iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Matt Leach

Summer Simpson @summersimpson.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Delighted by @mattleach.bsky.social’s response to Where People Meet - our new report on the future of community centres. "The report offers a vision for the future that’s refreshingly grounded. Not utopian. Not flashy. But deeply real." www.raynefoundation.org.uk/where-people...

raynefoundation.org.uk

Where People Meet: Neighbourhoods need places to belong - Rayne Foundation

What the Foundation has learned about the challenges and opportunities facing adult social care, and our future plans for proactive funding into the sector.

011

Reposted by Matt Leach

The Young Foundation @theyoungfdn.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

@mattleach.bsky.social reflects on the findings of Community, not catastrophe, a report that calls for networks of trust, mutual aid, volunteering, community support, and civil society to urgently be recognised as ‘critical national infrastructure’ in UK crisis preparedness planning 👇

122

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 03/04/2025

In our latest blog, Local Trust’s CEO, @mattleach.bsky.social , outlines how, in an era of crisis and uncertainty, #BigLocal areas have been demonstrating community resilience and effective community first response. Read the blog: buff.ly/wxTSDoH [🧵2/3]

localtrust.org.uk

Building resilience: The power of community first response

Matt Leach outlines how local social capital can be vital during disasters, and how Big Local areas have demonstrated community resilience.

111

Reposted by Matt Leach

The Young Foundation @theyoungfdn.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Huge thanks to @localtrust.org.uk, VCS Emergencies Partnership, Robyn Knox, @mattleach.bsky.social, Margaret Bolton, Groundwork, National Emergencies Trust, and many others. 3/3

021

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 01/04/2025

"The statue of Wallace Sargent, the orchard... [are] symbols of what communities can do when they really get down to achieving brilliant stuff together." 📍 In the #CommunityPowerPodcast's final episode, our CEO @mattleach.bsky.social reflects on Winterton #BigLocal’s journey: buff.ly/Y9fAQFy [1/3]

111

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 21/03/2025

And if you haven’t already, listen to the final episode of series three with our CEO @mattleach.bsky.social as he shares his insights into the evolution of these Big Local areas and what sets their journeys apart: buff.ly/Y9fAQFy [2/2]

buff.ly

The community power podcast: Series three

Exploring what happens when you give local people the money, power and the resources to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

011

Reposted by Matt Leach

Bright Blue @brightblueuk.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

📢Join us for a public panel event this week with @AnthropyUK ⏰28th March, 11:00-12:00 @ Emma Fletcher, @mattleach.bsky.social, @Ben beadle, @Jayne kirkham, @Charlie Luxton, @ Joe Harrison 🏠RSVP Here:👇 anthropy.uk

021

Reposted by Matt Leach

Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Not a huge amount on transport & street design in @iconeighbours.bsky.social’s interim report but struck by this finding on potholes as a key priority for people in both high & low need neighbourhoods. Report: www.neighbourhoodscommission.org.uk/report/inter...

Figure 4 – Ranking of the biggest challenges in their neighbourhood by hyper-local need area

Shows potholes are the priority issue in both high & low need neighbourhoods

331

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Great to be at the launch of the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods - putting place and social capital at the centre of the government’s mission agenda www.neighbourhoodscommission.org.uk/report/inter...

panel of speakers at ICON launch event, from left Alex Norris MP, Baroness Armstrong, Jon Rouse, Angie Wright

130

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

We need to strengthen social capital and networks to support people to live healthier lives - the latest in our #socialcapital series with @demos-uk.bsky.social highlights it’s critical importance to an prevention-focused policy agenda demos.co.uk/research/soc...

demos.co.uk

Social Capital 2025: Reinforcing the bedrock of the nation’s health

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

030

Reposted by Matt Leach

Demos @demos-uk.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

We're pleased to also publish a separate briefing paper which explains the definition of social capital we refer to throughout this series, 'What is Social Capital'. ⬇️ demos.co.uk/research/soc...

demos.co.uk

Social Capital 2025: What is Social Capital?

