Community Catalysts have a fresh and exciting development offer for people working in and around neighbourhood health, wellbeing, and community development.
Since 2020, small groups of ‘New Social Leaders’ have come together online through structured workshops and brokered connections to learn, collaborate, and grow. In 2026, we evolve into the ‘New Social Leaders of Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing’ – reflecting the growing importance of local neighbourhoods in shaping policy and practice.
This unique and exciting offer is aimed at practitioners and changemakers working in health, housing, local government, charities, or neighbourhood-based organisations. If you’re someone who wants to rethink how things are done, bring about meaningful change, and work alongside others who share your values and commitment to neighbourhood health and wellbeing, this is for you!
The New Social Leaders initiative has been developed by Nick Sinclair. Nick’s experience comes from supporting local authorities to transform their relationships with neighbourhoods, building on the strengths of people and the good stuff going on in our places.
You will have a chat with the workshop convenor in advance for them to learn more about your learning objectives.
You will be given access to audio interviews of social leaders recorded specifically for these workshops, as well as a diverse range of text to explore before and in between your sessions.
Session 1: Getting to know each other (our stories, values, and motivations).
Session 2: Understanding “neighbourhoods” and local assets.
Session 3: What helps and hinders neighbourhood health and wellbeing?
Session 4: How do we make this happen together?
Session 5: Putting plans into action.
The course costs £220 + VAT.
Fill in our Expression of Interest form to leave your details and register your interest regarding future cohorts, or get in touch via newsocialleaders@communitycatalysts.co.uk.
Noel Singh, Funding Manager at Leicestershire County Council, was delighted to be offered a place on the first cohort in January 2026.
He was drawn to the programme as it felt like a timely opportunity to try something new and different, as part of his own personal and professional development.
“I can honestly say, without hesitation, that I am so glad that I applied to join the programme! It was a fabulous way to connect and engage with peers working in the same arena, to share with, learn from and inspire each other to continue making a difference in our communities.
The cohort of individuals from across the country were absolutely brilliant and I learned so much from them! It was an excellent blend of inspiring professionals from across both the VCSE sector and the public sector, all of whom shared a common passion for improving wellbeing in communities.
The combination of the background reading, and the expertly facilitated discussions during the sessions provided a great opportunity for self-reflection, along with the motivation to try new and different approaches and ideas. The programme also helped to provide reassurance to continue doing the things we are already doing well.”
Delayna Morris, Patient and Service Engagement Manager at Sutton Primary Care Network, joined New Social Leaders of Neighbourhood Health and Wellbeing in January 2026. Read what she experienced and learned from the programme.
