Councils secure £200,000 investment to help strengthen community connections
Published 20 October 2026
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have secured £100,000 each as part of a major new national programme designed to strengthen community connections, increase participation and help build resilient communities.
The funding forms part of Common Ground, a £14 million initiative delivered by Belong and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales.
The councils are among a select group of local authorities across England and Wales taking part in the three-year programme, which will help local areas develop practical, evidence-based approaches to community cohesion and belonging.
The funding will build on work already underway across South Oxfordshire and the Vale through the councils’ Be Together programme and the development of a new Community Cohesion Strategy, which aims to strengthen connections between people, encourage participation in local life and foster a sense of belonging for everyone who lives in the districts.
The £100,000 investment in each district will be used to support and deliver the councils’ community cohesion strategy action plan over the next 5 years – supporting local voluntary and community sector organisations and projects that help bring people together, strengthen relationships and build community resilience.
The councils are already working with Belong to gather insights from residents, community groups and local organisations to help shape a future Community Cohesion Strategy for the two districts.
Cllr Georgina Heritage, South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“We know that strong communities don’t happen by chance. They are built through connection, understanding and people feeling that they belong.
“This funding is a significant opportunity for South Oxfordshire. It will help us invest directly in community projects that bring people together, support local organisations and create more opportunities for residents to participate in community life. We are grateful to Belong, The National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation for this generous opportunity.
“We’re asking residents to help shape the future of this work. Through our partnership with Belong, we are gathering views from people across the district about what belonging means to them, what makes communities thrive and where more support may be needed. I would encourage anyone who has not yet taken part in the community survey to do so.”
Cllr Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“We want the Vale to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected and connected to those around them.
“This funding recognises the importance of investing in local communities and supporting the organisations and volunteers who do so much to bring people together. Through Common Ground, we will be able to strengthen the excellent work already taking place across the district and support new ideas that help people connect and thrive. I’d like to extend our thanks to Belong, The National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation for their generosity.
“The survey and community conversations being delivered by Belong will help ensure this investment is guided by the experiences and aspirations of local people. We want to hear from as many residents as possible so that our future Community Cohesion Strategy reflects the voices of communities across the Vale.”
Kelly Fowler, CEO at Belong, said: “At a time when the challenges facing our communities and authorities can feel overwhelming, Common Ground will help drive the systems change we know is so important to build confidence, resilience and pride in place. In every place we’ve worked, we see brilliant work already happening: Common Ground means making sure this is felt in every part of place to build trust and connection. We can’t wait to get started.”
Residents can find out more about the councils’ project and complete the survey by visiting www.southandvale.gov.uk/APlaceForEveryone
The feedback gathered will help inform the councils’ Community Cohesion Strategy, which will set out priorities and actions for strengthening belonging, participation and community connections across South Oxfordshire and the Vale over the coming years.
