Sign in

We're Right Here

@right-here.org
655 followers 499 following 267 posts

The campaign for community power. Driving forward landmark legislation that will give everyone the right to shape the place they live. www.right-here.org

PostsRepliesMedia
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 6h
The new Journal for Community Studies brings academic research into direct conversation with the experience & expertise held by communities. The @theyoungfdn.bsky.social publication challenges assumptions over who creates knowledge and what evidence matters. www.youngfoundation.org/journal-for-...
Journal for Community Studies Issue One front cover featuring two women in a piggyback celebrating in front of a football goal.
021
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/09/2026
As politicians chat in the Labour Party Conference rooms far from the communities they serve, we brought the two worlds closer together through the Community Power Bus. 🚌 Community spaces are essential infrastructure, not optional extras. The next stop for devolution has got to be community power.
183
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 28/09/2026
Join the Rally for Community Power we're hosting at the Labour Party Conference tomorrow. Speakers include: * @kirstymcneill.bsky.social * Caitlin Prowle, @coopparty.party.coop * @roswynnejones.bsky.social, @mirror.co.uk Let’s make community power the next stop for devolution.
A ticket for the Rally for Community Power which will be held on 29 September at the Labour Party Conference 2026.
020
Reposted by We're Right Here
The Young Foundation @theyoungfdn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🚀 Introducing the Journal for Community Studies A new publication that brings academic research into direct conversation with the knowledge, experience and expertise held within communities across the UK. Read now 👇 tinyurl.com/2xbjp87z
032
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 23/09/2026
Come aboard the Community Power Bus, parked outside the Labour Party Conference. A space to explore how to put real power into communities' hands. 📍 Salthouse Gates Lay-by, Salthouse Quay, Albert Dock, Liverpool 🗓️ 28–29 Sept, 10:30am-4pm Let’s make community power the next stop for devolution.
053
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 18/09/2026
“I want Britain to believe in itself again. That will not happen by asking people to stand still while the world spins around them. Everyone should have a say and a stake in their future.” Andy Burnham in @theguardian.com this week on community energy. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
British people understand the climate crisis threat. Today I’m empowering them to tackle it | Andy Burnham
With nearly £30m of funding, I’m giving communities power over local energy. They know the gravity of global heating, and they want to be part of the solution, says UK prime minister Andy Burnham
100
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 09/09/2026
Stirchley Co-operative Development in Birmingham is at risk of collapse after a dispute over spiralling costs with the developer. Community-led housing needs to be backed, not blocked. Learn more: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026... See their bond offer: www.stirchley.coop/invest/
theguardian.com
‘The soul’s been ripped out of it’: Birmingham community housing scheme on brink over costs dispute
Row over ‘landmark’ development in Stirchley has left people homeless and put businesses at risk, say locals
044
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 03/09/2026
One year of touring the Museum of Broken Dreams around the UK! The exhibition tells the story of community-led projects that could have transformed Britain – but failed because the power to decide whether their vision materialised lay elsewhere. 💔 See it here: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3659...
Museum of Broken Dreams in Parliament. Credit: Alex Brenner
Museum of Broken Dreams at Stretford Public Hall.
Two people sit outside next to a banner from the Museum of Broken Dreams exhibition. Photo credit: Jørn Tomter / UCL Policy Lab
People chat around a table at the Britain Renewed Conference, where the Museum of Broken Dreams was exhibited. Photo credit: Jørn Tomter / UCL Policy Lab
064
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 27/08/2026
3 in 5 people say it’s important to be able to influence decisions affecting their local area. But most of us have no say over what happens in our places. @nickplumb.bsky.social from @powertochange.org.uk argues that devolution must push power to communities: www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
politicshome.com
Devolution must go even deeper
Our data shows there is political ground to be won in not stopping at mayors and regions.
