Stronger together at the Together LDN unconference

“So much optimism for change and willingness to work together. Thank you!”

“[The event] exceeded expectations – it was really broke down hierarchies, facilitated conversations between all on an equal basis and was engaging.”

Thrive LDN held its first online Together LDN unconference online on Tuesday 12 March.

It was a new format for us, where instead of a set agenda, participants suggested and selected the conversations that mattered to them.

We were delighted that 100 people with a professional or personal interest in mental health and wellbeing joined us throughout the event, sharing our belief that staying connected is more important than ever.

This initiative was funded by the Mayor of London and delivered in collaboration with Basis, who expertly hosted the technology to bring it all together.

As people registered for the event, we asked them to send us ideas for conversations. Asking them to think about what their burning issue or topic of discussion would be. We were inundated with ideas.

As we started the event, participants were asked to vote on the topics that resonated most with them. We had an array of topics to talk about, from supporting young people to mental health in the workplace.

During the conversations, attendees were able to hop around breakout rooms and topics, just like an in-person conference. There was even a lobby available for catch ups with contacts outside the conversation rooms. Across the afternoon four conversation sessions were held, some in groups of up to 15 whilst some conversations were more intimate between groups of three or four. Here is just some of what we covered:

Co-production
Men and mental health
Cultural integration in services
Supporting young people/mental health in schools
Workplace mental health
Effective communication
Funding and collaboration
Social isolation
Climate and mental health
Health inequalities

We outline some of the high-level conversation behind these topics below. Additionally, we are currently analysing the feedback from those who attended to see how we can enhance this format if we were able to repeat it.

Overall, we were delighted with how the event worked. It was a new approach for all of us but with Basis’ enthusiastic facilitation being energetically received by participants, the afternoon flowed and ran well.

“That was a fantastic event. I came back to the consortium team really excited by both by the conversations I’d had and also the format. It created such a dynamic environment for conversation.” Member of the LBGT+ Consortium

So much was discussed and shared, but a few key themes emerged over the day across all conversation topics.

Many Together LDN participants were from smaller community organisations, and funding constraints and staff wellbeing challenges have taken their toll. The importance of events such as this was highlighted in many sessions as a way of supporting collaboration and emphasising how connecting with each other remains a priority for smaller organisations.

All wanted to see things done better; with more compassion, empathy and understanding. From evaluating funding bids, to supporting teachers, to being truly integrated, the one thing that our discussions had in common was the need to be more understanding of each other as individuals and communities.

Finally, when times are difficult, our community organisations across London are innovating and developing creative ways to meet many challenges. There was a hunger for ideas and new ways to engage, work and thrive.

You can read more about some of our conversations below. And to participate in future events and similar activities, sign up to Thrive LDN’s e-newsletter to keep up to date.

Were you there? Let us know what you thought and how we can improve the experience next time by emailing info@thriveldn.co.uk.

Read the report here.