Prize for Connected Communities

Steel Warriors is revitalising underused public spaces in urban environments – areas with a history of crime, deprivation, and broken infrastructure – by co-creating new outdoor gyms built from knives removed from the streets. Working with local residents, councils, and social housing communities, the project will replace a broken gym in Bromley's Betts Park with a striking, high-quality space for exercise, training and events. The outdoor gym will host free weekly classes for all ages, including targeted sessions for young people and women, plus mentoring and qualifications for local young people not in employment, education or training. For the sector, this could be a replicable blueprint for turning neglected spaces into safe, inclusive hubs of activity, strengthening wellbeing, reducing isolation, and improving local connection through community-led design.

Neya is a digital “super-neighbour” designed to spark connection, sharing, and mutual support within local communities. Through a friendly, AI-powered messaging platform, Neya introduces neighbours, answers everyday questions, and encourages simple, positive interactions, such as borrowing a ladder, finding a walking buddy, or sharing surplus food. It can also connect residents to nearby events, services, or groups based on their needs and interests. Especially helpful for those new to an area or living alone, Neya helps foster a stronger sense of belonging, safety, and pride. By making it easier to ask for help, offer support, or simply say hello, Neya builds resilient, more connected communities where people are empowered to take part in everyday life together.

NeighbourlyLab

Sustainable London empowers under-represented young people aged 14-16 (from social housing) to become environmental innovators and future STEM leaders. It aims to tackle environmental inequality and poor air quality in deprived London communities, which disproportionately impacts the health and wellbeing of social housing residents – particularly young people. Through a year-long development programme that includes workshops, mentoring, industry site visits, and a STEM-based hackathon, participants design solutions to local and global environmental challenges. They learn from relatable role models, pitch to professionals, and access environments – like corporate offices – they wouldn’t normally see. The programme builds confidence, creativity, resilience, and climate leadership where it’s needed most. A recent pilot showed 70% were more likely to pursue STEM careers and 88% gained soft skills to lead change.