Posts

Final report published: Community responses to Covid 19

/in , , , , , /by

In our April blog. Director of Just Ideas – Richard Usher – reflected on how much was learnt and shared over two years working with the Third Sector Research Centre team and being alongside communities across England.

Local Trust have now published the final report in the series they commissioned, entitled “One pandemic, many responses: How community responses to COVID-19 developed and why they varied “.

The research followed 26 communities in England, observing their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis defines a ’model of resourcefulness’ through reflections on the factors that drove strong community responses; and on the interaction of multiple factors that shaped different responses. These include factors such as feelings of community cohesion and identity; past and present investments in communities; having a strong network of community leaders; and having strong relationships with local authorities

Richard reflected:

“It was a privilege to work alongside Brookside Big Local on this research project – their responsiveness to the rapidly changing need of their community during the COVID-19 pandemic meant that isolated people got the support they needed, be it help with food, prescriptions or just someone to talk to. This report explores findings from 26 communities across England and their varied responses to the COVID-19 crisis. It’s an inspiring read and it was great to be part of the wider research group with the Third Sector Research Centre, including our regular partners WSA Community Consultants.”

Film: Community responses to Covid 19

/in , , /by

A reflection by Richard Usher, Director of Just Ideas. 

So much was learnt and shared over two years working with the Third Sector Research Centre team and being alongside communities across England in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. This short film brings to life some of the issues and key responses that people in communities made from the first lockdown in 2020. It explores how different communities fared during the pandemic and provides an insight into the impact of crisis on communities, and the factors shaping their resilience, response and recovery. There are reflections on the resourcefulness and rapidity of the initial response, that was mirrored across the country, and examples of the toll this also took in the move from emergency action to enduring the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

On a personal note, it is great to hear and see Tony Littley, Chair of Brookside Big Local – who Just Ideas have also worked with – contributing to the film.

Commissioned by Local Trust, the findings of this research provide an insight into the impact of crisis on communities, and the factors shaping their resilience, response and recovery. Please do check out the learning that was shared by the team as we went here 

Community Conversations about health and care – come and join us!

/in , , /by

At Just Ideas we are delighted to be working with longstanding partners WSA Community Consultants to support 100 conversations about health and care across Britain between now and May. Our partnership is working for a new charity Engage Britain on their Health and Care project, which aims to get people talking about what matters most to them about health and care: sharing ideas, stories and solutions. Engage Britain will then ensure those voices are heard and ideas discussed by movers and shakers across health and care policy to put people’s voice and experience at the heart of decision-making. Find out more here.

Just Ideas and WSA Community Consultants will be hosting some conversations and would really welcome your input if you are interested in sharing you experience and views on health and care. Each conversation will last 90 minutes. There is no prep work needed – we are keen to hear your stories, experiences and views.

These sessions will be on Zoom, and small and friendly. Currently they are planned for:

Thursday 25th March, 1.30–3pm
Thursday 22nd April, 6-7.30 pm
Thursday 13th May, 10-11.30 am

If you would like to join us let us know by emailing helen@just-ideas.co.uk

Everything you say will feed into Engage Britain building their understanding of solutions that people and communities think will make a difference, to then use this in moving forward to influence policy makers. We hope to welcome you at a conversation!