Exploring how creativity can support social connection, reduce loneliness and inspire pride in place

Launched in early 2023, Know Your Neighbourhood (KYN) was a UK Government initiative set up to tackle loneliness and widen access to volunteering opportunities in some of the most disadvantaged areas across England.

£5 million was specifically allocated to increase participation in arts, culture, and heritage activities as a means of fostering volunteering and connection in 27 geographic areas.

This strand of the programme was delivered by Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Historic England, through three delivery partners: the Association of Independent Museums, Libraries Connected, and Creative Lives.

Creative Lives distributed grants to help organisations and local groups engage with people who are new to volunteering, or who are at higher risk of experiencing chronic loneliness. 

This new report showcases the achievements of the groups we funded, and explores how local creativity can support social connections, reduce loneliness and inspire pride in place.  

Read the full report here

If you have any questions about the report, please email us at [email protected]