Locality Convention '24

Programme

Locality Convention '24 was held in Manchester - Tuesday 12 November - Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Our programme for Locality Convention '24 was created in partnership with our member organisations, and front-line experts from across the country. Read more below.

During our Convention, we shared best practices and new approaches with other pioneering community organisations.

The Locality Awards were held on Tuesday 12 November at 7pm during the Locality Convention ’24 evening reception, in Manchester.

Watch 2024 highlights

Programme schedule

Download Programme schedule

Day One, Manchester Tue 12 Nov 24, 9am - 9.30pm

Registration, refreshments, and exhibition

Our registration team will welcome you and check you in, making you feel right at home.

Enjoy a range of refreshments, meet fellow delegates and visit our exhibitors.

Some groups will be attending breakfast networking sessions, including Big Locals and organisations supported by the Ubele Initiative.

Opening plenary: Navigating change

Join us at the opening plenary session of the Locality Convention '24 as we delve into what the new government will mean for the community sector and explore what the future holds. Discover insights and engage in discussions with other Locality members on the evolving landscape of our sector.

With Joanna Midgley, Manchester City Council; Tony Armstrong, Locality; Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Combined Authority; Donna Hall, former CEO Wigan Council; Jo Cooper, Back on the Map; Adrian Ball and Maqbul Rose, Manchester Settlement

Workshops or visits, & lunch

Delegates will choose either one workshop or one visit

Expert-led interactive workshops

Supercharge your organisation's impact by taking part in expert-led interactive workshops to address the challenges and opportunities faced by community organisations.

Collaborating with the health system: opportunities and challenges for community organisations
Save money, save the planet: energy efficiency strategies to green your community space
In with the old: bringing historic buildings to life - sponsored by The Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Building connections to tackle racism and division - sponsored by The National Lottery Community Fund
Community led housing: policy and practice - sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors

Find out more on our workshops page.

Lunch

Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

We provide vegetarian food at our events to reduce Locality's carbon footprint.

Inspiring visits with packed lunch

Step into the heart of Manchester's thriving community sector. Our visits offer a unique opportunity to learn from inspiring community leaders, engage in meaningful conversations, and see the transformative power of community-driven projects first hand. Visit attendees will be given a packed lunch to eat en-route and will enjoy a coffee break when they get back to the venue.

Projekts MCR: exploring community impact through skateboarding - projektsmcr.com
Manchester Settlement: developing community strengths to meet local needs - manchestersettlement.org.uk
Withington Baths: diving into history and making waves today - withingtonbaths.com
Stretford Public Hall: ten years of community action - stretfordpublichall.org.uk
Hulme Garden Centre: using community shares to grow for the future - hulmegardencentre.org.uk

Find out more on our visits page.

1:1 expert surgeries and exhibitions

If you're seeking targeted guidance and support, our expert-led 1:1 surgeries offer personalised consultations with industry professionals. These sessions provide a confidential and supportive environment where you can address specific challenges, gain insights, and receive practical recommendations tailored to your organisation's needs.

Engage with exhibitors across the community sector, from funders to service providers, all offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for collaboration.

Meet the funder drop-in at 12:30pm - 1pm and 2:30pm - 3pm

A chance to talk to social investors and lenders in an informal, drop-in setting. Wondering if your project would be eligible, or how long you might have to repay? There’s no such thing as a silly question!

Sponsored by Natwest Social and Community Capital

Afternoon plenary: Catalysing connection across the UK

Join this plenary to discuss community organisations’ connection potential, what’s standing in the way, and how we can work together to build a more connected society.

Hear how Locality and our partners across the UK are working together on a major new programme to support transformative community connection, as part of The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund.

With Phil Chamberlain, The National Lottery Community Fund; Graham Easterlow, East Durham Trust; Ed Wallis, Locality; Angie Wright, b-inspired; Sarah McCulloch, ACCM UK; Dianne Williams, Moat House; and more

Networking, exhibition, connection sessions, 1:1 surgeries, or rest

Various locations - no need to book, just drop in

Leaders of Colour Peer Networking Session at 4:30pm - 5:45pm

A special networking session to share experiences and explore what it is like to be a leader of colour running a community organisation in 2024. What’s changed, what hasn’t? What are the challenges and opportunities? And where do we go from here?

What I wish I knew when I was starting out at 4:30pm - 5:45pm

An informal session where newer community organisations can learn and get help from more established Locality members.

Supported by Local Trust

We’re Right Here: campaign rally at 4:30pm - 5:45pm

Do you want more power over your area's spaces, services and spending decisions? Find out about the We're Right Here campaign for community power. Hear about the campaign's successes from the community leaders in charge, how they want to put local communities at the centre of the upcoming English Devolution Bill, and how you can get involved.

