The Young Foundation
@theyoungfdn.bsky.social
The UK's home for community research and social innovation. Also powering the Institute for Community Studies.
www.youngfoundation.org
Also on X and Threads
www.youngfoundation.org
Also on X and Threads
What does it really take to build stronger, more connected communities?
Earlier this month, the All Together Now conference marked the official launch of @c4research.bsky.social, hosted in partnership with @localtrust.org.uk. See the highlights π
www.youtube.com/watch?v=REez...
Earlier this month, the All Together Now conference marked the official launch of @c4research.bsky.social, hosted in partnership with @localtrust.org.uk. See the highlights π
www.youtube.com/watch?v=REez...
All Together Now | Highlights
YouTube video by Big Local
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
What does it really take to build stronger, more connected communities?
Earlier this month, the All Together Now conference marked the official launch of @c4research.bsky.social, hosted in partnership with @localtrust.org.uk. See the highlights π
www.youtube.com/watch?v=REez...
Earlier this month, the All Together Now conference marked the official launch of @c4research.bsky.social, hosted in partnership with @localtrust.org.uk. See the highlights π
www.youtube.com/watch?v=REez...
REPORT π | Meaningful engagement between students and local communities - five case studies of student community engagement practices across England
Read the report π
bit.ly/44jOpCU
Read the report π
bit.ly/44jOpCU
Meaningful engagement between students and local communities | Institute for Community Studies
This research explores the question of what sites and practices of meaningful student community engagement look like, particularly from much-needed student and community perspectives. The report prese...
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 4:10 PM
REPORT π | Meaningful engagement between students and local communities - five case studies of student community engagement practices across England
Read the report π
bit.ly/44jOpCU
Read the report π
bit.ly/44jOpCU
REPORT π | Purpose through data: a toolkit and resource that supports universities with equitable and accessible, data-informed decision-making π
bit.ly/4pjDa5r
bit.ly/4pjDa5r
Purpose through data | Institute for Community Studies
From 2022 to 2025, the Institute for Community Studies at The Young Foundation carried out primary and secondary research in support of the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) programme. This inc...
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 3:08 PM
REPORT π | Purpose through data: a toolkit and resource that supports universities with equitable and accessible, data-informed decision-making π
bit.ly/4pjDa5r
bit.ly/4pjDa5r
OPINION π | 'We need more than new skills and social mobility for a greener future; we need fairnessβ
Julie McLaren asks how we can ensure the UK's skills agenda is both 'green' and genuinely fair, in Business Green π
bit.ly/4plEGnx
Julie McLaren asks how we can ensure the UK's skills agenda is both 'green' and genuinely fair, in Business Green π
bit.ly/4plEGnx
For a greener future, we need more than new skills and social mobility - we need fairness
Workforce 2030: Julie McLaren from The Young Foundation explores how the UK can ensure its skills agenda is both 'green' and genuinely fair
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 3:01 PM
OPINION π | 'We need more than new skills and social mobility for a greener future; we need fairnessβ
Julie McLaren asks how we can ensure the UK's skills agenda is both 'green' and genuinely fair, in Business Green π
bit.ly/4plEGnx
Julie McLaren asks how we can ensure the UK's skills agenda is both 'green' and genuinely fair, in Business Green π
bit.ly/4plEGnx
Find out more and register here π bit.ly/4ipECRP
Explore the Rural Durham CRN πhttps://bit.ly/3K7A4Te
Explore the Rural Durham CRN πhttps://bit.ly/3K7A4Te
New event on 4th December: Reimagining Research
The Ideas Fund is a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Find out more and register here π bit.ly/4ipECRP
Explore the Rural Durham CRN πhttps://bit.ly/3K7A4Te
Explore the Rural Durham CRN πhttps://bit.ly/3K7A4Te
ποΈIn December we'll be a part of Reimagining Research, an online event hosted by @britsciassoc.bsky.social π’
Hear from those working with communities, like the Rural Durham Community Research Network, and explore ideas of how this work can shape future research to collaboratively address challenges.
Hear from those working with communities, like the Rural Durham Community Research Network, and explore ideas of how this work can shape future research to collaboratively address challenges.
New event on 4th December: Reimagining Research
The Ideas Fund is a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome.
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
ποΈIn December we'll be a part of Reimagining Research, an online event hosted by @britsciassoc.bsky.social π’
Hear from those working with communities, like the Rural Durham Community Research Network, and explore ideas of how this work can shape future research to collaboratively address challenges.
Hear from those working with communities, like the Rural Durham Community Research Network, and explore ideas of how this work can shape future research to collaboratively address challenges.