011
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 26/08/2026
Communities are fighting to save a much-loved community space, The Warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham, from the bulldozers. Local people need more power to protect community spaces and decide what’s demolished and built in their places. Save The Warehouse: birminghamfoe.org.uk/help-us-save...
birminghamfoe.org.uk
Help us save the Warehouse – Birmingham Friends of The Earth
Urgent. Action needed by 28 August
020
Reposted by We're Right Here
Power to Change @powertochange.org.uk · 24/08/2026
Devolution shouldn't stop at mayors and regions. Three in five people say it's important to influence local decisions, but 84% feel they have little or no control. @nickplumb.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social on why power must go deeper into communities ⬇️ bit.ly/4qwhZPq
politicshome.com
Devolution must go even deeper
Our data shows there is political ground to be won in not stopping at mayors and regions.
022
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 17/08/2026
Too often, decisions about what's built or torn down in our places aren't made by local people. Abram ward, Makerfield, shaped its own long-term vision through a neighbourhood forum. It's one practical community-powered approach to neighbourhood governance. More: www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo...
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 13/08/2026
A community-led plan for 350 affordable homes in Brick Lane, London, was approved by the local council, then overturned by central government. This case speaks loudly to why our country urgently needs community-powered neighbourhood governance. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Approval of east London datacentre labelled ‘slap in the face’ for local democracy
Campaigners decry Angela Rayner’s backing for Brick Lane project that has only 11 affordable homes
040
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 11/08/2026
Citizens’ assemblies can be used to give local people a hand in shaping health and social care, so it works for their community. Greater Manchester is putting this into practice through its GM Live Well Assembly: www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo... @greatermcr.bsky.social @theyoungfdn.bsky.social
141
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 06/08/2026
What kind of relationship do communities want and deserve to have with the state? Rashid Iqbal, CEO of Camden-based charity the Winch, explores building a form of community power beyond the state in a blog based on a speech he gave at one of our workshops. 👉 www.right-here.org/building-a-n...
Portrait of Rashid Iqbal in front of a bookcase with colourful pictures and a sign saying "optimism".
000
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 04/08/2026
On Hilgrove Estate in Camden, residents decided how to spend part of the estate’s budget. It resulted in changes that people cared about. As the government designs new neighbourhood governance arrangements, Hilgrove shows a community-powered approach in practice. www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo...
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/07/2026
Doesn’t it just make sense for local people to be equal partners in shaping the support services they use? The people of Market Drayton felt the same when they piloted a power-sharing community covenant in their town. The result was a new co-designed family hub. www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo...
022
Reposted by We're Right Here
Renewal @renewaljournal.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
This week, with Burnham taking office, Renewal will be publishing a short series of reflections on what Burnhamism could or should involve in practice. First up: @ewallis.bsky.social of @locality.org.uk and Rich Bell of @powertochange.org.uk argue for Manchesterism as 'progressive communitarianism'
renewal.org.uk
Manchesterism and the search for a progressive communitarian politics
This week, Renewal will be publishing a series of reflections on the direction that Andy Burnham's new government could or should take. First up, Ed Wallis and Rich Bell highlight the 'progressive com...
2115
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 24/07/2026
In an essay for @renewaljournal.bsky.social, our Director Rich Bell and @ewallis.bsky.social explore, in a personal capacity, Andy Burnham’s devolution vision and the community-powered philosophy behind Manchesterism. renewal.org.uk/blog/manches...
renewal.org.uk
Manchesterism and the search for a progressive communitarian politics
This week, Renewal will be publishing a series of reflections on the direction that Andy Burnham's new government could or should take. First up, Ed Wallis and Rich Bell highlight the 'progressive com...
031
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 22/07/2026
In a recent LinkedIn post, @andyburnham.bsky.social set out his intention of putting power into the hands of local communities. Now he's Prime Minister, we’ll be campaigning to ensure he lives up to his word. 🧵1/3
Andy Burnham's LinkedIn post where he says: "I want to do things differently, to put power back in the hands of local communities and build an economy that works for everybody."
