‘Community as a Superpower’ Event Showcases Local Projects Supporting Community Cohesion
‘Community as a Superpower’ Event Showcases Local Projects Supporting Community Cohesion
On Thursday 19 June, as part of the global Refugee Week, Accrington Town Hall hosted Community as a Superpower, a well-attended event focused on strengthening community cohesion and building local resilience. Around 50 delegates took part, representing voluntary groups, community organisations, and statutory partners.
Image: Community as a Superpower event at Accrington Town Hall
The event included recipients of the Community Cohesion and Resilience Funding, provided by the UK Government earlier this year. Two of the organisations shared the outcomes of their projects, what they had learned, and how their work had contributed to tackling extremism and promoting cohesion in Hyndburn. There was also a spotlight on how activity to develop plans for Accrington Dome, a future creativity Hub for the centre of Accrington, is bringing people together to celebrate what they bring to Hyndburn’s community.
The projects supported by the fund covered a range of themes, including youth engagement, creative and cultural activities, interfaith dialogue, and work with marginalised or at-risk groups who face health inequalities. All aimed to strengthen relationships and encourage a sense of belonging.
Delegates contributed to small-group discussions exploring the conditions that support genuine community cohesion and resilience, and how different sectors can work together more effectively in future. The focus throughout was on practical learning, shared challenges, and honest conversations.
The insights shared will help inform future partnership work across the borough, with a view to sustaining momentum and building on what has worked.
Councillor Munsif Dad, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:
“It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals and organisations coming together to share their work and ideas. Events like this highlight the real strength of our community — its diversity, creativity, and commitment to supporting one another. The projects showcased today clearly show what’s possible when we collaborate, and I’m proud to see Hyndburn taking such positive steps toward a more cohesive and resilient future.”
The event follows a successful grant scheme led by the Council earlier this year, which saw ten organisations receive grants totalling £87,000 to deliver projects that address key themes of the funding, such as improving community cohesion, tackling extremist ideologies that are driving communities apart in areas of the UK, and enhancing local partnerships to build community resilience.
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
“The projects funded through this scheme have had a real impact — from engaging young people to building stronger community ties. It’s been great to see local groups using this funding to bring people together and create spaces where everyone feels they belong.”
Funding for the projects highlighted at the event was provided by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, and is part of the £2.5 million Integrated Security Fund (ISF), to provide support to local areas to bring communities together, strengthen social connections, and counter harmful narratives that drive divisions.