Ten years ago, in the wake of unimaginable tragedy, thousands gathered across the country. Facing a defining choice – to allow grief to deepen our divides, or to choose connection – you chose connection.
From that groundswell of unity, supported by just under £500,000 of the almost £2 million that was raised by Jo’s family and friends, The Jo Cox Foundation was born.
When Jo said, “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us,” she wasn’t making a passive observation; she was handing us a blueprint for action. Over the last decade, we have turned those words into a nationwide force for change.
A Decade of Impact: What We Built Together
Nationwide Connection & The Ripple Effect: National moments spark lasting local change. From the first Great Get Together in 2017 to our expanding More in Common Network and community-led social action initiatives like Bridging & Belonging, we don’t just bring individuals together – we connect, upskill, and back the local leaders who make connection happen every day.
Living the Message: Laura’s Story
Inspired by Jo’s legacy, Laura from Halton, organised her very first Great Get Together in 2017. Before that, she’d never been involved in local community groups or events. But, overwhelmed by the warm response, something “switched on” in her. She “got the bug” and went on to set up the local More In Common Group, establish her own charity supporting women and girls, and become a local councillor – all bringing people together in her community in a positive way.
Reflecting on her journey, Laura says:
“Doing that very first Great Get Together had such an impact on me that I’ve gone on to do other things that have gone on to help other people… Through the confidence I gained in doing that first event and getting involved in the local community, other people have been inspired to do the same. It’s made me be in the company of other people who want to do that and that’s created strength in numbers.”
National Policy Change: In 2017, the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness pushed the government to appoint the world’s first Minister for Loneliness and establish a cross-government strategy. Today, we continue that work to ensure that loneliness remains a top policy priority.
Protecting Democracy: Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission we have been confronting the rising tide of abuse and intimidation in politics. We’ve secured vital reforms, including expanding police protection for local councillors, removing security costs from electoral spending limits, and improving safety for those who serve our communities.
Why We Work: Connection is Our Shield
At The Jo Cox Foundation, we believe that a country is only as strong as the bonds between its people. The true health of our society is measured by our sense of belonging. It is found in the deep, human knowledge that we matter, and that someone would notice if we didn’t show up tomorrow.
Disconnection is dangerous. Loneliness, polarisation, and division create a dangerous vacuum that those who wish to tear us apart will quickly fill. Belonging and connection are not soft ideals, they are the shield that protects our democratic and social fabric.
Jo didn’t just speak these values – she lived them with courage and purpose every day. Over the last decade, we have proven that our society grows stronger when we intentionally equip ourselves and others with the skills to listen, build systems that support community, and create spaces to get together.
The Next Ten Years: The Urgency of Now
Celebrating ten years is not a victory lap. It is a launchpad for the next ten years.
Online abuse, polarisation, and social isolation continue to threaten our social cohesion. Over the next decade, we are expanding our training for local leaders, scaling our grassroots network, and pushing the government to embed social connection into public policy.
To build a society where everyone feels they belong, we need to pick up the pace.
Whether you’ve been with us since day one or joined us along the way, this milestone belongs to you.
Help us keep Jo’s legacy alive—not just as a memory, but as a living, breathing movement for change.
Donate today to fuel the next ten years of connection.
Featured PageDonate
Donate
We’re working with communities and across society to strengthen connection, trust and respect. But it takes us all to bring about a society underpinned by Jo’s enduring belief that “we…