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Over 100 community leaders, philanthropists, and businesses this week took part in the official launch of ‘On the Table’, a conversation series being led by the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland spotlighting the North East’s challenges and opportunities. On the Table is generously supported by Newcastle Building Society.
The On the Table initiative invites people and organisations across the region to host conversations about issues facing their communities and what can be done to make the region a better place to live and work.
Rob Williamson, CEO of the Community Foundation explains:
“On the Table’s format is simple. We’re inviting anyone who is interested in looking at issues in the region to gather a small group of people – community members, colleagues, family, friends – to chat about issues that interest them most and share highlights with us. They can meet for coffee, food or just round a table, any format that brings people together and stimulates a conversation. We’ll gather the topics discussed and ideas that come up and share them in a report in the new year giving a snapshot of what’s on people’s minds right now.”
The Community Foundation’s annual meeting saw conversations about support for young people, education, access to services, safety and more stimulated by its recently published Vital Signs reports which draw on statistics, research and local knowledge to highlight how philanthropy – the giving of money, time and expertise – can make the most difference to our region’s people and places.
Rob Williamson adds:
“We want On the Table to be a fun but meaningful chance for people to gather and share, in turn helping build more community connections and ideas for action. Our aim when we launched was to have at least 100 conversations take place across the region engaging a diversity of people. So far, we’ve had over 130 expressions of interest for just under 200 conversations that will engage nearly 2,000 people. Beating our initial target is great but now we want more!”
Organisations or individuals can still sign up to host an On the Table by filling in an expression of interest form here. Hosts get a toolkit to help get conversations going. The Community Foundation suggests around 6-8 guests gathered over refreshments or food – anything from tea and biscuits, sandwiches, a take-away or a home-cooked meal. Conversations need to take place by the end of November with the Community Foundation collating the feedback and reporting back in January 2025.
The Community Foundation is also partnering with the North East Chamber of Commerce, CBI and Institute of Directors to run an On the Table for businesses at the Tyneside Bar Café on 24 October. Companies that want to be involved can sign up here.
Photos from the event:
