On June 10, 2023, the close community conference, took place in Glasgow. This transformative event brought together educators, professionals, and advocates dedicated to fostering love and connection in interactions with children and young people. 

We aimed to create a unique experience, putting guests at ease as soon as they entered. We created a space that was reminiscent of a Glasgow close that would be familiar to so many. With china teacups, washing hanging on the line and music of the time playing in the background, it really was a wonderful space. 

The conference featured five speakers who were keen to share their expertise and insights. We began the day with Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, of connected baby, who captivated the audience with her thoughts on the fear surrounding love and connection, emphasising its crucial role in child development.

Co-founder of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), John Carnochan then shared an impactful presentation on violence reduction, drawing from his extensive experience in law enforcement and public health.

Nikki Black MBE inspired guests with her talk on unlocking potential and possibilities within communities, while Lawer, Ryan McCuaig, highlighted the profound impact of positive relationships on children’s lives. Renowned journalist Kate Silverton debunked the myth of “naughty” children, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of children’s behaviour.

The day concluded with a Q&A session, allowing the community to engage directly with the speakers, followed by a networking reception. This provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and foster new relationships. Throughout the day there were a number of brain breaks and an energiser after lunch to combat the post lunch slump.

We were delighted with how the day went, attendees left feeling inspired and equipped with practical strategies to make a positive difference in their communities, nurturing loving connections with the young people in their lives.