112
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 20/07/2026
As the Mayor of Manchester, @andyburnham.bsky.social built a track record of sharing power with communities. Now he’s PM, we want to see him bring that same ambition to the whole country. Watch our campaign leader, Josiah Sulc, on what he thinks the change in leadership will mean for communities.
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 09/07/2026
Do you want a say in what gets built in your neighbourhood? 🏡 Neighbourhood forums bring local people together to decide the homes, green spaces, and development their places need. More here: www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo... Animations by @theyoungfdn.bsky.social, resources by @locality.org.uk
043
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 07/07/2026
Tomorrow, we’re helping to host an election hustings for the new Greater Manchester mayor with a community-powered twist. The hustings will ask local people what role they would like to play in shaping important decisions about their city. * 8 July * Learn more: actionnetwork.org/events/gm-ma...
actionnetwork.org
GM Mayoral Hustings - Host a Watch-Along Party!
Host a GM Hustings Watch-Along Party!! This is a hustings with a twist! The theme will be people power - so this is as much about you as it is about the candidates who want your vote! We are inv...
010
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 06/07/2026
Who else thinks communities should shape their own healthcare decisions? New animation shows how citizens' assemblies could improve health & happiness in every neighbourhood. Watch our series on community-powered neighbourhood governance. www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo... @theyoungfdn.bsky.social
022
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 02/07/2026
Want a say in how public money is spent in your neighbourhood? Participatory budgeting brings neighbours together to decide what to invest in as a community. Watch our series on community-powered neighbourhood governance. www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo... Created by @theyoungfdn.bsky.social
031
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 30/06/2026
Our new series shows what community-powered neighbourhood governance could look like in practice. The animations launch at a pivotal moment, as the government designs new neighbourhood governance arrangements. Watch more: www.right-here.org/neighbourhoo... Animations by @theyoungfdn.bsky.social
073
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 25/06/2026
As Andy Burnham's march to Downing Street gathers pace, Westminster is having a serious argument about how power is distributed in the UK. In a new piece for Labour List, our Director Rich Bell explores electoral reform and unlocking the capacity of our communities.
labourlist.org
‘A politics that feels real: Andy Burnham, electoral reform, and the redistribution of power’ – LabourList
As Andy Burnham’s march to Downing Street gathers pace, Westminster is reckoning with something unusual in British politics: a serious argument about how power is…
010
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 25/06/2026
Over the past 15 years, local people in 150 Big Local areas have shown the power of long-term community-led change. Check out @localtrust.org.uk's new resource sharing the insights, stories, and lessons learnt from one of the UK’s most ambitious community-led programmes. 👇
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 16/06/2026
Today, the government announced a £61 million new fund to help communities buy the places they love. As our Director explains in the video, the Fund will help local people use the new Community Right to Buy.👏 But it’s doubtful that this funding will be enough to meet community demand.
051
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 03/06/2026
It was brilliant to see 100 people join our webinar on building community-powered neighbourhood governance today. From popular assemblies to community covenants, we heard how local people are coming together to decide what changes their neighbourhoods need, and bring those changes to life. 🧵1/2
Charlotte Hollins with a group photo of the Market Drayton Community Covenant participants.Dr Temidayo EseonuGlenn Jenkin
120
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 02/06/2026
Last chance to sign up to our webinar on putting communities at the heart of neighbourhood governance. 🗓️ Tomorrow: Wednesday 3 June ⏰ 11am BST Register your place: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-n...
Photo of the Market Drayton Community Covenant team, alongside information about the webinar: Building Neighbourhood Governance for Community Power.
000
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 01/06/2026
New report explores how communities across the country are rebuilding connection, trust and hope from the ground up. The report, published by @demos-uk.bsky.social & @uclpolicylab.bsky.social, argues that communities are not a barrier to change, but the foundation of it. demos.co.uk/research/a-n...
demos.co.uk
A Nation of Neighbours: Rebuilding Britain from the Ground Up
Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank. We produce original research, publish innovative thinkers and host thought-provoking events.
