We are delighted to share the RISE Communities Rising Year Two Report, a remarkable testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of all those involved in the projects and to the resilient, brave, and courageous survivors.

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and players of the National Lottery, and the support of our survivor community and colleagues, Communities Rising continues to make a substantial impact in building on survivors strengths and fostering safer communities across the city - community activism has shown itself to be crucial to the healing process. Through this project those involved are making sense of their lived experiences in a safe space where their voices are amplified, and they can feel included and inspired.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Innovative approaches and blended learning have strengthened inclusivity of members across all projects

• A need for a strong focus on work with black and minoritized women

• Building partnerships that better support women with multiple disadvantages, the inclusion of older women and Disabled women is going from strength to strength

• A continued need for an asset-based community approach

• Challenges on securing a community hub

• Consistency works when trying to engage communities - keep showing up and people will come.

• The limitations of capacity and the direct impact on the need to expand successful projects.