Run by The Jo Cox Foundation, the Connection Coalition is a UK-wide network of members that are working to address the disconnection, loneliness and social isolation in our communities.
The Connection Coalition was formed in April 2020, initially as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and rapidly grew from 10 organisations in 2020, to 600+ organisations today. Members range from large, national organisations to small, volunteer-led groups supporting their local neighbourhoods.
What do we do?
- We enable connection and peer support, such as through our monthly informal get togethers.
- We explore shared challenges and key issues for the sector, including by establishing communities of practice.
- We amplify members’ voices and recommendations to influence government policy, as shown in the On the brink of closure report.
- We share events, training, resources and news in a fortnightly newsletter.
Join the Connection Coalition
Membership is free. If you are working to connect people and share our belief that our communities are strengthened by relationships and connections, we’d love you to join us.
Who are the members of the Connection Coalition?
Connection Coalition members are based across the UK – operating locally, regionally and nationally. The majority are staff or volunteers working in small community-based organisations, and over half of member organisations have fewer than 10 staff members and a turnover of less than £250k.
Search our directory to find member organisations working in a particular region or on specific issues.
Join one of our upcoming events
At The Jo Cox Foundation we provide opportunities for anyone interested in community building to learn new skills, connect with each other, and get support.
What is loneliness and how do we address it?
December 6, 2023 – November 6, 2023
1-2pm
Online
If I’m honest, I sometimes see the ‘informal get together’ coming up in my calendar, and wonder if I can justify the time, with so much else on. But whenever I go, I’m always glad I did. I love the mix of people – you never know who you’ll meet – and the fact I come away feeling affirmed about what I’m doing, and better connected.
Helen, Connection Coalition member.
After attending one of our informal get togethers:
87%
feel connected to others, versus 59% before participating.
89%
feel motivated about their work, versus 71% before participating.
89%
felt a good sense of wellbeing after participating, versus 72% before participating.
Access our resource library
We want people working to create less lonely, better connected communities to be better equipped to do so. Visit our Resource Library to access valuable and practical resources.
Latest news about the Connection Coalition
Connection Conversation with Befriending Networks
October 27, 2023
Connection Conversation with If Everyone Cares CIC
April 13, 2023