What holds a community together?

While our role is to provide homes, we know that thriving communities are built on more than bricks and mortar. They're built on trust, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. They're places where people feel connected, not just to where they live, but to the people around them.

That raises an important question: what holds a community together?

That's one reason this year's Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, feels particularly relevant. At a time when public debate can often focus on difference, the theme encourages us to recognise the people and organisations helping to build understanding, connection and belonging.

At Abri, we're trying to play our part. Strengthening community cohesion is a priority for our Executive Board and a focus across the organisation. Colleagues from different teams are working together to better understand what's happening in our communities, build partnerships with local authorities, police and community organisations, and identify practical ways we can help create safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

One part of that is our Community Fund, which supports local projects that boost wellbeing, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for local people. In 2025/26 alone, we awarded almost £90,000 to 55 community projects across our regions.

We’ve seen how these projects can help people feel more connected to where they live. In one of our community cohesion programmes, four in five participants said they felt a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood or community.

One recent example is Gosport Community Safety Partnership's Summer Passport programme, which we helped fund this year. The scheme offers free summer activities for secondary school-age young people, giving them the chance to try new experiences, build confidence and spend time with others from across their community.

Projects like this don't solve the wider challenges communities face. But they can create opportunities for people to meet, build relationships and develop a stronger connection to the place where they live.

So I'd like to leave you with the same question we're asking ourselves at Abri:

If you're part of a charity, voluntary organisation or community group with an idea that could strengthen local connections, celebrate diversity, tackle isolation or create a greater sense of belonging, the Abri Community Fund may be able to help. Grants of up to £3,000 are available to support projects that make a positive difference in local communities.

Learn more about our community fund and apply