Resident Voice and Local Power

Do you care about your local area and want to have more influence in the decisions that shape it?

Resident Voice and Local Power is a welcoming and interactive one-day programme designed for residents and community members from across the North East who want to play a stronger role in their neighbourhoods, communities, and local democracy.

Delivered in collaboration between Local Trust and the Institute for Collective Place Leadership at Teesside University, the programme creates a supportive space for residents to build confidence, connect with others, and better understand how local systems, organisations, and decision-making processes work.

Many people already have valuable knowledge, lived experience, ideas, and commitment - but opportunities to influence change are not always accessible or easy to navigate. This programme recognises that confidence grows through shared learning, supportive relationships, and meaningful participation.

Through creative and participatory activities, small group discussions, and practical exercises, we will explore:

• How local decisions are made
• Where power and influence sit within communities and institutions
• The difference between consultation, participation, and shared decision-making
• How residents can build confidence in speaking up, asking questions, and creating change together
• What helps communities work collaboratively and sustainably over time

The session will also include an overview of the Collective Impact Agency's work to build power and capacity at the heart of communities with the Gateshead Community Bridgebuilders. Andy will share insights and stories from this initiative, covering the topics of:

• Power and hierarchy
• Consent-based decision making
• Being comfortable with uncertainty and not knowing
• Story gathering
• Moving from debilitation to empowerment

The day is open to anyone interested in community action, neighbourhood change, local democracy, or strengthening resident voice - including people who may not usually take part in these kinds of opportunities or are considering being involved in the Pride in Place neighbourhood boards.

What to expect

• A friendly and inclusive environment
• Interactive discussions and peer learning
• Opportunities to connect with residents from across the region
• Refreshments and lunch provided
• Travel support available for participants

A follow-up online session will also take place later in the year to help participants stay connected, reflect on learning, and continue building relationships and ideas together.

Places are limited, and we encourage early expressions of interest.

Map & How to get there: https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/about/visiting/travel.cfm

Meet the Speakers:

Azadeh Fatehrad is Professor of Art & Public Policy and Co-Director of the Institute for Collective Place Leadership at Teesside University. Her research brings together communities, policymakers and public institutions to explore resident voice, participatory decision-making and place-based change. She works across research, policy and practice to develop collaborative approaches that strengthen local democracy and community leadership.

Andy Crosbie is Director at Collective Impact Agency CIC and Visiting Fellow at Northumbria University. His work includes place-based change, experimental governance, community making, and building collective inner resilience. He works with a variety of organisations, networks, and local systems to imagine and actively create better futures.

With thanks to Natasha Almond of Local Trust for their knowledge and support in the development of this event.