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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 01/10/2026

In the meantime, join the LinkedIn group to share inspiration, ideas, or challenges: www.linkedin.com/groups/42479...

Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 01/10/2026

You can still join us in #Sunderland with Back on the Map on 22 October, in #Hastings with Hastings Commons on 10 November, or in Westminster on 4 November: www.powertochange.org.uk/events/

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 01/10/2026

Great day in Bristol yesterday for the Civic High Street Collective study visit to Sparks! The 1st of 3 to community businesses refusing the inevitability of shuttered shops & decline. Instead, giving local people a say & turning vacant spaces into arts & culture/public service/community/housing.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 29/09/2026

The Civic High Street Collective has a new look 🎉 Join our LinkedIn community to share inspiration, learn from others and discover examples from mixed-use civic high streets across the country 👉 www.linkedin.com/groups/42479014/

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 28/09/2026

3/4 📍 Sunderland | 22 Oct Hosted by Back on the Map in Hendon, Sunderland. Learn from local leaders and discover practical approaches to community-led regeneration and thriving town centres.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 17/09/2026

How we talk about our high streets is changing. There's growing recognition that retail alone cannot save our town centres, but that civic-led high streets can foster the connection and community we need. More in September's newsletter, including ways to get involved. 👉️ bit.ly/4rhIPuV

People walking on a high street. Text: September's community business news, opportunities, and more.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 09/09/2026

How can communities breathe new life into the spaces and heritage of our high streets? Join us at #FLIPIM for our High Street Innovators panel, exploring how communities are bringing empty and overlooked spaces back into use through creativity and local action. 🎟️ Register: bit.ly/4yhjHqx

Poster for “High Street Innovators” panel at Wish Upon a Party, featuring Kate McKenzie, Kathryn Chiswell Jones, Louise Cross and Chris Hill.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 08/09/2026

See the civic high street in action! We're running study visits to #Bristol, #Sunderland and #Hastings with the RSA as part of the Civic High Streets Collective. Learn from community-powered regeneration projects on the ground. Bristol EOIs close 14 Sept: buff.ly/Qfv5AHC

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 04/09/2026

Our Autumn events explore how communities can shape and regerate our places: 📍 Party Conferences 2026: We'll be at #Labour #LibDem #Green 📍 Civic High Street Collective study visits to #Bristol #Sunderland #Hastings 📍 Civic High Street Collective Reception in Westminster Explore: bit.ly/46LRLiJ

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 20/08/2026

NEWSLETTER 🗞️ | Last week, Andy Burnham announced plans to help councils & communities reject unwanted shops in town centres. We welcome this, but there's more work needed to create thriving, resilient high streets. Our latest newsletter has ideas on getting this right 👇 sbrew.link/dPogkaRl

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 10/08/2026

A mixed-use civic #highstreet, centred on community life, can help deliver visible, tangible renewal. But action is needed to scale this model and make it the norm. The Civic High Street Collective brings together practitioners and decision-makers to realise this vision of high streets.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 06/08/2026

From learning alongside Community-led High Street Innovators Dewsbury Arcade, Make CIC and Southmead Development Trust, we reflect on how fixing the finance gap can help unlock community-led regeneration across the country. 👉 buff.ly/Quaz7Tc

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 23/07/2026

Read @jesscraig.bsky.social for @labourlist.bsky.social, setting out why a Minister for High Streets would give #highstreets - as the most visible barometer of local prosperity or decline - the political salience they deserve. Read here: labourlist.org/2026/07/a-minister-f…

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 22/07/2026

NEWSLETTER🗞️| We've got a new Prime Minister - but what will it take to deliver good growth in every postcode? We've captured the initiatives that must be at the heart of national renewal. Explore our July edition 👇 bit.ly/4yx1YfJ

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 22/07/2026

Devolution can move power closer to places. But is it moving it closer to people? Andy Burnham's first few days have put place-first politics centre stage. But it will only work if we shift power from beyond Whitehall & city halls, all the way down to communities: buff.ly/UiBezRU

Graphic for a Power to Change blog: “The missing pieces of Burnham’s place-first politics,” over a photo of a man presenting in a meeting room.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 20/07/2026

⤴️ Community ownership is moving up the national agenda – but new powers alone won't be enough. Catch up on our latest insight on how the #CommunityRightToBuy Fund should work in practice. Read the blog from Linda Hien 👇 buff.ly/i6AaOXv

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

That’s why our new project, The Civic High Street Collective, supported by This Day, is bringing together practitioners and decision-makers to make the case for the policies, partnerships, investment and support needed for this model to thrive.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

Now, action is needed to scale this approach and make it the norm.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