041
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/05/2026
If communities were in the driving seat, what would new neighbourhood governance look and feel like? Join us and Community Organisers to explore what community-powered neighbourhood governance could look like in practice. * 3 June * 11 am BST * Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-n...
Photo of the Market Drayton Community Covenant team, alongside information about the webinar: Building Neighbourhood Governance for Community Power.
033
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 28/05/2026
Last week, we explored what real place based change looks & feels like at Common Ground: A National Convening for Place Based Giving. Our key message: local people must be at the heart of change in their areas. Thanks @londonfunders.bsky.social for inviting us to speak. Photo credit: Musa Bwanali
Andy Jackson speaking on a panel with four other speakers at the Common Ground National Convening.A portrait of Andy Jackson speaking on a panel at the Common Ground National Convening.
000
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 21/05/2026
Why are life-changing community projects stuck in cycles of short-term funding and constantly having to prove their worth? Creative Voices helps older LGBTQ+ adults in Leeds overcome isolation and find friendship. Yet its future remains uncertain. An interview:
right-here.org
Creative Voices: Leeds LGBTQ+ lifeline at risk of becoming a broken dream - We're Right Here
The future of Creative Voices in Leeds is uncertain. To survive, the community group needs long-term belief as much as long-term funding.
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 20/05/2026
Hate can feel loud right now. But it isn’t the full story. The #MillionActsOfHope campaign puts a spotlight on the people and communities bringing hope to their neighbourhoods, just when we need it most. Swipe through the images to see what hope means to our community leaders & champions.
"Hope is in every person that steps up and does something – however small or large!"
- Deana Bamford, Coalville CAN & We’re Right Here"Hope is a community gathering of laughter, friendship and love." - Maddy Pritchard, Vibrant Warsop & We’re Right Here"What gives me hope: communities no longer waiting to be included, but confidently creating the change themselves." - Leah Chikamba-Mulando
Angels of Hope & We’re Right Here"Hope, for me looks like communities finding ways to care for each other anyway. It looks like brown women, disabled people, queer communities, migrants and those pushed to the margins no longer having to fight to be believed in healthcare, policy or society. Hope is seeing people turn pain into power, silence into storytelling and isolation into collective action." –Neelam Heera-Shergill, Cysters, We're Right Here
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 18/05/2026
In a glittery room full of hope and laughter, we celebrated community power in Greater Manchester last week. 💛 It was a night where we chose hope over division, joy over despair — and hope came dressed up in feather boas and party hats! Thanks to our brilliant co-hosts @greatermcr.bsky.social.
Veda Harrison gives her hopeful toast.Party crowd clapping.Party crowd dressed in party hats and feather boas smiling and clapping.Annoushka Deighton giving her hopeful toast.
020
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 18/05/2026
New event: What would it look like for communities to have real power in shaping their neighbourhoods? We’re hosting a webinar with Community Organisers exploring what community-powered neighbourhood governance could look like. * 3 June * 11 am BST * Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-n...
Event promotion graphic in bright green and purple colours for the Building Neighbourhood Governance for Community Power webinar. A photo of the Market Drayton Community Covenant in the centre.
000
Reposted by We're Right Here
Nick Plumb @nickplumb.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Taken from last year's @powertochange.org.uk @uclpolicylab.bsky.social @right-here.org essay collection. If Burnham does end up PM, and he gets his hands on Westminster power, let's hope those devolutionary tendencies remain.
063
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 07/05/2026
Right now, a new approach to neighbourhood governance is being shaped in Whitehall. Let’s make sure communities are in the driving seat. 📝 We're sending a letter from the #CommunityPower movement to the Minister overseeing the new arrangements. Will you join us? actionnetwork.org/petitions/si...
Open letter to the Minister – page 1Open letter to the Minister – page 2
040
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 05/05/2026
“What would help Creative Voices flourish is long-term belief as much as long-term funding.” Minoti Parikh, Founder of Creative Voices, discusses precarity and the need for sustained belief in the value of community work. Read her interview:
right-here.org
Creative Voices: Leeds LGBTQ+ lifeline at risk of becoming a broken dream - We're Right Here
The future of Creative Voices in Leeds is uncertain. To survive, the community group needs long-term belief as much as long-term funding.