Part of the #CommunityResearchNetworks with
@ukri.org, Gary reflects: "The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is drawing on local insights to co-create local solutions. It's fantastic to see the community-driven approach to mental wellbeing in action."
Find out moreπhttps://bit.ly/4p1PQOf
@ukri.org, Gary reflects: "The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is drawing on local insights to co-create local solutions. It's fantastic to see the community-driven approach to mental wellbeing in action."
Find out moreπhttps://bit.ly/4p1PQOf
November 12, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Part of the #CommunityResearchNetworks with
@ukri.org, Gary reflects: "The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is drawing on local insights to co-create local solutions. It's fantastic to see the community-driven approach to mental wellbeing in action."
Find out moreπhttps://bit.ly/4p1PQOf
@ukri.org, Gary reflects: "The Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is drawing on local insights to co-create local solutions. It's fantastic to see the community-driven approach to mental wellbeing in action."
Find out moreπhttps://bit.ly/4p1PQOf
Our Senior Innovation Practitioner, Gary Fawdrey is currently on 'safari' in Scotland, touring Moray to meet local people, to better understand the issues they face and explore potential research opportunities that matter to them.β°οΈπ‘
November 12, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Our Senior Innovation Practitioner, Gary Fawdrey is currently on 'safari' in Scotland, touring Moray to meet local people, to better understand the issues they face and explore potential research opportunities that matter to them.β°οΈπ‘
Read about the Rural Durham network's first funded community-led research projects exploring heritage and the arts, transport barriers affecting young people, and the social value of shared spaces π bit.ly/4po0Shd
First Funded Community Research Projects | Rural Durham β Community Research Network Durham
Rural Durham Community Research Network announces four funded projects exploring heritage, transport, companionship, and shared spaces in rural communities.
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Read about the Rural Durham network's first funded community-led research projects exploring heritage and the arts, transport barriers affecting young people, and the social value of shared spaces π bit.ly/4po0Shd
Check out the latest videos from Belfast Community Research & Innovation Network spotlighting their community partners including The Ashton Centre and
the Market Development Associationπ bit.ly/4qYsueo
the Market Development Associationπ bit.ly/4qYsueo
Market Development Association | Partner Spotlight Video | BCRIN
The Market Development Association is one of the community partners of Belfast Community Research & Innovation (BCRIN). This video was recorded in year 1 of the BCRIN project as an introduction to the Market community and the Market Development Association, to form a baseline narrative, and to act as a tool for reflection in the future. Enjoy. @marketdevelopmentassociati4264
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Check out the latest videos from Belfast Community Research & Innovation Network spotlighting their community partners including The Ashton Centre and
the Market Development Associationπ bit.ly/4qYsueo
the Market Development Associationπ bit.ly/4qYsueo
We're working with the @ukri.org funded #CommunityResearchNetworks supporting them to engage their local communities across the UK to drive research and innovation in their areas.π
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 PM
We're working with the @ukri.org funded #CommunityResearchNetworks supporting them to engage their local communities across the UK to drive research and innovation in their areas.π
π Will COP, hosted in Brazil this year, see bold commitments that drive a just transition to net zero? People and communities must be at the heart of climate action, so no one is left behind on the journey to a sustainable future.
See our recent research and thinking in this space π
bit.ly/3WGdsfp
See our recent research and thinking in this space π
bit.ly/3WGdsfp
A fairer future and a greener planet | The Young Foundation
Explore our work to build participation and shape a greener, fairer future.
bit.ly
November 11, 2025 at 9:24 AM
π Will COP, hosted in Brazil this year, see bold commitments that drive a just transition to net zero? People and communities must be at the heart of climate action, so no one is left behind on the journey to a sustainable future.
See our recent research and thinking in this space π
bit.ly/3WGdsfp
See our recent research and thinking in this space π
bit.ly/3WGdsfp
WORKSHOP π» | Help shape a dashboard supporting universities to take a more data-driven approach to creating positive civic impact
Join us for the final user-testing workshop: bit.ly/4nFQlwd
Join us for the final user-testing workshop: bit.ly/4nFQlwd
Civic Impact Dashboard user-testing workshop | The Young Foundation
Help shape a dashboard supporting universities to take a more data-driven approach to creating positive civic impact.
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
WORKSHOP π» | Help shape a dashboard supporting universities to take a more data-driven approach to creating positive civic impact
Join us for the final user-testing workshop: bit.ly/4nFQlwd
Join us for the final user-testing workshop: bit.ly/4nFQlwd
π§βπ Join the last Introduction to peer research training of the year!
There are still a few spots left for this highly practical and engaging online training on Wednesday 19 November.
Find out more: bit.ly/4qHTQVQ
There are still a few spots left for this highly practical and engaging online training on Wednesday 19 November.
