Independent Report Shows £11 Social Value for Every £1 Invested in Supporting Communities
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CDO Sarah Harkness-Robinson with Community Reps from Ards and North Down holding Copies of the SROI Report
Click to open Graphic Report
New research validates Supporting Communities' role as a 'systems enabler' delivering transformative impact across Ards and North Down.
An independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) study has found that Supporting Communities generates £11 in social value for every £1 invested in our work across Ards and North Down.
The comprehensive research, funded by the Housing Executive, covered our 2024-25 activities in North Down. It demonstrates how a relatively modest core investment unlocks and coordinates benefits far beyond our direct support - across housing, wellbeing, community safety, and civic participation.
“I am delighted that this report has confirmed what we have long known in the Housing Executive about the impact of Supporting Communities in Ards and North Down borough. Their value has been recognised across all stakeholder groups throughout the course of the study, which is a testament to the hard work carried out every day to support and build up our communities. Thank you to everyone who participated for their time and valued contributions.”
Small investment, transformative ripple effect
The study calculated a total social value of over £20 million generated from an investment of £1.8 million - a remarkable 11:1 return that validates our approach as community infrastructure rather than simply another service provider.
What makes this finding particularly significant is how it captures our role as a systems enabler. We don't just deliver services - we act as the catalyst that convenes partners, coordinates efforts, and builds capacity so communities can thrive.
Independently verified impact
The research, conducted by Business Improvement Solutions, employed rigorous methodology, including interviews with community groups we support and interagency partners such as PSNI, housing associations, local councils, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. With a 66% response rate from the 24 community groups we assisted, the findings provide robust evidence of our impact.
Key outcomes identified include:
For communities: 100% of groups reported increased knowledge and skills, enhanced safety and security in their areas, and improvements to the physical environment. Community pride and cohesion strengthened across all areas where we work.
For individuals: Reduced isolation, improved well-being and self-esteem as people took on leadership roles and engaged in local initiatives. Practical supports through community groups alleviated stress for vulnerable residents.
For statutory partners: The Housing Executive deepened tenant engagement through our facilitation of more than 70 meetings each quarter. The PSNI noted how we transformed meetings into focused problem-solving sessions, with collaborative projects addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour.
For housing associations: We acted as an independent convenor, enhancing collaboration and trust that allowed partners to tackle sensitive issues together - from youth programmes reducing anti-social behaviour to integration initiatives for new tenants.
“This study demonstrates exceptional value for the Housing Executive’s investment in community infrastructure. For every pound they invest in Supporting Communities, communities across Ards and North Down see eleven pounds in social value. But beyond the numbers, this report shows how our partnership approach - convening, coordinating, and enabling - creates benefits that no single organisation could achieve alone. We’re grateful to the Housing Executive for recognising that supporting community infrastructure delivers returns across housing, wellbeing, and community safety that far exceed our costs.”
The systems enabler difference
The report's authors emphasise that most value accrues through our coordinating role - connecting communities with housing providers, statutory services, councils, and voluntary organisations into effective partnerships.
By facilitating interagency collaboration, helping groups secure additional funding (often doubling available budgets through co-funding partnerships), and building community capacity over the long term, we create the infrastructure for sustainable community development.
As one interagency partner told researchers: "They're the glue that holds partnerships together and makes things happen."
Proven model ready to scale
This independently verified evidence from Ards and North Down proves what's possible when you invest in community infrastructure. Our systems enabler approach has delivered measurable, transformative impact - and this model can and does work across Northern Ireland.
The research shows our long-term support fosters trust and enables community groups to become self-sufficient, while our interagency facilitation is critical for addressing local issues and improving service delivery.
From the Bowtown Mural Project that replaced harmful messaging with youth-designed community art, to helping Comber Community Residents Group work with the Council to develop plans for skate parks and local improvements, to supporting migrant integration through groups like Chai, Chat and Connect - the report captures real stories of communities transformed.
“I think getting a return of £11 for every £1 spent is remarkable, highlighting the real impact of our work. It demonstrates not only significant financial value but also broader benefits for tenants and public services, such as improved health and well-being and stronger community connections. Many thanks to Sarah and Supporting Communities for all you do in helping groups in Ards and North Down.”
Building on success
We're grateful to all the community groups, statutory partners, and stakeholders who participated in this research. Their voices have helped validate an approach we believe Northern Ireland needs - turning modest investment into major social value through effective coordination and community empowerment.
Download the 4-page graphic summary | Read the full SROI report
Supporting Communities works as a systems enabler across Northern Ireland, unlocking community potential through coordination, capacity building, and partnership development. By connecting communities with housing providers, statutory services, and other partners, we create the infrastructure for sustainable community development.
