recommendations: 1️⃣ Civic High Streets Accelerator: Support for community-led regeneration. 2️⃣ Local Growth Funding: Collaborate with community businesses. 3️⃣ Fairer Business Rates: Lower rates for community businesses. 4️⃣ Expand Eligible Assets: Include buildings/land that benefit the community. 5️⃣ Improve Funding: Extend community ownership funding to £1 billion over ten years. 6️⃣ High Street Investment Vehicle: To facilitate community-led regeneration. 7️⃣ Community Asset Transfer: Prioritise community management of publicly owned assets. Read the full report 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/eimAKC5S

Do you have an exciting vision for your high street or town centre you're trying to make a reality? We're collaborating with a small number of community businesses to test and learn how community-led high street regeneration projects can be a model for communities everywhere. On offer: 💷£25,000 – £50,000 to help you implement your idea 🤝 Peer networking and learning 📢 Opportunities to engage in national policy and advocacy work Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ema73Dgj

Are you already on Blue Sky? 🎉 Follow us to stay updated with all our latest thinking, along with community sector news, events, and more! ✨ 🔵 Handle: powertochange.bsky.social https://lnkd.in/ey8mgRaG

The UK’s high streets are the beating hearts of our communities. But many are in decline. Nick Plumb recently gave evidence at the London Assembly's Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, which focuses on enhancing London's economy and supporting cultural and skills development. Nick sets out our vision for a community-powered, civic high street. A place where people can connect and form bonds, where we see more public services and civic spaces on the high street, making them places of experience rather than solely retail. Department stores are one way in which communities are taking back their high street. Join us on Wednesday for "Department Stories: How Communities Are Reimagining a National Institution," explores innovative ideas and where this has worked. 🏬✨ Sign up: https://lnkd.in/efDYgSW4 📅 11 Dec | 12.30pm

Since 2019, People Dem Collective has been connecting, supporting and elevating black, brown and diaspora voices in Margate. As part of the Margate Town Deal, they were identified as a key part of Margate’s cultural transformation. In 2022 we featured their story as part of our #MyCommunityBusiness campaign: https://lnkd.in/e58rhqZS But they are now facing imminent eviction from their meanwhile space. Learn more, including how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/evnAAQZ4

"Government should stop thinking of cohesion in isolation, and recognise it as the bedrock for empowerment and economic opportunity in places. That is why Power to Change are calling for a long-term, three-stage strategy that ties together cohesion, community empowerment, and community-led growth.” Josh Westerling spoke to The Guardian about our recent report on how government can fix the foundations of our communities and our torn social fabric. Also great to see mention of the wonderful work of Friends of Stretford Public Hall. A wonderful example of how community ownership is bringing people together. https://lnkd.in/eUc5PHsS

Over the last decade, up to 85% of department stores on our high streets have disappeared. But communities are creating new ways to fill these vacant spaces and bring people together. Join us 11 December as we launch our new report on community-led and run department stores. With: 🗣️ Report author Jessica Craig 🗣️ Retail expert Graham Soult 🗣️ Community business leader Kathryn Chiswell Jones from Artspace Lifespace Chairing by journalist Jonn Elledge. Book your spot 🎫 bit.ly/3OBMdP1

We back the calls for more community power in the NHS 10 Year Plan, along with our community sector partners Locality, Local Trust, and New Local. 📝🏥 The government’s proposed shifts for the NHS will only succeed if they embrace the power of community. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7rdayzd We want to see 'Health on the High Street' - bringing services closer to our communities by utilising local high streets. This initiative will help address health inequalities, increase service capacity, and promote healthier lifestyles. To find out more about Health on the High Street, you can read our 2020 joint report with the NHS Confederation calling for: 🧩 Integration of Health Services into local high streets to generate economic, social, and health benefits for communities. 🩺 Placing health services on high streets to address health inequalities by making services more accessible. 🏚️ Utilising Vacant Properties for health services, including vaccination programs, which can also help revitalise high streets. 🤝 Collaboration with local authorities, working with the NHS to understand the social and economic potential of health services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAhwcTej #NHS #CommunityHealth #HealthOnTheHighStreet

The North East Social Enterprise Day in Newcastle in November was a chance to connect with individuals and organisations working to make a difference in their community. We were pleased to sponsor this event as part of our work to develop the region’s community business sector in partnership with the North East Combined Authority. Thank you Junction Point CIC for hosting! Catch up here: https://lnkd.in/gKgiWrsJ