Blog Post
14 October 2026
The little links that hold a community together
I have a little boy who loves his ‘Toot Toot’ car track. I’ve realised that the success of each one often comes down to the smallest pieces in the box.
Build a happy, healthy community
Award-winning software and service design creating healthier, more engaged and better connected communities.
2026 IMPACT YTD (JAN - SEP)
£1,773,136
Est. Social Value
6,979
Activities added
13,343
Contacts to services
537,016
Unique visitors
Made Open latest
News, blogs and platform updates from our team and communities.
Blog Post
5 October 2026
Finding our place
Community life can be complicated. There are lots of people, organisations, activities and opportunities around us, but finding the right ones isn't always easy. We’re evolving Made Open to make that simpler, bringing together search, browsing and recommendations to help people find what they need, explore what’s available and discover things they didn’t know existed.
Approved supplier on G-Cloud 15 (RM1557.15) — an established procurement route for public sector organisations.
Platform Consultation
The 5Ps Connected Communities framework
If you're considering a new community platform (or reviewing how the one you have is working), we can help you understand what your community really needs. Our recommendations are organised around five key themes that provide a shared direction for everyone involved.
Purpose
Aligning partners around a shared vision for your platform and the outcomes it aims to achieve.
People
Connecting communities and organisations, shaped by their needs and insights.
Partners
Exploring how partners can share responsibility for maintaining and improving the platform.
Process
Using shared measures and insights to understand impact
and guide decisions.
Platform
Shaping the platform to reflect what your community already has and what it could be.
Case Studies
Trusted by public, private and charity sectors
Across the UK and beyond.
Platform
Everything you need to build a stronger community
Powerful features and flexible admin controls. Create a branded platform perfectly tailored to your community's needs — now and in the future.
You don't need all of these features to get started — they're fully customisable, so you can add more as your community's needs evolve.
All-in-one platform
Directories, events, volunteering and support in one place. Fully integrated and built around your community.
Intelligent search
AI-powered search that understands people, places and needs, so users find the right support quickly.
Peer networks & teams
Groups, networks and communities of practice connecting, collaborating and supporting each other.
Timebanking that works
A proven timebanking system that helps communities and professionals exchange skills, build trust and unlock real value.
Measure what matters
Monthly reporting and social value insights that help you evidence impact and improve your community.
Built for connection
A social network at its core, because stronger relationships are the foundation of health and happiness.
Service design
Design with your community, not for them
Our service design approach puts real people at the heart of every decision. We work closely with your community to understand challenges, explore opportunities and co-create solutions.
Explore our servicesTestimonials
What our customers say
"Made Open are a perfect fit for sharing our vision and values. Their open and honest approach, and their willingness to listen, learn and adapt, means our platform will be highly valuable to our local..."
Stephen Bennett
Head of Strategy & Partnerships
NHS Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals
"Devon Connect is the one-stop shop but with a human touch. It’s been a fantastic journey and we’ve been supported brilliantly by Made Open."
Marie Gould
Chief Officer of NDVS and Chair of Devon Connect
Working with
Ready to build a stronger community?
If you'd like to find out more about how we can help, we'd love to hear from you.