Place Matters

We’re in Birmingham today hosting our #CollaborativeActionSummit on #ChildPoverty, bringing together voices from the UK, Canada & Australia to explore place-based solutions for lasting change.

We're grateful to all those attending and supporting. More insights to come!

Healing isn’t just personal—it’s systemic.

We recently gathered global voices to explore what it means to build healing systems in vulnerable communities. What we heard was powerful, challenging, and hopeful.

Our Co-CEO, Jo Blundell reflects: bit.ly/45o1i06

#HealingSystems #CommunityCare

Kicked off @wearenewlocal.bsky.social #StrongerThings 2025 Conference the "Glastonbury of community power"

How do our systems create trauma and can they be redesigned to heal? We recognize trauma's impact on engagement with support systems. How can we use our understanding of trauma responses to redesign systems that heal instead of harm? We discussed this with experts. bit.ly/3FhBb0g Share your thoughts

How can funders connect with the energy of community-driven change?

Our Co-CEO Jo Blundell shares lessons + introduces the Place Matters map — a tool to spot bright spots + funding gaps in place-based work.

Read + share: bit.ly/44LCqPz

Measuring impact: It’s not just a numbers game
In our recent webinar with the Old Fire Station, we discussed how traditional evaluation methods often fall short, and storytelling offers a more authentic way to reflect. Jeremy Spafford, recently retired from OFS, shared his insights.
bit.ly/4mkDFLQ

Thrilled with TNLCF's fresh strategy on evidence and impact, emphasizing the importance of data to enhance learning and community impact. The proposed investment in learning networks is crucial for a stronger, adaptable community sector. Read the report here: bit.ly/4jUcZQC

Place Matters are active on other channels!

We’re sharing stories, ideas, and updates about place-based work and community impact in new places. Join us on Instagram: @Placematters_UK and LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/place-matters-uk/

#Community #PlaceMatters

Place Matters are an accredited @livingwageuk.bsky.social Employer!

Being part of this movement reflects our ongoing commitment to equity, dignity, and making sure our team and partners are supported with the real #LivingWage for the real cost of living.

Read more: www.livingwage.org.uk

A very big thank you to Graham Whitham and Resolve Poverty Conference Team.

The event brought us together in thoughtful discussions around the urgent need to work together - locally, regionally and nationally - to "prevent and reduce poverty rather than address it."

Yesterday Bradford Birth to 19 hosted our #EarlyYears Community of Practice!

We saw how their joined up model links early years provision, teacher training, family support, and research creating local and national impact.

Thanks @caerbradford.bsky.social 50 Things to Do, CAER, EALC for a great day

We know that pushing for change is a long process, it requires resilience.

In this co-authored piece with Collective Change Lab our trustee, @weavingtogether.bsky.social , explores five forces that can help shift systems from stagnation to transformation.

Read it here: https://buff.ly/4h3tabT

Two great events hosted by the team at Collaborate CIC!

A New Era for Wigan Council : Progress with Unity
Tues 25th Feb 10am-12pm https://buff.ly/4gUNRXN

Embedding Human Learning Systems Across Local Places
Tues 4th Mar 12pm-1.30pm https://buff.ly/433gMpa

#PlaceBasedLearning

Yesterday, we had the privilege of attending A Place of Hope, @savechildrenuk.bsky.social Child Poverty Summit in Sheffield.

A huge thank you to the parents and young people who shared their stories - you have truly inspired us to keep seeking hopeful solutions to child poverty.

Yesterday, we visited Barking and Dagenham. Thank you to all the residents and organisations who shared with us their involvement with philanthropic backed programmes.

We heard how important it is to adapt funding to community context and build in sustainability from the start!

Applications Close Soon ✨

There's still time to apply for our Place-Based Learning & Practice Lead role!

Deadline: Wednesday 19th February
Apply here: buff.ly/4g3Ywid

#WeAreHiring

Privileged to welcome our patron Dame Julia Cleverdon, Chair of @tnlcomfund.bsky.social, representatives from Children in Need, @placematters.bsky.social, UBS Optimus Foundation, Inspiring Scotland, FARE, & Scottish Government to North Birkenhead to witness the impact of our #C2C programme.

We’re on the look out for a Data Development partner/s with expertise in data analysis, visualisation, mapping technologies, and with an understanding of place-based work in the UK to help us launch Version 2 of our Map and Insights Report!

Find out more: https://buff.ly/4jHyQuT

✨ We’re #Hiring: Place-Based Learning & Practice Lead

Seeking a senior-level leader to drive impactful learning, champion community voice, build trusted networks, and empower changemakers through place-based change.

Learn more & apply: https://buff.ly/4g3Ywid
#SystemsChange

🎉 As we close out 2024, we want to thank everyone who has contributed to our journey this year - partners, funders, practitioners, and communities.

Let’s carry forward our learnings into an impactful 2025.

Happy New Year! ✨

#PlaceMatters2024

Right to Succeed's Cradle to Career programme with Liverpool City Region built cross sector trust and collaboration to drive impact to improve life chances for young people.

Read more: https://buff.ly/3P2wxEJ

#PlaceMatters2024

Minderoo Foundation shows how "scaling deep" can drive lasting change: focusing on fewer communities, building strong partnerships, and shifting systems for real impact.

Learn more from our study trip with them and Reach Foundation: https://buff.ly/48oWfvR

#PlaceMatters2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at Place Matters!🎄

We’re taking a moment to feel grateful for connection, community, and all the little things that make life brighter. We hope today is a special day for all those who celebrate.

#PlaceMatters2024

Changing the way we communicate change. In #SystemsChange and #PlaceBasedChange, complex terms and wordy resources can alienate the very people we aim to support.

This year we've been asking:
How do we keep our work inclusive in the face of complexity?

#PlaceMatters2024

A speech bubble reads "I want them to know that's I'm somebody", from a parent of a mental health service user shared with Black Thrive Birmingham

This statement, shared with Black Thrive Birmingham, highlights the need for relational, person-centered services. How can public services shift to work with humanity and ensure everyone feels seen? Read more https://buff.ly/41Guuxq

#PlaceMatters2024

Liz Weaver’s reminder taught us the need to focus this year.

Locally and globally, we’ve faced countless challenges. At #PlaceMatters, prioritising impact areas helps us drive change whilst maintaining our ability to learn & grow.

How do you focus your energy? #PlaceMatters2024

As 2024 ends, we've reflected on a pivotal year of opportunities.

Whilst celebrating our highlights, true #SystemicChange stems from transparency, collaboration, and shared learning. Stay tuned for our #PlaceMatters insights!

What lessons, challenges, & wins shaped your 2024? 💫

It's official: Place Matters is now registered with the @ChtyCommission ! ✨

After testing our methods, we’re now ready to advance #PlaceBased work as an independent entity. Huge thanks to Right to Succeed, our trustees and partners for your support in this journey.🌍💙

🌱Are funders going beyond grant-making in #PlaceBased initiatives?

Our research shows over half of funders are stepping up their support. But how can they collaborate and evolve for even more impact?

With thanks to those who contributed to our research! https://buff.ly/4ekP09L

🤝 Who are collaborating in place-based initiatives?

Our Insights Report analysis shows that 70% of projects collaborate with the community. But, education, Housing, and the Police are less engaged.

How can we make cross-sector collaborations widespread? https://buff.ly/4ekP09L