Inside the Summit
Join us on Wednesday 15 July at The One Centre, Gateshead (10-2:30pm) for the North East VCSE Environmental Summit.
Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking to build on existing work, this event will bring together charities, community organisations, social enterprises, funders and partners from across the North East to share practical ideas, celebrate progress and explore what's possible when we work together.
You'll hear from inspiring speakers, learn from organisations already taking action, and take part in conversations about how environmental sustainability can strengthen organisations, support communities and help unlock future funding opportunities.
Most importantly, you'll leave with practical insights, useful connections and achievable next steps that can help your organisation make a meaningful difference without placing additional pressure on already stretched resources.
Hosted as part of Going Green Together, the Summit will showcase the tools, frameworks and support available to help VCSE organisations take action in ways that are realistic, impactful and sustainable.
Meet the Going Green Together Team
Going Green Together, led by VONNE, exists because we believe the VCSE sector has a vital role to play in creating a greener, fairer future for the North East.
Every day, charities, community organisations and social enterprises work alongside people and communities facing some of the biggest social and economic challenges. As climate change increasingly impacts our communities, the sector has a unique opportunity to drive positive environmental action while supporting health, wellbeing, resilience and social justice.
The Going Green Together team is here to help make that happen. Through practical tools, training, events, peer learning and one-to-one support, we help organisations take meaningful environmental action in ways that are achievable, relevant and beneficial to the communities they serve.
At the Summit, you'll have the chance to meet the team behind the programme and discover how Going Green Together can support your organisation wherever you are on your sustainability journey.
For more information visit the Going Green website.
Meet our Compere
We're delighted that Oliver Armstrong will be our compere for the Environmental Summit. Oliver will help guide us through the agenda, opening and closing the day, introducing speakers and panellists and bringing together the ideas and insights that emerge throughout the day.
Oliver is a freelance community organiser and strategist, facilitator and systems-change practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience working alongside communities, organisations and institutions to create more just, democratic and regenerative futures.
Meet our Keynote Speaker
We're delighted to welcome Adam Cooper, Director of the climate hope organisation, Threads in the Ground, as our keynote speaker.
‘Threads’ make opportunities for more people to be good ancestors. Their programme includes the world’s first fungal sculpture trail; an immersive theatre piece exploring the idea of inherited climate impact; and a feasting-centred exploration of sustainable food. Their goal is to engage 8 million more people in climate hope by 2030. Adam draws ideas from technology, nature, and social movements to create inspiring climate hope projects.
Drawing on his experience of connecting people with positive and practical approaches to climate action, Adam will challenge us to think differently about the role hope can play in creating meaningful and lasting change.
Meet Our Discussion Panel
Our panel members represent organisations from across the North East VCSE sector that are actively taking steps to become more environmentally sustainable.
During the discussion, they'll share their experiences of embedding sustainability within their organisations, including the opportunities, benefits and learning they've gained along the way. From small changes that have made a big difference to longer-term ambitions and plans, the conversation will offer honest and practical insights into what sustainability looks like in action.
Whether you're just beginning your environmental journey or looking for new ideas to build on existing work, this session will provide inspiration, real-world examples and achievable actions that can help your organisation make a positive impact for people, place and planet.
Click on each panel member below to learn more about them and their organisation.
Claire Thew
PECT is a charity helping to protect and enhance the environment through the delivery of a range of environmental/sustainability related projects. Claire is a sustainability professional, with over 25 years’ experience in the environmental sector, including extensive work in Local Authority Waste teams and sustainability more widely. More recently, Claire has spent the last few years working cross-sector with SME’s, VCSE’s and larger corporates to engage, educate and inspire action towards climate change.
Helen Ward
Helen is Director of Jack Drum Arts, a community arts organisation based in Crook, a small market town in south west Durham. A media artist and filmmaker, and Churchill Fellow, she brings more than 30 years’ experience in community development and engagement across the UK and internationally. She is passionate about using creativity, culture, and partnership working to strengthen communities and to support positive social and environmental change.
Emily Routledge
Emily is Head of Development and Communications at Durham Wildlife Trust, a nature restoration charity committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment across County Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Tyneside. For more than 10 years, Emily, has supported Durham Wildlife Trust to connect local people to wildlife and nature, developing partnership projects and co-creating activities in communities across the region.
Christine Thomas
Christine Thomas is CEO of Building Self-Belief, a charity that works across the North East in support of young people and their mental health and wellbeing. Building Self- Belief deliver heritage, employability, wellbeing and eco projects. They are particularly proud of their community garden and how this encourages leaning about the environment and has created a haven of biodiversity. Now working towards their silver Investors in the Environment Award, Christine will bring the insights into their learning and engagement with their community.
Sam Cassidy
Sam is Net Zero and Sustainability Lead at Everyturn Mental Health, a non-profit working with the NHS and local authorities to support people and communities across the UK with their mental health.
In this role, Sam is leading the organisation’s journey towards net zero and a more sustainable future, championing approaches that care for both the planet and the people who depend on it.
And That's Not All...
Alongside inspiring speakers, thought-provoking discussions and opportunities to connect with others across the region, we've planned a range of interactive experiences throughout the day.
We'll be joined by Threads in the Ground, who will bring their creative and hopeful approach to climate action, helping us explore our North East heritage and reflect on the future we can build together.
Members of Newcastle's newly elected Youth Council will be guest speakers on the day, reminding us of the importance of the youth voice in shaping a more sustainable future.
We'll also welcome Jack Drum Arts, a community arts organisation based in County Durham that has been bringing people together through arts and cultural activities since 1986. Their work supports community connection, positive mental health and wellbeing, and demonstrates the power of creativity to engage people with important social and environmental issues.
This won't be a day spent simply listening
Throughout the Summit, you'll have opportunities to take part in interactive workshops, share ideas with peers and explore practical actions that you can take back to your own organisation.
Workshop 1 Small Changes, Big Difference: Practical Sustainability Ideas That Work
Workshop 2 Helping you move forward: Funding, Partnerships and Collaboration
And, of course, there will be plenty of time to connect with colleagues old and new over vegetarian and vegan lunch and refreshments.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tools, new connections or fresh perspectives, we're confident you'll leave feeling energised and equipped to take your next steps towards environmental sustainability.
We look forward to bringing the sector together for a day of learning, connection and inspiration.
See you on the 15th July.
The Going Green Together Team