Building Cross-Sector Connections

Karen Pilkington said something that’s stuck with us: “Different parts of the system have different understandings of what it means to ‘speak with the community.’”

It’s true—and it’s exactly why we’ve been developing a neighbourhood networking initiative that brings together statutory services, VCSE groups, and local people.

The goal isn’t just better referrals. It’s deeper relationships. Shared learning. A shift from working *for* communities to working *with* them.

We’ve started exploring what this looks like in practice. It might mean co-hosted sessions with link workers and community researchers. Or simply creating spaces for honest conversation about what support looks like on the ground.

As one team member put it: “People who aren’t paid professionals are just as thoughtful and committed as those who are. Sometimes more so.”

That mindset is reshaping how we show up in communities—not as experts, but as learners and neighbours.

This is how we bridge gaps. Not with systems, but with relationships.