Pick one workshop or visit per day
Collaborating with the health system: opportunities and challenges for community organisations
How can community organisations build effective partnerships with the health system while ensuring services support their communities, including racialised and other marginalised groups?
View and download the presentation
Notes Collaborating with the Health System
Save money, save the planet: energy efficiency strategies to green your community space
Thinking about how to make your space more energy efficient? Not sure how to do it, can you afford it or whether it's worth it? Hear about different community projects and programmes that have increased the energy resilience of their buildings.
View and download the presentation
In with the old: bringing historic buildings to life
Want to save a historic building or use your local history to engage your community? Learn about the challenges, opportunities and pitfalls when working with old buildings. Explore using heritage as a focus for working with your communities.
Tyldesley workshop Convention Nov 2024
Leigh Building Preservation Trust workshop Convention Nov 2024
Sponsored by The Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Building connections to tackle racism and division
Difficult times can both challenge and inspire our communities. Explore ways communities can tackle racism and division in a meaningful way.
View and download the presentation
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund
Community led housing: policy and practice
Explore different approaches communities can take to deliver and manage housing, including practical tips and advice. Hear about government policy and key changes in law and regulation. Discuss what we should be pushing for in the future.
Legal issues affecting CLH Anthony Collins
GMCLH creating more homes in Greater Manchester owned or managed by local people presentation
Sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors
Green business models for building stronger communities
Community organisations often tackle the climate challenge. However, in these times of financial challenge, climate work can often be seen as an additional activity or even a burden.
With insights from Locality’s research into green business models for community organisations, you can find your solution.
View and download the presentation
Managing spaces: is your asset still an asset?
Is your asset still working for your organisation? Is it still working for your diverse community? From managed workspaces and cafes to nurseries and community gardens, we will explore how organisations can adapt and evolve their assets to respond to new community and organisational needs.
We particularly looked at how Black and minoritised ethnic community organisations can overcome challenges to managing assets.
View and download the presentation
Sponsored by The Ubele Initiative
Councils and community organisations: exploring successful partnerships
There is a long-term history of collaboration between councils and community organisations, including to run services, buildings and spaces. Joint working has been even more important since the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, and increasingly community organisations are providing solutions for councils, which no longer have the resources to reach communities most in need.
View and download the presentation
Councils in distress sector guidance by Locality
Social investment: ways to strengthen your finances and your community
From purchasing or renovating assets to developing new products and services, find out how social investment can help you strengthen your organisation.
View and download the presentation
Sponsored by Charity Bank and Unity Trust Bank
Succession planning: building inclusive leadership for the future
Is your organisation prepared for transitions in leadership? Succession planning is key to long-term sustainability, but how do you ensure you are attracting diverse talent to lead your boards and teams? Explore the importance of regular succession planning with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
View and download the presentation
Succession Plan Policy Locality template 2024
Workplace wellbeing: a brief guide
With the ever-changing landscape, community organisations are feeling the effects of burnout more than ever. Explore the importance of looking after your diverse workforce with practical tips on how to promote positive wellbeing as well as equity and inclusion.
Find out more about Locality’s free HR advice and new Pathways to Good Work toolkit.
Tuesday 12 November
Supercharge your organisation's impact by taking part in expert-led, interactive workshops to address the challenges and opportunities faced by community organisations.
From finances and energy efficiency to working with your local authority, these workshops cover a wide range of topics for driving community-led change.
Collaborating with the health system: opportunities and challenges for community organisations
How can community organisations build effective partnerships with the health system while ensuring services support their communities, including racialised and other marginalised groups?
Join two inspiring VCSE and health leaders from West Yorkshire to learn about successful collaboration between the health system and community sector, tackling health inequalities, and what the new government’s preventative health agenda could mean.
Sam Pluckrose-Oliver and Glenn Edwards, Locality
Save money, save the planet: energy efficiency strategies to green your community space
Thinking about how to make your space more energy efficient? Not sure how to do it, can you afford it or whether it's worth it?
Hear about different community projects and programmes that have increased the energy resilience of their buildings.
There’ll be top tips from sector experts as well as from community organisations who have been there and done it!
Louai Kaakani and David Ahlquist, Locality
In with the old: bringing historic buildings to life
Want to save a historic building or use your local history to engage your community?
Learn about the challenges, opportunities and pitfalls when working with old buildings. Explore using heritage as a focus for working with your communities.
The Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England will all be on hand to answer questions and provide advice.
Mick McGrath, Locality
Sponsored by The Architectural Heritage Fund, Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Building connections to tackle racism and division
Difficult times can both challenge and inspire our communities. Explore ways communities can tackle racism and division in a meaningful way.
Hear from people affected by this summer’s racist and Islamophobic violence and how your peers have responded.
Explore in small groups what steps you can take to bring your community together and find out how Locality and the National Lottery Community Fund can support the work you’re doing in this area.
Tamara Pekelman and Tim Temple, Locality
Susie Farren, The National Lottery Community Fund.
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund
Community led housing: policy and practice
Explore different approaches communities can take to deliver and manage housing, including practical tips and advice.
Hear about government policy and key changes in law and regulation. Discuss what we should be pushing for in the future.
There will be plenty of opportunities to connect and share experiences.
Debbie Lamb and Debbie Wildridge, Locality
Sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors
Wednesday 13 November
Green business models for building stronger communities
Community organisations often tackle the climate challenge. However, in these times of financial challenge, climate work can often be seen as an additional activity or even a burden.
With insights from Locality’s research into green business models for community organisations, you can find your solution.
Hear from inspiring projects that help community organisations benefit both their communities and the climate. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect and share experiences.
Johannes Moeller and Bryony Redwood Turner, Locality with contributions from partners and projects in & around Manchester
Managing spaces: is your asset still an asset?
