Recommendation 32

HM Government Accepted

85. The Government recognises the importance of community-led initiatives in fostering social cohesion and bringing people together. By supporting locally driven programmes we aim to strengthen community connection and cohesion to build resilience. These initiatives play a vital role in encouraging participation in social activities, strengthening connections between individuals from diverse backgrounds and promoting inclusion across society. 86. Our Common Ground Resilience Fund (CGRF) makes over £3m funding available to local communities in England to support this. An element of the CGRF supports local authorities and grassroots organisations to run practical initiatives that bring people together. These initiatives can include community events and interfaith programmes, wellbeing programmes that reduce isolation among vulnerable groups, and supporting women and girls from different backgrounds to participate in local social activities. 87. A part of the CGRF is the Common Ground Award (CGA) which provides capital funding to VCSE organisations, with a base and operating in England. Funding can be used to purchase equipment, or for new builds, refurbishment and expansion of facilities used to build bridging social capital. The CGA was open to applications from eligible organisations that will build social connection across and between different communities, and MHCLG will be working with organisations that bring women and girls from different backgrounds together. 88. Additionally in December 2025, the Government published ‘Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy’, the first cross-government Strategy for young people in England produced in 15 years. It details our 10-year plan to ensure every young person across the country has somewhere to go, someone who cares for them and a community they feel part of. 89. The Strategy was co-produced with young people and the youth sector, including through engagement with young people of faith and faith-based organisations to ensure their voices were reflected in the Strategy. It is supported by £500 million of funding to create fun activities outside of school, more youth clubs and greater support for our youths when and where they need it. This will better support young people to participate in social activity. DCMS will continue to promote equality of access, including for under-represented groups such as Muslim girls in programme guidance and monitoring. 90. We also remain committed to breaking down the barriers that contribute to the persisting inequalities in participation in sports and physical activity and want to ensure that everyone, including Muslim women and girls, can experience the physical, mental and social benefits that come with being active. 91. DCMS’ arm’s length body for grassroot sport in England, Sport England, produced a 10-year strategy: Uniting the Movement. It reinforces their commitment to tackling inequalities faced in sport by under-represented groups, including ethnically diverse people. 92. Sport England annually invest over £250 million of Lottery and Exchequer funding into grassroots sport, including significant investment toward grassroots organisations that understand the specific cultural and social nuances required to engage Muslim women safely and inclusively, including: a. The Muslim Sports Foundation who are helping to create inclusive environments, where Muslim women and girls are supported to participate fully and equally, overcoming systemic barriers and inequalities. b. This Girl Can campaign who focus on under-represented groups such as Muslim women and girls. This campaign highlights the barriers these women face and amplifies their voices. c. Leadership and Workforce representation through support for programmes that provide coaching pathways for women from diverse backgrounds, supporting the Government’s ambition to diversify the sports workforce, ensuring Muslim women see themselves reflected in coaching, officiating and leadership roles. 93. Ultimately, we wish to see more Muslim women and girls involved in social activity. The Government will continue to support initiatives such as the above to remove barriers and foster environments where Muslim women and girls can meaningfully engage in inclusive social programmes.