Find out more: bit.ly/4qHTQVQ
Introduction to peer research course | The Young Foundation
This online course is for organisations wishing to develop their peer research project management skills in-house. A previous participant said: βI learnt a lot and feel inspired.β
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 11:13 AM
π§βπ Join the last Introduction to peer research training of the year!
There are still a few spots left for this highly practical and engaging online training on Wednesday 19 November.
Find out more: bit.ly/4qHTQVQ
There are still a few spots left for this highly practical and engaging online training on Wednesday 19 November.
Find out more: bit.ly/4qHTQVQ
A fantastic report recently shared at CiviCon by Jack Layton and Al Mathers highlighting the power of university green spaces to be realised as focal points for mental health and wellbeing and community cohesion. π³
Find out more π http://bit.ly/3Lf8XWw
Find out more π http://bit.ly/3Lf8XWw
Civic universities and green spaces: mapping report | Institute for Community Studies
This research maps university green space in relation to underlying mental health and wellbeing data, and explores the potential to scale the methodological approach.
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
A fantastic report recently shared at CiviCon by Jack Layton and Al Mathers highlighting the power of university green spaces to be realised as focal points for mental health and wellbeing and community cohesion. π³
Find out more π http://bit.ly/3Lf8XWw
Find out more π http://bit.ly/3Lf8XWw
Is your neighbourhood benefitting from net zero? Share our interactive map with your MP to deliver change on your doorstep
The GoZero Index provides vital insight into how national and regional policy can better reflect local realities.
bit.ly/47fzgV9
The GoZero Index provides vital insight into how national and regional policy can better reflect local realities.
bit.ly/47fzgV9
Is your neighbourhood benefitting from net zero? Share new map with your MP to deliver real change
The GoZero Index β designed by The Young Foundation β is a new, interactive tool that maps how ready different places across England are for the transition to a fair and equitable net zero future. ...
bit.ly
October 30, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Is your neighbourhood benefitting from net zero? Share our interactive map with your MP to deliver change on your doorstep
The GoZero Index provides vital insight into how national and regional policy can better reflect local realities.
bit.ly/47fzgV9
The GoZero Index provides vital insight into how national and regional policy can better reflect local realities.
bit.ly/47fzgV9
NEWS πΊοΈ | GoZero Index launches β a groundbreaking new tool mapping how ready places across England are for the transition to a fair, green future.
Explore your area π
https://bit.ly/4qpfUo5
Explore your area π
https://bit.ly/4qpfUo5
October 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
NEWS πΊοΈ | GoZero Index launches β a groundbreaking new tool mapping how ready places across England are for the transition to a fair, green future.
Explore your area π
https://bit.ly/4qpfUo5
Explore your area π
https://bit.ly/4qpfUo5
OPINION π | Houses β communities. π§ New housing without social infrastructure is leaving people isolated. Itβs time to invest in public joy β not just buildings. Our Place Research and Impact Manager Dr Jack Layton writes for Estates Gazette π
http://bit.ly/4ho4HzT
http://bit.ly/4ho4HzT
Buildings alone wonβt solve the housing crisis; we need to invest in public joy
COMMENT Institute for Community Studiesβ Jack Layton on social infrastructure
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 10:35 AM
OPINION π | Houses β communities. π§ New housing without social infrastructure is leaving people isolated. Itβs time to invest in public joy β not just buildings. Our Place Research and Impact Manager Dr Jack Layton writes for Estates Gazette π
http://bit.ly/4ho4HzT
http://bit.ly/4ho4HzT
As the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill makes its way through Parliament, @right-here.org is calling for a deeper form of devolution that gives communities more power and rights to create real change β from the ground up.
Watch and share the new campaign film π
Watch and share the new campaign film π
Our new film argues that community power is the antidote to division and democratic decline.
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
π₯ Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
Give communities the power to fix broken Britain from the ground up.
π₯ Watch and share.
Read the story behind the film: www.right-here.org/community-po...
Film by @tuz0.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
As the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill makes its way through Parliament, @right-here.org is calling for a deeper form of devolution that gives communities more power and rights to create real change β from the ground up.
