Creating change through neighbourhood-led collaboration and action.
The Manchester Community Power Forum (MCPF) is a collective initiative bringing together residents, community groups, voluntary sector organisations, and public services to work in partnership across Manchester.
We believe that real, lasting change starts with local people - those who understand their communities best. MCPF provides a space where ideas are shared, voices are heard, and power is shifted into the hands of the people who live and work in our neighbourhoods.
Originally formed as part of Manchester’s post-COVID recovery strategy, MCPF is now a vibrant and growing network making a real difference on the ground.
Created by Manchester City Council and now coordinated by VCSE organisations, previously the Manchester Settlement and now Healthy Me Healthy Communities CiC. For more about the Community Power Forum journey, please see the About page or the Community Power Forum Summary Report
We support local action in:
Clayton & Openshaw
Ardwick & Longsight
Gorton, Abbey Hey & Levenshulme
Co-create local solutions: From health and wellbeing to food security and community planning.
Reconnect people: Rebuilding relationships between residents, organisations, and statutory services.
Address inequality: Using place-based and trauma-informed approaches to reduce health and social inequalities.
Empower communities: Supporting neighbourhoods to take the lead on what matters to them.
"Community power is quite a broad term, which refers to the idea that local communities, communities of place, but also communities of experience and interest should be given much greater say and control over the decisions and the services and the amenities and the places that shape their lives and affect their lives very deeply"
📍Gorton & Abbey Hey
Hosting a workshop for food-aid providers to explore current policy and the future of food security.
Aimed at creating more sustainable, coordinated support for families in need.
📍 Levenshulme & Longsight
Launching a neighbourhood community plan focused on inclusion, health, and economic wellbeing.
Developed directly from our event feedback.
From March 2025, our focus has been on deepening impact and scaling learning, with priorities that include:
Showcasing community stories and progress across Manchester
Developing MCPF branding to build local identity
Strengthening digital communications to reach wider audiences
Mapping local priorities to guide action
Mobilising funding and resources to support grassroots initiatives