TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Network

Launch of the Collaborative Communities Fund!

We are excited to launch the Collaborative Communities Fund to deliver targeted support in two geographical areas of Kirklees! We are looking for VCSE organisations that understand their local community needs and can work in partnership to support local VCSE groups and organisations to grow and thrive. TSL is inviting expressions of interest from local VCSE organisations based in the Dewsbury and Mirfield area and Kirklees Rural area.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for collaborative projects that make a positive difference to local communities and strengthen the VCSE sector at a local level. Projects will be delivered over a six-month period from October 2026 – March 2027.

Projects must:

• Respond to local community needs
• Be delivered in partnership with one or more local VCSE organisations including local groups (expressions of interest from a single organisation will not be considered)
• Build capacity of local VCSE groups and local VCSE organisations. Some examples of capacity building include offering training and skills development, accessing funding, support with governance, support with policies and procedures, problem solving and mentoring etc. Please include at least one capacity building element in your project proposal (support is available from TSL to help deliver this element)
• Contribute to one or more of the following outcomes in the local area:
  • Improve physical and mental health and wellbeing
  • Reduce health inequalities
  • Reduce social isolation
  • Strengthen sense of local community and belonging
• Use a ‘test and learn’ approach delivered over a six-month period (October 2026 to March 2027). TSL is interested in exploring new ways of working and how these projects might feed into our future plans in these local areas.

Application process:

Book a conversation with Raj Cheema to discuss your project idea –   Email InfrastructureSupport@tslkirklees.org.uk to schedule a conversation. Please note that any expressions of interest submitted without this conversation will not be considered.

Complete our expression of interest – by Thursday 20th August 2026 at the latest.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an event to present their project.

Local area representatives will support TSL in selecting projects in each area to receive funding.

making great things happen

Every community has people using their time, energy, motivation and skills to make great things happen in their community.

Usually they are in third sector community organisations – as trustees, management committee members, social entrepreneurs or organisers. They may be in paid or volunteer roles.

There is evidence that the groups, activities and projects community groups organise have a real impact on relationships, community space and our health and wellbeing.

Community Anchors are the support system for community organisations and for the people involved in running them.

SUPPORTING local groups

Community Anchors are established local organisations who share their experience, contacts, knowledge, resources and expertise with other local organisations.

Community Anchors listen to those working in communities and share information. They bring people together and help create plans. They help organisations develop, collaborate and influence the decisions that affect their communities.

Like TSL Kirklees, Anchors work in enabling and co-productive ways with those in communities who are organising groups and activities, building on strengths and alliances.

FInd your community anchor

Community Anchors Programme 2026–2029

The programme will support work that helps improve health and wellbeing, including mental health, reduces health inequalities and social isolation, and builds stronger local connection, belonging and support within communities.

We’re also really pleased to confirm the Community Anchors for this phase of the programme. In Huddersfield, these are The Branch, Thornton Lodge Action Group, Local Services 2 You and Dalton Together. In Batley and Spen, the Community Anchors are TCD and Fresh Futures.

TSL kirklees Community anchor network

Third Sector Leaders Kirklees coordinates and develops the Community Anchor Network.

TSL provides the systems, structures and support that help Anchors work together, helping them to make best use of resources and evidence their impact.

TSL works closely with Community Anchors and with Council and Health services (particularly Social Prescribing) to ensure an inclusive, joined up, effective, accountable Community Anchor Network.

Get support, Connect and unite

Community Anchor Support includes training, learning, advice on governance, information about funding, communications expertise or anything which helps community groups work in effective, inclusive and accountable ways. Anchors can help organisations to reach local people as volunteers or those in need of support.

Community Anchors Connect community organisations to other local groups and activities, to buildings, spaces and services such as Social Prescribing or other Health Services. Anchors can also connect to decision-makers including local grant-makers, politicians and Council contacts.

Community Anchors Unite community organisations, bringing people together to share plans and ideas, have a strong voice on community concerns and work together on more ambitious community projects.

Understanding community anchors

This short video explains the original model and approach to Community Anchors in Kirklees.

This model is evolving. Get in touch for more details.

Community Anchor origin story

Community Anchors – Impact and Learning Jan 2026 https://tslkirklees.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Comm-Anchors-Impact-and-Learning-Jan-2026-1.pdf

Community activity and SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

Getting involved in community groups and activities can seriously improve your health and wellbeing!

Social Prescribing services take referrals from GPs and self-referrals too. They work with individuals who have health support needs, helping them to find the right organisation or activity to join in their community.

Community activity, alongside medication and clinical support, can help people manage all kinds of physical and mental health conditions.

Social Prescribing Link Workers spend time getting to know people, exploring options, providing encouragement and building confidence to take the first step into a community activity.

Community Anchors and Social Prescribing services work together, ensuring Kirklees communities have accessible community activity which supports health and wellbeing.

The health data informing priorities for Primary Care Networks in Kirklees is available here.

Find your local Social Prescribing Link Worker and more about the service on the Kirklees Council website.

Useful Links

• Contact TSL Kirklees for support
• Contact Kirklees Council’s Third Sector Team
• TSL Kirklees Community Anchor contacts:
  • TSL Kirklees Community Anchor Lead InfrastructureSupport@tslkirklees.org.uk
  • Huddersfield
  • Dewsbury & Mirfield
  • Batley & Spen
  • Denby Dale & Kirkburton
  • Holme & Colne Valleys

Resources

• May 2022 Update PowerPoint
• Introducing Community Anchors Video 2022
• Introducing Community Anchors PowerPoint
• Growing Focal Video
• Community Anchor in action – case study 1
• Community Anchor in action – case study 2
• Community Anchor in action – case study 3
• Download a community anchor postcard
• Download a community anchor presentation