We’re living in divisive times – but Leeds residents have said their sense of community spirit is alive and well and helping rebuild fractured neighbourhoods. The city has topped the list of a new Community Spirit Index, with 70% of people saying they feel close to their neighbours – far exceeding the national average of 57%.
The report, released to launch Community Business Weekend (16-19 May), highlights cities where neighbourhood working is strongest and reveals that despite a polarised political landscape, at a local level the majority of us know and trust the people in our community.
In Leeds, community run-events and businesses are driving positive change and providing vital support. Over a third (37%) of respondents said working with others on local events is an important way to bring people together, while 57% recognise events in the city that have helped to create a sense of unity.
A further 51% think their community in Leeds is good at pulling together in times of need. This again exceeds the national average where only 44% of people feel their community unites at times of unrest.
And that sense of community spirit is growing. According to the Index, 47% of people in Leeds want to learn more about how to help their community, one in three (30% ) want to become involved in a community business and 65% are keen to support community business owners and leaders.
A well as volunteering, consumers are using positive spending to support their neighbourhoods. With the Community Spirit Index revealing that almost half of those in Leeds (46%) preferring to shop in a business whose profits are invested in the community if they can.
In Leeds, community businesses include Bramley Baths, a Grade II Edwardian bath house that moved into community hands six years ago.
Bramley Baths’ services have since expanded to include a range of fitness and wellbeing classes that bring local people together and tackle some of society’s biggest issues including loneliness, isolation and mental health.
Next week Power to Change launches its annual Community Business Weekend (16 to 19 May inclusive). The annual open doors event will see community businesses across England showcasing their work and inviting people to take a closer look at what they do and how they might get involved.
To mark this year’s Community Business Weekend, Bramley Baths is inviting local residents in for a tour of the Grade II listed building and an opportunity to join CEO Sue Stones for coffee, tea and cake and to ask any questions relating to the baths as a business and becoming a member of volunteer.
Speaking about the Community Spirit Index and the Community Business Weekend, Power to Change Chief Executive, Vidhya Alakeson says:
“At this time of huge uncertainty it’s fantastic to hear that community spirit is still alive and well. People are more determined than ever to pull together for the common good. We know from our work on the ground how important that connection is for a successful community business, and how much those businesses improve the lives of communities.
“Community Business Weekend is a great opportunity for people to reconnect with their local community and to learn more about the amazing work of the 8,000 community businesses across the country that are working to transform their local area.”
How did Leeds fair overall in The Community Spirit Index?
|
|
Leeds |
National Average |
|
I know and trust my neighbours |
70% |
57% |
|
I believe community events bring people together |
37% |
34% |
|
My community pulls together in times of need |
51% |
44% |
|
I want to learn more about my local community |
47% |
40% |
|
I want to become involved in a community business |
30% |
29% |
|
I want to support business owners and leaders making an impact in my community |
65% |
61% |
Find out what’s happening all over the country for Community Business Weekend 16-19 May on www.communitybusinessweekend.org
