The conference focused on community assets – the people, places and spaces which make neighbourhoods thrive.

The programme was packed with expert-led workshops, inspiring visits, top level speakers and outstanding master classes.  The event opened with a key note speech from John McDonnell and ended with a question and answer session with Michael Heseltine and Hazel Blears and in between Sanderson Jones from the Sunday Assembly got everybody singing Don’t Stop Believin’.  It was amazing to hear what groups from all over the country had achieved including Witton Lodge Community Association in Perry Common, Birmingham who formed in 1994 as a response to an announcement that 908 homes were to be demolished on their estate, they now own and manage 200 homes, a 40 bed extra care scheme and provide a range of other opportunities and activities for local residents.