CELEBRATING THE 2026 B:CAN CONFERENCE WAS A GREAT SUCCESS

Empowering Communities: From Local Action to Lasting Impact

A huge thank you to everyone that helped to make the B:CAN (Birmingham Community Action Network)  inaugural annual conference such a great success!  The event brought together community organisations, partners and leaders. Celebrating grassroots action, hearing from members, and exploring key themes including funding, influence and social value. We were delighted to welcome guests to connect, collaborate and discover opportunities to strengthen community-led change across Birmingham and build lasting partnerships citywide.

Read about the success of our first conference here! 
Watch the highlights of the B:CAN Conference here
View the gallery of the B:CAN Conference here

Meet The Speakers

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Afzal Hussain
Chair
Birmingham Community Action Network
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Derrick Anderson CBE
Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands
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Cllr Roger Harmer
Leader of Birmingham City Council
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Emma Corrigan
England Director – Programmes, Operations & Regions
The National Lottery Community Fund
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Rishi Shori
Deputy Chief Executive
Birmingham City Council
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Naseem Akhtar
Founder & CEO
Saheli Hub
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Lucy Kenny
Chief Executive Officer
Moseley Community Trust
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Sally Burns
Director
Public Health Birmingham
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Suzanne Cleary, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust
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Ed Wallis
Director of Policy and Engagement
Locality
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Tom Bostock
West Midlands Investment Manager
Big Issue Invest
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Nicola Thurbon
Senior Head of Regional Grant Making
The National Lottery Community Fund
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Peter Cunnison
Community Impact Manager, Central England
Lloyds Bank Foundation England & Wales
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Hari Matharu
Head of Community Assets
Sport England
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Tom Harding
Social Value Strategist
Birmingham City Council
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Simon Clarke
Managing Director, Procurement
Birmingham, Black Country & Solihull ICB
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Joey Jones
Head of UK Advisory
Grayling PR
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Professor Harris Beider
Founder/CEO
The Forward Institute...Building the Future City
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Ajit Singh
Managing Director
Nishkam Civic Association
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Rebecca Debenham
Chief Executive Officer
Northfield Community Partnership
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Jo Harper
Chief Executive
Gateway Family Services CIC
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Basharat Dad
Founder & CEO
Our Community Foundation
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Waheed Saleem
Head of Programmes & Partnerships
Witton Lodge Community Association
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Harry Naylor
Chief Executive
Karis Neighbour Scheme
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Rawaad Mahyub
Chief Executive Officer
The Muath Trust
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Shane Wedderburn
Flourishing Communities Services Manager
Witton Lodge Community Association
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Elena Nisfoeanu
Health Lifestyle Coach
Northfield Community Partnership

Conference Themes

The B:CAN Conference was designed to inspire, connect and empower. Guests heard from community leaders, partners and changemakers driving real impact across Birmingham. From thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions to interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the programme explored how we amplify local voices, strengthen partnerships and maximise investment in our communities - all while celebrating the power of grassroots action.

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VENUE

Edgbaston Stadium, Banqueting Suite

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