Workshop 1 

Can we turn the tide for Dumfries and Galloway’s economy? In this dynamic workshop, you’ll explore bold, practical ways to keep wealth circulating locally—so that the benefits stay right here. From smarter procurement to investment strategies, discover how communities can take charge of their own economic future. Leave with fresh ideas, inspiring examples, and actions you can start using straight away to build a fairer, more resilient region.

Health doesn’t just happen in hospitals—it starts where we live, work, and connect. This workshop dives into how communities can take the lead in tackling the root causes of poor health after the launch of the national Population Health Framework. Consider how to build places where wellbeing is part of everyday life, and explore how collective action can create healthier futures for everyone.

Fair Funding calls for more strategic and sustainable ways to invest in our sector an realise our shared ambitions for people and place. How can we work in different ways to build an investable sector, with a mixed funding model that helps us achieve impact for our communities and reduces competition and self-sustaining approaches. Learn from different experiences across the UK and start the groundwork for Dumfries and Galloway.

Table 1 - Our sector’s role in economic development? Impact on people and place to inform the big investments.

Table 2 - Inspiring young voices in the third sector. How can the third sector attract young people to get involved in the sector, communities, and as young trustees.

Table 3 – Moving towards net zero – the challenges to overcome and the changes that can be made

Table 4 - Sector leadership – investing in development of skills and talent across our sector to create future leaders

Table 5 - How can community organisations support implementation of the Physical Activity Strategy by helping people connect and move more