Celebrating the People and Place 2025 peers

This year's People and Place programme came to a joyful close with laughter, solidarity, reflection and celebration, as the cohort of community innovators gathered on Thursday 4th December in Greater Manchester.

First stop: lunch in Wigan! We convened at Fur Clemt CIC, which is not only a food bank, but hosts a women-only makerspace, bustling cafe where kids eat free, and outdoor growing space.

After wolfing down baked potatoes, we were led by Angela to explore the assets she had been exploring with fellow community innovator Gill through the work of Northern Heart and Soul CIC on the People and Place programme.

Sheltering from rain in The Bird in Hand pub (known as The Hen Ole to locals), Angela shared their visions for the space and the collaboration she's weaved with the landlord, who has signed up to a Hastings Commons-style development lease.

Next stop: CommUnity Corner, Angela and Gill's cosy community-run space, home to activities like crafts, English lessons, yoga, and a bustling public living room.

The cohort reflected on their journeys and shared offers to keep connections alive with each other into 2026 and beyond.

We then hopped over to Stretford Public Hall where peer Simon and team opened the doors of their revived historic space to a network of allies (as part of Power to Change's Community Business Week).

The day was a final moment together in the formal programme, but the farewells came with focus, lasting friendships and excitement about what's next in each peer's community asset work.

This work is incredibly challenging; the odds are stacked against ordinary people taking land into community ownership, so having the backing and support of both the staff at Footwork Trust and the peers on the programme is vital. - Krissie Nicholson, People and Place peer 2025

---

In 2026, People and Place is running as a local programme in Camden, London. In 2027, the national programme returns; look out for the call for applications later in 2026.