Jo Cox’s career took her around the world, yet her sense of belonging and her identity were always firmly rooted in Yorkshire. In 2015, Jo Cox was elected as MP for Batley and Spen, allowing her to represent her home region in the UK Parliament.
The Jo Cox Foundation is based in West Yorkshire and our work here brings people together across lines of difference. Rooting our Stronger Communities work in West Yorkshire enables us to improve lives locally, while also building our knowledge, credibility and evidence to share with communities and platforms across the UK.
I am Batley and Spen born and bred, and I could not be prouder of that. I am proud that I was made in Yorkshire and I am proud of the things we make in Yorkshire. Britain should be proud of that, too.”
Jo Cox, Maiden Speech 2015
Our latest projects
As well as supporting the local community to participate in The Jo Cox Foundation’s national programmes – the Great Get Together, More in Common Network, and Connection Coalition – we also carry out local projects to increase the social support networks and feelings of belonging of individuals within West Yorkshire.
Research project: Living in Batley and Heckmondwike
We are currently working on a research project in partnership with the University of Huddersfield and Kirklees Council to investigate experiences within the key themes: local belonging; contact across lines of difference; participation and loneliness.
The findings will then be shared with a range of policy stakeholders, researchers, and local communities, in order to highlight community strengths and areas for improvement and support.
Belonging in Batley and Spen
In 2022, we piloted a new project that placed local people at its heart and encouraged participants to explore what it means to belong locally. We brought together people from different backgrounds who shared their experiences on this topic, and after eight weeks thee group collaboratively designed and delivered a Great Get Together event for their local community.
100%
of respondents felt that they had the opportunity to make meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds
100%
of respondents felt that they can influence positive change in the community
67%
of respondents improved their skills in event planning
Personally I still feel a little shocked at how I felt in those planning meetings, so engaged and driven. So much of that healing and recovery, the reconnection with skills and experience I thought I no longer had being down to the encouragement, engagement and positive endorsement I got from those six or seven weeks being on that planning group. All the team I feel I owe so much to. Tearful reflections really, considering the wealth of healing I took from the experience.
— Martyn, who participated in the Belonging in Batley and Spen Project.
Volunteering Spotlight
Inspired by the More in Common Awards for volunteers that we have held in previous years (in partnership with Kirklees Council), at the beginning of 2023 we shone a spotlight on some brilliant local groups that are making a difference to communities throughout Kirklees.
From combating social isolation to providing welcoming spaces, we talked to six volunteer groups who embody the ‘More in Common’ spirit.
Latest news
We’re collaborating with Migration Yorkshire on an exciting new project to welcome migrants and refugees to the area
August 4, 2023
Martyn’s story: Finding healing and belonging in Batley
July 25, 2023
Shining a Spotlight on Volunteering in Kirklees
December 12, 2022