LVETs ‘We’re Stronger Together’ Conference 2023

Well! What an introduction to LVET’s members and partners LVET’s Annual Conference was – such a perfect start to my new role as Managing Director. Of course, I can take no credit whatsoever for the day itself – the smooth running of which was down to excellent organisational skills of Emily and Teri and the amazing support from the rest of the team and the directors. Of course, what really made the day special was you – the 200 people in the room and the 6o or so stalls in the marketplace – sharing, talking and thinking together. The excitement on the day could clearly be heard in the buzz around the Hardy Building at Bishop Grosseteste University.

What did I take away from the excellent speakers, workshop presenters and the conversations I had during the day?

• When we find common purpose we can meet the needs of communities.
• The importance and power of local, community, neighbourhood level action.
• Data can be powerful and help us tell stories of impact and change in people’s lives. Shared data and intelligence can help us work better together.
• The imperative to maintain a strong voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector in rural areas to address health inequalities.
• There is a commitment from all to work together for the benefit of the health, care and wellbeing of the people of Lincolnshire.

What do I think we need to work harder on?

• Continuing to challenge when things are not truly person centred, community led or co-produced especially when they are labelled as such.
• Shifting the narrative from community ‘needs’ to strengths – together we have the skills, knowledge and will to make change happen.
• Sharing and celebrating what we do well so that others can learn from us – learning together.
• Collecting and using data consistently across the sector so that it meets our needs, as well as funders or commissioners and helps us tell a story of our individual and collective power.
• Using collaboration and other support to help small community organisations be sustainable and resilient.
• Problem solving and innovating together.

I hope you had an inspiring day and, no matter what you took away from the conference, agree that we are definitely Stronger Together. The things we heard will shape what LVET does over the coming year – as will the feedback you give us – if you haven’t already done so please complete the online evaluation form.

It was great to meet you and I hope to see everyone again next year (and many times throughout the year) and would love to hear what key messages you took from the conference.

Take care

Paul

Paul Gutherson, LVET Managing Director