When we put the word out about The Multiplier in October 2020, we were inspired by the quality of the 129 applicants. It was heartening to see so many people nurturing so many wonderful communities all across the UK. From the 129 applicants, we brought together 10 local leaders from Belfast to Birmingham, Cardiff to Cornwall, London to Liverpool – to adapt, grow and multiply their initiatives.
We shared with them our knowledge, mistakes, challenges and learning as well as our contacts and platform, to help them drive connection and togetherness in their own ways in their own communities. We also invested in, supported and connected these exciting social entrepreneurs, community organisers and people working in systems to deepen and broaden their impact to influence policy and make systemic change. Over the next three years, we ended up sharing our learning with 37 Multipliers.
We’re so proud of our first cohort, what they’ve already achieved and what we know they’ll achieve together over the coming years. Please get to know our 2021 Multipliers below.
In 2021, @TheCaresFamily started its Multiplier to support 50 local leaders across the UK to deepen connection in their own communities in their own ways:pic.twitter.com/yqOhEB5jcb
— Alex Smith (@alexsmith1982) April 26, 2023
Losing her grandfather to dementia prompted Ellie’s interest in the power of creative communication to build connection around others living with the illness. The Photobook Project supports people with dementia to take control of their narrative, share tender, fleeting moments with loved ones, and build power as a result.
Bayo spent much of her youth as the only Black person in the room, which inspired her to create projects that empower the Black experience. Her latest project is Black Then, Black Now: an intergenerational podcast engaging young Black people and their parents and grandparents in recorded conversations on their lives. Through these conversations younger and older people will share stories of racial identity, discrimination, triumph and togetherness.
Friends of Norris Green Park brings people together through park based activities, to create community bonds and intergenerational friendships. Helen has identified parks as key spaces in building local connection. During the pandemic, community spirit flourished, and Helen wants to harness this to foster new approaches to tackle neighbourhood problems.
Football provided Joel with opportunity, connection and leadership experience: things he wants for everyone in his community. Camden and Islington United is a community-led football club with a vision of reclaiming space for togetherness. Only a year old, the club already has Women’s and Men’s teams and is planning children’s teams, older people’s teams and other projects to help everyone be part of the community of sport, regardless of age or background.
Living with chronic conditions, Neelam knows the isolating potential of illnesses, and the stereotypes that surround them, particularly when it comes to issues of fertility, identity and tradition. Cysters is working to change the narrative around reproductive and mental health and create a seat at the table for people of colour when it comes to health policy – while connecting people for peer-to-peer support.
As an elected councillor, Yvonne is keen for everyone to understand their civic rights. The Talking Shop is a cultural and democracy information centre – a space for all to discuss their challenges, their communities’ issues and to explore and understand the democratic process. It is a physical what’s on, what’s where and who’s who listings hub, using the power of the arts to inform and connect people to drive the social change they need.
Yasin co-created Home Girls Unite as an online and offline support group and safe space for first daughters of immigrants to discuss the real experiences of childhood in marginalised communities. It works to help people connect with their multiple identities in a complex world – the worlds of their parents, their peers, and the worlds young women envisage for themselves.
In Bassetlaw, Worksop and the wider north Nottinghamshire area, Men on the Edge brings men together in community to support those dealing with isolation, bereavement, abuse and a range of other social factors affecting men in later life. Through woodwork, DIY, gardening, fishing and other community-led initiatives, Steve works with a therapeutic approach to help people feel seen, heard and valued.
Yomi founded beBrave to shape and nurture the leaders of tomorrow. Through community, engagement and education, the goal is to create a multitude of pathways to success – that can last a lifetime. By building a community of role models, beBrave is inspiring a new generation of leaders to build businesses that can help them live more connected lives.
The Parent Rooms is a community hub that helps parents access the support and friendship they need. Michelle felt alone and isolated after giving birth, with no specialist services or support groups available in Northern Ireland. Through wellbeing workshops including art therapy courses, peer support groups, meditation classes and befriending, parents build connections with one another, their children, and the wider community.