As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the importance of strong, connected communities is more clear than ever. At Community360, we’ve seen how collective action can create lasting positive change, especially during crises.

We share in Charity Times key lessons learned from the pandemic that can guide our future efforts.

Collaboration with charities, local authorities, and community groups was crucial during the pandemic. Community360 worked in partnership with public and voluntary organisations to support community needs through a variety of initiatives – ranging from food parcels and prescription services to welfare calls and vaccination rollouts. Moving forward, these partnerships remain essential for holistic community support.

At Community360, we’ve made it a priority to champion the voices of underrepresented groups. During the pandemic, our “Listening to Action” events brought together community leaders and representatives to discuss the specific health inequalities faced by ethnically diverse groups in Colchester.

This initiative helped to amplify these voices and led to tangible outcomes, such as increased funding and better health service accessibility for these communities. Listening to diverse perspectives is key to building inclusive communities.

Volunteers were the backbone of our pandemic response. Whether it was delivering food, making welfare calls, or supporting vaccination efforts, volunteers played a crucial role in keeping our communities resilient. Recognising their contributions and continuing to support them is vital for strengthening community ties.

The challenges brought on by the pandemic were unprecedented, but they also revealed the incredible power of community action. As we move forward, the lessons learned during this time should inform our planning for the future.

Read the full article for a deeper dive into the future of community engagement. Together, we can build communities that not only recover but thrive.