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

031

Reposted by Matt Leach

Demos @demos-uk.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

✨ New research! ✨ "The evidence points in one direction: that strengthening positive forms of #socialcapital and networks will help bolster communities, families and result in safer homes for children."

133

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Good report out from NAVCA highlighting the importance of grassroots and unincorporated groups to community life. Far too easily forgotten, but arguably the most important part of what makes up “civil society” www.thirdsector.co.uk/number-under...

thirdsector.co.uk

Number of ‘under the radar’ voluntary and community groups in England revealed

New research finds there are almost half a million voluntary sector organisations in the country, including up to 335,000 unregistered groups

032

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

You can find out more about 3Ni, the new @localtrust.bsky.social spin-out, and its mission to support local government and other public agencies put social capital and neighbourhood working at the heart of their work by contacting them via the info form at localtrust.org.uk/policy/natio...

localtrust.org.uk

Join the national network for neighbourhood improvement

010

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

An appreciation of the importance of social capital is also at the heart of the work of the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods who are likely to report this spring on the need for policies to deliver change at a neighbourhood level. www.neighbourhoodscommission.org.uk

neighbourhoodscommission.org.uk

Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods

Launched in September 2024, the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods will review the current state of neighbourhoods across England.

110

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

I recently blogged about the extent to which you can see the impact of social capital in action on the ground in places like Newington in Kent localtrust.org.uk/news-and-sto... and how that can inspire wider changes in how we think about policy and practice at a neighbourhood level

localtrust.org.uk

A neighbourhood building social capital

Local Trust’s CEO Matt Leach reflects on the multifaceted role of building social capital in improving lives in our most deprived neighbourhoods.

100

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

The importance of social capital to society was highlighted last month in David Halpern and Andy Haldane's report on the importance of bringing a focus on social capital back to the heart of policy demos.co.uk/research/soc...

demos.co.uk

Social Capital 2025: The hidden wealth of nations

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

100

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

The report is timely, given the spiralling pressures on public service budgets. And builds on @localtrust.bsky.social 's work with Demos over the last couple of years - initially through their compelling report on the need to build a #preventativestate. demos.co.uk/research/the...

demos.co.uk

The Preventative State: Rebuilding our local, social and civic foundations

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

100

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Social capital can act as a protective shield for children, families and communities. We need to focus on strengthening social capital and networks to support families to stay safely together. demos.co.uk/research/soc...

demos.co.uk

Social Capital 2025: A protective shield for children, families and communities

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

121

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

You can find out more about 3Ni, and its new mission to support local government and other public agencies put social capital and neighbourhood working at the heart of their work here localtrust.org.uk/policy/natio...

localtrust.org.uk

Join the national network for neighbourhood improvement

010

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

And I've blogged here about the extent to which you can see the impact of social capital in action on the ground in places like Newington in Kent localtrust.org.uk/news-and-sto...

localtrust.org.uk

A neighbourhood building social capital

Local Trust’s CEO Matt Leach reflects on the multifaceted role of building social capital in improving lives in our most deprived neighbourhoods.

110

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

At a time when Britain faces significant economic and fiscal pressures, the reports will focus on the vital role of social capital in enabling economic growth, and the ways in which it can reduce pressure on public services and effectively address our most pressing socio-economic challenges.

110

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Hugely excited that @localtrust.bsky.social and its new spin-out 3Ni is collaborating with demos.co.uk on a series of important new reports on #socialcapital. The first, by Andy Haldane and David Halpern, makes the case for putting social capital at the heart of policy demos.co.uk/research/soc...

demos.co.uk

Social Capital 2025: The hidden wealth of nations

Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.

131

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Great to see some well deserved #BigLocal #NewYearHon award winners tonight. Massive congratulations to Sonia Clyne from Par Bay BL, James Masters from Grange BL, Fiona Thompson from Keighley Valley BL and Tracy Lowe from Grace Mary to Lion Farm BL. All fantastic community leaders and change-makers!

030

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Good to speak at new report launch today from National Academy for Social Prescribing making case for investing in community through a new fund. Helping prevent cost falling on the NHS whilst building thriving communities and sustaining better lives. socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/resources/ne...