From our Community-led High Street Innovators project to @platformplaces.bsky.social to @archhfund.org.uk's Heritage Development Trust model.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

Across the country, there are emerging examples of what’s possible.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

That’s not how many high streets feel today - but it could be.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

📣🧵 A thriving #highstreet is more than a place to shop. It's where we meet, live, access services we need & use businesses we care about. It reflects the community it serves & they have a stake in shaping its future.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/07/2026

Our new project, The Civic High Street Collective, brings partners together to champion a mixed-use, civic model where high streets are reimagined as places for local services, #heritage and #culture, #community and #housing.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 10/07/2026

🧵 BLOG ✍️ | What will it take to make the new #CommunityRighttoBuy a success? Our latest blog explores what community businesses think about the future use of the CRTB Fund &the support communities will need to take ownership of the places and spaces that matter most. Read: buff.ly/i6AaOXv

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 07/07/2026

1/10 🔑 REPORT | Today, we & @locality.org.uk launch ‘Keys to the future: How we build a new era of community ownership'. #CommunityOwnership is a proven, scalable driver of local economic renewal and resilient, connected communities. Quick read: buff.ly/0zMDg91 Or see 🧵 for key findings 👇️

A promotional image for a report titled "Keys to the Future: How we build a new era of community ownership." On the left, a person with dark curly hair in conversation with a person with long blonde hair. On the right, a person in a high-visibility vest and helmet carrying a yellow toolbox. Logos for Esmée Fairbairn, Power to Change, and Locality are displayed at the bottom.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 02/07/2026

@patrickhurley.bsky.social, MP for Southport, paints a picture of mixed-use civic #highstreets fit for the 21st century 👇 📝 Read our briefing on the civic high street: bit.ly/4o0eekg

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 19/06/2026

Is your community business looking for funding? 🙌 The Co-op Local Community Fund is open for applications across the UK. Find out more and apply before 24th June ➡️ causes.coop.co.uk

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 17/06/2026

1/6🧵🚨Yesterday, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for MHCLG, announced a £61m fund supporting communities to take ownership of local assets through the Community Right to Buy. We’ve long argued that investment & support are critical to making this legislative milestone a success.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 17/06/2026

At 1pm, we'll share lessons from our Community Covenant Test and Learn Partnerships, where we've worked with communities to establish and learn from neighbourhood governance arrangements. Join us and @right-here.org as part of the London Funders Festival of Learning 2026. 🛎️ bit.ly/438DcnJ

Bright and colorful graphic featuring the text "We're Sharing Our Insights" in bold white letters. Below, the logos for London Funders and "Festival of Learning 2026" are displayed. The background includes abstract shapes and silhouettes of people engaging in various activities.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 16/06/2026

NEWSLETTER🗞️| Our five steps for thriving civil high streets, plus the latest thinking, news and resources in the community business world. Explore our May newsletter 👇 mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/jun…

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 09/06/2026

We know a different future is possible. Across England, communities are already proving that where communities have a real stake in their high street, they can be agents of renewal.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 03/06/2026

📢 You can receive the latest thinking on local economies, high streets and community-centred public services in your inbox every month! Take a look at our May edition and sign up👇 mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/may…

A group of individuals wearing safety vests and helmets are walking through a construction site. Scaffolding and building materials surround them. There's a sign in the upper corner that reads "Power to Change backing community business.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 29/05/2026

When communities are trusted as partners, #highstreets become more connected, creative and resilient. In #Stockport, @madlabuk.bsky.social responded to being edged out of decision-making by bringing unlikely partners together to shape the future of their town. Learn more👉 bit.ly/4utUYOu

A person is standing in front of the MadLab entrance, wearing a yellow sweater. A name tag reads "Asa Calow, MadLab." In the background, there are decorative items. The text below discusses the benefits of collaborative goals involving government, developers, academics, and investors for long-term creative infrastructure.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 28/05/2026

#HighStreets can be more than just retail - they can be places for connection, culture & community power. Our new Civic High Street briefing sets out 5 practical steps to unlock this vision. Read 👉 bit.ly/4o0eekg ✍️ @jesscraig.bsky.social

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 27/05/2026

To bring Dewsbury’s Victorian arcade back to life, The Arcade Group pulled together 10+ funding sources & £195k in community shares. But our new report shows what’s missing: a clear path from start-up funding to long-term stewardship. Read more 👉 bit.ly/4utUYOu

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 26/05/2026

When communities shape their high streets, empty buildings become places of connection & opportunity. @artspaceuk.bsky.social is building a property database to aid local regeneration, but it's been tricky. Better property data = better high streets. 💡 Read more in our report: bit.ly/4utUYOu

