Date: 11 June 2025
Location: Pontefract Castle, West Yorkshire
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of gathering at the stunning Pontefract Castle for a vibrant and inspiring network meeting of local charities and community organisations. A heartfelt thank you to the team at Pontefract Castle for not only hosting us in such a beautiful and historic setting, but also for their ongoing commitment to general accessibility improvements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and explore this remarkable site.
đź‘Ą Who Was There?
We welcomed 24 attendees in total — 22 in person and 2 joining us online — representing a wide range of organisations. A special mention goes to Eddie, the 6-month-old Guide Dog puppy in training, who joined us and was an absolute star throughout the day!
🗂️ Agenda Highlights
The meeting featured a series of engaging and thought-provoking presentations:
- Louise Bragan shared exciting updates on the Museums and Castles offer, with a focus on access developments that aim to make heritage spaces more inclusive and welcoming.
- Charlene Campbell from Time 2 Shine Play Therapy delivered a powerful presentation on Non-Violent Resistance (NVR), exploring approaches to Child to Parent Violence and how therapeutic support can make a difference.
- Oluwabunmi Owolabi, founder of Afrikindness, gave an inspiring introduction to her organisation’s work. She also shared her personal journey, highlighting the importance of cultural identity, kindness, and empowerment in supporting young people. Her openness and passion left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
🤝 Networking & Collaboration
Following the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The energy in the room was one of mutual support, curiosity, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact in our communities.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to such a meaningful day. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building stronger connections across our network.
