Community Matters
Our vision is for active and sustainable communities in which everyone is valued and can play their full part.
Community Matters is the National Federation for Community Organisations. We currently have over 1200 member organisations across the UK and have been supporting community associations and similar organisations since 1945.
Community Matters stands for the collective action of ordinary people within their neighbourhood through inclusive, locally-rooted and accountable community organisations. These local community groups and their volunteers are the backbone of civil society; and are essential to the welfare of the neighbourhoods in which they operate and the individuals that live there.
We aim to be the principal membership organisation for community groups, support organisations, public bodies and individuals that share our belief in the core values of association, participation, collective action and community volunteering and that are working to build strong communities.
Our work promotes:
- Stronger bonds between neighbours, where inclusive relationships build trust and mutual support and create communities in which everyone is valued.
- Stronger bonds between all communities, where diverse relationships are strengthened and fear, mistrust and social breakdown are prevented.
- Active and enterprising neighbourhoods, where local people come together to participate and work in partnership to contribute to a vibrant community life
- Self help, where people can work with business, government and others to find their own solutions to local problems
- Space for open debate, where local people’s voices can be heard and their opinions valued
- Community identity, where local people have a sense of belonging and pride in their neighbourhood
Community Matters is a Strategic partner of the Cabinet Office and the Department for Education and a recipient of the Department for Communities and Local Government Empowerment Fund. Community Matters plays a key role in promoting and supporting action by ordinary people in response to social, educational and recreational needs in their neighbourhoods and communities.
Currently Community Matters' members include:
- 975 community associations and similar multi-purpose community organisations
- 23 Local Federations of Community Organisations and 83 other local supporting organisations
- 112 local authorities and housing associations
You are welcome to contact us for further information about our activities and the benefits of membership.
