Fest-prog
Connection Fest
December 2020
The highlighted events can still be read, watched & enjoyed.
Thank you to everyone who took part!
All December
Conversations About Connection
Connection Fest creator, Ali, will be sharing stuff on social media each day around connection and festival activity. Come and join the conversation! - Twitter, LinkedIn
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Tuesday 1st to Sunday 13th December
The Bee Tree Community
Connecting creative and social activities, including yoga, book club, new mum's group, knit & natter and well bee-ing group with the Bee Tree Community. See the programme on Facebook and email thebeetreecommunity@gmail.com to sign up. Coming up! Christmas week events - with bookings from the 14th.
Tuesday 1st December
Winter Wellbeing Plan: Virtual Coffee Morning, 10-11am
With Michelle Drapeau, Stress & Anxiety Coach. Come and chat with others over a coffee, share thoughts, explore winter wellbeing generally and just have a jolly nice online social with a friendly group of people. You need to have signed up to Michelle's newsletter and completed her Mind For Wellbeing's Winter Wellbeing Plan template - which you can find here. Further info here.
Connection Through Imagery
Andrea Watts, creative collage coach from UnglueYou, shares a selection of images and poses a question around connection on LinkedIn. Which image speaks most to you?
Your Brain Enjoys Connection
A LinkedIn post about our deeply ingrained need for connection, from Gill McKay, applied neuroscience trainer. Where do you enjoy being part of the community?
Christmas Connections
In the run up to Christmas, Camerado Ginny Baillie is connecting with organisations and people in her local community to support the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal.
Wednesday 2nd December
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 7pm
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Thursday 3rd December
A Virtual World
A Virtual Word - on Facebook and Twitter. A poem written for Connection Fest by Kelli from 'Speak Up, Speak Out' about the way virtual connection supports our mental health.
Twitter Conversation, 8-9pm
Camerado Brett Sentance @realteaplease will be setting off a chat about connection on Twitter. All welcome - come and join the conversation!
Friday 4th December
Radio Northenden Music Show, 2-4pm
An afternoon music show with Mick Freed around the theme of connection, with a guest appearance from Ali Davenport, Connection Fest creator. Listen here.
Camerados A Bit Of Company LITE, 8pm
This time of year can be tough - especially at the moment - and that means fun goes out the window. This is a chance to come together for some friendship and silliness for an hour. All welcome – watch on Facebook.
Saturday 5th December
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 11am
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Saturday Night Check In, 8pm
Join 'Speak Up, Speak Out - Smash the Stigma of Mental Health' on Facebook for a bit of support and company.
Sunday 6th December
Open Strum - Wildfire
Michel Goguen, Canadian musician and founder of fundraiser 'Music for Critters', releases his latest song - Wildfire. It brings in elements of being kind with yourself, asking for help when needed, and to take action by helping your community. As well as animals and music, Michel's video shows his connection to the amazing Canadian landscape.
End of Lockdown Dance
A dance created at the end of the first lockdown by Cat Wilks, Camerados Arts & Activism, and her daughter. Connecting with the outside world seemed strange but it was something they wanted so much - on Twitter.
Monday 7th December to Christmas Day
Doing Christmas Together
A special advent calendar on Facebook from 'Speak Up, Speak Out - Smash the Stigma of Mental Health'. Each day until Christmas Day when the last window will be opened in their Christmas Chat & Check-in at 9pm. You are not alone this Christmas - keep connected.
Monday 7th December
Kirk McElhinney - 'Connection'
A Facebook live of Manchester musician Kirk McElhinney's song 'Connection'. Watch the recording here.
Social Media is a Great Connector
A blog from Alex McCann from social media marketing company Altrincham HQ, exploring how social media has been a great connector during the pandemic - and kept him sane.
