FAQs

Social infrastructure refers to the places and spaces you go to to connect. This could take the form of a community hall, a faith space, or even something you can't "see" like a group focused on a common interest or hobby.

To provide support to groups, big and small, to work together and with the council in helping residents.

To create and develop networks around common borough challenges. We're stronger when we work together.

To strengthen relationships between groups, the council, and residents.

In the mid-2000s, a lack of trust meant that divisions were forming in our communities and support for the far right was growing.

Something needed to change. The council looked at how it could transform its relationship with residents and that, in part, would come from building meaningful social networks and connections throughout the borough.

A joined up and supported social infrastructure is crucial to this vision.

In 2019, the council commissioned the BD_Collective, hosted by a community group, Community Resources, to take on the first contract.

Building on the values of trust, sharing power, and working collaboratively, the BD_Collective has achieved a lot in the last four years, including:

• Bringing in £2.5 million of funding into the borough
• Setting up networks around food, mental health, early years, sport, and more, ensuring that fewer people go hungry or reach crisis point.
• Building trust between the council, social infrastructure partners, and residents through joint funding models and by working together.