New community partnership project
We’ve joined forces with Adur Voluntary Action (AVA) to launch ‘Communities Together’, a new project to help build connection and belonging across Adur and Worthing
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new partnership project Communities Together, a new project in collaboration with Adur Voluntary Action (AVA) designed to help bring local people and groups closer, strengthen understanding between communities, and make sure everyone feels welcome and supported in Adur and Worthing. The project is funded by the Adur & Worthing Councils Thriving Together grant fund.
Both AVA and Community Works have been part of local life for many years. We each know the area well, understand the pressures people are facing, and have strong relationships with the voluntary and community groups who make such a difference locally. By working together on this project, the two organisations can reach more people, share skills, and offer stronger, more connected support.
What the project will do
Communities Together will support 20–30 local groups, individuals and community leaders who are helping bring people together through their work. This could be through community centres and projects, arts projects, wellbeing groups, youth groups, disability groups, LGBTQ+ spaces, migrant community groups, or online community initiatives.
The project will offer:
- Training sessions on EEDI allyship, anti-racism, and understanding diverse communities.
- Friendly networking events where groups can meet each other, share ideas, and build new relationships.
- Practical tools and resources so groups can make their activities more inclusive and welcoming.
- A Community Pledge, giving local organisations a way to publicly show they support fairness, inclusion and connection. This work builds on the national NAVCA Allyship Network, where both of our organisations have spent a year learning from other areas about what helps communities stay connected in challenging times.
Why this matters
Communities everywhere are facing rising pressures and local groups continue to create spaces where people can meet, support one another, and solve problems early. Communities Together is here to strengthen that work.
The project aims to:
- Help support relationships, trust and connection between different groups.
- Support safe spaces where people can learn from one another.
- Build confidence in challenging discrimination or misinformation.
- Strengthen community resilience so groups feel supported before issues grow.
- Create a shared sense of belonging for everyone.
A lasting legacy for Adur and Worthing
One of the most important parts of Communities Together is what it will leave behind. The project will create:
- A long-lasting peer network of local groups supporting one another.
- A toolkit with templates, guidance and resources any group can use to strengthen their EEDI approach.
- Local leaders trained in facilitation and inclusive practice, who can continue the work long after the project ends.
- Shared learning and stronger relationships that help communities work together when challenges arise.
We’ve seen how powerful allyship work can be. The national NAVCA programme we have been part of has already created a network that is continuing independently — a sign that when people come together around shared values, the impact lasts. Communities Together aims to bring that same long-lasting change to Adur and Worthing.