About us
Working alongside communities, housing, funders, education, and government to build lasting connections.
Community Threads, formerly the National Communities Resource Centre, has supported people in disadvantaged communities for more than 35 years.
Rooted in community and housing, we now also support children, young people and grassroots leaders to overcome barriers linked to inequality, opportunity, wellbeing and climate anxiety.
Our role is simple: help people recognise their potential, build the connections and confidence to act, and support them to make a difference.
People are capable of extraordinary things and have the power to create positive change for themselves, their families and their communities and we exist to help them to do just that!
Lesley Burrows
Managing Director, Community Threads
What we do
Our name reflects our purpose: connecting people, places and opportunities together to strengthen the social fabric of communities.
Through inclusive and experiential programmes, we support people to understand their strengths, build confidence, shape services and create more positive futures.
We work nationally with residents, housing associations, schools, community organisations, government bodies, funders and businesses.
We work nationally with residents, housing associations, schools, community organisations, government bodies, funders and businesses.
Our work directly supports both regional and national priorities to:
- reduce inequality and improve social mobility;
- strengthen community resilience and civic participation;
- improve health and wellbeing, particularly in disadvantaged communities;
- amplify resident and community voice in shaping services and places;
- support children and young people to build confidence, aspiration and skills;
- encourage partnership between public services, housing providers, funders and community organisations.
“Community Threads means so much to me. Social housing is a vast subject area, and I knew nothing about anything.
Since becoming involved with the Charity, I’ve gradually built up a knowledge that I’m now able to affect the whole sector. I know exactly what I need to say, do or be involved in to actually help make a difference and see a change.
Julie Hoyle
Tenant and Independent Scrutineer
Meet our team
We couldn’t do what we do without our brilliant people!
How we work
Our vehicle for delivery has equity and environmental impact running throughout. It includes:
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Residential & day programmes
Held at our Trafford Hall’s 14‑acre, nature‑rich environment or other Youth Hostel Association/community locations. Immersive experiences, that become a catalyst for personal transformation.
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Community engagement
Skills/development workshops. Research and community listening. Community led projects.
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Knowledge exchange
Research publications. Online knowledge exchange platforms that serve to support higher levels of personal/community growth influence through access to networks, tools and best practice resources. Think tank sessions will continue to be delivered, with our long-standing partner, the London School of Economics.
Our principles
We use the following principles:
- We listen first, understanding local relationships, assets and gaps.
- We co-design with communities, shaped by those closest to the issues.
- We connect people, services and decision-makers as equals.
- We build long-term relationships that lead to lasting impact.
- We measure what matters, focusing on meaningful change.
Community Threads is proud to be part of The Regenda Group, a family of organisations working together to improve lives and regenerate places. Being part of the Group connects us to wider expertise, partnerships and opportunities, helping us go further together and create stronger, more connected communities.
Learn more about the Regenda Group here.
Why us?
Our team brings lived experience, passion and commitment to the issues we work to solve. Our core values are:
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Community-led
Programmes shaped by local people.
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Equity and access
Removing barriers to opportunity.
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Collaboration
Long-term change through partnership.
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Integrity and transparency
Accountable in all we do.
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Aspiration
Championing ambition and positive futures for children and young people.
We understand people. For over 35 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with communities, funders, partners, government and anchor organisations.
Our authentic connections enable us to co-create and deliver programmes locally, regionally and nationally with pace and impact. Guided by our values, we build partnerships that last and continue to create meaningful, sustainable change.
