These are worrying times and there is so much pain and anguish in the country. But there are also reasons to be optimistic for a brighter future.

(HT @NLGNthinktank)

If you're interested in @NLGNthinktank's work on Mutual Aid groups, but want to save the full report for bedtime reading... I've written a little summary here:

nlgn.org.uk/public/2020/mu…

We reopened Rain Cloud Westminster quietly last week while we made some preparations. Today we had members from The Food Foundation @NLGNthinktank MobilizedConstructio Nick Tyrone CyNation @CommunityClimax The Rain Gods Spend Network - we even managed to get a couple to the pub! Some normality!

'The new normal of living with Covid-19 will only be sustainable if we challenge our addiction to centralisation and go back to an age-old principle: only do centrally what must be done centrally' Most Rev Justin Welby #devolution #localgov .Church Urban Fund .@NLGNthinktank

#TeamManchester are feeling inspired after our day at #StrongerThings Shefali Kapoor Will Blandamer. We had to get a pic with the amazing Julia Unwin! Thank you and well done @NLGNthinktank Adam Lent

Fantastic day at @NLGNthinktank #StrongerThings so far. Inspiring to hear from ✨ Donna Hall ✨ about practically shifting power to communities. Now @helenbevan on how important it is to ‘rock the boat but manage to stay in it’

Thanks to everyone who came to Power to Change breakout sessions on community asset transfers today @NLGNthinktank #StrongerThings and thanks to our community business speakers Inspired Neighbourhood Alison Haskins Byrne Avenue Baths sharing their experience and showing it can be done!

🎙️ “ #ElinorOstrom and the community power”

How can decentralised solutions and community action help build trust and provide better solutions to current challenges?

Brilliant seminar by the IEA with Simon Kaye from @NLGNthinktank

➡️ youtube.com/watch?v=g5khV4… ⬅️

Time for the Power Panel @NLGNthinktank chaired by CEO Vidhya Alakeson Power to Change featuring community business leader Hannah Sloggett from Nudge who are transforming Plymouth's Union Street #StrongerThings

Great to be at @NLGNthinktank #StrongerThings conference today with Local Trust already had lots of great discussions on the nitty gritty of shifting power.. #opportunities #obstacles #BigLocal

📢 Our session on Democracy includes: CEX of Local Government Association (LGA), @MarkLloydLGA, CEX of @CfPScrutiny, Jacqui McKinlay & Chair of @NLGNthinktank & Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, ✨ Donna Hall ✨, chaired by CEX of Manchester City Council, Joanne Roney CBE - a brilliant session we look forward to tuning in to on 16/10.

Thousands of spontaneous, voluntary Mutual Aid groups have emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic to support the most vulnerable people in our society. Read @NLGNthinktank’s latest report that shares the lessons learnt and recommendations for the future: nlgn.org.uk/public/2020/mu…

It was a privilege to be a part of this workshop this morning and listen to inspiring women from across the region including the always amazing ✨ Donna Hall ✨. I learnt loads and am looking forward to continuing the conversation. #WomensVoices @NLGNthinktank

'how do we END the Homelessness problem' Homeless World Cup Mel Young challenging authorities to solve the problem, not just manage the queue

Why do we tolerate that people have no place to call home

#homelessness #everyheaddeservesaroof

@NLGNthinktank #strongerthings

Since causing a bit of a stir with this last year, I've spent much of the time since talking to people about what a better approach to supporting ill & disabled people could look like. My new report on this with @NLGNthinktank is out in 2 weeks - get in touch if you're interested

Elinor Ostrom & the Community Paradigm
Dr Simon Kaye discusses the findings of the @NLGNthinktank Ostrom Project, an effort to find examples of Ostromian self-governance in the UK and argue for approaches & policies to help our communities flourish.
stirtoaction.com/festival

Great by @cmorgan_9 @NLGNthinktank

I've just had an amazing response from our Network for @NLGNthinktank's 'No Going Back' series 🙋‍♀️We are going to discuss how to retain the positive changes councils have worked so hard for, post-Covid - very excited to hear what you have to say!

Building community power is key! @NLGNthinktank recently put out a report detailing how to unlock power. Check out pages 26-27 on groups-based approaches, which features #communityledhousing & #communitylandtrusts , especially London CLT.

Read the report> nlgn.org.uk/public/2020/co…

'The pandemic illustrates Ostrom’s argument that global problems do not only have global solutions.' - Simon Kaye Simon Kaye of @NLGNthinktank explores on our #blog why the UK’s policy sphere hasn't paid more attention to the work of Elinor #Ostrom : csgs.kcl.ac.uk/simon-kaye-why… #COVID19