Alice Munson

This is the second of two blogs resulting from this year’s INLOGOV undergraduate summer intern project, which examined how councils can boost wellbeing amid austerity. The first article (last week) summarised some of the key literature. This article explores case studies of community initiatives around the UK that have successfully worked with councils, which have helped mitigate the negative impacts of spending cuts.

Bolton at Home

Bolton at Home is a prime example of how community-based initiative can result in positive results for a community, especially in places like Bolton, which has seen large levels of unemployment due to industries and factories moving. With funding from Bolton Council and Bolton at home, the initiative has put in place several programmes designed to encourage community participation and involvement (Local Government Association, 2023). To improve social ties and lessen loneliness, the taxi discussions programme, for example, provides free trips to people in return for meaningful discussions and helps to map out community networks. In addition, the formation of three poetry groups offers a forum for addressing individual aspirations and worries while fostering relationships and enhancing mental health. Furthermore, the distribution of free smart clothes through the ’working wardrobe’ project can help people get a job whilst increasing confidence and self-esteem, contributing to the community’s overall well-being (Local Government Association, 2023). These endeavours in Bolton, made possible from £180,000 from the Council, show the potential for community initiatives working with the Council to deliver holistic well-being outcomes to help mitigate the effects of government spending cuts.

Nudge Community

The decline of Union Street in Plymouth, combatted by the community-led response through Nudge Community Builders, shows how local initiatives can address urban decay and revitalise neglected areas. Union Street in Plymouth was once busy but in the last couple of decades it has been in decline, with 25% of its buildings vacant. Union Street was left behind as the city concentrated on waterfront and city centre development, leaving the local community feeling abandoned (Nudge, 2024)

The neighbourhood was frustrated that nothing was being done about the abandoned buildings and the area’s deterioration. Although they could not address the many problems afflicting their neighbourhood, they desired to see change. Nudge Community Builders, a community benefit society, was co-founded by local residents Hannah Sloggett and Wendy Hart in 2017 (Nudge, 2024). Their goal was to revitalise Union Street by returning empty buildings to the community to use for lasting local benefit.

• Community Involvement: Nudge started off planning street parties to liven up the neighbourhood and alter people’s opinions of Union Street.

• Acquisition of properties: Using a variety of ownership structures, they seized four properties with the intention of putting them to communal use.

• Physical Improvements: To progressively improve the street’s look, Nudge used creative interventions like artwork and stitching on structures.

The efforts resulted in the reopening of buildings for community purposes, fostering hope, creating jobs, and providing entertainment. Nudge’s initiatives countered authoritarian approaches to urban renewal, showcasing that communities can innovatively address complex issues.

Nudge Community Builders (2024) has demonstrated that community-led initiatives can effectively address urban decay and bring positive change. Their work has breathed new life into Union Street and empowered residents to take charge of their neighbourhood’s future.

This case study exemplifies the potential of community action in urban revitalization and the possibilities for sustainable development through grassroots endeavours. 

Stirchley Baths

Stirchley Baths, a converted Victorian swimming bath, opened as a community centre in 2016. Stirchley Baths in Birmingham shows how local councils can collaborate with communities to promote wellness despite financial constraints. This community centre, supported by Birmingham City Council (Stirchley Baths, 2024), provides a variety of activities that cater to different age groups and abilities, supporting physical and mental health, social connections, and skill development.

The Baths’ offer:

• Diverse clubs: The centre offers fitness classes and art groups to accommodate various interests and needs.
• Inclusivity: The hub provides activities for children, older adults, and individuals with specific needs.
• Community leadership: Many activities are led by local instructors or groups. This has been shown to help foster a sense of community ownership (Imbroscio, 2013).
• Affordability: Ensuring wide access through low-cost or free sessions.
• Efficient space use: Maximising the venue’s space by hosting regular classes and private events.
• Support for vulnerable groups: Offering targeted programs such as the Memory Cafe for individuals with dementia (Stirchley Baths, 2024).
• Partnerships: Collaborating with health services, local government, and other organisations.
• Community engagement: Actively seeking the community members’ input on new activities.

This approach is consistent with research on community well-being, including:

 – The significance of co-production in designing and delivering services (NHS Providers, 2024).

– The “Five Ways to Wellbeing” framework (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give (Mind, 2024)).

 – The role of community hubs in building resilience and social capital (Trup et al., 2019).

By leveraging community assets and partnerships, Stirchley Baths showcases how local councils can deliver a range of well-being services within financial limitations. This model has the potential to uphold and even improve community well-being during times of austerity, offering valuable insights for other communities facing similar challenges.

Community initiatives are proven to be effective and mitigate the negative impact of austerity measures while enhancing local well-being. Research consistently demonstrates our positive influence on public health, social capital and economic outcomes. The asset-based community development (ABCD) approach is a transformative strategy that emphasises strengths within communities. Case studies from Bolton, Plymouth, and Birmingham illustrate how lake authorities can successfully partner with communities to achieve Well-being outcomes despite financial constraints. These examples demonstrate the potential for community-led initiatives to revive neighbourhoods, repurpose abandoned spaces and provide essential services. By encouraging these collaborations, councils can effectively address service gaps, promote sustainable development, and improve overall community well-being in the midst of ongoing austerity.

Alice has recently graduated from the University of Birmingham with a first class degree in Policy, Politics and Economics. She was awarded the Jane Slowey bursary in her final year for her research on the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Alice is currently seeking further opportunities and can be contacted at [email protected]

References

Imbroscio, D. (2013) ‘From Redistribution to Ownership: Toward an Alternative Urban Policy for America’s Cities’. Urban Affairs Review, 49(6), 787-820. doi:10.1177/1078087413495362.

Local Government Association (2023) Working with housing association ‘Bolton at Home’ to reduce unemployment and deprivation – Bolton Council. Available at: https://www.local.gov.uk/case-studies/working-housing-association-bolton-home-reduce-unemployment-and-deprivation-bolton (Accessed: 20 July 2024).

Mind (2024) 5 ways to wellbeing. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/five-ways-to-wellbeing/ (Accessed: 21 July 2024).

NHS Providers (2024) Co-production and engagement with communities. Available at: https://nhsproviders.org/media/698572/co-production-health-ineq-1e.pdf (Accessed: 25 July 2024).

Nudge (2024) Local love, local jobs, local spend, local change. Available at: https://www.nudge.community (Accessed 12 June 2024).

Stirchley Baths (2024) https://stirchleybaths.org (Accessed: 22 July 2024).

Trup, N., Carrington, D. and Wyler, S (2019) Community hubs Understanding survival and success, Available at: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hubs-Report-FINAL-120719.pdf (Accessed: 24 July 2024).