Community-led housing drop-in at 4:30pm - 5:45pm

Talk about community-led housing policy, share news about your project or crowdsource solutions to problems. Whether you're just kicking off your first project, have concerns managing your current stock or thinking about future plans, we'd love to speak to you.

1:1 expert surgeries

Expert-led 1:1 surgeries are designed to provide you with personalised guidance and support. Whether you seek advice on fundraising strategies, governance issues, project management, or any other aspect of organisational development, these expert surgeries are here to address your unique challenges. Walk away with actionable advice, resources, and a renewed sense of confidence to drive positive change in your community.

Exhibitions

Connect with funders and service providers who share your values and are committed to empowering local communities.

Drinks reception

Kickstart the beginning of the Locality Awards '24. Join us as we come together to applaud the outstanding achievements of community organisations.

Dinner and Locality Awards ceremony

Join us for a joyful evening of celebration at the Locality Awards '24 ceremony and dinner. This event is a tribute to the extraordinary achievements of Locality members and councils. We'll celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication of community organisations that have made a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the communities they serve.

End of Day One

As an exhilarating day of learning, networking, and inspiration comes to a close, find some well-deserved rest with an early night, or, if you're still buzzing with energy, join us at the afterparty in the heart of Manchester! Discover the city's lively nightlife scene as we gather to mingle, dance, and create lasting memories.

Day Two, Manchester Wed 13 Nov 24, 8.45am - 3pm

Registration, refreshments, and exhibition

Our registration team will welcome you and check you in, making you feel right at home.

Enjoy a range of refreshments, meet fellow delegates and visit our exhibitors.

Energiser

Get up and groove…..building community through dance

We’re ‘breaking’ the mould with this energetic session! Join North-West-based international dancer B-boy Mouse to learn about the Hip Hop principles of Peace, Love, Unity, and Having Fun. Marvel at world champion Mouse’s moves and learn the basics yourself - with no need to spin on your head!

With Ereson ‘Mouse’ Catipon, World b-boy champion, dancer, choreographer, and community project lead

Mouse is recognised as one of the forerunners of the UK b-boy (breakdancing) scene. A prolific winner of numerous international title ‘battles’, his impressive resume includes performance and choreography for major advertising campaigns, theatre shows and music artists, including Madonna, as well as judging top-tier competitions, presenting workshops and mentoring emerging dancers across the UK and beyond.

In 2016, Mouse started Kapayapaan Project in his native Philippines, a community project to offer positive reinforcement and opportunities for street children in slum areas. Find out how it started.

Workshops, visits & coffee break

Delegates will choose either one workshop or one visit

Expert-led interactive workshops

Supercharge your organisation's impact by taking part in expert-led interactive workshops to address the challenges and opportunities faced by community organisations.

Green business models for building stronger communities
Managing spaces: is your asset still an asset? - sponsored by The Ubele Initiative
Councils and community organisations: exploring successful partnerships
Social investment: ways to strengthen your finances and your community - sponsored by Charity Bank and Unity Trust Bank
Succession planning: building inclusive leadership for the future
Workplace wellbeing: a brief guide

Find out more on our workshops page.

Inspiring visits

See the heart of Manchester's thriving community sector. Our visits offer a unique opportunity to learn from inspiring community leaders, engage in meaningful conversations, and see the transformative power of community-driven projects first hand.

Projekts MCR: exploring community impact through skateboarding - projektsmcr.com
Manchester Settlement: developing community strengths to meet local needs - manchestersettlement.org.uk
Withington Baths: diving into history and making waves today - withingtonbaths.com
Stretford Public Hall: ten years of community action - stretfordpublichall.org.uk
Hulme Garden Centre: using community shares to grow for the future - hulmegardencentre.org.uk

Find out more on our visits page.

Coffee break

Step away from the bustling visits and workshops to refuel and recharge.

1:1 expert surgeries and exhibitions

Engage with exhibitors across the community sector, from funders to service providers, all offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for collaboration.

Ideas to unleash the power of your community: TED-style talks from inspiring speakers – Plenary session

Consolidate all the learnings and energy from two days of Convention with a range of inspiring speakers who have been there and done it. Walk away ready to bring it back to your community!

Drawing from diverse backgrounds and expertise, these inspiring speakers will take the stage to deliver thought-provoking talks that will challenge your perceptions, ignite your passion, and recharge your batteries for the next twelve months.

With Ngunan Adamum, BBC Radio presenter and entrepreneur; Noreen Niazi and Amy Liu, Epping Forest Heritage Trust; Rachel Daley, The Positivitree Charity and Centre of Excellence for Long-Acting Therapeutics (University Of Liverpool); Naseem Akhtar, Saheli Hub

Networking lunch

Come together with both new-found friends and familiar faces, sharing experiences and insights gained throughout the convention. Take with you a network of passionate people who will continue to support and inspire you on your community development journey.