010
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 01/05/2026
Read what our campaign leaders make of the new English Devolution & Community Empowerment law. We're sending a letter to the Minister urging her to put community power at the heart of new neighbourhood governance arrangements. Will you add your name? ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/si...
"We’ve spent the last five years campaigning alongside some of the most committed community leaders and inspiring organisations across the country, all calling for change that genuinely shifts power to local people. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see that work begin to translate into legislation."
– Andy Jackson, Heeley Trust, We're Right Here"To really change where power lies, this legislation needs to support a
cultural shift of true power-sharing. Good neighbourhood governance is more than parish and town councils... it is a completely different cultural approach and one that is truly collaborative, equal, and rooted in our communities."
– Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative, We're Right Here"The introduction of a Community Right to Buy into law is a hugely positive step. But without access to finance, it risks becoming a symbolic right rather than a practical one. 
Our experience shows that for community ownership to truly work, assets need to be as close to debt-free as possible."
–Deana Bamford, Coalville CAN & We're Right Here
131
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 30/04/2026
“It's for forever.” That’s how our campaign leader described the power of community ownership to the BBC. But this win is slightly bittersweet. For the new Community Right to Buy to work for all communities, the Government needs to back it up with funding and support. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Community groups given right to buy for the first time
Ministers say the new law in England gives power to local people who want to help others.
031
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/04/2026
Today, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill passed into law. It’s a major milestone for our campaign. Here's what it does, and doesn't, deliver for community power. 1/6 🧵
JUST ANNOUNCED

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has passed into law. Here's the good, the bad & the tbc.
183
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 14/04/2026
Across Greater Manchester, we put postboxes in community spaces and asked local people to post a dream for their community. Change starts by dreaming of something different, something better. Part of the Museum of Community Futures exhibition with #GMLiveWell. storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7448...
A triptych of three women posting their dreams into the Community Futures red postboxes.
Share a dream for your community postcard. An individual has written "A space for VCSE sector to use rooms for public events at no cost so they can deliver more"
Share a dream for your community postcard. An individual has written "Protect our green belts and respect nature. Wildlife needs a place to live too!"
Share a dream for your community postcard. An individual has written "Peace, Harmony"
010
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 10/04/2026
We’re entering a new chapter of our campaign, and we want to shape it with you. What should our campaign prioritise? Where can we have the greatest impact? Take our survey by 17 April and help shape the future of community power: ✍️ locality.tfaforms.net/284
Bright pink graphic that reads: "Shape the future of community power."
011
Reposted by We're Right Here
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
For five years, @right-here.org has been pushing for community power and with the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill passing into law this year, momentum is growing. What should the campaign prioritise in the next phase? Share your views by 17 April ➡️ locality.tfaforms.net/284
032
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 02/04/2026
Every day, across every community in the UK, people are showing up for each other. From 13–20 May, ‘A Million Acts of Hope’ is bringing these everyday acts together - showing that care, connection, and community are stronger than divisive headlines. Learn more and take part: millionactsofhope.org
Join the hopefuls. 
'A Million Acts of Hope' action week, 13–20 May. 
A photo of a smiling girl.
011
We're Right Here @right-here.org · 31/03/2026
New events announced for Big Local Unpacked: a learning series developed by @londonfunders.bsky.social and @localtrust.org.uk, exploring what 15 years of community-led change can teach us about future funding and practice. Learn more and register your place: londonfunders.org.uk/latest/event...
A warm coloured graphic with images of people smiling and talking to each other. Big Local Unpacked: Sharing learning from 15 years of community-led change.
030
Reposted by We're Right Here
Locality @locality.org.uk · 27/03/2026
Today, we’re publishing two new guides on adopting the #KeepItLocal approach to transform health services. We’re exploring how the NHS can shift toward a prevention-focused “neighbourhood health service” by working with communities. (1/3)
111