21st Century Social Clubs

Aim

We are rebuilding Britain’s social club movement for a new generation. Support us and be part of it!

For over a century, social clubs have been the beating heart of Britain’s civic life — places where people came together to relax, debate, learn, and organise.

These clubs weren’t just about a pint after work — they were where working people built culture, friendship, and democracy from the ground up.

But today, half of Britain’s social clubs have disappeared. Many more are struggling to survive — facing rising costs, ageing buildings, and redevelopment threats.

Yet the spirit of these clubs lives on. Around 2,000 are still open, from miners’ welfare halls and working men’s clubs to all kinds of social clubs — and many are reimagining themselves for a new generation.

We believe these democratic spaces are vital to our future — not just our past.

That’s why we’re crowdfunding for 21st Century Social Clubs, a growing movement to protect, strengthen, and revitalise these democratic, member-led spaces.

We’re aiming to raise at least £25,000 to help clubs across the UK thrive again – not just as local institutions but as a national movement – through practitioner events, advice & support, and working for policy change.

Why this matters now.

Over the last couple of decades, communities have been losing social infrastructure and public space, which is making it increasingly difficult for people to shape the places where they live.

But social clubs offer a long-standing and unique model that is not-for-profit, democratic by design, and rooted in community. They also offer something commercial venues can’t: a sense of belonging, ownership, and participation that supports arts and culture, lifelong learning, sports and exercise, social cohesion, and local democracy.

We believe this sleeping giant can once again become an anchor for civic life — places where people come together not just for entertainment, but to shape the future of their communities.

Your support will create change.

Your contribution will directly support this national movement to help social clubs survive, adapt, and thrive. The funds raised from this crowdfunding campaign will enable us to:

• Create practical support for clubs: we’ll create guides and training to help clubs strengthen governance, diversify membership, and adapt for the future.
• Host a practitioner summit for club members: we’ll bring clubs together for a major gathering for peer-learning, training and advice, and to build solidarity across the country.
• Organise study visits and learning exchanges: we’ll organise study visits between clubs so they can learn from each other, share good practice, and build a strong network of mutual support.
• Provide urgent assistance for clubs at risk: we’ll work with local advisors to offer guidance to clubs at risk of closure.
• Advocate for change through a 21st Century Social Club Charter: we’ll work with partners and policymakers to launch a 21st Century Social Club Charter, pushing for better policy, training, and funding for the sector.

The story so far.

Over the last year, the Centre for Democratic Business - a not-for-profit - has been working with a growing coalition of social clubs, MPs, development bodies, and think tanks to understand the sector's immediate needs and to build a shared vision for the future.

To read our reports, news pieces, and find out more about the 21st Century Clubs programme, visit our website.

Join the movement.

This is your invitation to be part of the 21st Century Social Clubs movement. Make a pledge to fund this work, check out the great rewards on offer, and share our campaign!

Social clubs are more than just spaces – they’re a living expression of democracy, solidarity, and community. Together, we can ensure they remain part of Britain’s future, not just its past.

Tag the Centre for Democratic Business on LinkedIn, and StirtoAction on Instagram — and use the hashtag #BackOurSocialClubs.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed to our rewards, and Zara Wilkins for her original artwork on many of our rewards. See more on Instagram @pixeltapestries.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made