Community engagement and participation
Cheltenham Borough Council's Corporate Plan 2025–2028 sets out two guiding principles that underpin everything we do:
- Helping all our communities to benefit and prosper from our strong local economy
- Working together with everyone in our networks to improve our borough, support residents to be healthy, strengthen communities and help businesses thrive
The Corporate Plan also identifies a key priority:
Priority 4: Reducing inequalities and supporting better outcomes
We will:
- Use our sport, leisure, arts and cultural assets to provide opportunities for everyone to be happier, healthier and more active
- Build on our heritage as a globally recognised cultural and festival town to encourage more people to participate in culture
- Invest in leisure and sports facilities to broaden participation and increase access
- Work in partnership with the NHS, social care and police to encourage greater investment in activities that improve wellbeing, reduce pressure on health services, and help prevent crime and disorder
Our approach to engagement and participation
Our approach to engagement and participation is shaped by these priorities and is built around the following principles:
Evidence-led and community-centred
We will use data, evidence and meaningful engagement to understand the issues that matter most to local people. We place community voice at the heart of decision-making, with a particular focus on listening to and working alongside children and young people.
Partnership working
We will bring together partners from across the public, voluntary and community sectors to address shared challenges. This includes collaborative work on financial inclusion, tackling child poverty through No Child Left Behind, and addressing violence against women and girls.
Supporting the voluntary and community sector
We work closely with voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and invest in local community infrastructure, including providing direct support to Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC).
Prevention and early intervention
We prioritise preventative and early-intervention approaches, recognising the importance of building on people's strengths and adopting trauma-informed ways of working.
Building stronger communities through sport, culture and creativity
We see sport, physical activity, culture and creativity as powerful tools for improving health and wellbeing, strengthening community connections, fostering aspiration and reducing inequalities.
Inclusion and diversity
We are committed to promoting inclusion, equality and diversity in everything we do, ensuring that all residents have opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive.
Examples of our approach in action
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
No Child Left Behind is Cheltenham's town-wide partnership focused on tackling child poverty and reducing inequality. It combines data-led insight, extensive engagement with children and young people, partnership-based decision-making and direct delivery of support, including initiatives such as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and youth-focused community provision.
Community hubs and spaces
A key part of our approach is supporting accessible, community-based spaces where people can connect, access support and shape local solutions. We work with partners to secure investment in trusted, informal settings such as community venues and youth spaces.
Community hubs act as inclusive neighbourhood focal points where residents, services and community organisations come together to improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections and develop locally shaped support that reflects the unique needs and strengths of Cheltenham's communities.