COVID-19 restrictions mean that many organisations are losing touch with colleagues, customers and communities. Yet this is exactly the time when leaders – in local and central government, in businesses large and small - most need to consult, listen and adapt.

 The fundamental issue is organisational disconnect. We believe some are flying blind.

 SAGE Report concurrs: "Communities and civil society organisations should have a voice, be informed, engaged and participatory in the exit from lockdown. This pandemic starts and ends within communities. Full participation and engagement of those communities on issues such as childcare and public transport will assist with enabling control measures. Conversely, a top-down approach risks losing their support and trust. We are deeply concerned about the effects of the infection and the lockdown on BAME, marginalised, and low-income groups. There is an urgent need for government to demonstrate such active participation from communities from around the country." SAGE Report May 2020 www.independentSAGE.org The Community Data Cooperative helps business and the public sector solve this issue in a novel way by: • providing access to everyday folk and small businesses so they can be asked to share their biggest concerns and best ideas • ensuring the Members participating in these conversations feel safe and protected, free to be honest and frank in their responses • offering clients practical support and expertise for engaging with communities • keeping all participants up to date with everything to do with individual, family and community wellbeing matters • providing a conduit to celebrate the good things that are happening as our communities recover from Covid-19. We've launched in Cumbria - one region most impacted by Covid-19. We will be national. But it is early days and we need partners, clients and friends! So come on in..