Introducing the Togetherness Project
Building belonging, togetheR
At Educafe, we believe that togetherness changes everything. When people – individuals, citizens, residents, neighbours and families – feel connected, supported, and welcomed, communities flourish. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we’re excited to be running our Togetherness Project – a simple but powerful idea: create more opportunities for people to belong.
What the togetherness project is about
The Togetherness Project aims to encourage and connect:
- Welcoming spaces – making sure everyone knows where they can go to feel at home, make new friends and connect with their local community
- Inclusive activities – from conversation and learning to wellbeing and volunteering, we create opportunities that bring people together.
- Community connection – linking people, groups, and organisations so no one feels isolated and support is easier to find.
What we’re trying to achieve
Through this project we want to:
- Strengthen relationships between local organisations both in and beyond West Berkshire to collaborate better together
- Support people to connect, learn, and thrive in their community
- Exchange knowledge and practical learning with others doing similar work
- Build sustainability so the benefits of belonging last well beyond the project
- Create system change among funders and commissioners so their money goes further.
Who we want to work with
The Togetherness Project is especially keen to connect with organisations who are working to:
Re-activate community spaces and venues by bringing underused places back to life as welcoming hubs.
Deliver community strengthening and educational activities by creating opportunities for people to learn, share, and grow together.
Attract and support more diverse groups through ensuring that everyone feels included and represented.
Increase and unlock volunteer engagement by finding fresh ways to inspire, support, and sustain volunteer involvement.
Shape system change by working with funders, commissioners, and partners so resources go further and communities benefit more.
If you’re interested in being part of this project to connect with other likeminded organisations for peer learning and support, please register your details here and we’ll be in touch.
other resources & ideas
Unsure about whether this project is for you? Dip into some further resources first and get to know Educafe a bit better and help us spread the word…
Explore the Educafe model… See our media coverage, read our blogs and case studies and listen to our podcasts (coming soon!)
Share this blog with colleagues or organisations you think might be interested
Reach out if you’d like to connect, have a chat, or share ideas
Visit us at Educafe on a Wednesday to see our project in action.