This talk will share the experiences and lessons from a Big Lottery funded project centred at Arbourthorne Community Primary School in Sheffield. "An Even Better Arbourthorne" has engaged parents and community members as volunteers to address poverty and environmental challenges in the area. We will highlight how the school has played a critical role as community infrastructure before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The talk will include contributions from different members of the AEBA team, including staff, parents, volunteers and critical friends.