Bridging the gap: collaborating to empower communities

In South Yorkshire, we’re fortunate to have many wonderful community and third sector organisations full of inspirational people dedicated to changing our communities for the better.

For these organisations, innovation is absolutely essential in serving their communities. In a region as plentiful in resources and knowledge as ours, they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Supported by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, we’re gathering experts from both Sheffield universities, industry and the third sector to explore how to better unlock the expertise right on our doorstep.

It’s about:

Listening first: Responding to genuine community needs rather than pre-set agendas.

Connecting the dots: Aligning regional policy with the reality of life on the ground.

Strength in numbers: Working together to drive growth and impact in the places we call home.

Join us on 14 April at the whimsical world of Grimm & Co (Rotherham town centre) to learn more about successful community collaborations, discover available support and network with the experts whose work is dedicated to tangible social impact. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Grimm & Co's delightful Feastery cafe - and there may be even be the opportunity to have a go on a slide!

What to expect:

• Learn more about the fascinating journey of host and literacy charity Grimm & Co.
• Get the inside track on the collaborative story behind Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture 2025, its legacy and plans for the future.
• Explore Rotherham’s ongoing regeneration with insights from the Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RIDO).
• Meet researchers from the new Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness and find out how you can get involved.
• Discover more about the inspiring work of the South Yorkshire Children's University.
• Hear reflections from Barnsley & Rotherham’s Chamber of Commerce.

Contributors include (with more to be announced):

• Dr. Deborah Bullivant, Founder & CEO, Grimm & Co
• Christopher Dayson, Professor of Voluntary Action, Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University
• Catherine Davis, Consultation & Engagement Manager, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• Simeon Leach, Service Manager Economic Strategy, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• Helen Oades & Katie Hamshaw, South Yorkshire Children's University Project Managers, South Yorkshire Children’s University
• Carrie Sudbury, CEO, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce
• Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director, Centre for Loneliness Studies & Campaign to End Loneliness, Sheffield Hallam University

Agenda:

• 9.45am: Arrival, refreshments & networking
• 10:15am: Introduction to Grimm and Co
• 10:30am: Welcome
• 10:40am: Breakout sessions (running in parallel)
• 11:45am: Refreshment break
• 12:00pm: Breakout sessions continue
• 12:30pm: Overview of South Yorkshire Children's University
• 12:40pm: Closing remarks and reflections
• 12:45pm: Lunch and networking
• 13:45pm: Event close

*Please note this is a ticketed event and we can not allow walk-ins on the day. Please reserve one ticket per person

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