Following the success of recent Speed Networking events in Elmswell, Melton and Bungay, the Community Catalysts Suffolk team is on the road again and we have two more events in the diary:

Lowestoft Speed Networking event

Wednesday 14th October | 10:15 – 13:30 | Lowestoft Community Church, The Depot, 8 Hadenham Road, NR33 7NF

Kesgrave Speed Networking event

Wednesday 18th November | 09:30 – 12:30 | Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 1JF

Running a community micro-enterprise opens the door to creativity and flexibility—but we know it can sometimes be a challenge to get your name out there. At the same time, we hear from frontline workers that finding the right support for the people they work with isn’t always easy.

That’s why we are excited to bring everyone together in person again—to help bridge that gap and spark valuable connections. You may have already responded to say that you can attend one of these events; if not and you want to come along, please let your Catalyst know directly. We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Feedback from Bungay:

The event originated from conversations with adult social care colleagues at Suffolk County Council – they had a lack of care options in rural Waveney, an area with some particularly remote villages that it is difficult to get larger care providers to cover. Together, they set out to explore whether community micro-enterprises could be well-placed to fill some of the gaps in rural care.

The team was joined by 10 community micro-enterprise leaders and 17 social work practitioners. They did ‘lightning introductions’ and went on to have some more in-depth small group discussions.