Community Ownership, Community Anchors and the Future of Our Neighbourhoods
- Gareth Prytherch
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Earlier this year, I wrote about the convergence of national policy around neighbourhoods, community power and place. I suggested that programmes such as Pride in Place, Neighbourhood Health, Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and Community Wealth Building were increasingly pointing in the same direction.
This isn't simply a collection of separate initiatives. To me, it represents a broader shift in how government is beginning to see the relationship between communities, public services and local places.
A new report from Locality, Keys to the Future: How We Build a New Era of Community Ownership, reinforces that view. I believe it adds another important piece to the picture, demonstrating how community ownership and Community Anchors could become central to delivering that shared ambition.
For voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Wirral, this isn't simply an interesting piece of national research. It offers valuable insight into where policy is heading and the increasingly important role that locally rooted organisations will play.
"Community ownership isn't the destination. Strong, connected and resilient neighbourhoods are."
Why this matters in Wirral
One of the report's strongest messages is that community ownership should no longer be viewed simply as a way of saving buildings at risk.
Instead, community-owned assets create places where people connect, access support, improve their health and wellbeing, develop skills, create local employment and keep wealth circulating within their communities. Community ownership becomes a means of creating stronger, healthier and more resilient neighbourhoods.
That feels particularly relevant to the direction of travel we are already seeing across Wirral.
Whether it's Pride in Place, Neighbourhood Health, Asset Based Community Development or Community Wealth Building, the message is remarkably consistent: lasting change is built through strong local organisations, trusted relationships and long-term investment in communities.
Although these programmes have different origins, they increasingly share the same ambition — giving communities greater influence over the places where they live and supporting local people to develop sustainable solutions to local challenges.
To me, Locality's report suggests that community ownership is one of the practical ways this can happen.
Community Anchors: Bringing Policy to Life
As I reflected on the report, one conclusion stood out. If these national programmes are converging around stronger neighbourhoods, who will help turn that ambition into reality?
Increasingly, I believe the answer is Community Anchors.
Locality describes Community Anchors as well-established, multi-purpose organisations that are rooted in a particular place and committed to supporting their community over the long term. They are locally led, often own or manage community buildings or spaces, and use these assets as a platform to bring people together, respond to local priorities and help communities shape their own future.
These organisations provide something that individual projects cannot: long-term leadership, trusted relationships and a stable presence within a community (neighbourhood) .
In many ways, they are where the convergence I wrote about becomes real. They provide the foundation through which programmes such as Pride in Place, Neighbourhood Health, Asset Based Community Development and Community Wealth Building can become connected within a neighbourhood, rather than being delivered as separate initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As national policy continues to evolve, I want to make sure that Community Anchors across Wirral are recognised and engaged in the opportunities that matter most to the places they serve.
Whether that's Pride in Place, Neighbourhood Health, Community Wealth Building or future investment programmes, Community Anchors should be part of the conversations that shape their neighbourhoods.
I know many of these organisations already exist across Wirral. Some have been serving their communities for decades; others are continuing to grow and develop as long-term neighbourhood organisations.
By identifying Community Anchors now, we can help ensure they are connected to the partnerships, programmes and investment opportunities that are most relevant to the communities they support. Just as importantly, we can help ensure that local and national programmes engage the organisations best placed to help deliver lasting change within their neighbourhoods.
Could Your Organisation Be a Community Anchor?
If your organisation is:
rooted in a defined neighbourhood or community;
locally led and accountable to the people it serves;
multi-purpose, responding to a range of local needs and opportunities; and
owns, leases or manages (or is working towards managing) a community building or space that acts as a focal point for local activity,
then you may already be fulfilling the role of a Community Anchor.
Wirral CVS and partners are beginning to identify Community Anchors across the borough so we can better understand the strengths that already exist within our communities and ensure these organisations are connected to the partnerships, programmes and opportunities shaping the future of their neighbourhoods.
If you believe your organisation meets this description, I'd love to hear from you. Please join Wirral CVS and help us build a stronger picture of the Community Anchors supporting neighbourhoods across Wirral.
Further Reading
I would encourage you to download Locality's report, Keys to the Future: How We Build a New Era of Community Ownership and explore its research and recommendations in full. Whether your organisation is already established or just beginning its journey, it provides an excellent insight into the growing role that community ownership and Community Anchors could play in shaping the future of our communities.
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