Stronger Kent Communities

INTRODUCTION TO NEURODIVERSITY 11 February 2025, 10am - 1pm, online, £20 Register here https://ow.ly/ouIM50TFFNg It’s estimated that at least 20% of the UK’s adult population’s brains work in ways which are not seen as ‘neurotypical’ *, so you’re likely to meet ND people among your colleagues, service users, family and friends. Some of them may be diagnosed with neurological conditions such as autism spectrum condition (ASC), dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodiversity refers to the concept that brain differences are natural variations – not deficits, disorders or impairments. *Source: Neurodivergent, neurodiversity and neurotypical: a guide to the terms - The Brain Charity The objectives of this session are that by the end of it you will: - Understand Neurodivergence - what it actually is and why it’s important to be aware of it - Develop an overview of different ways of processing and how that impacts ND people accessing the world (and therefore your work or business) - Recognise common triggers, stressors and things to look out for when you are working with ND people (and if you work with the general public, you will be) - Expand your awareness of the multiple possibilities of Neurodivergent experience and joy - how to harness that in your work/workplace About Holly Sutcliffe Holly is a Co-Director of Neurodivergent Friends CIC and is responsible for fundraising and care (HR) and shares strategic responsibilities with the other Co-Directors. As an educator with experience of all ages and in many different roles, a late-diagnosed autistic and the main parent/carer for her disabled daughter, Holly draws on a wide range of personal and professional experience to campaign for and promote neurodivergent acceptance and joy. Holly believes it is possible for neurodivergent humans to live happy, actualised and accepted lives but that there is much work to be done societally, culturally and institutionally before this is possible (including the intersectionality with race, gender, trans, queer, disability and other issues, rights and prejudices). Holly also lives with PTSD - like many neurodivergent folk - and is trauma-informed through her yoga and somatic work. She speaks with honesty, clarity and from the heart in order to shed light on her own experience, of living life on her own terms and the benefits - and challenges - that brings. Register here https://ow.ly/ouIM50TFFNg

Making Connections Canterbury Thursday, 13 February, 10:00-13:00, Westgate Hall, Canterbury Following the success of our previous Making Connections events, we’re delighted to offer a Making Connections Canterbury meeting on Thursday, 13 February 2025, 10:00-13:00 (registration from 09:30) at Westgate Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BT. Whether you’re working in the Canterbury district, neighbouring areas or across Kent, you’re very welcome to join us. You’ll be able to network informally with other organisations and we will also have several slots available for organisations to showcase their work through a 10-minute presentation to the whole group. If you’d like one of these slots, please email our Communications and Administration Officer, Ania Bobrowicz at ania.bobrowicz@strongerkentcommunities.org.uk, who will book them on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll have the opportunity to find out more about what Stronger Kent Communities and other organisations are doing to support the voluntary sector across the county and how we can help your organisation. We’re really looking forward to seeing you there so please book now for this FREE event.

🌍 Join us in understanding the complexities of #ClimateChange with #ClimateFresk! The engaging workshops educate and inspire action. #ClimateFresk is a 3-hour workshop in a game format to develop a shared understanding of climate change, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and to inspire each other to action. Participants can be relatively new to climate change through to experts. The workshop has been held for over 1.6 million participants to date, and 74,000 people have trained as facilitators. We will be holding a workshop on Thursday, 30th of January, 2-5pm, at Folkestone Nepalese Centre, Baker Road, Folkestone, CT19 4NN. Our facilitator will be Sam Baker, who has an extensive background in business, in the application of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to business, and climate change. He has facilitated 45 Fresk workshops to date. Do check him out on LinkedIn here https://ow.ly/73sG50Uni36. To book the workshop go here https://ow.ly/1IkZ50Uni35 The session is highly interactive, and despite the weighty topic, it's fun. It will help cement existing relationships and create new ones, provide us with a consistent narrative to align against, and you may even want to become a facilitator yourself. Sam tells us that 1-2 people per workshop go on to become facilitators. We very much encourage you to attend! #ClimateChange #ClimateFresk #Sustainability

MASTER YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA WITH STRATEGIC CONTENT CREATION: PLANNING AND SCHEDULING FOR SUCCESS Event Date: 🗓 16 January 2025 | 10:00-12:00 | Online Tickets: 🎟️ £15 - Reserve your spot now and take your social media skills to the next level! Transform Your Content Strategy in 2025! 🚀 Are you ready to stand out online? Join us for an interactive workshop designed to supercharge your social media strategy! This isn't just about posting—it's about planning smart, engaging content that aligns with your audience and boosts your organisation's visibility and impact. Led by Zoe Cairns, an international social media expert, you'll gain insider techniques and insights that can make 2025 your most successful year yet in social media! Why You Should Attend: This hands-on session covers every essential of social media planning and engagement, helping you to: 📊 Create Purposeful Content Themes – Build a focused, consistent message that reflects your brand. 👥 Get Inside the Minds of Your Audience – Learn how to craft content that resonates and drives engagement. 📅 Master Scheduling for Impact – Know exactly when to post for maximum visibility and interaction! This workshop will give you the tools to streamline your process and achieve measurable results. What You’ll Walk Away With: 🎯 1. Powerful Content Themes Define the core themes that align with your brand and captivate your audience. 🕵️ 2. Deeper Audience Insights Get the tools to analyse your audience's needs and interests for truly engaging content. ⏰ 3. Perfect Timing & Posting Strategies Discover the best times and methods to post, ensuring your content lands at the right time for maximum engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights from one of the industry’s professionals. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and start transforming your social media game! https://ow.ly/MS5c50U1nil

KENT CHARITY SECTOR HR NETWORK We’ve been asked to look at developing a network for people working in HR in the charity sector in Kent. We know that in many charities responsibility for HR is with one person rather than a team, or is added to one person’s other responsibilities, so it can be a lonely place to work in. We envisage that an HR network would offer an opportunity to connect with other HR professionals and to share best practice, initiatives, thoughts on upcoming legislation and other relevant topics. It would not be a forum for sharing competitive information such as salaries and benefits. We’re going to start with a Zoom meeting, to gauge interest in such a network, with a view to meeting face to face later if the demand is there, so if you think it might be useful for you do join us on Wednesday 15 January, 10.00 – 11.00. You can register to join the meeting here https://ow.ly/ZSPy50UoUY8

UNDERSTANDING CHARITY ACCOUNTS 22nd January, 10:00-12:00, online, £15 If you’re a manager or trustee, or anyone who needs to understand your charity’s accounts but isn’t always sure what you’re looking at, why not join this session, which will cover: - Understanding the basics of Accounting – including common accounting terms and concepts like double entry bookkeeping, current assets and fixed assets, accrual, liability - Understanding the basics of Charity Accounts – including what you need to prepare and file, when and where to file, what is the Trustees’ Report, what are the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet and notes to the Accounts? - Further Details of Financial Activities – including restricted and designated funds, voluntary and charitable income, charitable expenditure, what is the SORP? - In-depth Page Study of a Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for a medium-sized Kent-based charity The session will be delivered by Nigel Kay, a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, a Member of the Institute of Taxation and a Chartered Tax Advisor, a Member of the London Institute of Banking and an Associate of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners. Nigel brings over 40 years of experience in accounting, helping charities and dealing with tax matters. Register here https://ow.ly/vTBX50SUxmV

INTRODUCTION TO NEURODIVERSITY 11 February 2025, 10am - 1pm, online, £20 Register here https://ow.ly/ouIM50TFFNg It’s estimated that at least 20% of the UK’s adult population’s brains work in ways which are not seen as ‘neurotypical’ *, so you’re likely to meet ND people among your colleagues, service users, family and friends. Some of them may be diagnosed with neurological conditions such as autism spectrum condition (ASC), dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodiversity refers to the concept that brain differences are natural variations – not deficits, disorders or impairments. *Source: Neurodivergent, neurodiversity and neurotypical: a guide to the terms - The Brain Charity The objectives of this session are that by the end of it you will: - Understand Neurodivergence - what it actually is and why it’s important to be aware of it - Develop an overview of different ways of processing and how that impacts ND people accessing the world (and therefore your work or business) - Recognise common triggers, stressors and things to look out for when you are working with ND people (and if you work with the general public, you will be) - Expand your awareness of the multiple possibilities of Neurodivergent experience and joy - how to harness that in your work/workplace About Holly Sutcliffe Holly is a Co-Director of Neurodivergent Friends CIC and is responsible for fundraising and care (HR) and shares strategic responsibilities with the other Co-Directors. As an educator with experience of all ages and in many different roles, a late-diagnosed autistic and the main parent/carer for her disabled daughter, Holly draws on a wide range of personal and professional experience to campaign for and promote neurodivergent acceptance and joy. Holly believes it is possible for neurodivergent humans to live happy, actualised and accepted lives but that there is much work to be done societally, culturally and institutionally before this is possible (including the intersectionality with race, gender, trans, queer, disability and other issues, rights and prejudices). Holly also lives with PTSD - like many neurodivergent folk - and is trauma-informed through her yoga and somatic work. She speaks with honesty, clarity and from the heart in order to shed light on her own experience, of living life on her own terms and the benefits - and challenges - that brings. Register here https://ow.ly/ouIM50TFFNg

🌍 Join us in understanding the complexities of #ClimateChange with #ClimateFresk! The engaging workshops educate and inspire action. #ClimateFresk is a 3-hour workshop in a game format to develop a shared understanding of climate change, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and to inspire each other to action. Participants can be relatively new to climate change through to experts. The workshop has been held for over 1.6 million participants to date, and 74,000 people have trained as facilitators. We will be holding a workshop on Thursday, 30th of January, 2-5pm, at Folkestone Nepalese Centre, Baker Road, Folkestone, CT19 4NN. Our facilitator will be Sam Baker, who has an extensive background in business, in the application of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to business, and climate change. He has facilitated 45 Fresk workshops to date. Do check him out on LinkedIn here https://ow.ly/73sG50Uni36. To book the workshop go here https://ow.ly/1IkZ50Uni35 The session is highly interactive, and despite the weighty topic, it's fun. It will help cement existing relationships and create new ones, provide us with a consistent narrative to align against, and you may even want to become a facilitator yourself. Sam tells us that 1-2 people per workshop go on to become facilitators. We very much encourage you to attend! #ClimateChange #ClimateFresk #Sustainability

MASTER YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA WITH STRATEGIC CONTENT CREATION: PLANNING AND SCHEDULING FOR SUCCESS Event Date: 🗓 16 January 2025 | 10:00-12:00 | Online Tickets: 🎟️ £15 - Reserve your spot now and take your social media skills to the next level! Transform Your Content Strategy in 2025! 🚀 Are you ready to stand out online? Join us for an interactive workshop designed to supercharge your social media strategy! This isn't just about posting—it's about planning smart, engaging content that aligns with your audience and boosts your organisation's visibility and impact. Led by Zoe Cairns, an international social media expert, you'll gain insider techniques and insights that can make 2025 your most successful year yet in social media! Why You Should Attend: This hands-on session covers every essential of social media planning and engagement, helping you to: 📊 Create Purposeful Content Themes – Build a focused, consistent message that reflects your brand. 👥 Get Inside the Minds of Your Audience – Learn how to craft content that resonates and drives engagement. 📅 Master Scheduling for Impact – Know exactly when to post for maximum visibility and interaction! This workshop will give you the tools to streamline your process and achieve measurable results. What You’ll Walk Away With: 🎯 1. Powerful Content Themes Define the core themes that align with your brand and captivate your audience. 🕵️ 2. Deeper Audience Insights Get the tools to analyse your audience's needs and interests for truly engaging content. ⏰ 3. Perfect Timing & Posting Strategies Discover the best times and methods to post, ensuring your content lands at the right time for maximum engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights from one of the industry’s professionals. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and start transforming your social media game! https://ow.ly/MS5c50U1nil

🌍 Join us in understanding the complexities of #ClimateChange with #ClimateFresk! The engaging workshops educate and inspire action. #ClimateFresk is a 3-hour workshop in a game format to develop a shared understanding of climate change, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, and to inspire each other to action. Participants can be relatively new to climate change through to experts. The workshop has been held for over 1.6 million participants to date, and 74,000 people have trained as facilitators. We will be holding a workshop on Thursday, 30th of January, 2-5pm, at Folkestone Nepalese Centre, Baker Road, Folkestone, CT19 4NN. Our facilitator will be Sam Baker, who has an extensive background in business, in the application of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to business, and climate change. He has facilitated 45 Fresk workshops to date. Do check him out on LinkedIn here https://ow.ly/73sG50Uni36. To book the workshop go here https://ow.ly/1IkZ50Uni35 The session is highly interactive, and despite the weighty topic, it's fun. It will help cement existing relationships and create new ones, provide us with a consistent narrative to align against, and you may even want to become a facilitator yourself. Sam tells us that 1-2 people per workshop go on to become facilitators. We very much encourage you to attend! #ClimateChange #ClimateFresk #Sustainability