A national leader in making change.
Our Story
In 2013, a group of neighbours from a social housing estate had had enough of the damp and mould in their housing blocks. Despite repeated complaints to their landlord, nothing seemed to be improving.
Determined to take matters into their own hands, they gathered together to discuss what they could do. They formed a series of house groups, called themselves "Neighbours," and connected with the wider community—finding many people shared their concerns. Through regular meetings at the community centre and with advice from experts, they actively lobbied their local council and landlord for action. Their initiatives included a petition with over a thousand signatures, leading to the election of a councillor focused on resolving the estate's problems.
Their efforts paid off, and the landlord finally agreed to carry out a comprehensive review of the housing blocks. They discovered that many of the buildings were in need of major repairs and upgrades, and they committed to investing in the necessary work.
“Common Place’s record of using house meetings to win change is the continuation of my father’s work with Saul Alinsky…”
—Fred Ross Jr.
Going national
Encouraged by their success, in 2016 the neighbours decided to show people in other places how to hold house meetings and make change happen. They contacted community groups in other cities and towns, such as Stoke on Trent, Bolton, Grimsby and Blackpool, sharing their experiences and tips on how to organise. They aimed to make the UK’s “left behind” neighbourhoods into a powerful political constituency and enlisted the help of American community organiser, Fred Ross Junior.
Great changes for Great Britain
Over time they began offering their own leadership training, and the network spread into the abandoned parts of the UK—hollowed out by de-industrialisation in the 1970s and 80s. In late 2022, the “Neighbours” network became a training organisation: UK Common Place.
Over the years, we have mobilised residents affected by flammable cladding, securing government backing for developer accountability.
Empowered gig economy workers for better conditions and rights.
Raised the profile of neglected post-industrial towns, engaging local football clubs in community development initiatives.
Influenced government actions against toxic damp and mould in rented housing.
Thanks to the efforts of the Common Place team, thousands of families are today living in healthier, more comfortable homes, free from damp and mould and with better working conditions.
A unique approach
A unique organisation with a unique approach to organising.
For a decade, Common Place has led the resurgence of house meetings as a cornerstone of civic organisation in community organising, utilising methods from pioneering IAF organiser Fred Ross Sr. and the 1950s-60s Community Service Organisation (CSO), with a focus on house meetings as the key tool and democratic practice.
A big impact
A groundbreaking approach to strategy
Our focus isn't merely on the method of organising, but on the application of that power. Since our inception in 2013 as the Neighbours Network, we've achieved significant campaign victories in various social spheres, showcasing our innovative strategic approach. And it all started with a few neighbours who decided to take action and make a difference in their community.