Tuesday 8th December
Winter Wellbeing Plan: Virtual Coffee Morning, 10-11am
With Michelle Drapeau, Stress & Anxiety Coach. Come and chat with others over a coffee, share thoughts, explore winter wellbeing generally and just have a jolly nice online social with a friendly group of people. You need to have signed up to Michelle's newsletter and completed her Mind For Wellbeing's Winter Wellbeing Plan template - which you can find here. Further info here.
Wednesday 9th December
Connecting Through Giving
'Enjoy the gift of giving', a LinkedIn post from Gill McKay, neuroscience trainer.
RadioDMU – Connecting Law Students, 5.30pm
For De Montfort Law School students. The first of their ‘In conversation with…’ series, including a Q&A around the theme of community and connection. Run by Russell Orr, colleague of Camerado Jo Richardson who works at the university.
Speak Up Speak Out Podcast, 6pm
With Speak Up, Speak Out. In this podcast, Lauren and Paula talk about connection and what it means to connect with others. (Apologies for the sound quality.)
Loss-themed #SpoonRoom, 6-7.15pm
A space to connect, listen, share or just be - with the Camerados and the Loss Project. Register here. A monthly event holding the space for grief and loss.
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 7pm
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Thursday 10th December
Work Pirates Gathering, 12-1.30pm
These Work Pirates sessions are for people professionals who want to make a difference to the world of work. They're spaces to connect, laugh and learn from each other, and Be More Pirate - with pirate Michelle Minnikin. Register here. (Select truNewcastle ticket holder for free place).
Festive Harmonies, 2-3.30pm
Connect through song with Shared Harmonies. No experience needed - it's just togetherness and fun! Register here through Eventbrite. In the meantime, see Our Song, a wonderful community-created song about connection during the pandemic.
What Connection Means As A Pirate, 7-8.30pm
For the Manchester City Council pirate crew. A pre-Christmas get-together for colleagues to explore ideas of connection in Be More Pirate.
Calm Connections Mindfulness, 7.45-8.30pm
A mindfulness session with Catherine from Calm Connections who provide mental wellbeing support to Trafford families going through tough times. Open to any parent and their family. Message on the website, Twitter or Facebook for the Zoom link.
Twitter Conversation, 8-9pm
Camerado Brett Sentance @realteaplease will be setting off a chat about connection on Twitter. All welcome - come and join the conversation every Thursday in December!
Friday 11th December
Connecting Through Theatre, 7.30-9pm
For members of Northenden Players Theatre Club. A Friday Night Live, exploring the ways we connect through making and watching theatre.
Camerados A Bit Of Company LITE, 8pm
This time of year can be tough - especially at the moment - and that means fun goes out the window. This is a chance to come together for some friendship and silliness for an hour. All welcome – watch on Facebook.
Saturday 12th December
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 11am
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Saturday Night Check In, 8pm
Join 'Speak Up, Speak Out - Smash the Stigma of Mental Health' on Facebook for a bit of support and company.
Monday 14th December
Connect Through Compassionate Troublemaking, 4-5.30pm
'Be a thorn in the side of the status quo' - the first of five sessions exploring what Compassionate Troublemaking might mean in a post-COVID world. Find out more and register here. With Camerados David Bloxham and Cat Duncan-Rees.
Twitter Conversation, 9-10pm
A Twitter conversation around connection with Charlie Jones and Brigid Russell, creators of #SpacesForListening (See 17th & 18th December). Charlie asks a question at 9pm and the Twitter magic happens - see @charlie_psych.
Tuesday 15th December
Connecting Through Touch
'Give yourself a hug today', a LinkedIn post from Gill McKay, neuroscience trainer.
Northern Mutiny - Xmas Pirate Party, 7-9pm
Are you a wannabe pirate? Pi-curious? Come and connect with northern pirates to make good trouble. Hosted by the Be More Pirate Northern Mutiny Crew and captained by Naomi Davies and Cat Duncan-Rees. Sign up in Meet Up.
