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October 2022

Social capital evidence review: Belonging, cohesion and social support

Social capital evidence review: Belonging, cohesion and social support
In partnership with

The quick read

We designed and commissioned a rapid evidence review to understand what types of interventions have improved three key social capital outcomes: neighbourhood belonging, social support and community cohesion.

It found:

  • Strong evidence on the wellbeing impact of youth skills and physical activity interventions:
    • National Citizens Service’s positive impact on community cohesion and social support among 16 and 17 year-olds;
    •  group practice of tai chi in improving social support.
  • A range of conceptual definitions and measurement for social support and community cohesion.
  • Moderate evidence of projects that promoted a combination of healthy eating, physical activity and good mental health awareness in group settings led to improved neighbourhood belonging among those aged 16+.
  • Scope for improving the strength of evaluation designs and the quality of wellbeing data generated.
Close The quick read

Background

The study

What did we find?

Case study: the National Citizen Service

Recommendations

Suggested citation

Further resources

Downloads

You may also wish to read the blog article on this document.

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