Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection is a £16.5 million programme that unfolds over 4 years building an integrated, equity-driven model for growing social capital, strengthening social infrastructure and shifting systems across Greater Manchester.
The programme will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.
It is currently in a six-month co-design phase, through to October 2026.
Prioritising communities facing the greatest inequalities, the investment will strengthen social infrastructure and grow community action, power and wealth. Powered by the Live Well movement, VCFSE organisations, public services and residents will come together to share power, change systems and shape healthier, fairer, more connected places.
GM VCFSE Leadership Group working group, GM Equality Alliance (GM=EqAl), are the equity partner in the programme, playing a central role in ensuring the programme is rooted in equity, lived experience and inclusive systems change.
Working alongside the ten place-based Local VCFSE Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs), GM=EqAl will provide the programme’s equity anchor. This “10+1” model recognises that many communities of identity, experience and interest are not defined by geography alone. GM=EqAl ensures that these communities are meaningfully represented, resourced and empowered within a programme that might otherwise operate solely through place.
What the programme will do
Beginning in April 2026, this represents one of the largest investments in community-led development in England. It builds on the leadership and creativity already rooted in local communities and will:
- Supercharge and celebrate community-led action that builds connection, resilience, equity and community wealth.
- Generate and share nationally significant learning about what helps community-led spaces thrive long-term — influencing policy and practice locally, regionally and nationally.
- Strengthen and grow social infrastructure that supports lasting community power, leadership and belonging across Greater Manchester.
This programme is a chance to reimagine how we invest in and support grassroots social infrastructure - moving away from bureaucracy and toward trust, equity and shared leadership. It's an opportunity to build something lasting, together. And because learning is essential to long-term change, a dedicated learning and evaluation pathway will sit at the heart of the work.
Why it's important
Communities are at their strongest when people have somewhere to come together. Whether it's a local hall, a shared garden, or a repurposed building, community-led spaces give people the chance to connect, collaborate and find joy - especially in times when isolation and inequality are growing.
Across Greater Manchester, there are already hundreds of these spaces. They're the lifeblood of our sector. But many are underfunded, overstretched and held up by just a few dedicated individuals fighting to keep the lights on. These leaders often face immense pressure, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to their communities. And too many people still do not have communal spaces to call their own — particularly people facing the greatest inequalities. This programme will work alongside people to identify these gaps and invest in new and emerging spaces, too.
How it fits together
Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection are one strand within the broader GM Live Well model, which also includes Live Well Centres, Live Well Offers and other community-based Live Well Spaces. This investment ensures that VCSE-led and community-led spaces are firmly embedded within the Live Well approach, and provides practical learning about how communities can protect, sustain and grow their own local Spaces of Hope.
The programme builds on two years of development through GM's Live Well movement, in partnership with GMCA and NHS GM. It aligns closely with the Greater Manchester Strategy, including ambitions around devolution, the VCSE Accord, the Economic Trailblazer Deal and GM's Prevention Demonstrator status. It also complements existing initiatives such as the Live Well Communities Fund, providing sustained investment to grow the movement's long-term impact.
Who else is involved
10GM is the programme's accountable body, with delivery leads in each Local Infrastructure Organisation coordinating work in each borough. GMCA, NHS GM, GM=EqAl and The Innovation Unit will play key roles as delivery partners.
The programme begins with a six-month codesign phase starting in April 2026.
Organisations involved
News, events and opportunities
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Useful resources
Key contacts
This work is being led by VSNW on behalf of the Leadership Group but cuts across all working groups and accord delivery.
Request VCFSE participation
For Statutory agency or other partner requesting VCFSE participation
The role of the statutory agency or other partner requesting participation.
- Use GM VCFSE Leadership Group as the first point of contact to set up VCFSE sector participation on a board/group
- Recognise the independence of GM VCFSE Leadership Group in selecting participants in whom members of the VCSE sector have trust and confidence. In certain cases, the board/ group will work alongside GM VCFSE Leadership Group to ensure that the appropriate participant is selected
- Provide the information requested in the below form (as far as possible) when making a request for VCFSE sector participation to the GM VCFSE Leadership Group
- Offer an induction for the participant and identify key documents the participant should be familiar with prior to starting to attend meetings
- Recognise the different issues associated with consulting and representing a ‘sector’ as opposed to a single agency and take these into account in terms of the expectations of the VCSE sector’s role (This may mean ensuring the participant has time to undertake consultation: the participant cannot offer guarantees or any such undertakings without consultation)
- Be clear about any requirements for confidentiality
- If possible, aim to financially support representation of VCFSE sector through offering an annual bursary
- Work with GM VCFSE Leadership Group to identify capacity building issues and way in which these can be supported
Dispute resolution
If there are concerns about anyone participating on behalf of the VCFSE sector, or if the participant has concerns about their role in the Board/Group, the situation will be dealt with informally in the first instance through discussions with the GM VCFSE Leadership Group and the group/board’s chair.
Please enter the below details if you are looking to request VCFSE participation on your board or group. We will get back to you:
