CDHN members travel to Glasgow for Common Ground Exchange

The Community Development and Health Network is proud to have led the second phase of the Common Ground Leadership Exchange programme, delivered in partnership with our colleagues at the Scottish Community Development Centre/CHEX.

Our staff and members travelled to Glasgow to meet and work closely with partners across the community development sector who share a vision for a fair and healthier future for everyone.

CDHN’s Strategic Impact Manager, Kathy Martin and Training & Development Officer, Eleanor Mckenna were joined by 10 of our members for this three-day exchange. Together with 12 leaders from across Scotland the group explored what truly drives community development and health inequalities work. 

Reflecting on the visit, Kathy stated: “What became clear throughout our time together was the strength of our shared ambition: to create fairer, healthier places by working alongside communities with respect, curiosity and solidarity.

“Across the three days, we engaged in rich conversations about poverty, power, equity and community action; we rolled up our sleeves in practical sessions; and we deepened relationships that we know will continue well beyond this programme.

“The honesty, generosity and enthusiasm shown by every participant made the exchange something genuinely special.

“What we have taken away is a renewed sense of collective possibility. When people come together with openness and a willingness to listen and learn, it reinforces why this work matters and how much stronger we are when we stand alongside each other.”

While this second exchange marked the conclusion of the Common Ground project, Kathy says this is only the beginning of CDHN’s partnership working partnership working with CHEX and this committed group of leaders.

Through a programme of activities including dialogue groups, networking events, policy discussions and community development project visits the group have  built connections, confidence and momentum that will lead to lasting change.

“We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the role of community development in tackling poverty and health inequity across our two nations,” she said.

This sentiment was echoed by Sarah Boath of the Scottish Community Development Centre, who warmly thanked CDHN and our members for our partnership and participation.

“These last few months are just the beginning, we hope, of a lasting alliance, and alliances, to create lasting change and wider understanding of, and investment in, community development's unique contribution to tackling poverty and health inequality,” she concluded.