Social Impact Leaders from across York reconnected last Friday as Social Vision hosted their first Connects event since the pandemic.

25 people from diverse sectors joined the Social Vision team for a coffee at the Malmaison hotel.

Joe Gardham, of Social Vision, said:

“Networks and connections are everything in York. And through the pandemic we’ve seen the same inspirational people adapt, evolve and survive to ensure that our city’s most isolated communities remained supported. Alongside this we’ve also welcomed new players to the sector, increasing our capacity to support even more people, and it’s been great to meet some of them today.”

Joe Micheli, Head of Communities at City of York Council, said:

“What a fantastic buzz at Social Vison Connects gathering. The time flew past, reflecting so many opportunities to reconnect in person with people, make new relationships and laugh together. So glad I made the time to attend! People are so busy, but an hour chatting and popping round different folk, reflected the value of coming together in person and did wonders for my wellbeing away from zoomland! Looking forward to the next one and more opportunities to collaborate, connect and innovate.”

Jan Garrill, CEO of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said:

“Well done to Joe and Social Vision for hosting Social Vision Connects at the Malmaison in York on Friday. There was a great buzz in the room and it was so nice to see old friends like Holly from York Cares, friends I met for the first time in the flesh after too many Zoom meetings like Mark from York in Recovery and to meet Justin from Beetle Bank Social Farm for the first time. Simply having a chance to catch up over coffee with no agenda was such a great idea.”

Stephen Hunt from Carsis Consulting said:

“I moved to York a few months ago and having recently started my own company connecting in to the Social Vision Connect mornings has been a great way of networking with other social impact ‘thinkers’ and ‘doers’ in the city.”

Bec Horner, also of Social Vision, concluded:

“It’s such a joy to be face to face with people again. I couldn’t stop smiling. People were genuinely excited to be having meaningful conversations again about what is happening right here, right now in our city. So many new faces too. Lots of people keen to engage and do good stuff.”

The next Social Vision Connects event will be Friday 8th April, 9am at Malmaison hotel. The event is an informal coffee with people in York doing, or interested in doing, good things for their communities. You can drop in to say Hi, or stay for the whole time. There is no charge for attending (donations welcome!) but RSVP (here) is a must so we can manage numbers.