Engaging communities



We listen to you and your community to help you thrive. We are here to collaborate with you and offer tailored support to meet your community's needs. Our goal is to place your community at the centre of all discussions and amplify the voices of those we engage with.

We work within all Kirklees neighbourhoods and have developed positive working relationships with community leaders, businesses and groups to connect them to each other.

We actively engage with people in their own communities, encouraging them to talk about what may be concerning them at the time. We are there to listen, support and connect where we can.

Community conversations

To date, we have had over 1,700 conversations with people in the community, finding out what matters most to them. We have supported local partners to raise awareness and one of these campaigns was to provide energy saving advice and guidance.

Domestic abuse

We work in communities to raise awareness for the Kirklees Domestic Abuse Partnership, speaking to around 400 local group leaders, businesses and people.

This led to increased:

  • Awareness and understanding: Educating nearly 400 local leaders, businesses, and individuals helps to shed light on the issue of domestic abuse, making people more aware of its signs and consequences.
  • Empowerment of survivors: Awareness initiatives can empower survivors to speak out and seek help, knowing that there is support available. This can also reduce the stigma associated with domestic abuse and encourage more people to come forward.
  • Prevention of early intervention: By educating the community, you can help prevent domestic abuse before it starts. People will be more likely to intervene safely and support those at risk. It can also promote support.
  • Networks: Creating a network of informed individuals and businesses can provide a robust support system for survivors. This includes access to shelters, counselling, legal assistance, and other resources.

We believe that it's important to build on what's already strong in our communities. New ideas for local activities are led most effectively by people within our own communities and neighbourhoods. We can bring people together to share skills and resources to help this to happen.

Supporting men's health

We reached out to representatives from Ghausia Mosque and Taleem Centre as they recognised a growing need for a community group dedicated to supporting men's mental health. This need had become increasingly apparent over time and was further exacerbated by the challenges brought on by the Covid pandemic.

We facilitated a connection between Ghausia Mosque and Taleem Centre that enabled them to discuss and explore potential solutions that would be effective for their community. Through these discussions, they were able to collaboratively design a new support group tailored to the needs of men in their community.

Since the formation of this connection, the newly established group has been meeting weekly at the Taleem Centre. The mosque has played a crucial role in promoting and encouraging attendance, ensuring that the group reaches those who need it most. This initiative has not only provided much-needed support but has also strengthened the bond between the two organisations, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.

Kickstarting your community group

Tell us about the place where you live, share your ideas to connect people in your community and influence change through your local knowledge and lived experience.

We can:

  • Connect you to others for support and training, such as faith and community groups and other voluntary sector organisations.
  • Support you to lead the change you want to see.
  • Work proactively to build relationships in communities.
  • Support key messages as well as raising awareness about issues affecting communities.
  • Be reactive and able to respond to emerging community needs and tensions.

Contact us on 01484 225224 or community.plus@kirklees.gov.uk.