Connecting Communities: The North East Social Capital Summit

Come along on 22 October for the very first North East Social Capital Summit, hosted by 3ni, to explore how strengthening community connections and investing in local networks can address our most pressing issues: from declining trust in institutions and widening inequality to public health and economic growth.

The summit will challenge attendees to explore how resilient communities can drive change locally and create a more connected North East.

Featuring a fantastic panel of community leaders, four interactive workshops, and two inspiring keynotes by Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East Combined Authority and Baroness Hilary Armstrong, Chair of the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

When registering, please indicate which workshop you would like to participate in. Descriptions can be found below:

• Power of Creativity in collaboration with Insights North East (INE)

This workshop held in conjunction with the Creative PEC will explore how the creative sector forge connections, spark belonging, and build trust through collaborative projects and shared experiences. Discover how creative initiatives challenge norms, bridge divides, and transform communities.

• Neighbourhoods Matter in collaboration with 3ni

This workshop will focus on why building social capital in neighbourhoods is essential for improving outcomes for local residents and explore practical ways to strengthen it.

• Getting the Foundations Right in collaboration with Reclaiming Our Regional Economies (RORE)

This workshop will explore the role of the ‘foundational economy’ – those place-based sectors and industries providing us with the essential services we all rely on. We will be exploring food, care, housing and the social economy, hearing from innovative practitioners and workshopping ways to make these sectors – and the communities they serve – thrive in the North East.

• Our Youth Futures in collaboration with the North East Combined Authority (NECA)

This workshop and panel discussion will explore the role of social capital and community cohesion in addressing barriers to opportunity faced by children, young people and families.