Grapevine features as a case study in a new series exploring place-based systemic change projects from places and organisations that are learning to change systems country-wide.
Our particular case study looks at ‘local organisation evolution’ through our place-based movement building approach to social action in Stoke Aldermoor.
Here we use place as “a route into improving individuals’ wellbeing by asking the question “what do you want to change in Stoke Aldermoor?” rather than “what do you want to change in your life?” (excerpt from the case study).
Stoke Aldermoor was one of 10 partnerships in England to receive a share of a £2.3 million funding pot from the government and National Lottery Community Fund in 2019.
The cash injection aims to help local people make their areas better places to live by investing in people’s skills and connections. Stoke Aldermoor received £250,000 of this money.
Our work on isolation, poverty and disadvantage before Stoke Aldermoor hadn’t really been connected to place.
Shifting power from organisations to individuals based on their experiences in a neighbourhood makes us think about how we enable those individuals to take power and how relationships sit in a geography around those individuals.
“The role of Grapevine has had to change, to enable that individual power building, and to carefully not claim power from the community.
“It doesn’t try to manage and doesn’t try to facilitate or convene the voluntary sector.
“It works to find leaders, support, develop and connect them, and be there when needed.
“It is a careful and, at times, slow process but one with a clear vision of individuals, relationships and place.
(Funding place-based systemic change: Grapevine case study, Renaisi 2020)
To read the full case study and discover more about how we’re working in Stoke Aldermoor and what we’re learning, click this link.
Click here to meet one of Stoke Aldermoor’s residents, Rose Gicovi.
Renaisi will present the learning from their Funding Place-Based Systemic Change project research online on 4 November from 12.30-2pm. The project explores how to best manage funds to support long-term, place-based systemic change. Click for details.
With thanks to Renaisi and John Hitchin for their interest and support for our work.