Neoliberal-driven austerity has changed the role of the state, public service provision and citizenship. Thriving in today’s society is a challenge for communities around the world as governments increasingly promote privatisation, centralised control, individual responsibility and battle with the impacts of Covid19.

Co-authored by practitioners and academics and based on case studies of collaborations between civil society and the civic university, this book uses the North East of England as a lens to explore how different communities have responded to changing circumstances. The case studies present examples of actions aiming to create hope and inspiration for communities in challenging times.

Mel Steer is Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellow at Northumbria University.

Simin Davoudi is Professor of Environment and Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University.

Mark Shucksmith OBE is Professor of Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at Newcastle University.

Liz Todd is Professor of Educational Inclusion at the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences at Newcastle University.