Become a Connect Delivery Partner – Expressions of Interest now open
We’re inviting new partners to join the next chapter of Connect.
Over the past year, Connect has been quietly rewriting what support can look like when it starts with relationships, not referrals.
Working alongside residents in Barking & Dagenham, we’ve seen how steady, human connection can rebuild confidence, restore agency and help people rediscover their place in their neighbourhoods. This hasn’t been about quick fixes. It’s been about walking alongside people long enough for change to take root and last.
Now, we’re ready to grow.
On behalf of BD_Collective, we are inviting organisations to apply to become one of two new delivery partners for Connect – a learning partnership addressing social isolation in Barking & Dagenham.
March – 31 November 2026
New partners will work intensively 1:1 alongside residents experiencing social isolation, supporting them to build dependable friendships and meaningful community connections beyond traditional service settings.
This is a chance to be part of a shared test-and-learn journey, helping to create environments where people don’t just receive support, but flourish and contribute.
Partners will work particularly alongside:
• People with learning disabilities and autism
• People from migrant communities (especially Ukrainian migrants)
• Young people aged 16–25
• People experiencing poor mental health
Funding: £52.5k per partner per year (pro-rata, dependent on appointment date)
Want to find out more?
Join our online briefing call 2–3pm, Tuesday 17 February to hear about the opportunity and ask questions.
How to apply:
Submit an Expression of Interest (max 1,500 words) to michael.roberts@carecity.org by 5pm, Tuesday 24 February.
Read this opportunity description for full details.
If your organisation believes in relational, preventative, neighbourhood-rooted work, we’d love to hear from you.
