The UK government’s “Know Your Neighbourhood” (KYN) initiative is a £30 million package of funding designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. It was launched in January 2023 and is expected to run until March 2025.
The KYN initiative is based on the idea that strong social connections and volunteering are essential for wellbeing and pride in place. The funding will be used to support a variety of community projects and initiatives, such as:
ACE are proud to be involved in this exciting project and are currently holding a friendly drop in session every other Friday in the Gorleston centre in Alpha Road (see below). See any of our social media channels to get updates. There is always refreshments, cakes, biscuits and other treats on offer, with a warm welcome!
The KYN initiative is also being used to build the evidence on what works to increase regular volunteering and reduce chronic loneliness in disadvantaged communities. The findings of this research will be shared with local authorities and other organisations so that they can develop more effective programmes and services in the future.
The KYN initiative is part of the UK government’s wider Levelling Up White Paper, which sets out a plan to improve opportunities and living standards in all parts of the country.
Here are some examples of how the KYN initiative is being used in different parts of England:
The KYN initiative is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives in disadvantaged communities across England. By encouraging people to volunteer and to connect with others in their local area, the KYN initiative can help to improve people’s wellbeing and pride in place.