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 21/05/2026

NEWSLETTER🗞️| This edition brings together: 🧠 Latest thinking on high streets from our report 'The new high street playbook' 📢 Policy updates 📅 Events & opportunities Explore our May newsletter 👇 mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/may…

A group of people are walking along a sidewalk in front of a shop with a "Legend Barbers" sign. The building is adjacent to "Jackson's Chambers." The scene is sunny with clear shadows on the pavement.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 21/05/2026

📣 This morning Nicola Steuer was at Coin Street, hearing Communities Secretary Steve Reed announce plans for a Neighbourhood Guarantee and new Community Power Pilots. Healthy, resilient neighbourhoods with dependable public services start when communities are involved and have the power to lead.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 20/05/2026

3/4 The government's forthcoming High Street Strategy, backed by £301 million for High Street Innovation Partnerships, is a real opportunity for lasting change. But investment alone won't be enough. 💬 @artspaceuk.bsky.social

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 20/05/2026

2/4 Working alongside five community businesses in Bristol, Birkenhead, Dewsbury and Stockport, we've seen what community-led regeneration looks like when it's really working — and what keeps getting in the way. 💬@madlabuk.bsky.social

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 13/05/2026

🧵 🫂 This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're reflecting on the role of community businesses across the country, delivering community-centred services, reducing isolation, and meeting people where they're at.

Three people smiling and standing together in an urban setting with graffiti, under a bridge. The text reads: "Why we’re building community-centred public services." The image is associated with Power to Change and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, located in Hip Hop HEALS, Birmingham.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 06/05/2026

Excited to join social enterprise leaders, public service commissioners & social investors at E3M's Imagine event today. Our workshop will explore how community businesses can be involved in the neighbourhood health framework 🏥 Our work to build community-centred services👉 bit.ly/4wbN6lJ

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 29/04/2026

📣 The Community Empowerment Act is now law. A big win for our movement: the new Community Right to Buy gives local people first refusal on vital local assets. Now we need the funding and support to make it work.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 27/04/2026

🧵 🏙️ This year, we've been shining a spotlight on high streets - exploring how community business can turn empty buildings into thriving hubs, create local wealth and deliver services built on what people need. Learn more about our work: buff.ly/jjYFiTk Or explore some of our latest thinking 👇️

Yellow graphic with the text "Creating community-powered places and spaces." Includes an icon of four abstract figures in a circular connection. "Power to Change" badge in the top right; "Our strategic priorities" in blue at the top left.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 20/04/2026

Community businesses offer hope to the many communities who still face hollowed-out high streets, a sense of powerlessness, & public services under strain. To grow the powerful ways community businesses are delivering positive change, we aim to drive these four key shifts. ⏩ bit.ly/4dvzevT

A group of individuals wearing safety vests and helmets are engaged in discussion at a construction site. The text describes system-wide responses involving governments, businesses, and communities collaborating for future change. "Power to Change" is prominently displayed in the design.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 16/04/2026

NEWSLETTER🗞️| Explore our latest thinking on how our high streets work - and who gets to shape them. Read our April newsletter 👇 mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/apr…

A group of people wearing high-visibility vests and helmets are ascending a metal staircase next to a building with "The Arcade" sign. Some are looking up. The sky is clear blue.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 15/04/2026

✍️ High streets are the heart of our communities, but many are stuck in decline. We need a fast, agile way for communities to secure empty buildings. @nickplumb.bsky.social explains why a High Street Property Holding Vehicle could be the tool to fix a broken market. Read now 👉 bit.ly/4c5dJ3S

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 07/04/2026

🕥 Tomorrow - 10.30am! Join @the-sse.org's free webinar on developing community business income streams. ✔️ learn from real examples ✔️ get your pricing and costs right ✔️ how to pilot Register: bit.ly/4spUPdj Learn more about the Trading for Good programme: bit.ly/4cWU3Qr

Blue background with white and yellow text promoting a free webinar titled "Developing Community Business Income Streams." Scheduled for 8th April, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, hosted by the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 02/04/2026

The government has announced over £300m to fund High Street Innovation Partnerships. @jesscraig.bsky.social shares learning from our Community Led High Street Innovators projects that demonstrates what communities can offer to deliver renewed, civic high streets. Read here 👉 bit.ly/4s1a7Vb

A group of people walking past shops on a high street. A sign reads "Jackson's Chambers." Overlaid text on a bright background says, "Putting communities at the centre of new High Street Innovation Partnerships." A badge at the bottom reads, "Power to Change.

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Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 01/04/2026

🏣 From homelessness to mental health to employment support – we believe public services are best delivered with the involvement of those they are there to support. 🙋‍♂️ This is one of the three pillars of our new strategy - and one where partnership is critical. 👉 buff.ly/Pt6R6vs

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