Bridging Communities: Creating the Change You Want to See in the World
27th May 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM BST
What does it really take to create meaningful change?
Join us for the first Bridging Communities event of 2026, hosted by The Melting Pot in collaboration with the Edinburgh Futures Institute, as we explore what it means to turn bold ideas into real-world action.
This event is for people who want to make a difference in their organisations, communities and wider society. We know that meaningful change rarely happens by accident. It takes imagination, persistence, collaboration and the courage to try something new. It’s felt across all sectors and shapes and sizes of organisations.
Through the stories of two inspiring speakers, we’ll hear firsthand how new initiatives have been created that have gone on to influence Scottish society, from changing the world of grant making to reshaping thinking and practice in the public sector. These are stories of creating something truly new, navigating uncertainty and building momentum for change in a sustainable way.
After each speaker, there will be time to reflect on what you’ve heard and connect it with your own context. This period of individual reflection will allow you to questions like: what change do you want to see, what stands in the way, and what practical steps could help move your ideas forward?
Whether you’re leading change inside an organisation, supporting communities, developing new ideas, or simply looking for inspiration and connection, this event is designed to help you think bigger, act more deliberately, and learn with others who care about creating a better future.
What to expect
- Light refreshments on arrival
- Two inspiring speakers sharing their experience of creating meaningful change
- Facilitated reflection and conversation after each speaker
- Networking with people from across sectors who are working to make a positive difference
- A warm and welcoming event — whether you love networking or usually avoid it, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and new connections
Who’s it for?
This event is open to all sectors, inviting as many different perspectives in the room as possible. Whether you work in the public, private or third sector or are part of a community initiative or social enterprise, Bridging Communities is designed to help you step outside your usual circles, connect with others and spark new possibilities for action.
What We Need From You:
- To reflect on what new initiatives have inspired you in the past
- To consider what new concepts get you excited in 2026
- To bring one belief that you feel accelerates change
Meet Our Speakers
Two speakers will share their experiences of creating truly new initiatives that have changed the worlds of grant making and the public sector.
- Leah Black, Co-director of Regenerative Futures Fund
- Catherine Rose, Co-Director of Scottish Policy & Research Exchange
- Adam Underwood, Business Development Lead at St Columba’s Hospice
More speaker details to be announced soon.
Tickets
Hosted in collaboration with Edinburgh Futures Institute, this event is free and open to all.
However if you are able we would welcome a donation to help The Melting Pot cover their costs to run the event (this includes marketing, staff time and event facilitation).
