Conference delegates have the opportunity to extend their stay, and participate in 1-day, 2-day and 4-day Practice Exchanges in Scotland, and Belfast (Northern Ireland) to see and learn about community development in action in a range of diverse communities. This will enable a deeper understanding of the context and practice of community development in rural and urban settings.
Please note that practice exchanges are optional and incur an additional charge.
1-Day Practice Exchange - Govanhill Glasgow Southside
The 1-Day exchanges in Glasgow are an excellent way to learn about community development practice examples that are involved in meaningful change and collective action.
As part of this study trip, 25 practitioners will explore a diverse range of local initiatives in Govanhill, Glasgow, including grassroots activist organisations, integration projects, environmental programmes, and arts organisations.
Participants will be divided into two cohorts:
Cohort 1 (12 places):
This group will gain first-hand insight into neighbourhood work, community-led action and collectively run, autonomous spaces. Practitioners will engage with staff, observe initiatives in action, and learn about practical applications of theory in real-world community development contexts.
Cohort 2 (13 places):
This group will focus on projects that use art and creativity to address challenges and celebrate community diversity. Opportunities to meet staff, observe projects in practice, and explore creative and arts-based methods for engagement and inclusion.
Full itinerary details will be available 14 days prior to the Practice Exchange
Time/Date - 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday 3rd July
Cost - £50 (includes transport and lunch)
Limited to 25 people.
1-Day Practice Exchange - Northeast Glasgow
The 1-Day exchanges in Glasgow are an excellent way to learn about community development practice examples that are involved in meaningful change and collective action.
As part of this study trip, 25 practitioners will explore community-led initiatives in, Northeast Glasgow, visiting three key organisations.
The visit will accommodate all 25 practitioners. This group will visit non-profit, community-led charities supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the area. Practitioners will learn about their approach to addressing poverty, engage with staff, observe project delivery in practice, and reflect on strategies to support social inclusion and empowerment. Participants will explore strategies for youth engagement, empowerment, and skills development which contribute to positive change within their community. Understand community-led approaches that ensure successful community recovery and renewal. Observe practical examples of positive transformative change in these communities.
Full itinerary details will be available 14 days prior to the Practice Exchange
Time/Date - 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday 3rd July
Cost - £50 (includes transport and lunch)
Limited to 25 people.
2-day Practice Exchange – Dumbarton, Loch Lomond and Trossachs
During the 2-day exchange you will visit various community-based organisations in a rural area of the West of Scotland that are involved in community development, recovery, peace work in the Dumbarton, Loch Lomond and Trossachs area. It is a great example of how small communities drive impactful change. This practice exchange will give practitioners a flavour of community development work and there will be an opportunity to visit The Scottish Crannog Centre.
Loch Lomond is often considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Dumbarton sits on the River Clyde and is known for Dumbarton Castle, perched dramatically on a volcanic rock. The town has a rich industrial heritage, especially in shipbuilding, and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and loch. Just north of Dumbarton, Loch Lomond marks the gateway to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It’s the largest loch in the UK and is surrounded by hills, woodlands, and picturesque villages like Balloch and Luss.
The practice exchange will include inputs led by local practitioners who can share their experience and expertise using examples of community development work and the impact it is having. This can be a great opportunity for participants to learn new skills and approaches that they can apply to their own practice.
Time - Leave at 9.00 am on Friday, 3rd and return at 4 pm on Saturday, 4th of July
Cost - £190, includes:
- minibus travel
- accommodation with dinner & breakfast
- lunch at Pheonix Centre
- Cultural visit
Limited to 16 people
3-day Practice Exchange* – Belfast, Northern Ireland
During this 3-day practice exchange you will visit various community-based organisations across Belfast that are involved in cross-community work and community development more broadly.
The practice exchange will include inputs led by local practitioners, activists and volunteers who will share their experience highlighting the impact and challenges they face. This can be a great opportunity for participants to learn new skills and approaches that they can apply to their own practice.
Time - Leave Thursday 2nd at 4.30 pm and return late afternoon on Sunday 5th July
Cost - £500, includes:
- Return travel Glasgow – Belfast including Ferry crossings
- 3-night hotel accommodation, with breakfast included
- Belfast sightseeing bus
- Political walking tour
- Cultural events
Limited to 16 people
*Note a minimum of 8 people are required to enable this trip to go ahead