NAVCA’s new report, Connecting communities, enabling common ground, explores the role of Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) and the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in building connections and countering hate. NAVCA writes:
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.
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.