Connecting communities, enabling common ground: the role of local infrastructure
December 16, 2025
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Across England, many communities are feeling the effects of disconnection and isolation. Economic insecurity, the loss of shared spaces, polarisation online, and ongoing inequalities have created conditions in which hate is flourishing and extreme politics are taking hold. Local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) are seeing this first-hand: an increase in hate incidents, growing anxiety among staff and volunteers, and communities struggling to feel safe and connected. At a moment when cohesion feels fragile, the role of LIOs has never been more urgent. Our new report, Connecting communities, enabling common ground, explores the role of LIOs and the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in building connections and countering hate. Download the report here.
A sector built on connection
The VCSE sector is uniquely placed to create the places, spaces and relationships that sustain community life. Whether through community centres, sports clubs, faith groups or neighbourhood projects, it is community organisations that build the everyday connections that help people feel rooted and less alone. But these spaces do not happen by accident. They require investment, coordination and the consistent work of organisations that understand their communities deeply. LIOs are central to this effort, helping ensure that frontline organisations are equipped to keep local spaces welcoming, safe and inclusive.
LIOs bring connection, stability and leadership to their local VCSE sectors. They convene, coordinate and support. They help organisations grow, build governance, navigate change and respond to emerging threats - including the rising presence of far-right views and activity. This infrastructure work is often invisible, but it is what allows frontline groups to thrive. In a moment when communities need trusted spaces more than ever, LIOs are the backbone of that trust.
Creating the conditions for non-confrontational dialogue
Shared activity builds connection - but connection alone is not enough to address the drivers of division. To really understand each other, communities need safe spaces for honest conversation about the issues that pull people apart. LIOs are hearing from members that staff, volunteers and community leaders want tools for non-confrontational dialogue so they can address misinformation, extremism and polarisation constructively. As conveners rooted in place, LIOs are ideally placed to embed non-confrontational dialogue approaches locally - building the confidence organisations need to explore difficult, contested ideas.
Campaigning together for stronger cohesion
VCSE organisations already lead extraordinary work to strengthen connection, but they achieve even more when they act collectively. With coordination from LIOs, local networks can become powerful advocates for building common ground - campaigning with shared purpose, amplifying the stories of connection, and working alongside statutory partners to ensure cohesion is prioritised. Examples like the Jo Cox Foundation’s More in Common Network show how coordinated, place-based movements can shift narratives and strengthen resilience. LIOs provide the bridges, relationships and trusted convening role that make this collective campaigning possible.
A national moment that requires local leadership
With social disconnection rising and extreme politics gaining ground, the cost of inaction is high. We need investment in community organisations, in the skills to safely hold non confrontational dialogue, and in the convening role of LIOs. NAVCA members are already stepping up: building partnerships, hosting conversations, supporting communities after incidents, and championing connection in their places. We will continue to amplify this work, build national partnerships and advocate for the resources the sector needs.
This important work requires meaningful investment, but NAVCA and our members are not waiting. Across the country, LIOs are already mobilising the resources they have, drawing on local relationships and experience. Our members know that collective action can push back against hate and help build a more connected, more civil society.
Finding common ground is not optional - it is essential. LIOs can lead the way in strengthening connection, building trust and helping communities move towards a more cohesive, compassionate future.
