The Brighton Connectiv: August 2024
A celebration of dynamic 'doing' by and for people who live, work, love, build and collaborate in Brighton & Hove. Use this news to reach out and build a connected web.
Edited by Richard Freeman, CEO of always possible
Before we get into the usual The Brighton Connectiv themes, some BIG NEWS.
We have a new section sub-editor for Community & Charity - the wonderful Toni Finnimore from Brighton’s revolutionary volunteering agency The Social Society! Woop!
If you’re interested in becoming a section editor, hit reply to this email and we’ll send more info.
The Brighton Paradox is back!
The podcast that started all of this, including The Brighton Connectiv as a spin-out idea.
ONE YEAR ON FROM THE END OF SERIES 1
FOUR NEW EPISODES IN AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2024
AND YOU CAN ALSO JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 13th.
For more info on the The Brighton Paradox project » go here.
To subscribe to new episodes when they land, and to catch up with series 1 » go here
To join us for a very special event, from always possible in collaboration with Projects, on 13th September » go here
Now, normal transmission resumes…
The team at Brighton-based Watch This Sp_ce are celebrating the launch of their new book.
The Inclusion Journey was released this month. Written by the company's co-founders, Mousumi Kanjilal Williams and Allegra Chapman, this book is a practical guide for HR professionals, leaders, and business founders on creating more inclusive workplaces.
To celebrate the launch, there are two main events planned:
Brighton Launch: Tuesday, 17th September, 4-6pm at Brighton Jubilee Library.
London Launch: Thursday, 26th September, 6-9pm at The Canal Museum.
Brighton tech firm Cogapp recently shared a new draft policy focused on the responsible use of AI.
What do you think?
This policy aims to establish clear guidelines and ethical standards for AI usage within organisations, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that are accountable - covering everything from transparency to fairness, defining a solid ethical foundation for AI development. The draft is currently open for feedback from stakeholders and the broader community, inviting contributions to shape a framework that balances innovation with responsibility.
You can learn more about the draft and provide your input here.
Anna Cole’s article in Public Sector Executive highlights how cities can thrive by leveraging their unique assets—a strategy that’s particularly relevant for Brighton & Hove.
With its dynamic cultural scene, thriving tech industry, and talented workforce, the city has all the ingredients needed to stand out. The piece discusses how local leaders can tap into these strengths to attract investment, drive innovation, and ensure sustainable growth. For Brighton & Hove, this means focusing on what it already does best to secure a bright future on both national and international stages. Read more.
As part of their ongoing agenda to improve access to employment for underrepresented groups, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team at Sussex Chamber of Commerce has published research, and organised two free events aimed at supporting local businesses in creating more inclusive workplaces.
The first event, titled EDI in the Workplace, will take place on 12th September 2024 from 9:30am to 1pm at Brighton Met College, Pelham Street, Brighton. This free event will focus on how businesses can foster a more inclusive work culture by embracing diversity across all levels - with practical steps they can take to ensure that their organisations are welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds, addressing issues such as bias, equality, and inclusion in the workplace.
The second event, titled Inclusive Pathways to Employment, follows on 19th September 2024 from 9:30am to 1pm at Plus X Innovation Hub, Lewes Road, Brighton. Also free to attend, this event will focus on unlocking the potential of neurodiverse individuals and those with learning difficulties in the workplace. It will provide businesses with strategies for creating inclusive employment opportunities, enabling them to tap into the unique talents and perspectives of these often-overlooked individuals.
Both events are supported by the findings from the Inclusive Pathways to Employment Report, which highlights the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and offers solutions to creating a more inclusive workforce.
For more information on both events and to download the Inclusive Pathways to Employment Report, visit the Sussex Chamber of Commerce event page and access the report here.
St Luke's Primary School in Brighton, has made headlines for its innovative approach to tackling the lack of play space for its pupils.
Located in a densely built bit of town , the school faces challenges when it comes to providing children with outdoor space for physical activity. However, headteacher Dylan Wray has taken a creative route to ensure that students still benefit from the essential playtime they need for their development.
Rather than letting the lack of a large playground hinder the children's experience, Wray has turned to nearby parks and public spaces, such as Queens Park, to give children room to run and play but also provide new environments for learning and exploration.
St Luke’s is addressing a common issue faced by city schools, and the thinking is being praised as a model for others.
The BILT Student Research Journal features a standout study by Grace Parsons, a University of Brighton student that explores the impact of student segregation within the city.
The research delves into how different groups of students experience separation in both social and residential spaces, with ideas of how to address social inequality and promote inclusion in the student population. You can read the full journal issue here.
The University of Sussex is seemingly hitting the right notes with a new type of creative learning.
By launching a new Creative Industries degree programme, in partnership with Brighton Dome & Festival, they’re aiming to nurture the next generation of artists, educators and creative entrepreneurs in their own backyard.
BN1 Arts Centre gets a grant from Arts Council England to build an arts space that reflects the people of Brighton.
The plan? To run a community arts programme filled with taster sessions in everything from dance and music production to crafts.
