‘Where People Meet’: No one need be alone

31 July 2025 | News

Following our series of blogs reflecting on the ‘Where People Meet’ report, we spoke to Hon Robbie Rayne, Chair of the Rayne Trust, to hear about where his idea for the Where People Meet programme came from, and what he wants to achieve through the open grants programme.

The reason behind this fund is simple: we saw a growing need with so many people feeling deeply lonely, even while surrounded by others.

We’re living in an age where technology connects us virtually, yet many of us are more isolated than ever. This programme is about returning to our roots – genuine human connection.

I believe we need to return to the habits of small communities, caring for the lonely, the sick and our children, and sharing life’s expected and unexpected events.

Community centres are essential spaces for human connection. Places where people can walk in and feel safe, share their challenges, and access support. In an increasingly isolated society, these spaces matter more than ever. But to truly serve their purpose, they must be properly resourced and funded. As the report highlights, areas without accessible places to meet often face poorer social and economic outcomes.

At Rayne, a core part of our work has always been about building bridges; supporting initiatives that bring people from different backgrounds, communities, and walks of life together. We were proud to be early supporters of initiatives like Men in Sheds, which tackled loneliness head-on and scaled nationally. We have also done some great work in the past with partners such as Place2Be and Imperial College. Community centres are uniquely positioned to foster connection across social divides, enabling shared understanding and helping build social mobility. The ‘Where People Meet’ report reinforces the role of these spaces in creating stronger, more cohesive communities.

Through the open call, we want to support organisations in disadvantaged parts of the UK that are working to enhance multi-use community spaces. These spaces will deliver broad, positive benefits for local people by improving wellbeing, fostering inclusion, and addressing particular local needs through collaboration and innovation.

We’re particularly focused on identifying and supporting community leaders, those who don’t just talk, but take action, and inspire others to do the same. Over the years, we’ve learned that real change happens when communities lead. You can’t impose solutions; they must come from within.

The knowledge gained through the open call will inform the development of a larger fund, supporting our ambition to kick-start long term investment in community centres from a range of funders. Our role has never been to do everything ourselves, but to get things moving. Now, we need others to join us.

Back to news

Social share