What We Do
The Groundswell Method
At the heart of Groundswell lies a robust peace and community resilience-building methodology, pioneered by Hadiya Masieh and meticulously refined through decades of dedicated frontline experience countering violent extremism. This approach is deeply rooted in a profound, practical understanding of how to effectively challenge hate and dismantle harmful narratives, drawing on specialised insights into the mechanics of radicalisation and the psychological drivers that sustain hate and polarisation.
The fundamental approach relies on three core pillars that cultivate long-term social stability.
Find
When entering a community we quickly map and understand pre existing peace/bridge building initiatives and analyse what the extremism picture looks like using advanced hate mapper technology. This allows us to gain a deep contextual understanding of the communities unique problems and opportunities.
Connect
Building a network of positive actors allows us to galvanise a diverse coalition to begin working together to find new ways to maximise impact. This can be connecting activists with each other or helping them engage with public or private sector. We then help design and facilitate peace building events by connecting isolated communities with fun and engaging neighbourhood activities.
Amplify
To Amplify the impact we then provide marketing through our national and local network leveraging: local national news outlets, and social media platforms. By gathering and amplifying positive events online we provide a united presence in defiance of a media landscape full of hate .
Groundswell Project - Our Vision
Groundswell is dedicated to fostering stronger, more resilient communities by directly addressing the root causes of hate, extremism, and polarisation. By strengthening the social fabric at the grassroots level, we ensure that people feel supported, connected, and protected.
We achieve this through a multifaceted approach driven by a network of Community Connectors who leverage their lived experience and local leadership to foster trust. They actively bridge the gap between residents, community organisations, and statutory partners, creating vital communication channels that allow for conflict resolution and improved safeguarding.
Beyond our local connector work, we deliver impactful training programs that impart vital safeguarding knowledge whilst building critical thinking skills and digital resilience. We provide social prescribing services to improve access to local services and community based support for those who need it most. We also promote financial freedom and independence through creative problem solving using digital tools like Bitcoin.
Groundswell is planting the seeds for a future where united, compassionate communities are the standard. Where we have more humanisation and less polarisation. This ensures that we pass on a world that is not just preserved, but profoundly improved for generations to come.
Case Studies
Supporting underrepresented groups' right to access sport
Our Community Connector in Lewisham Sokhara Goodall worked throughout 2024 with others in the community to develop the campaign group Equal Playing Fields, aimed at gaining greater access for women's and non-binary football teams to community pitches in the south London area.
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Focus on Phoenix Rising
One of the big successes of the Black History Month event we ran on 30 October was Phoenix Rising, a group of young steel pan drummers.
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The ancient sport of Kabaddi is bringing communities together
The ancient sport of Kabaddi is making a comeback in Glasgow! And our Community Connector Adeel is at the centre of a new way of bringing communities together
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How boxing is helping tackle loneliness in Luton
Our Community Connector in Luton, Leela, started up a club for young men that is helping tackle loneliness while also building physical prowess
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