Know Your Neighbourhood project off to a flying start!
ACE are delivering a Government backed initiative to get people involved in their community, by making friends and considering volunteering
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:
- Volunteering programmes that match people with opportunities to volunteer in their local area
- Social clubs and activities that bring people together
- Training and support for people to set up and run their own community projects
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:
- In Liverpool, the KYN funding is being used to support a programme called “Volunteering for Good”. This programme matches people with volunteering opportunities in their local area, such as helping out at a food bank, mentoring a young person, or coaching a sports team.
- In Birmingham, the KYN funding is being used to support a programme called “Community Connectors”. This programme trains and supports people to set up and run their own community projects. For example, one Community Connector has set up a walking group for older people, and another has set up a cooking club for families.
- In Newcastle, the KYN funding is being used to support a programme called “Loneliness Link”. This programme provides one-on-one support to people who are feeling lonely. For example, a Loneliness Link worker might help someone to find a social club to join or to volunteer in their local area.
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.
