Building Stronger Social Clubs: New webinar series
News item
Co-operatives UK has joined forces with the Centre for Democratic Business to deliver free webinars to support social clubs that are co-operatives or community benefit societies.
The webinars are being funded through Business Support for Co-ops, a unique programme delivered by Co-operatives UK in partnership with The Co-operative Bank.
The one-hour Building Stronger Social Clubs session will be run across three days, each tailored to meet the specific needs of clubs in England, Scotland and Wales – with a dedicated webinar for each nation.
These sessions have been designed for social clubs looking to secure a thriving future, expand their business plan, create new revenue streams and boost their community impact.
The webinars will:
- Explore how social clubs are revitalising their local spaces
- Enable participants to gain practical insights and connect with other club leaders facing financial challenges
- Provide information about receiving support via the Business Support for Co-ops programme
Jonathan Gordon-Farleigh at the Centre for Democratic Business, said:
"For more than a century, working men’s clubs – and similar varieties – have shaped the civic architecture of social life in Britain. They’ve not just been places for beer and bingo, but vital spaces where people come together to learn, lead and belong. Today, as we face a crisis of connection and a decline in social infrastructure, their democratic culture and deep community roots hold untapped potential.
"At the Centre for Democratic Business, we believe it’s time to reimagine their purpose for the 21st century – this means bold ideas, patient investment and serious recognition of clubs as civic infrastructure."
James Wright, Policy and Development Lead at Co-operatives UK, said:
"We are proud to be partnering with the Centre for Democratic Business. We’re able to offer this support to social clubs through our Business Support for Co-ops programme made possible thanks to our partnership with The Co-operative Bank. As well as the historic connection social clubs have across UK communities, these are established member owned and run co-operative institutions and we want to help secure their future.
"By supporting the development of social clubs, it’s our aim to keep vital community assets alive while enabling them to contribute to the growth of a thriving co-operative economy."
The Co-operative Bank is sponsoring the webinar series as part of its funding of the Business Support for Co-ops Programme, which has amounted to over £3.2 million since 2016. The Bank directly supports over 300 social clubs with their banking needs, and provides free everyday banking to co-operatives.
Sophie McHale, Partnerships Lead at The Co-operative Bank, said:
“Social clubs have been the beating heart of countless communities across the UK for generations. Our hope is that with support, social clubs everywhere can endure and be transformed into vibrant, inclusive spaces that inspire and foster connection. We’re proud to stand in solidarity with Co-operatives UK members and hundreds of our customers, to help conserve these invaluable community spaces for many generations to come”.
Register to attend one of the webinars
Webinar: How social clubs are revitalising their local spaces – England
Webinar: How social clubs are revitalising their local spaces – Wales
Webinar: How social clubs are revitalising their local spaces – Scotland
