There are a huge number of ways charities can build community to further education about important issues, engage volunteers regularly, inspire supporters and provide peer support to people with similar experiences. Here are just a few examples:
Online Support Communities
WellChild: Facebook Community for Parents
Method: Facebook support group
Target Community: Parents of children with exceptional health needs
Features: A platform for sharing experiences, advice, and access to WellChild resources.
Purpose/Impact: Provides emotional support and connection among parents facing similar challenges.
Learn more: WellChild Community
Crohn’s & Colitis UK: Online Community for IBD Patients
Method: Facebook support group
Target Community: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Features: Peer support group and educational resources on living with IBD.
Purpose/Impact: Provides support for those affected by IBD.
Learn more: Crohn’s & Colitis Online Community
Alzheimer’s Society: Dementia Support Forum
Method: Online forum
Target Community: People affected by dementia, including carers and family members
Features: Peer support and moderated discussions on dementia-related topics.
Purpose/Impact: Reduces isolation and facilitates knowledge sharing.
Learn more: Alzheimer’s Society Forum
Mencap Online Community
Method: Online forum on Health Unlocked
Target Community: Individuals with learning disabilities and their families
Features: Peer support discussions and advocacy resources.
Purpose/Impact: Empowers individuals through shared experiences.
Learn more: Mencap Community
RNIB Connect: Community for people affected by sight loss
Method: Membership and support group
Target Community: Visually impaired individuals
Features: Forums for discussion, advice, and resource sharing.
Purpose/Impact: Creates a supportive network that reduces isolation as well as support for friends, families, campaigners and carers.
Learn more: RNIB Connect
Diabetes UK: Online Community for People Affected by Diabetes
Method: Online forums and resources
Target Community: Individuals living with diabetes
Features: Peer support discussions and educational resources.
Purpose/Impact: Empowers individuals to manage their health effectively.
Learn more: Diabetes UK Forum
Carers Connect by Carers UK: Online Forum for Unpaid Carers
Method: Dedicated online forum
Target Community: Unpaid carers
Features: 24/7 peer support discussions focused on caregiving challenges.
Purpose/Impact: Reduces isolation among unpaid carers through shared experiences.
Learn more: Carers UK Forum
Scope: Online Community for Disabled People and Caregivers
Method: Digital platform for discussion
Target Community: Disabled individuals and their caregivers
Features: Forums discussing challenges faced by disabled people.
Purpose/Impact: Raises awareness about disability rights issues.
Learn more: Scope Forum
Learning Communities
Code Club: Volunteer-Led Coding Clubs
Method: Network of after-school coding clubs
Target Community: Children aged 9–13 and volunteer educators
Features: Free coding projects, online platform for volunteers, regular events.
Purpose/Impact: Over 13,000 clubs globally, introducing children to coding skills.
Learn more: Code Club
Tearfund: Tearfund Learn
Method: Online learning platform
Target Community: Individuals engaged in community development
Features: Self-led courses focusing on disaster preparedness.
Purpose/Impact: Empowers communities to develop their own solutions to challenges.
Learn more: Tearfund Learn
Oxfam Educational Resources
Method: Online educational platform
Target Community: Supporters interested in global issues
Features: Free courses covering social justice topics.
Purpose/Impact: Builds awareness of global issues among supporters.
Learn more: Oxfam Academy
ActionAid: Online Learning Courses
Method: Digital education platform
Target Community: Individuals interested in women’s rights
Features: Self-paced modules focusing on advocacy strategies.
Purpose/Impact: Empowers participants to drive change in their communities.
Learn more: ActionAid Learning Courses
Fundraising Platforms
charity water: The Spring
Method: Subscription-based giving platform
Target Community: Individual donors committed to clean water projects
Features: Monthly donation subscription model with updates on funded projects
Purpose/Impact: Provides stable funding sources while engaging donors
Learn more: charity water The Spring
Leukaemia UK Integrated Fundraising Platform
Method: Dedicated online fundraising platform
Target Audience: Supporters fundraising for blood cancer research
Features: Centralises fundraising activities in one location
Purpose/Impact: Streamlines fundraising processes while enhancing engagement.
Learn more: Leukaemia UK Fundraising Platform
