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Once a year, politicians leave Westminster for party conference. Power gets on the train to Liverpool but never leaves the conference centre. Communities need power in their hands all year round. Don't take your foot off the gas, Andy. The next stop for devolution: community power. 🧵1/2

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 30/09/2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 18/09/2026

With Labour conference around the corner, it’s encouraging to see the Prime Minister’s commitment to unlocking community power beginning to be put into action. We’ve been cooking up a plan for Conference to push the government to further and faster on devolution - we'll be sharing more next week!

Community Power on the destination sign of a Double Decker bus

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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

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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...

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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

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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".

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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...

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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...

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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."

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 03/06/2026

New neighbourhood governance arrangements will soon be introduced across England and we’re campaigning to ensure community power is at their heart. Sign our letter to the Minister calling for neighbourhood governance that puts communities in the driving seat. actionnetwork.org/petitions/si... 🧵2/2

Rich Bell with a presenation comparing community-powered neighbourhood governance vs bureaucratic neighbourhood governance

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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

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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.

Party crowd dressed in party hats and feather boas smiling and clapping.

Annoushka Deighton giving her hopeful toast.

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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.

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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...

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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

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/04/2026

Sign our open letter urging the Minister @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social to meet with community leaders and embed community power principles in the government’s neighbourhood governance regulations: actionnetwork.org/petitions/si... Read our full analysis: www.right-here.org/a-pivotal-mo... ✍️6/6 🧵

A pivotal moment. As people are shut out of the decisions that affect their lives, closing the gap between people and politics can help tackle rising division within communities.

People across the UK want and deserve a meaningful say in the decisions that shape their future.
Sign our letter to the Government. Join the call for community-powered neighbourhood governance.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/04/2026

It paves the way for new neighbourhood governance arrangements to be established in every area of England, but doesn’t set out what these will look like in practice. We’re calling for these arrangements to be shaped to give communities a real say in how their places are run. 🗣️5/6🧵

What’s still in play.
The new neighbourhood governance arrangements being developed alongside the Bill will determine how much control communities have over the decisions that affect their daily lives.
Done well, they will put communities at the centre of local decision-making.
Done poorly, they will simply add new layers of bureaucracy and box-ticking.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/04/2026

The law fails to strengthen community powers over the public services that communities rely on and the investment decisions shaping their places. That means community organisations and groups will still be left out when key decisions are made. ❌4/6 🧵

The new law fails to strengthen community powers over the public services communities rely on and the investment decisions shaping their places.
Community groups will still be left out when key decisions are made.
Local people stand ready to lead transformational change in their places. But this legislation won’t unleash their potential.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 29/04/2026

The new law introduces a Community Right to Buy, enabling people to take ownership of the places they love – from pubs & parks to community centres & shops. It’s a hard-won Right that reflects years of dedicated work from community leaders, campaigners, and organisations across the country. 👏2/6 🧵

The new Community Right to Buy is a landmark win for our collective movement.
More communities will be able to bring derelict buildings back to life, prevent private-sell-offs, and transform their places.
But communities need accessible, long-term funding to benefit from this Right.

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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.

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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"

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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."

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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.

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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.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 27/03/2026

Yesterday, we held a workshop with partners old and new to explore how we can claim the future for community power, together. We reflected on how far we’ve come, where we are now, and how we can come together to build a stronger movement. 🧵1/4

Workshop attendees listening to facilitator John Hitchin.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 26/03/2026

When community spaces across Bolton were closing their doors, one boarded-up church, which had stood empty for 25 years, bucked the trend. After years of campaigning, local people brought the building back to life. Read more about All Souls Bolton in the Museum of Community Futures: arcg.is/1bWTv11

A group photo of the community posing within All Souls Bolton. An orange header adorned with a big yellow star reads: "A community anchor restored for all."

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 25/03/2026

Since our campaign launched 5 years ago, the conversation on community power has evolved. 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: locality.tfaforms.net/284

Mint green graphic with pink text. It reads: "Help shape the future of community power."

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 24/03/2026

Last week, at the “Community Powered Neighbourhoods" event in Manchester, Annoushka Deighton warned against relying on repeated community consultations that often end without meaningful action. She called instead for stronger rights & powers to support community leadership & action. #GMLiveWell

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 20/03/2026

When Trafford Council planned to sell Stretford Public Hall to private developers, local people stepped in. ✋ Now it's owned by a community benefit society backed by 800+ residents. See the full story in the Museum of Community Futures: www.right-here.org/museum-of-co...

A mint green banner with the title "From preservation to community participation", accompanied by a photo of people waving and smiling outside Stretford Public Hall.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 17/03/2026

An unloved park is now home to a thriving community hub. How did local people make it happen? From the Big Local programme to becoming a charity and Live Well Centre, see CommUNITY Little Hulton’s journey in the Museum of Community Futures. www.right-here.org/museum-of-co... @localtrust.org.uk

A photo of the new park pavilion built by CommUNITY Little Hulton. The title reads: "Local investment, lasting change."

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 16/03/2026

Do you have a dream for your community? As part of the Museum of Community Futures, we’re inviting you to share what you'd like to change in your neighbourhood. Post an idea in the Community Dream postboxes in Manchester’s Live well centres, or take part online: www.right-here.org/museum-of-co...

A woman posts a dream for her community in the Community Futures postbox during the GM Live Well Spring Festival.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 13/03/2026

When some women from the African community in Manchester faced abuse and trauma, they found it difficult to trust the support services on offer. A community-led response called 'Angels of Hope' offered an alternative. Explore the Museum of Community Futures: www.right-here.org/museum-of-co...

A pink graphic with a photo of the Angels of Hope for Women team collecting an award. The title says "Led by lived experience."

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 12/03/2026

The Museum of Community Futures shares powerful stories of local people across Greater Manchester defying the odds to achieve extraordinary change in their places. 📆 12–14, 19–21 March 📍Factory International & online A Joint exhibition with @greatermcr.bsky.social www.right-here.org/museum-of-co...

Yellow graphic with a mint-green ticket to the Museum of Community Futures. The headline reads: "See what's possible". The exhibition will take place in Factory International, Manchester 12–14 & 19–21 March as part of the Live Well Spring Festival.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 10/03/2026

What happens when a community’s dream is backed – not blocked – and becomes reality? From 12 March, the Museum of Community Futures opens in Manchester, sharing stories of local people turning ideas into action. Explore in person & online: www.right-here.org/museum-of-co... @greatermcr.bsky.social

Mint green graphic with a yellow ticket to the Museum of Community Futures. The headline says: You're Invited. The exhibition will take place in Factory International, Manchester 12–14 & 19–21 March as part of the Live Well Spring Festival.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 04/03/2026

Lord Lucas urged the government to rethink its decision to close the Community Ownership Fund, recognising how it helped communities buy the places they love. The new Community Right to Buy needs to come with funding and support so it’s truly accessible and can work for communities everywhere.

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We're Right Here @right-here.org · 03/03/2026

In Parliament, Lord Mawson shared how a community plan to improve a local park was derailed by a change in government. It’s a reminder that goodwill isn’t enough. We need neighbourhood governance that embeds community power so no matter who's in power, communities have a lasting seat at the table.

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