Report: Building Community Resilience Through Engaging Neighbourhood Networks
In partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) City Resilience Team, Neighbourly Lab explored how Neighbourhood Networks are strengthening community resilience and responding to emergencies across London.
These small, hyperlocal groups – from Residents’ Associations and Mutual Aid networks to faith organisations and local WhatsApp groups – play a crucial role in:
- Emergency preparedness: Sharing vital information before and during crises.
- Crisis response: Mobilising volunteers, skills, and resources quickly.
- Recovery and resilience building: Connecting residents, fostering trust, and preparing for future challenges.
Why Neighbourhood Networks Matter
Our findings show that these grassroots groups often respond faster than formal systems, particularly during events like floods, fires, public health emergencies, and the cost of living crisis. They are trusted local voices, able to reach residents that statutory services sometimes miss.
However, the research also identifies gaps in collaboration with emergency planning stakeholders due to:
- Limited awareness and trust between networks and statutory teams.
- Differing definitions of what constitutes a “crisis.”
- Capacity constraints for both community volunteers and local authorities.
Key Recommendations
To unlock the full potential of Neighbourhood Networks in London’s resilience planning, we recommend:
- GLA and Local Authorities: Build direct relationships with grassroots groups and provide training, resources, and accessible engagement opportunities.
- Emergency Planning Teams: Dedicate resources to community resilience and collaborate with trusted local figures.
- London Communities Emergencies Partnership (LCEP): Incentivise and remunerate network participation.
About the Research
We spoke to over 50 stakeholders – including Emergency Planning Teams, Local Infrastructure Organisations, and community leaders – to map how Neighbourhood Networks operate, where they connect with statutory services, and how these relationships can be strengthened.
Download the full report below to explore case studies, barriers, and solutions shaping the future of London’s community resilience.