#GetCuriousTalk, 8pm
A group for men to connect and chat in confidence about their mental and physical wellbeing - with Get Curious (Men's Health) CIC, including Camerado Matt Wright. Register here. See founder Ollie Martin talking about why it can be hard for some men to open up and talk about their mental health.
Wednesday 16th December
Connection Fest - A Light In The Winter
A blog for Greater Manchester Independent Mental Health Network by Ali Davenport, Connection Fest creator, about the festival and mental wellbeing.
Connect Through Compassionate Troublemaking, 12-1.30pm
'Pair active dissent with radical kindness' - the second of five sessions exploring what Compassionate Troublemaking might mean in a post-COVID world. Find out more and register here. With Camerados David Bloxham and Cat Duncan-Rees.
Virtual Menopause Café (With Fairy Lights!), 4pm
For De Montfort University staff and students. DMU Women is hosting its first online Menopause Café. Involving Camerado Jo Richardson who works at the university.
Speak Up Speak Out Podcast, 6pm
With Speak Up, Speak Out. In this podcast, husband and wife, Luke and Lauren, talk about connection in relationships and mental health.
Connecting Through Laughter – Laughter Yoga, 7-7.45pm
Connect with others through laughter in this workshop with Sara Kay from Serious Laughter Yoga. Register on Zoom.
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 7pm
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Thursday 17th December
#SpacesForListening, 10-10.50am & 2-2.50pm
What if we gathered together in a space and shared with each other how we are feeling, what we are thinking, and what we are hoping for? A unique chance to listen, be heard and connect, with Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones. 6 places per session. Register on Eventbrite: morning / afternoon
Calm Connections Mindfulness, 7.45-8.30pm
A mindfulness session with Catherine from Calm Connections who provide mental wellbeing support to Trafford families going through tough times. Open to any parent and their family. Message on the website, Twitter or Facebook for the Zoom link.
Twitter Conversation, 8-9pm
Camerado Brett Sentance @realteaplease will be setting off a chat about connection on Twitter. All welcome - come and join the conversation every Thursday in December!
Friday 18th December
Connecting Through Crafting
A Twitter post about the Greater Manchester Suicide Memorial Quilt, a collective piece that says so much about connection. The group - open to anyone in Greater Manchester bereaved by suicide - continues to connect through craft.
#SpacesForListening, 10-10.50am
What if we gathered together in a space and shared with each other how we are feeling, what we are thinking, and what we are hoping for? A unique chance to listen, be heard and connect, with Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones. 6 places. Register on Eventbrite.
#SpacesForListening - A Conversation, Afternoon
A conversation between people who have experienced #SpacesForListening, exploring how it might support and develop a culture of connection across organisations and groups. With Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones.
Camerados A Bit Of Company LITE, 8pm
This time of year can be tough - especially at the moment - and that means fun goes out the window. This is a chance to come together for some friendship and silliness for an hour. All welcome – watch on Facebook.
Connecting Through Carolling
A Twitter post about Camerado Maff Pott's doorstep singalong.
Better Together
A blog by Bryony Shannon, sharing her thoughts on what 'together' means in our better, brighter social care future - one connection at a time.
Saturday 19th December
Grief & Christmas - Lessons Inspired By Ellie
A blog about loss at Christmas from Camerado Carly Attridge of the Loss Project CIC.
Carly reflects on the loss of a dear friend this time last year and the difference that connection makes.
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 11am
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Connect Through Compassionate Troublemaking, 2-3.30pm
'Find those who challenge, respect and admire you in equal measure' - the third of five sessions exploring what Compassionate Troublemaking might mean in a post-COVID world. Find out more and register here. With Camerados David Bloxham and Cat Duncan-Rees.
Saturday Night Check In, 8pm
Join 'Speak Up, Speak Out - Smash the Stigma of Mental Health' on Facebook for a bit of support and company.
