The Jo Cox Foundation

It was brilliant to see Laura Bevan's story included among those showcased by This Day Foundation, who fund our stronger communities work, in an exhibition that they staged at the Labour Party Conference last month. You can read Laura's story as told at the exhibition below: "Bringing neighbours together through friendship, connection and the belief we share more than divides us. "In 2016, Laura Bevan wouldn’t have considered herself a ‘political person’. She'd never run an event, wasn't part of any group and was busy raising two young children. Then Jo Cox was murdered, and the thought of a mum going to work and never coming home stayed with her. "The following year Laura organised her first Great Get Together. It had to be free and open to everyone, so she held it in a cut-off corner of Halton where community was needed most. The turnout was overwhelming, and it switched something on in her. "Since then Laura has kept bringing people together, leading More in Common Halton – one of many More in Common Groups and Partnerships across the UK. Most recently at a community picnic where asylum seekers, families and a man with a guitar all shared a park for the day. She went on to found Fortuna Female Society, a charity creating safe spaces for local women. "The Jo Cox Foundation champions the belief we have more in common than that which divides us, supporting the Great Get Together and More in Common Network nationally so people like Laura can keep the message alive on the ground."

Our hearts go out to Helen Haines MP, her family, her staff, and the Australian people as they process this devastating news. While authorities work to establish the full circumstances, an attack on an MP inevitably sends shockwaves through democratic institutions. Representatives must be able to serve their communities without fear of harm. We stand in deep solidarity with the Australian public and hope to see concerted, holistic action taken across democracies to turn the tide against violence in politics.

Join our team to help us build sustainable community-led social action in West Yorkshire! We are looking for someone with experience of leading community building and organising initiatives to join The Jo Cox Foundation. In this role, you'll support community-led action in Batley, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike that strengthens neighbourliness and hyper-local connection, creates new ways for people to connect across communities, and develops projects built around shared interests, shared places and shared concerns. 🗓️ Apply by 9am on Monday 26 October 2026. 👉 View the job description and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eEdM4Htb

Today marks five years since the murder of Sir David Amess MP. In our latest blog, former Conservative MP and Jo Cox Foundation Trustee Seema Kennedy shares her personal memories of Sir David - including how the example of his passion for his community helped bring her and Jo Cox together to address loneliness. 🔗 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/eK777VZv

“Today marks five years since the murder of Sir David Amess MP. Sir David was a dedicated public servant and a true champion of respectful politics, who proved that strong convictions can coexist with kindness, warmth, and civility across party lines. “His horrific death - alongside the murders of Jo Cox MP and Ann Widdecombe - serves as a stark reminder of the risks facing those in political life. “As we remember Sir David today, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. We also remain steadfast in our mission to confront political violence, abuse, and intimidation, and to build a safer, more respectful democracy - one that restores public trust, fosters better policy, and serves us all.”

Ahead of the fifth anniversary of the murder of Sir David Amess, it was moving to hear the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, pay tribute to both Sir David and Jo Cox at today's Prime Minister's Questions. The Speaker is correct that we must do more to end the climate of attacks on all those in public life. Tomorrow our thoughts will especially be with Sir David's family and friends as they mark the anniversary of his death.

Earlier this week our CEO, Olivia Field, spoke to LBC News in response to the Home Secretary's announcement of a review into security measures for people in political life. While she welcomed this, she also called for action to address the root causes of political violence, including tackling online harms and teaching political and digital literacy.

Abuse and intimidation cannot be accepted as the price of political participation. When fear enters our politics, our democracy suffers. Our statement in response to the Home Secretary’s statement on national security: Olivia Field, CEO at The Jo Cox Foundation said: "Ten years on since Jo Cox’s murder and five years since Sir David Amess was taken from us, Ann Widdecombe's murder and news that other plots were being planned are a deeply disturbing reminder of the threats facing those in public life. “Abuse and intimidation cannot be accepted as the price of political participation. When fear enters our politics, our democracy suffers. "We strongly welcome the Home Secretary's commitment to expand police support, including to Peers, retired MPs and political spokespeople as well as the introduction of a new independent review of protective security for people in public life, given new and emerging threats. “Yet, while strengthening physical security for representatives, former parliamentarians, and staff is critical, protection alone is not enough. As outlined by the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we must also tackle the root causes - including online harms and education - to prevent future attacks. “With the Representation of the People Bill passing through parliament, the government has an immediate opportunity to strengthen protections for candidates right now - from ending the publication of home addresses to improving online standards.”

"Strong, connected communities don’t just happen by accident - they require intention, investment, and policy that puts people first." After joining two fringe events at last week's Labour Party Conference, our CEO, Olivia Field, shares her key message for political leaders: why social connection and community cohesion are essential foundations for rebuilding Britain. Read Olivia’s full blog and reflections on our website: https://lnkd.in/eGjFRmZY

Join our team to help us build sustainable community-led social action in West Yorkshire! We are looking for someone with experience of leading community building and organising initiatives to join The Jo Cox Foundation. In this role, you'll support community-led action in Batley, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike that strengthens neighbourliness and hyper-local connection, creates new ways for people to connect across communities, and develops projects built around shared interests, shared places and shared concerns. 🗓️ Apply by 9am on Monday 26 October 2026. 👉 View the job description and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eEdM4Htb