Strong, Connected Communities - Led by Local People
We work with schools and communities to create spaces for connection, leadership, and locally led action.
United Communities is an independent charity – established in 2025 by United Learning – to deepen the community development work that began in 2022. We work alongside schools as part of their wider community, helping them listen well, build meaningful relationships, open their facilities, repurpose unused spaces, and contribute to locally led action. We support schools through a community development programme and a national network of school-linked community hubs, and we invest in the ideas and skills of local people – including children, young people, and adults – through a microgrant fund.
Today, we are supporting 26 school-linked community hubs – 14 already established and 12 in development – through the national United Communities network. Each hub is unique, shaped by the creativity and contributions of local people. These spaces bring neighbours together to share strengths and lead initiatives that matter most where they live.
Children and young people play an active role in this work. We support them to create and lead social action projects that matter to them, helping them develop skills, experience, and a strong sense of agency. Each hub reflects the diversity and energy of its community, creating practical solutions and celebrations that truly belong to local people.