Socially Enterprising

15/09/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞?

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been testing that question through a CCIN Policy Prototype: exploring how co-operative principles can strengthen relationships between care workers, providers, commissioners and the wider health and care system.

Greenwich will share what it has learned so far from developing:

• a local Care Workers’ Network, shaped with and for frontline workers;
• a proposed approach to bringing system partners together around workforce challenges; and
• a more co-operative way of working across adult social care.

The session will be an opportunity to:

• hear directly how Greenwich designed and tested its approach;
• understand what worked, what proved difficult and what is changing as a result;
• explore how co-operative values can move from policy into everyday practice; and
• share experiences with other CCIN members working through similar challenges.

Greenwich will bring the learning from its CCIN Policy Prototype, they are asking other members to bring their experience, questions and ideas.

Whether your council is developing a co-operative approach to care, strengthening provider relationships, supporting the care workforce or considering a similar prototype, this session will offer useful insight—and a chance to help shape what happens next.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫: https://www.councils.coop/event/launching-a-local-care-workers-network-ccin-policy-project-prototype/

14/09/2026

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀.

Salzgitter Court in Swindon is a powerful example of what happens when councils work cooperatively — across housing, care, homelessness services, community partners, and neighbourhoods — to build a resource that genuinely transforms lives.

Once a low‑demand sheltered housing scheme, the building has been completely repurposed by Swindon's internal teams into 25 modern, self-contained homes for people experiencing homelessness or at serious risk of it. As the case study notes, “the aim was simple but ambitious – provide people with their own front door, a sense of dignity, and the tailored support needed to rebuild their lives.”

What makes this project stand out is its cooperative model of wrap‑around support:

▪️On‑site, trauma‑informed staff working hand‑in‑hand with the Rough Sleeper Team
▪️Personalised plans recognising each resident’s journey
▪️Strong partnerships with Citizens Advice, StepChange Debt Charity, community police, public health and voluntary organisations
▪️A neighbourhood that has welcomed residents with generosity and warmth

This approach is already delivering remarkable outcomes. As highlighted in the case study, “early signs show this is a stable, safe and supportive environment that helps people progress at a pace that works for them.”

Rough sleeping has fallen, reliance on temporary accommodation has reduced, and residents are building independence — from employment and volunteering to creative community projects that strengthen local connections.

Salzgitter Court shows what cooperative councils can achieve when they design services around people, invest in their own teams, and work collaboratively with communities.

It’s a model of social innovation that others can learn from.

Read the full case study: https://www.councils.coop/case-study/council-housing-providing-homes/

14/09/2026

We have a language for polycrisis. What if we also need a language for the communities restoring ecosystems, building cooperatives and creating new forms of democratic participation?

Petra Kuenkel calls this emerging pattern polyrenewal. These efforts may look separate, but they could be connected expressions of renewal happening at the same time as systemic crises.

Read Petra Kuenkel’s new blog to explore what connects these efforts and how we might study renewal more closely.

Read the full blog: https://vist.ly/5icps

14/09/2026

Big Local: Theory of Change

We’re excited to share with you the Big Local Theory of Change.

15 years. 150 communities. Thousands of decisions led by residents. The Big Local Theory of Change shows how the programme worked and provides a clearer understanding of how community-led change happens.

A Theory of Change is a representation of an intervention, policy or programme that shows how activities lead to outcomes. They are often created at the beginning of a programme, to guide evaluation frameworks. As the Big Local programme was a new approach in resident-led change and considered exper...

08/09/2026

Report: Progress happens at the speed of trust

This report explores what it takes to build genuine, lasting relationships between universities and their communities, and what gets in the way. Drawing on four in-depth case studies from across the UK, it examines partnerships between universities, community organisations, schools and public bodies that have developed over time.

This report highlights what it takes to build lasting relationships between universities and communities and what gets in the way

24/08/2026

23/08/2026

We're looking for people who want to make a positive change in their community! 🌞
You’re invited to take our FREE online short course, which will provide you with inspiration, ideas and support to make a difference where you live.

The course is split over 3 sessions on Thursday evenings: 24 September, 1 and 8 October, between 6.30pm-8.30pm.

⚠️ Friendly reminder: This course is often oversubscribed with a large waiting list. If you want to join us, we recommend you apply ASAP.

Find out more and apply here: https://rebrand.ly/Community-Action-Course

22/08/2026

As we head into the last weeks of summer we wanted to revisit our Creative Freelancer’s Climate Almanac. It’s our free resource designed to support artists, producers and independent creatives to take climate action in seasonal, sustainable ways.

This summer’s record-breaking heat has presented ongoing challenges, requiring constant adaptation of ways of working while temperatures rose. Freelancers have always been adaptable, but at this time of year can sometimes feel overstretched.

Our almanac is designed to lighten the load, spark new ways of working, and remind you that you’re not alone in your climate action >> https://juliesbicycle.org/resource/creative-freelancers-climate-almanac/

The Creative Freelancer’s Climate Almanac was co-authored by freelancers, produced by Julie’s Bicycle and beautifully illustrated by Camille Etchart. It was funded by Arts Council England.

20/08/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬.

Across the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network, we see that cooperative values aren’t just theoretical - they’re practical tools for rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and creating better outcomes for local people.

This case study from Tamworth Borough Council shows this in action.

We Are Tamworth was set up because the council recognised a growing need to rebuild trust, strengthen community connection, and create a shared sense of pride and belonging. Residents wanted to feel more involved, more listened to, and more connected to each other - and local services wanted to work in ways that felt more responsive, more open, and more collaborative.

The project brings residents, community groups, and local services together around a shared purpose. To build pride in place, deepen connection, and ensure people feel heard, valued, and involved in shaping their town’s future.

Through open conversations, community‑led events, and partnerships rooted in mutual respect, Tamworth is demonstrating how cooperation can:

👉 Rebuild trust between people and public services
👉 Strengthen social fabric by creating spaces where everyone belongs
👉 Empower communities to lead change rather than simply receive it
👉 Foster shared identity and pride in place

It’s a powerful reminder that when councils work with communities — not to or for them — trust grows, relationships deepen, and local services become more responsive, human, and effective.

Read the full case study ⤵️
https://www.councils.coop/case-study/we-are-tamworth/