What is Made Open?
Made Open is your neighbourhood health platform, designed to help leaders build healthier, better connected communities. It’s all about connecting people to services, support, and self-care — making it easier for everyone to access what they need. In a world where folks seem more connected than ever, many still feel isolated or disengaged. Made Open believes that can change. Through award-winning software and smart service design, it helps communities tap into their own strengths and potential. Local authorities, health and social care, charities, businesses, and universities all come together on this platform to make a real difference.
Main Benefits of the Platform
Made Open isn’t just talk — it delivers tangible results. Check out these key figures and facts:
- Generating £600,000+ in social value per year.
- Engaging over 10,000 people in community action.
- A national NHS platform where talent is valued equally.
- Helping reduce pressure on clinical services by improving access to information.
- Supporting place-based partnerships that help organisations work together to keep communities healthy.
- Encouraging community-driven prevention through self-help and peer support.
Features That Support Healthier Communities
The platform comes loaded with features that make community health and wellbeing easier to manage and improve. There’s a directory to help people discover local groups, activities, and services. Events are organised to strengthen connections and build social networks. Volunteering opportunities connect helpers with groups in need. Timebanking lets people exchange time and skills peer-to-peer. Teams help peer groups share knowledge and support. Asks & Offers enable exchanging goods and services. And guides provide tools and resources for community development. It’s a full toolbox for building better communities.
Place-Based Partnerships and Community Software
Made Open’s community software is designed to help leaders improve neighbourhood health by integrating services and support. It’s about making it easier for organisations to work together — local authorities, health and social care, charities, and more — all collaborating to keep communities healthy. This place-based approach means solutions are tailored to local needs, creating stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. It’s not just software; it’s a way to bring people and organisations closer for a common goal.
Peer Support Networks and Talent Management
Beyond software, Made Open supports peer networks that help professionals share knowledge, set goals, get coaching, and learn from each other. This builds confident, collaborative teams ready to tackle community challenges. Plus, there’s a national talent platform built on established timebanking principles, dedicated entirely to talent management. As Karen Chummun, Head of Talent at NHS England, puts it, “We’ve built a national talent platform… that values everyone equally.” It’s about recognising and nurturing the skills within communities.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
About Made Open’s Commitment and Community
Made Open is a certified B Corp®, balancing purpose and profit by using the power of social enterprise to build a better world for all. It works with a diverse range of partners — NHS, local councils, voluntary organisations, universities, and more — creating a vibrant ecosystem focused on community wellbeing. The platform also features the Place Makers podcast, where leaders share stories and strategies about reshaping communities. It’s a space where innovation meets real-world impact, all driven by a shared passion for building better, healthier neighbourhoods.