Matt Leach speaking at NASP report launch

021

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

Brilliant to hear Sam Jones from @tnlcomfund.bsky.social announce to the @commwealthfund.bsky.social end of year campaign reception that the new Community Wealth Fund will benefit from additional lottery funds, doubling the size of the programme when it launches (hopefully early next year)

052

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

A month to go in our Community Futures essay competition for early career researchers and policy professionals, PhD and graduate students and independent community practitioners. localtrust.org.uk/enter-local-...

021

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

Great stuff from Andy Haldane in the @financialtimes.com. Whether at a neighbourhood level or the nation state, we need to rediscover the importance of #socialcapital www.ft.com/content/97c1...

extract from Andy Haldane article on social capital for the Financial Times

174

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 22/11/2024

Ahead of our seminar next week exploring effective #community leadership, we’re revisiting our research on the long-term impact of the Community Leadership Academy – set up in 2020 to help #BigLocal participants effecting change in their areas: bit.ly/3YOqDeQ

bit.ly

Understanding the long-term impact of the Community Leadership Academy

These three reports look at the experience and implementation of the Community Leadership Academy, a scheme set up in 2020 to help Big Local participants to effect change in their communities.

023

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 21/11/2024

Open for submissions until 10 January 2025! Explore the future of #communities in our essay competition for a chance to win £5,000 and to have your essay published. Find out how to enter at bit.ly/4gtVwNr

bit.ly

Enter Local Trust's Community Futures essay competition

Enter our Community Futures essay competition for a chance to win £5,000 and have your essay published.

032

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

Was an era of great DPM photo shoots. Beside the Thames with “Peter the Crab” came not much later.

010

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

The penalties bit wasn’t planned. Just the team photo. But once it was finished Prescott ran to the goal at one end of the pitch and demanded his team take shots at him. Which they did. Again and again for nearly half an hour. He wasn’t bad in goal.

110

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

The best photo-op I ever set up. John Prescott at Wembley. With his ministerial team taking penalties against him. Something to do with the London referendum. Ended up being the caption round for a whole season of #HIGNFY RIP DPM

140

Reposted by Matt Leach

Chris Allen @chris-wcr.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

I have the privilege of presenting the Community Power Podcast on behalf of the Local Trust. Here’s the latest series. localtrust.org.uk/news-and-sto...

localtrust.org.uk

The community power podcast: Series three

Exploring what happens when you give local people the money, power and the resources to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

032

Reposted by Matt Leach

Local Trust @localtrust.org.uk · 18/11/2024

Our research seminar last month explored the topic of putting communities in charge at the #neighbourhood level. Local Trust’s research manager, Lucy Terry, shares her three key takeaways: bit.ly/3NUNY9I

bit.ly

Three key takeaways from our seminar on community-led neighbourhood governance

Local Trust’s research manager, Lucy Terry, reflects on the key learnings shared by the panel at our latest research...

021

Reposted by Matt Leach

New Local @wearenewlocal.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

We're excited to announce that @jesstud.bsky.social has been appointed as our new chief executive! 🎉 Jess is a leading voice on local gov, public services & devolution. She's played a huge role at New Local as deputy chief exec & interim CEO. www.newlocal.org.uk/press-releas... Congrats Jess!🍾

2475

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Massive congrats to @localtrust.bsky.social trustee @jesstud.bsky.social on being confirmed in post as the new @wearenewlocal.bsky.social CEO. Brilliant that Jess willl be continuing to lead the way on reinventing local government, empowering communities and rethinking public services.

040

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

ICYMI mid-migration to here - interesting #UKAUS collaboration on social connection and its importance to public policy, facilitated by @mds49.bsky.social @uclpolicylab.bsky.social - great to have been able to feed into it ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/ha...

ses.library.usyd.edu.au

051

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Fantastic to see Local Trust now live on BlueSky @localtrust.bsky.social

040

Matt Leach @mattleach.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Opening BlueSky this morning, suddenly everyone seems to be here. Better get on with setting up our LocalTrust account this week, before someone else nabs the name…

130