05.01.2026
Attendees listening to the opening speeches.Highlights from All Together Now 2025: Building Stronger Communities Together
Attendees listening to the opening speeches.Discover key insights from our recent conference, featuring expert keynotes, interactive workshops, and future-focused discussions on social connection and community engagement.
On Wednesday, 5th November, we were thrilled to co-host our first conference, All Together Now, alongside colleagues from Local Trust and The Young Foundation. The day was packed with thoughtful discussions, meaningful connections, and an incredible sense of energy.
Before sharing a glimpse of the highlights, we want to express our sincere thanks to everyone who helped plan the event, contributed to sessions, and joined us on the day. A special thank you also goes to Toynbee Hall for providing such a welcoming space and for their support throughout.
Keynote & Welcome
Following a brief networking hour (where we met many new friends!), the day commenced with an insightful opening keynote delivered by Rachel Rowney (Chief Executive, Local Trust) and our Director, Professor Sarah Pearson. Both spoke to the timeliness of the conference, and the crucial nature of the work on which we focus.
Community Catapult Spotlight
Next, we offered a deeper look at three of our Community Catapult organisations. The panel session and Q&A, chaired by Professor Kathryn Higgins (Queens University Belfast ), showcased the impressive range of community engagement projects led by our partners, including The Brixton Project’s ‘Off The Fence’, MDA’s Community Kitchen & Cooking sessions, and Darnall Well Being’s community researcher programme.
Workshop Sessions
After lunch, guests joined one of three interactive workshops.
In workshop one, Stefan Noble (Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion) and Maria O’Beirne (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) gave us an insight into the development of the Community Needs Index. The session explored the CNI as the first national measure of social infrastructure at a hyper local level – and outlined how it has informed policy and research into ‘doubly disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods.
In workshop two, Millie Dessent (Local Trust), Natasha Meldrum (Local Trust), and Taz Virdee (Heston West Big Local) gave participants the chance to learn more about Local Trust’s latest research into social capital and its crucial role in building connected, cohesive communities. This session provided attendees with the opportunity to reflect on the types of spaces, activities and events that can build meaningful and positive relationships between residents and neighbours.
In workshop three, Owen Garling (Bennett School of Public Policy) hosted an interactive session which explored the crucial role of social and cultural infrastructure in our communities. Participants explored flexible measurement processes that consider a range of evidence and different stakeholder perspectives, leaving with actionable insights to better advocate for and support the social and cultural fabric of their community.
Conversation Café – The Future of Social Connection
In the final session, participants were led on a tour of four potential future scenarios set in 2040 to explore the hopes, worries, and drivers of social connection. Using materials based drawn from interviews with academics, community organisations, and the Centre’s partner organisations, the session was designed to feed into a larger report produced by The Young Foundation for the Centre.
The sessions were expertly facilitated by a range of our great colleagues: Jack Layton, Isabella Pereira, Jess Moore, Sian Whyte, Sarah Pearson, Chris Dayson, Andrew Grounds, Charlotte Healey, Adira Andlay, Franca Roeschert, Summer Simpson, and Binki Taylor.
It was an inspiring day, and we hope this is the first of many exciting events to come.
Closing
We concluded the day with a few remarks from the Centre’s Deputy-Director, Professor Chris Dayson, who thanked everyone involved for their efforts throughout the day.
It was an inspiring day, and we hope this is the first of many exciting events to come. To keep up to date with all our latest news and events, be sure to sign up to our newsletter.
