Reflecting on the CYPFEIF & ALEC and CYPFAL Conference

A reflection on the CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund and CYPFAL Annual Conference from Lindsay, Programme Manager at Corra. You’ll find lots of fab resources from the conference here including speaker inputs, slide decks, and most importantly the conference gallery. Can you spot yourself in the photos?

In March 2024 we held our annual CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund and CYPFAL Third Sector Fund conference at The Barracks in Stirling. This was the first time we had brought organisations together from both funds. 102 people attended from 87 organisations working in the children, young people, families, and adult learning sector. We know how important in person events are for people with so many of us moving to hybrid/online models, so this was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to develop new connections and build on existing ones.

The conference explored what sustainability means for the Third Sector. With the challenges that the third sector is facing now, we wanted to ensure there were opportunities for people to improve their capacity and skills around the sustainability of their services. We also recognise that sustainability across the third sector is a structural issue and that we, as a funder, have a role to play in furthering fair funding practises.

We began the day with a ministerial address from Natalie Don MSP who highlighted the many fantastic achievements of organisations funded through the CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund and the CYPFAL Third Sector Fund.

Four workshops were delivered throughout the day with support from The Lasting Difference, The Promise Design School, Scottish Sports Futures and Quarriers. These sessions focused on managing capacity sustainably, co-production, and understanding impact, voice and inclusion.

As you can see from the photos, the buzz from these workshops was electric. Attendees shared with us how valuable they found these sessions and our thanks go to each of the organisations that supported the delivery of these workshops.

If you’d like to find out more about the workshops, you can download the slide decks from each session.

We were delighted to have Nicola Killean, Commissioner for Children and Young People join us on the day to engage with the organisations, workshops and deliver a closing speech. We know the months ahead are important for the sector with the implementation of the UNCRC.

The CYPFEIF & ALEC Fund and CYPFAL Third Sector Fund support fantastic organisations in Scotland providing services to children, young people, families, and adult learners. We provide a Support & Engagement programme each year to the funded organisations and know how important these opportunities are to increase capacity and build connections with others. The passion people have for their work and the buzz that comes with sharing these spaces with their peers is amazing to be a part of.

We are planning another programme of activity for 2024/25 building on the feedback from this year’s event and creating more spaces to engage across in the sector.

If you spot yourself in one of the photos, share it on social media and make sure to tag Corra!