3ni newsletter
 November 2025 

In October, we brought together local government officers from across the country to learn from the great work happening in Sunderland and Gateshead. And what a visit it was!

We saw what’s possible when communities lead the way. We first went to spend some time with Sunderland City Council to learn about their innovative regeneration work in the city. Then, we went into the community to see work in action. From Back on the Map’s grassroots transformation to SARA’s (Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations) trust-driven approach to crime prevention, we witnessed the power of people working together to rewrite their own story. At Bunnyhill family hub, we connected with volunteers, parents and their babies to explore the support and relationships they’ve built through the hub.

The next day, Changing Futures Northumbria showed us what it means to walk alongside those facing the toughest challenges. Then, at Connecting Communities: The North East Social Capital Summit, we explored why social capital matters, but also, and maybe more importantly, how we can build social capital in communities. With 27 speakers and a room full of energy, we left with new ideas, new connections, and a renewed belief in what’s possible.

We're currently putting together a report capturing the insights and inspiration from our time in Sunderland and Gateshead, and we look forward to sharing it soon. In the meantime, Dan’s reflection on the Social Capital Summit offers a powerful glimpse into why this moment feels like the beginning of something truly meaningful.

What we've been doing

Neighbourhoods in Practice: Rebuilding the Nation
25th November, London, 12:30 - 16:00

Join us for an in-person event exploring why neighbourhoods must be at the centre of policy-making and how we can rebuild them for the future. 

Neighbourhoods recently featured in the Pride in Place programme, with 350 areas set to receive government funding over the next decade. This marks a pivotal moment to rethink how we reconstruct neighbourhoods across the country. For too long, communities have felt overlooked and disconnected from decision-making. Now is the time to change that. 

At this event, you’ll have the chance to shape the Independent Commission on Neighbourhood’s (ICON) forthcoming report on developing a national strategy for neighbourhood reconstruction. Over the past year, ICON has been investigating the vital role neighbourhoods play in people’s lives and building practical recommendations. Their interim report highlights the untapped potential of neighbourhoods and the ways institutions can help shift power closer to communities. 

We’ll also hear from Vicki Gwynne, from the Strengthening Communities Programme at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Vicki will share lessons from their journey of “messy exploration” with and within communities, offering valuable insights into what it takes to build a neighbourhood strategy from the ground up.  

Grab you ticket here.