Collaboration in Action: How Local Partnerships Create Lasting Change
Sep 08, 2025
At Goal 17, we’ve always believed that when organisations work together, remarkable things happen. A recent example from our North Northamptonshire project shows exactly why collaboration and capacity building matter — and how a single connection can spark real change.
Two local voluntary organisations came to one of our facilitated sessions with very different challenges. One had developed excellent resources and was eager to run an engaging session for its community but didn’t have the venue or safeguarding capacity to make it happen. The other had both a suitable space and a team of DBS-checked volunteers ready to support an event — but lacked content to deliver.
On their own, both were stuck. Together, they had everything they needed.
By connecting them, Goal 17 helped turn two separate challenges into a joint opportunity. Plans are now underway for a community event that otherwise might never have happened — an event that will not only bring people together but also give young people a safe and inspiring space to learn and grow.
One of the organisations reflected on the process:
“Goal 17 has been a great support, listening to what we need and supporting us where possible. Whether that be with new connections, or knowledge and learning from others. We’re delighted to have made this new connection, which will bring people and ideas together to strengthen collaboration and amplify local voices for positive change.”
For us, this is the essence of our work. As Francesca Salussolia, CEO of Goal17, puts it:
“This is exactly what Goal 17 is all about — bringing people together to find solutions that no one could achieve alone. It’s inspiring to see local organisations sharing resources and creating new opportunities for young people.”
This story is just one example of how Goal 17 is building the capacity of voluntary and community organisations across North Northamptonshire. Each new partnership shows the power of collaboration: pooling resources, overcoming barriers and creating opportunities that benefit the whole community.
And this is only the beginning.
If you’re a voluntary organisation in North Northamptonshire (or beyond) and would like to explore how working together could unlock new possibilities, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today — let’s build something stronger, together.