Communities Leading Change: Reflections from Near Neighbours’ Post-Riots Roundtable
Grassroots voices, faith leaders, and policymakers unite to address root causes of unrest, amplify local solutions, and demand sustained investment in cohesion.
In response to the challenges communities faced following the UK summer riots of 2024, Near Neighbours hosted a national online roundtable, bringing together grassroots organisations, faith leaders, and community groups. With input from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the discussion highlighted community-driven solutions to systemic challenges while stressing the urgent need for long-term funding and trust-building to strengthen social cohesion.
Bishop Rob Wickham, CUF Chief Executive Officer stated:
“Relational grassroots community cohesion and resilience forms the basis of any strong community. Near Neighbours has, for 15 years, been investing in this grassroots work, investing in people, many of whom are motivated by faith and belief, who serve their communities in a way that leads to lasting change. This roundtable, which listened to the stories of people affected by the riots of last summer, highlighted again the need for ongoing investment and reaffirmed our collective commitment to building strong, cohesive and united communities in the face of significant challenges.”
A resounding theme emerged: communities already understand both the issues they face and the solutions they need. What they often lack is the sustained support and resources to turn their ideas into lasting change.
Ryad Knodabocus, Head of Community Relations & Development for Luton Council of Faiths, emphasised this point:
"Communities know their own challenges better than anyone. They have the ideas, the relationships, and the determination to make a difference. What’s missing is the right support—without excessive bureaucracy—so they can lead change from the ground up."
The discussion also highlighted the role of misinformation in fueling tensions, particularly during the general election campaign, when far-right groups targeted Muslims and asylum seekers online.
Avril, St Barnabas church East London , shared: “NHS workers were attacked while aiding riot victims. People who once felt safe now avoid parks altogether.”
Yet, despite these challenges, many communities successfully resisted division thanks to strong local networks and interfaith collaboration.
David ‘Johny’ Jonathan, a Near Neighbours Hub Coordinator in Luton, shared how Luton’s long history of tackling extremism helped prevent unrest:
"After 15 years of far-right agitation, our faith groups, police, and wider community have learned how to work together to counter hate. Thankfully, this meant we saw no major incidents, but we can never be complacent. Building trust and strengthening relationships must be ongoing work."
Peter Adams, Director of the St Mary’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Luton, emphasised the need for sustained investment:
"Near Neighbours has played a crucial role in equipping local people to take action. If we truly want stronger, more hopeful communities, we must invest in long-term solutions that bring people together and tackle division at its roots."
Throughout the event, participants shared inspiring examples of grassroots-led initiatives that brought people together in the wake of the riots, from interfaith peace walks to youth-led projects and creative events designed to bridge divides.
As the discussion drew to a close, there was a strong commitment to turning words into action: ensuring grassroots initiatives receive the resources they need, amplifying local voices, and continuing to build communities where trust, inclusion, and hope take root.
For press enquiries or to explore collaboration, contact: Jose Santos, Jose.santos@cuf.org.uk