Monday 21st December
Connect Through Compassionate Troublemaking, 4-5.30pm
'Amplify those whose stories needs telling' - the fourth of five sessions exploring what Compassionate Troublemaking might mean in a post-COVID world. Find out more and register here. With Camerado Waistcoat Dave.
Tuesday 22nd to Sunday 27th December
The Bee Tree Community
Connecting creative and social activities over Christmas, including arts and crafts, cooking, singing and quiz with the Bee Tree Community. See the programme on Facebook and email thebeetreecommunity@gmail.com from the 14th December to sign up.
Tuesday 22nd December
Connecting To Our Festivals
A LinkedIn post - A Different Diwali: In Lockdown. Sonal Vasta shows we can still 'dress up and show up' to our festivals, even if it's in our own homes.
Connecting Through Friendship
'Your social brain & stress', a LinkedIn post from Gill McKay, neuroscience trainer.
Wednesday 23rd December
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 7pm
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Connecting Through Letter-writing
Actor and creative Guy Hargreaves with his poem in praise of hand-written letters. It’s a great way to connect.
Thursday 24th December - Christmas Eve
Connection & Mental Wellbeing
A video by Paula from 'Speak Up, Speak Out' , giving a personal take on connection and being connected.
The Christmas Cracker, 7pm
Christmas-themed extravaganza from the Living Well Alone Project. The first in a programme of events over Christmas connecting people who live alone, including Dinnertalk and Chat & A Cuppa. See the events programme.
Twitter Conversation, 8-9pm
Camerado Brett Sentance @realteaplease will be setting off a chat about connection on Twitter. All welcome - come and join the conversation every Thursday in December!
Friday 25th December - Christmas Day
Christmas Dinner, 1-2.30pm
Connect on Christmas Day with the Bee Tree Community. See the programme on Facebook and email thebeetreecommunity@gmail.com from the 14th December to sign up.
Christmas Singing, 6-7.30pm
Connect on Christmas Day with the Bee Tree Community. See the programme on Facebook and email thebeetreecommunity@gmail.com from the 14th December to sign up.
Camerados A Bit Of Company LITE, 8pm
This time of year can be tough - especially at the moment - and that means fun goes out the window. This is a chance to come together for some friendship and silliness for an hour. All welcome – watch on Facebook.
Christmas Chat & Check In, 9pm
Join 'Speak Up, Speak Out - Smash the Stigma of Mental Health' on Facebook for a bit of support and company.
Saturday 26th December - Boxing Day
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 11am
Bring a cuppa, maybe a mince pie or leftover turkey sandwich and spend some time over Christmas with fellow camerados. Register here.
Sunday 27th December
Newcastle Happy Cafe 10.30am-12 noon
A monthly Action for Happiness Newcastle Happy Cafe - open to everyone! A place to connect for people seeking happier lives for themselves and others - with Michelle Minnikin. Register here.
Monday 28th December
Connecting Through Giving
'It's Just A Little Gift', a poem by Annie Phillips on Twitter about connecting through giving.
Connecting To Manchester
Listen to the chilled vibes of Jez Kay's song 'Gotta Get Back To Manchester', celebrating his connection to the city. Specially recorded for Connection Fest following an impromptu performance at the Xmas Pirate Party earlier in the festival.
Tuesday 29th to Wednesday 30th December
Camerados 24hr Twitter Natter, 8pm
Kicks off Tuesday 29th December 8pm till the same time the next night. An invite to Camerados around the world to check in for a chat & connect across the time zones! Tag @camerados & @soulsurvguide - hashtag #connection.
Tuesday 29th December
Your Brain & Instant Connections
A LinkedIn post from Gill McKay, neuroscience trainer, about when we just click with each other.
Wednesday 30th December
Camerados #SpoonRoom, 7pm
Come and connect with folk from all over the world, with no agenda and no fixing. A patchwork of awesome strangers just being alongside each other. Register here.
Thursday 31st December - New Year's Eve
Connection Fest Finale
A message from Ali, Connection Fest creator, with some exciting news for 2021.