Is your asset still working for your organisation? Is it still working for your diverse community?
From managed workspaces and cafes to nurseries and community gardens, we will explore how organisations can adapt and evolve their assets to respond to new community and organisational needs.
We will particularly look at how Black and minoritised ethnic community organisations can overcome challenges to managing assets.
Lucy Darragh and Cathy Varley, Locality
Sponsored by The Ubele Initiative
Councils and community organisations: exploring successful partnerships
There is a long-term history of collaboration between councils and community organisations, including to run services, buildings and spaces. Joint working has been even more important since the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, and increasingly community organisations are providing solutions for councils, which no longer have the resources to reach communities most in need.
Hear examples of innovative collaboration from councils and community organisations and find out what is needed to create a successful partnership.
Jeff Scales, Locality
Social investment: ways to strengthen your finances and your community
From purchasing or renovating assets to developing new products and services, find out how social investment can help you strengthen your organisation.
You will hear from social investors about what’s available and how you can access it, and from community organisations that have accessed social investment to grow, innovate and support their communities.
Kashaf Ali and Josie Baker, Locality
Sponsored by Charity Bank and Unity Trust Bank
Succession planning: building inclusive leadership for the future
Is your organisation prepared for transitions in leadership? Succession planning is key to long-term sustainability, but how do you ensure you are attracting diverse talent to lead your boards and teams?
Explore the importance of regular succession planning with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Learn practical strategies for creating an inclusive culture that strengthens your organisation.
David Moynihan and Nabillah Ismail, Locality
Workplace wellbeing: a brief guide
With the ever-changing landscape, community organisations are feeling the effects of burnout more than ever.
Explore the importance of looking after your diverse workforce with practical tips on how to promote positive wellbeing as well as equity and inclusion.
Share experiences, ask questions, and find out more about Locality’s free HR advice and new Pathways to Good Work toolkit.
Michael Alsop, Locality; Amy, DTA Scotland
You'll pick one workshop or visit per day
Tuesday 12 November
Step outside the Convention venue and 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 experience firsthand the transformative power of community-driven projects.
Projekts MCR: exploring community impact through skateboarding
Discover how skateboarding has transformed unused urban space into a thriving community hub - with over 25,000 paid visitors a year.
Find out how Projekts MCR is engaging the community and encouraging more women, disabled visitors, and those from lower-income backgrounds to enjoy skateboarding.
Learn about how we've used social investments such as community shares to grow and deliver more social impact. And if you choose, enjoy a skateboarding lesson yourself.
Manchester Settlement: developing community strengths to meet local needs - FULLY BOOKED on both days
One of the original settlements, for almost 130 years we've provided services and support to fit the needs of our community.
From our high street centre, we weave together over 30 funding streams to deliver a nursery, family hub, youth services, health creation, adult education and food projects.
Working with young asylum seekers and refugees, we help them develop the skills to live independently and find their place in the community to thrive.
Withington Baths: diving into history and making waves today
In 2015 this Edwardian pool was saved from closure and taken over by Love Withington Baths, a community-led charitable organisation. Since then it has become a vibrant space where the past blends seamlessly with the present, welcoming all to be part of its rich narrative.
Find out how we used a significant grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the baths, making the most of a beloved historic building while meeting the needs of present and future generations.
Stretford Public Hall: ten years of community action - FULLY BOOKED
Explore an accessible community space run by Friends of Stretford Public Hall, ten years on since the campaign to save the hall first began. We are a thriving charitable Community Benefit Society with over 900 members.
Discover how the hall operates as a multipurpose venue and community hub, as well as learn how our latest phase of renovations are making our Victorian building more energy efficient.
Hulme Garden Centre: using community shares to grow for the future - FULLY BOOKED
A garden centre with a difference that makes a difference. Combining plants, passion and people we have raised over £250,000 with investors from the local community.
See our co-created twenty-year vision in action through our shop, office, community and volunteer hub, atrium and cafe. Working together we create an inclusive space, where over 30% of our volunteers have physical or mental disabilities.
Wednesday 13 November
Each visit showcases different aspects of community initiatives; exploring sustainable practices and providing valuable insights you can take back to your organisation.
Projekts MCR: exploring community impact through skateboarding
Discover how skateboarding has transformed unused urban space into a thriving community hub - with over 25,000 paid visitors a year.
Find out how Projekts MCR is engaging the community and encouraging more women, disabled visitors, and those from lower-income backgrounds to enjoy skateboarding.
Learn about how we've used social investments such as community shares to grow and deliver more social impact. And if you choose, enjoy a skateboarding lesson yourself.
Manchester Settlement: developing community strengths to meet local needs - FULLY BOOKED on both days
One of the original settlements, for almost 130 years we've provided services and support to fit the needs of our community.
From our high street centre, we weave together over 30 funding streams to deliver a nursery, family hub, youth services, health creation, adult education and food projects.
Working with young asylum seekers and refugees, we help them develop the skills to live independently and find their place in the community to thrive.
Stretford Public Hall: ten years of community action
Explore an accessible community space run by Friends of Stretford Public Hall, ten years on since the campaign to save the hall first began. We are a thriving charitable Community Benefit Society with over 900 members.
Discover how the hall operates as a multipurpose venue and community hub, as well as learn how our latest phase of renovations are making our Victorian building more energy efficient.
Hulme Garden Centre: using community shares to grow for the future
A garden centre with a difference that makes a difference. Combining plants, passion and people we have raised over £250,000 with investors from the local community.
See our co-created twenty-year vision in action through our shop, office, community and volunteer hub, atrium and cafe. Working together we create an inclusive space, where over 30% of our volunteers have physical or mental disabilities.
