Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome small grants
Near Neighbours small grants, given to grassroots groups and community centres across the country, are creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for local people to connect, build trust, and celebrate diversity.
From vibrant cultural festivals to welcoming weekly drop-ins, the newly funded projects reflect the spirit of neighbourliness that sits at the heart of both programmes. Whether it’s sharing music, food, conversation, or creativity, these initiatives are giving people the chance to feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
Bringing New Voices Together in Luton
In Luton, Desi Fest has long been a celebration of South Asian culture, drawing in members of the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities. This year, thanks to support from the Near Neighbours Small Grants Fund, a new initiative, Battle of the Bands, is broadening the invitation. By welcoming musicians from a wide range of underrepresented groups, the project is encouraging creative collaboration and helping build relationships of trust between young people from different cultural backgrounds.
David 'Johny' Jonathan, Near Neighbours Hub Co-Ordinator in Luton, said:
"We’re seeing people come together who might not otherwise have crossed paths. It’s more than music. It’s connection, identity, and hope."
Listening, Learning and Connecting Across Divides
Sophie Edwardson, Listening and Learning Officer for Church Urban Fund, reflected on her experience working with the Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome networks:
"Over the past three years, I’ve seen the power of local partnerships and the care that goes into these relationships. These aren’t just projects, they’re lifelines. The stories we’ve gathered show how connection, confidence, and participation can transform lives and communities."
Creating Welcoming Spaces with a Warm Drink and a Smile
The Places of Welcome network, now over 900-strong, continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the practical support of these grants. Whether through offering a warm drink, craft activities, or games for children, these welcoming places provide vital moments of friendship and inclusion.
Jo Holland, Places of Welcome Manager, shared:
"From the practicalities of refreshments to the joy of creative workshops, we’re seeing real imagination and care. These small grants are helping communities open their doors even wider.
It is heart-warming to see the creativity and hard work taking place in our network of over 900 Places of Welcome to bring together local people and inspire them to engage and expand their messages of support and friendship to the wider communities in which they reside. "
Celebrating Grassroots Impact
Each grant, while small in monetary terms, has a ripple effect that’s felt far beyond the walls of the community centres and churches that host these activities. They provide space for people to share stories, learn from one another, and begin to bridge divides in society.
As Near Neighbours continues its mission to strengthen community bonds and promote social cohesion, this latest round of Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome funding highlights what can happen when community groups are trusted, resourced, and celebrated.