Watch and share the new campaign film π
Watch and share the new campaign film π
π’ At today's AVM Conference, our Research Director SiΓ’n Whyte notes the changing nature of volunteering and increased appetite for new models of community power. "Our strategy is about the power of participation and welcoming a new social contract.β
bit.ly/4enrWJa
bit.ly/4enrWJa
The Power of Participation: our vision 2024-28 | The Young Foundation
Embracing the spirit of our founder, Michael Young, our five-year strategy, The Power of Participation, shares our vision to redesign the social contract between people, communities, state and business and shape a fairer, greener future.
bit.ly
October 16, 2025 at 9:51 AM
π’ At today's AVM Conference, our Research Director SiΓ’n Whyte notes the changing nature of volunteering and increased appetite for new models of community power. "Our strategy is about the power of participation and welcoming a new social contract.β
bit.ly/4enrWJa
bit.ly/4enrWJa
EVENT π | Building practice for a JUST future
Last chance to register to join us next week to discover opportunities for participation in the new Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) π
https://bit.ly/3JN1UDV
Last chance to register to join us next week to discover opportunities for participation in the new Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) π
https://bit.ly/3JN1UDV
Building practice for a JUST future | The Young Foundation
In this online session, we will activate the power of participation to tackle social, political and environmental challenges, mobilising communities of practice to create a just, sustainable future.
bit.ly
October 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
EVENT π | Building practice for a JUST future
Last chance to register to join us next week to discover opportunities for participation in the new Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) π
https://bit.ly/3JN1UDV
Last chance to register to join us next week to discover opportunities for participation in the new Centre for Joined Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) π
https://bit.ly/3JN1UDV
In tandem, our Institute for Community Studies is publishing an analysis of the programme, which provides recommendations for carrying out community-based research π
bit.ly/4pSKupJ
bit.ly/4pSKupJ
Understanding Communities: Final insight report | Institute for Community Studies
The Understanding Communities research programme was a collaboration between the British Academy and the Nuffield Foundation, exploring how local communities function and can improve peopleβs lives. I...
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
In tandem, our Institute for Community Studies is publishing an analysis of the programme, which provides recommendations for carrying out community-based research π
bit.ly/4pSKupJ
bit.ly/4pSKupJ
Today, The @britishacademy.bsky.social and Nuffield Foundation's Understanding Communities programme publishes its final report.
Launched in 2022, this programme has worked to inform policy and practice on how communities can improve social wellbeing across the UK π
bit.ly/4nZy1Pi
Launched in 2022, this programme has worked to inform policy and practice on how communities can improve social wellbeing across the UK π
bit.ly/4nZy1Pi
Understanding Communities Fund | Nuffield Foundation
A collaboration from the British Academy and the Nuffield Foundation to identify practical solutions to increase the cohesion and resilience of local communities in the UK.
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Today, The @britishacademy.bsky.social and Nuffield Foundation's Understanding Communities programme publishes its final report.
Launched in 2022, this programme has worked to inform policy and practice on how communities can improve social wellbeing across the UK π
bit.ly/4nZy1Pi
Launched in 2022, this programme has worked to inform policy and practice on how communities can improve social wellbeing across the UK π
bit.ly/4nZy1Pi
Reposted by The Young Foundation
𧡠1/3 π¨ Interested in building a just, sustainable future? Join the @manchester.ac.uk @justcentre.bsky.social & @theyoungfdn.bsky.social webinar on Oct 7! πβ¨
Explore the new Practice-Builders Network mobilising changemakers across sectors.
π www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-p...
Explore the new Practice-Builders Network mobilising changemakers across sectors.
π www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-p...
Building practice for a JUST future
Activate the power of participation to tackle social, political and environmental challenges.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 11:54 AM
𧡠1/3 π¨ Interested in building a just, sustainable future? Join the @manchester.ac.uk @justcentre.bsky.social & @theyoungfdn.bsky.social webinar on Oct 7! πβ¨
Explore the new Practice-Builders Network mobilising changemakers across sectors.
π www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-p...
Explore the new Practice-Builders Network mobilising changemakers across sectors.
π www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-p...
π EVENT | Hive Minds: Exploring Participatory Research
Join us on Tuesday 4 November in Belfast with RF Associates for a collaborative session exploring the power of a participatory approach in research.
πFind out more and register your interest here: bit.ly/42jtter
Join us on Tuesday 4 November in Belfast with RF Associates for a collaborative session exploring the power of a participatory approach in research.
πFind out more and register your interest here: bit.ly/42jtter
Hive Minds: Exploring participatory research | The Young Foundation
Develop knowledge, and connect with others interested in participatory research. Hosted by RFA in partnership with The Young Foundation.
bit.ly
October 1, 2025 at 12:57 PM
π EVENT | Hive Minds: Exploring Participatory Research
Join us on Tuesday 4 November in Belfast with RF Associates for a collaborative session exploring the power of a participatory approach in research.
πFind out more and register your interest here: bit.ly/42jtter
Join us on Tuesday 4 November in Belfast with RF Associates for a collaborative session exploring the power of a participatory approach in research.
πFind out more and register your interest here: bit.ly/42jtter