The programme, developed in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, Urbanflo Creative, and local ambassadors, will feature a variety of taster sessions in areas like dance, music production, and crafts. Additionally, there will be fortnightly Friday Night Showcase events, offering musicians, singers, and spoken word artists the chance to perform live. The project aims to level the playing field for under-represented groups, ensuring equal access to the arts. Check out the full story here.
MEERKATworks have been busy in their home burrow of Brighton this summer.
You may have spotted the campaign for the University of Sussex that was planned this July, raising awareness of the groundbreaking research at their Centres of Excellence.
This Brighton-focused Out-of-Home campaign shared some of the issues and challenges being tackled by the research teams at the University of Sussex. The Civic Engagement campaign included lamp post banners, large format OOH, bus advertising and rail posters.
From using AI to support mental health to finding ways to address river pollution, to discovering new ways to beat dementia, the University’s research inspires and drives progress for our planet and its people.
In the words of Nelson Mandela – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”.
The Survivors Network has launched a new set of training dates aimed at supporting anyone who may come into contact with survivors of sexual violence, abuse and harassment.
This Brighton charity - established in 1990 and accredited by both Rape Crisis England and Wales and The Survivors’ Trust - has design the training for professionals, as employers have a responsibility to ensure that their staff are appropriately trained and cared for when supporting survivors. All courses are expertly delivered and trauma-informed and aim to embed an intersectional understanding of feminism.
To find out more or to book your place, please visit the website here.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge: can you help Little Green Pig get off to a flying start? Become a pledger.
Forgive us for mentioning Christmas when we’re navigating the summer holidays - however, local charity Little Green Pig is excited to be embarking on their biggest-ever Christmas campaign yet.
Together they raised £5,000 (£1,000 more than the original target!) in the 2023 Christmas Challenge and with your help, they want to go one step further and raise £6,000 to ensure the crucial writing programmes for children and young people can continue.
There is a high likelihood they will secure match funding from the Big Give - meaning for every £1 someone donates £2 will go straight to Little Green Pig and double the support they can give to the young writers. To be eligible, they need to find up to ten generous individuals who are willing to get behind the campaign and pledge £150 or more by 30 August.
By becoming a Little Green Pig Pledger you will:
1. Amplify the impact of their campaign: Your pledge funds, combined with Big Give match funds, will double the value of every donation made during the campaign!
2. Be part of something special
And, of course, this happened.
Well played, Brighton.
Toni Finnimore is founder of The Social Society
An article on consistent mental health signposting has been written by well-known mental health advocate, Xavier Collins - pointing to Brighton & Hove as a leading example.
With its reputation as a progressive city that prioritises inclusivity and employee care, Brighton is highlighted as a region where businesses are already embracing efforts to provide mental health resources. Brighton's profile is growing as a hub for innovation and social responsibility, especially in terms of workplace wellbeing.
The Living Lab Wellbeing Technology Trial is being spearheaded by Well-Nation, dedicated to exploring how technology can improve mental and physical health.
The project is designed to bring innovative wellbeing technology, like wearables and smart home systems, directly into people’s lives. The goal is to test these tools in real-world settings, gathering feedback from Brighton & Hove residents to see how these technologies can be integrated into everyday routines for better health outcomes.
Well-Nation is working in collaboration with local businesses and health professionals to build a greater understanding of how tech can support wellbeing in a community-focused, accessible way. The feedback from participants will help shape future wellbeing tech solutions both locally and beyond.
For more info on the project and its backers, check out the full blog here.
Brighton’s own sustainable health business - Mooncup - is going with the flow, expanding its presence in Sainsbury’s and bringing plastic-free period care to many more people.
This isn’t just good news for eco-conscious shoppers; it’s a major step forward in the battle against single-use plastics. By making sustainable menstrual products more accessible, Mooncup is leading the charge for a less waste in health. Period.
The Greater Brighton Net Zero Partnership has launched a programme aimed at achieving zero-carbon energy across Sussex, accelerating the region’s transition to renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
The partnership (of councils, businesses and research institutions) will focus on expanding renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles by increasing charging infrastructure.
Investment in new green tech to help both public and private sectors is also on the cards. The goal is to position Sussex as a leader in the UK’s efforts to combat climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.
A new partnership between the University of Brighton and local restaurants is helping Brighton’s food scene measure and improve its social and environmental impact.
Through the collaboration, the university is providing tools and expertise to help businesses assess their sustainability practices, from reducing food waste to cutting carbon emissions. This initiative is part of a broader push to ensure the city’s booming restaurant sector isn’t just serving great food, but doing so in an environmentally responsible way.
The project is also focused on supporting local restaurants in becoming more socially conscious, particularly by engaging with their local communities and developing more inclusive business practice.
🎙️ Podcasts born in Brighton & Hove
Virtue & Virtuosity
Student Sphere
Reframing Marketing
The Possibility Club
Sussex Founders
Trailblazers of Inclusion
How Not To Run A Business
The Brighton Paradox
Class Divide
Connected Brighton
Refigure
Different Hats
Authentic Resilience
The Official BHA Albion Podcast
Butlers Wine Show