This year’s annual Third Sector Conference focuses on the theme: 'Building Resilience through Community and Connections'. Through the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis, the 3rd sector was able to respond to community needs. For citizens, community groups and charities it is hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. So it is more important than ever to look ahead and explore how we can build social, economic, and community growth and resilience to provide the best possible support. We will look at how we can engage with other sectors to support this ambition and how we create user centred services.

The event is free for volunteers, trustees and staff from the third sector but spaces are limited – so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your place. If multiple people from your organisation want to attend, each person should submit a separate order.

We are thrilled to announce that Mr John Swinney will return as our keynote speaker. Since we last saw Mr Swinney, he has become the First Minister of Scotland and we look forward to hearing his insights on economic growth and resilience in Perth and Kinross and Scotland as a whole. This will then be followed by a in conversation with Chris Birt from Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Charis Chittick from Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland will be presenting on community wealth building.

Throughout the day, there will be a range of workshops offering the opportunity to engage with others, exchange ideas and develop valuable new contacts. Please see below for workshop details.

Lynn Erasmus will close the day with her accredited talk, “Inspired Resilience - like a REBEL,” Lynn reveals how embracing your inner light can bring resilience, inner calm, and a sense of being unstoppable—by becoming more REBEL. Attendees will be inspired and motivated to think, act and feel differently about the role they play in the community

Meeting and connecting with colleagues in the third sector is a key aspect of the event. Take advantage of the networking opportunities during lunch where you can meet and share experiences with fellow third sector workers.

We look forward to welcoming you to a day of inspiration and collaboration!

Workshop Choices

Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities

Join Alice Tucker and Olivia Richmond Ferns (Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities) to learn about why a human rights-based approach is vital not only for decision-makers but for all who support marginalised communities in building confidence and empowerment when engaging with power structures.

Trauma Healing Together

In this workshop, Roxanne Kerr (Trauma Healing Together) will introduce the 9 key principles they’ve developed through their extensive work with trauma survivors, which are crucial for building an organisation capable of effectively supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. Participants will gain insights into these principles and how they can be integrated into service design and delivery to enhance support for trauma survivors, regardless of their diagnosis or presentation.

Community Resilience and Growth: The role of business

Join Jacki Brierton (P&K Business Partnership) to discuss what role the local business community has in supporting community resilience and growth.

Locality Working Approach

Join Paul Smith (PKC) and Sarah Russell (Perth CAB) to discuss how we ensure a locality level approach to services throughout Perth & Kinross, share views on how we can embed this and identify what challenges there are to this approach.

Registrations are closed

Building Resilience Through Community and Connections