United Communities
Children and young people thrive as part of strong, connected communities.
United Communities brings schools and communities together to create the conditions for locally led change. Working alongside 50 schools across 26 communities in England, we combine national infrastructure with grassroots energy to invest in community spaces, grow local leadership, back locally led action and steward a network of youth and community practitioners.
We believe in the power of community to bring out the best in everyone.
Community leadership
We train and support residents, community practitioners and school leaders to help them discover, connect and mobilise the strengths that already exists in communities – including the gifts and skills of children and young people, their families and neighbours.
Community of practice
We steward a national network of youth and community practitioners across England who journey together, share learning across place, and deepen community-centred practice in 26 communities.
Community spaces
We support the development of youth and community hubs as trusted spaces where people can meet, connect, share skills and take part in community life. Each hub is different because it is shaped with and by local people.
Community investment
Through Ignite Communities Fund, a microgrant programme for youth and community-led action, we back ideas and initiatives that help people take action on things they care about, where they live.
Participation recorded in 2025-26. Learn more on our impact page.
*Since 2023
It was so great to have this relaxed environment for my child to watch a film in this kind of setting, with his needs I can’t take him to the cinema Local parent, The Phoenix Centre (Bognor Regis)
It was so great to have this relaxed environment for my child to watch a film in this kind of setting, with his needs I can’t take him to the cinema