We are a national movement to protect and revitalise Britain’s social clubs and we believe these vital spaces have a positive future where they can grow, adapt, and realise their potential in tackling some of the biggest challenges we currently face as a society.
By backing social clubs, 21st Century Social Clubs is getting behind the everyday spaces where people feel they belong, where new ideas can take shape, and which hold our communities together.
Our manifesto
Social clubs have always been important places where people come together in their communities – to have a drink, put on a night, organise something, or just feel part of something bigger.
But recent years haven't been easy. Facing multiple challenges, social clubs have been left to get by on their own – with even more difficulties for those in deprived areas. Too many have written them off as a lost cause, rather than recognising them for what they really are: vital spaces that still matter to millions of people.
With the right support, we believe social clubs can have a positive future where they can grow, adapt, and realise their potential in tackling some of the biggest challenges we currently face as a society.
So our vision is simple: to support 21st century social clubs that are open and committed to being more reflective of the needs and aspirations of their local communities.
By backing social clubs, we’re getting behind the everyday spaces where people feel they belong, where new ideas can take shape, and which hold our communities together.
Our focus areas
The journey
In just over a year, 21st Century Social Clubs has grown from a research programme into a national movement. From our first support survey and policy roundtables in early 2025, through a sold-out inaugural conference, a delegation to Number 10, and recognition in national policy, to regional partnerships on the ground and a major national programme announced in 2026.
Why clubs matter
For over a century, social clubs have been vital to the fabric of civic life. As member-run community assets, they embody a rich heritage of neighbourly trust, popular culture, and democratic engagement. Social clubs remain essential spaces for connection, learning, and participation – especially in today’s fragmented society. That’s why we’ve launched 21st Century Social Clubs – a national platform to recognise, protect, and revitalise these vital community assets for generations to come.
The team
21st Century Social Clubs is led by Stir to Action – a non-profit co-operative that has been supporting local communities and businesses across the UK for more than a decade through ourits staff support and national network of associates.
The coalition
21st Century Social Clubs brings together clubs, national funders, MPs, trade unions, and local councils to address the decline of this national movement, and to unlock new political and financial support for the sector.
Some of our most important contributors so far include:
