By Karen Loftus, CAN Chief Executive
Real change does not happen when communities are simply listened to. It happens when they are trusted to shape the decisions that affect their everyday lives. For organisations led by and for ethnically diverse communities, the issue has never been a lack of ideas or leadership. The barrier has been access to the systems, resources and influence needed to turn those ideas into action. This work is about changing that reality.
As a Lottery-funded partnership project, this work brings together organisations with a shared commitment to fairness, representation and place-based change. It recognises that lasting impact comes from collaboration and from investing in the strengths that already exist within communities.
By investing in confidence, skills and relationships, community organisations are stepping into a stronger role. They are no longer seen only as providers of support. They are becoming leaders within their places, influencing decisions and helping design services that reflect real lives and real needs.
At the centre of this approach is shared leadership. A partnership board, made up predominantly of representatives from ethnically diverse communities and chaired by community leaders, guides the work. This means decisions are shaped by lived experience and collective understanding.
Alongside this, we have supported partners to build the foundations that make this progress sustainable. By working closely with groups to strengthen capacity and embed strong governance, CAN helps ensure organisations are resilient, confident and ready to lead. This role draws on deep experience, offering practical support and structure while enabling communities to shape their own direction.
The impact is clear. A voluntary sector that is more representative, more confident and more influential. A shift in power so communities are not just included, but central. A future where places are shaped by the people who know them best.
Explore the full story and see how this work is making a difference.
