On the Table expected to have reached over 1,000 people

Last Autumn, we launched On the Table, an invitation from the Community Foundation to join a conversation about addressing our areas’ challenges and opportunities. We invited hosts to gather a small group of people – community members, colleagues, family, friends – to chat about issues that interest them most, stimulated by what’s come from our latest Vital Signs reports.

So far, we have received feedback from 95 On the Table events encompassing 947 people. Given the number of On the Table’s we expected to take place, we anticipate the final total to be well over 100 events and 1,000 participants.

Of those we know, there were 24 events in Newcastle, 18 in Northumberland, 10 in South Tyneside, 9 in Gateshead as well as others in Sunderland, County Durham and Stockton-on-Tees. The most talked about Vital Signs themes were Community (36), Health (35), Culture (29), Living Standards (29) and Education (28).

We were delighted with the ideas suggested and insight provided by participants, painting a varied picture of our region across a number of demographics. We’ll share that in a report released in March/April giving a snapshot of what’s on people’s minds right now.  The report will help shape the Community Foundation’s own plans and priorities from 2025.

Thank you to our generous sponsors Newcastle Building Society who have supported On the Table since the beginning, and thanks to everyone who has taken part and shared their views.