What are Wellington's biggest social issues? What are we currently doing about them and what more can we do - especially if we harness the collective impact of our community organisations, our city council, and our government agencies?

This first Wellington City Social Forum is an opportunity for engagement across Wellington's wider social sector to draw on our collective knowledge, experience, ideas and plans - to help our communities and people be safer, stronger, healthier and happier.

Over two days we'll explore what's happening now, identify gaps, search for solutions, and build our understanding of - and commitment to - how we can work together to make a difference. The forum report will document thinking and conclusions and guide and inform the work we all do.

The forum - facilitated by Community Networks Wellington in partnership with Wellington City Council - will focus on four social priorities:

• Mental health and addictions
• Housing and homelessness
• Social isolation
• Poverty and financial inequality

VIEW THE PROGRAMME

FAQs

Is there any cost to attend?

No - there is no cost to attend. This is a working forum, though, and we ask that on registering you commit to full participation and attendance across the two days of the forum.

Do I need to make my own meal arrangements?

No - CNW and WCC are happy to be hosting you and will provide morning and afternoon teas and lunches. Make sure you let us know when registering if you have any special dietary requirements.

Can my organisation register more than one attendee?

Yes, if you feel you have additional people able to make a signficant contribution to the forum please feel free to register them. Again, we ask that all participants commit to attending the full two days.

When do I need to register?

For planning purposes we request that you register as soon as possible, but no later than 12 October. Spaces are limited and registrations will close once capacity is reached.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please email us at socialforum@cnw.org.nz if you have any queries or need additional information.

About our forum logo

Our forum logo represents our focus and direction.

The triangles from left to right signify the past with empty space, then a weaving together and building of new ideas and scaffolds to support us and our work. The middle panel represents people - our focal point for coming together - and their disconnectedness and vulnerability. The fourth triangle combines the shelter people seek and need with a sense of the fractures that displace and harm. The final triangle represents a future full of possibility - waiting to be filled with what we want to have happen.

Flowing through each is Wellington's wind and currents, uplifting us in our purpose and mahi.