Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion

Walton Charity are pleased to have submitted to evidence to the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion. Our evidence will be used to inform the commission’s report and subsequent actions.

What interventions promote community cohesion, strength, and shared stories?

Our primary example of innovation in fostering community strength is The Bridge. The Bridge is our dynamic community hub that features a shop-without-a-till for families experiencing in-work poverty. By providing a welcoming, non-judgmental and dignified space for parents and children, families can attend for up to three months at a time, giving them breathing space and the opportunity to engage repetitively with tailored support services to address the wider issues they may be facing. The Bridge also provides a setting for us to initiate joint discussions by brining together clients with high-profile individuals like local MPs and councillors. By breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging interaction on equal terms, The Bridge fosters meaningful dialogue and long-term collaboration. People with lived experience have the opportunity to share their stories with decision-makers, building mutual understanding and driving systemic change. When evaluating The Bridge, a key success factor that stood out was the way clients benefitted and valued the community feel of The Bridge. Through storytelling events and initiatives, The Bridge strengthens community cohesion, promotes understanding, and drives long-term social change in Elmbridge.

In addition to The Bridge, our almshouses provide secure, low-cost housing for older residents and key workers in Elmbridge. Designed around a communal living model, our almshouses promote independence while offering a strong sense of belonging through shared activities such as coffee mornings, gardening clubs, exercise classes, and excursions. This environment not only reduces isolation but also enhances overall well-being, improving life-span in some cases, and creating more engaged members of the community. The affordability of our housing also alleviates financial stress.

Our grant-making schemes empower local organisations and schools to address poverty, inequality, housing, and health, creating a foundation for a stronger, more connected community. By funding initiatives that provide essential support, we help organisations to deliver impactful, long-term solutions and also foster collaboration between different sectors, strengthening networks of support.

We also recognise the power of green spaces as social hubs. By making our acres of green spaces available to the local community, we provide a platform for people to come together and work on joint projects. Many of these initiatives are community-led, allowing local groups to utilise the space for their own needs, whether through gardening, outdoor activities, or environmental projects. This approach fosters a sense of pride, cooperation, and commitment to our local environment. Our community allotment runs weekly and is an outdoor projects for adults that experience isolation and/or poor physical or mental health. All our attendees reported that a sense of community was what they most enjoyed about the allotment sessions. We also have other community growing projects, including Space to Grow, that create a shared space full of collaboration and potential.

Do you have a working definition of a thriving, cohesive community?

Our definition has been developed through years of experience and direct engagement with those affected by poverty. We define a thriving, cohesive community as:

“An inclusive, resilient, and supportive environment where everyone - especially those affected by poverty - feels valued and connected. It involves strengthening relationships between individuals, organisations, policy makers, and key stakeholders to ensure people not only receive the support they need but also have opportunities to contribute and shape their community. By fostering dignity, reducing isolation, and tackling the root causes of poverty, we create a community where everyone can thrive, not just survive”.

This definition underpins everything we do, from advocacy and service provision to community-building and policy engagement. By focusing on connection, inclusion, and empowerment, we are working towards a future where Elmbridge is not just a place of prosperity for a few, but a thriving, supportive home for all.

What divides the community you live or work in?

Poverty and wealth inequality remain the most significant factors dividing our community. Elmbridge, once dubbed the ‘Beverly Hills of England’ by popular news sites, presents an image of affluence that masks the stark disparities between wealth and poverty. Beneath the surface, many individuals and families struggle with financial insecurity, housing instability, and problems accessing essential services. As a community connector, Walton Charity is committed to facilitating and initiating community cohesion, working towards a future where Elmbridge is free from poverty and inequality. Community is at the heart of our work and the guiding principle behind our mission.

What do we mean by building a thriving community and places?

Building a thriving community within a charity focused on tackling poverty and inequality means fostering an environment where those affected by poverty, as well as those working to address it, feel empowered, connected, and supported. It is about creating long-term, resilient change by ensuring people have access to the support and opportunities they need to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient. At the heart of Walton Charity’s work is strengthening relationships between service users, local organisations, and the wider community to create a collaborative network. Advocating for people with lived experience is also crucial - breaking down stigma, celebrating resilience, and ensuring that individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, for people to thrive, they need a foundation of security, support, and opportunity.

What role do deprivation and associated challenges play in community cohesion and strength?

Deprivation plays a complex, and often damaging, role in community strength. It can create barriers that hinder cohesion, reinforcing divisions rather than fostering unity. In Elmbridge, poverty frequently exists ‘under the radar’, obscured by misconceptions and stereotypes about deprivation that prevent people from recognising the extent of the issue. Discrimination and stigmatisation around poverty, particularly concerning the use of services like foodbanks, can exacerbate these divisions, creating an ‘us versus them’ mentality that isolates those in need and prevents community cohesion. As an organisation, we work to dismantle these barriers by providing long-term solutions that help individuals escape the cycle of poverty and become active members of the community. Be advocating for and empowering all sections of our community, we aim to ensure that everyone - regardless of their background - can live a fulfilling and secure life with cohesion and strength at its heart.

How do these topics relate to wider issues such as regeneration, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives?

Community cohesion and anti-poverty initiatives are deeply interconnected. A strong, cohesive community can mitigate the worst effects of poverty by fostering support networks and resilience, while effective anti-poverty strategies actively promote community strength and inclusivity. Areas with high levels of poverty and inequality often experience greater social tension and fragmentation which have detrimental effects on regeneration and equality, making it critical that anti-poverty strategies prioritise community-building. Charities frequently step in when funding is reduced or withdrawn completely, playing a vital role in bridging the gaps in statutory support and advocacy. Co-designed anti-poverty strategies - where people with lived experience have agency in decision-making - are particularly effective in addressing the root causes of inequality. Furthermore, the role of community hubs, green spaces, and shared projects should not be underestimated, as these elements contribute to social cohesion, well-being, and collective problem-solving.

This website version has had minor edits to enhance clarity and relevance. The original submitted version can be found here.