Community Powerhouse
Developing confident, connected community leaders who can drive positive change and strengthen locally‑led activity.
Community Powerhouse equips local changemakers with the skills, networks and influence to shape decisions, support their neighbourhoods and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Why strong community leadership matters
Across the UK, local volunteers, organisers and community champions are delivering extraordinary impact — often with little support, limited networks and few opportunities to develop their skills. Many are deeply embedded in their neighbourhoods, working tirelessly to support others, yet face isolation, burnout and barriers to influencing decisions that affect their communities.
Why does Community Powerhouse exist?
- Local heroes are driving change without the backing they deserve, despite delivering significant social value.
- Stronger leaders create stronger communities, improving trust, participation and collaboration.
- Community Champions rarely have access to development pathways, peer networks or strategic spaces.
- Changemakers have limited opportunities to connect with others, share learning or build influence across different settings.
Government evidence shows that community‑led approaches improve health outcomes, strengthen cohesion, reduce reliance on acute services and boost local economies — creating upstream change that reduces downstream cost.
I felt I had reached an impasse in my role within my community. Some days were starting to feel like I was standing still. I thought I lacked certain skills to move forward.
Now I feel skilled up significantly. I have not only connected with my peers, I have discovered I actually bring something to the table. My confidence levels have increased and now I have access to invaluable tools. I am now part of a wonderful team who have made me realise my self-worth and boosted my confidence.
Julie Roberts
Founding Community Champion
Programme impact
Community Powerhouse is a 12‑month to 5 year development programme that accelerates the impact of trusted, embedded community leaders. It provides structured training, mentoring, wellbeing support and a powerful peer network that helps Champions grow their confidence, skills and influence.
We help Community Champions to:
- Build confidence, motivation and self‑belief
- Increase their overall wellbeing
- Strengthen communication, facilitation and partnership skills
- Understand local assets, challenges and opportunities
- Mobilise others and co‑design new community activities
- Increase their influence in civic and strategic spaces
- Develop sustainable, resident‑led initiatives that benefit their neighbourhoods
Impact on communities
- More connected, resilient neighbourhoods
- Stronger collaboration between groups and services
- Increased participation from under‑represented communities
- Greater trust between residents and local organisations
- Expansion of community‑led activity and local ownership of solutions
Impact on systems
- Community voice embedded in decision‑making
- More open, collaborative public services
- Increased co‑production
- Reduced inequalities through lived‑experience‑led approaches
What is the Community Powerhouse Programme?
Community Powerhouse identifies and invests in Community Champions — trusted local leaders who already drive positive change in their neighbourhoods. The programme provides structured development, mentoring and a national network to help them grow their impact and strengthen community‑led activity.
Each 12‑month programme, per cohort, includes:
- Tailored support for up to 12 Champions
- 1‑1 mentoring, small‑group sessions and digital workshops
- Wellbeing support and burnout prevention
- Peer learning and access to each other’s insights
- Two full cohort gatherings, including a residential at Trafford Hall
- Online portal and resource library
- A flexible structure shaped around each Champion’s needs
Champions leave with stronger networks, greater confidence, clearer influence and the tools to lead long‑term community transformation.
A Champion’s Story: Vivienne (Viv), Padiham
Viv noticed loneliness in her community and began offering free hugs — a simple act that revealed deep need. She went on to start a choir, a charity shop, a food bank and a wellbeing hub, now supporting hundreds of people each month. “Being part of this group has really helped my confidence… we are now registered as a CIC which I never thought would be possible.”
Her story reflects the heart of Community Powerhouse: ordinary people doing extraordinary things, strengthened by connection, support and shared learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see an answer to your question, don’t hesitate to contact us, where a member of our team who will be delighted to help you.
Community Champions are leaders and individuals delivering impact at a hyperlocal level — often volunteers, organisers, charity workers or local influencers who support hundreds of people every year. They are embedded in their communities, trusted by residents and driven by a desire to make things better.
Community Threads recruits Champions through its extensive network, assessing community involvement and impact before enrolment. The programme itself was co‑designed by founding Champions, who will act as mentors for future cohorts.
Community Threads brings together trusted relationships, practical learning expertise, wellbeing‑focused support and a residential environment designed to help people grow. With over 35 years’ experience supporting communities, we create spaces where leaders can step away from everyday pressures, build confidence and develop new skills.
Our partnerships across social housing, community organisations, education, local authorities, health and business help Champions access networks and opportunities that may otherwise feel out of reach.
Funders value Community Powerhouse because it:
- Strengthens hyper-local community leadership in disadvantaged areas
- Reduces pressure on statutory services through preventative support
- Builds trust between residents and organisations
- Creates measurable social and economic value at low cost
- Aligns directly with national priorities including levelling up, prevention, pride in place, public service efficiency and community resilience
Community Powerhouse runs for 12 months and up to 5 years, combining in‑person gatherings, digital learning, mentoring and peer support.
Each cohort includes up to 12 Community Champions to ensure tailored support and strong peer relationships.
Individuals delivering meaningful impact in their local community — volunteers, organisers, charity workers, CIC leaders or local influencers.
Prospective Champions can contact Community Threads to discuss eligibility and upcoming cohorts.
Funders can invest in cohort delivery, expansion to new regions, wellbeing support, digital infrastructure or sector partnerships. Our founding Champions were based across the North West; however we envisage future cohorts from across the UK.
Other programmes
Our programmes are designed to give people the tools, confidence and support they need to take action. That might mean developing new skills, building connections, or creating change in their community.
Be part of the change
Every community has potential. Sometimes it just needs the right support and influence to unlock it. Connect with us and together, with communities, we’ll create lasting change.
