Welcome & Summit Overview
ThriveKent 2026: Living Well Summit
Advancing Health | Empowering Futures | Transforming Kent
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | A full day immersive event, starts at 9am prompt
Venue: Sibson Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7PE
Join us for the first-ever Kent Black Health Inequalities Summit, taking place in Spring 2026 at the University of Kent, Canterbury.
This landmark event is dedicated to improving life outcomes for Black individuals and communities across Kent and Medway.
This one-day immersive event brings together residents, health practitioners, policymakers, students, academics, community leaders, and system partners to co-create solutions that address the real drivers of life outcomes — from income and education to trust in public services and access to support networks.
It’s about turning commitment into action for equity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
The Summit will provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and action—drawing inspiration from CAHN’s Inspire model while adapting it to Kent’s unique context.
Vision & Impact
The Summit is more than a one-day event. It marks the beginning of a movement for health equity, community empowerment, and collaborative system consultation in Kent.
Our goals are to:
- Amplify community voices in shaping “living well” priorities and decisions
- Build stronger partnerships across sectors and systems
- Co-design practical solutions to reduce health inequalities
- Generate shared commitments and actionable next steps for long-term accountability and progress within our sphere of control and influence
- Shape outcomes that include local health initiatives, policy engagement, improved service design and collaborative action
- Align with and strengthen wider programmes such as CORE20PLUS5, WRES, and the ThriveTogether mission
By attending, you are helping to shape the future of living well in Kent and ensuring that no community is left behind
Who should attend?
* Community Members/Residents
* Community leaders and Black-led organisations
* Health and SocialCare practitioners
* Policymakers and public sector leaders
* Academics, researchers, and students
* Grassroots groups and faith organisations
* Businesses and system partners committed to equity
Programme Highlights/ What to Expect
The Summit will feature a dynamic, interactive programme designed to spark ideas and build solutions.
* Inspiring keynote speakers from leaders in health equity, public health, and community change. They would spark real, thought-provoking conversations that go beyond the surface
* A dedicated Q&A session to share your challenges as resident or as a practitioner in Kent — shaping the system with your voice
* Parallel workshops / Action Pods focused on critical themes, real-life issues, co-designed with community voices
* A Black Equity Marketplace showcasing local services, VCSEs, social enterprises, and corporate partners driving change
* A welcoming Community, Networking, Collaboration and Cultural Space to connect, reflect, and belong – building long-term relationships across communities and systems
* Opportunities to Spotlight your work, findings, or research on Black individuals and communities in Kent and Medway — via poster boards displayed throughout the venue
* Cultural cuisine, including jollof rice and more
* Music curated by a Black DJ, blending genres and sounds that celebrate Black culture
* Opportunities for meaningful networking and collaboration with leaders, professionals, and peers
* Opportunities to shape action that benefits families and communities
Whether you’re a practitioner, student, policymaker, or community member, your voice matters here.
Registration & Packages
Registration is managed by the University of Kent. Once registered, you’ll be redirected here for full event details and updates.
Ticket Options:
Equity Marketplace Opportunities:
Add-ons:
- Full Delegate Access – £20
- Student Access – £10
- * Free Bursary (limited, application required here
- * Virtual Access – £30 (livestreamed sessions) (Request Access via: eventregistrations@kent.ac.uk
- *Group Bookings – Discounts available for groups of 5+ (make request via: eventregistrations@kent.ac.uk
- * VCSE / Charity Stall – £100
- * Corporate Stall – £500
- * Sponsor Showcase Packages – from £1,000
- * Poster Showcase Entry (Tick option to indicate interest at registration)
- * Optional accommodation via University of Kent (Tick option at registration or email eventregistrations@kent.ac.uk
- * Voluntary donation to support bursaries and grassroots participation – email: info@wethrivetogether.co.uk
Practical Information:
Accessibility:
Contact Us:
- * Venue: Sibson Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7PE
- * Ample free on-site parking
- * Bus and Train links from across Kent
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive Summit. Provisions include:
* Step-free access across all spaces
* BSL interpreters available on request
* Multi-language support for key sessions
* Dietary requirements fully catered for
For any questions, please email: info@wethrivetogether.co.uk | eventregistrations@kent.ac.uk or call 07411 931713.
Opportunities & Support
Opportunities for Engagement
Media & Updates
- Volunteer with Us – Support the delivery of the Summit and gain valuable experience in community-led event planning.
- Help Amplify Our Reach – Join us in promoting the Summit across your networks to expand participation and multiply our collective impact.
- Sponsor or Partner – Demonstrate your commitment to equity and wellbeing by supporting this community-led initiative.
- Submit a Poster – Share your research, innovation, case study, or lived experience to inform and inspire others.
- Join the Marketplace – Showcase your organisation, product, or service to a diverse and engaged audience.
Stay connected as the programme builds!
* Visit our blog for regular updates and Follow us on social media:
* LinkedIn: WeThriveTogether Outreach CIC
* Instagram: @WeThriveTogetherUK
* Use our official hashtag: **#ThriveKent2026**
Important Notes
Terms & Conditions:
Registrations are non-refundable but transferable. Full delegate terms will be provided at the time of booking.
Agenda and Speakers:
All keynote speakers and workshop partners are confirmed. Full agenda and bios will be published in January 2026.
Why Register Now:
The summit is community-led and delivered through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. To allow focused planning and delivery of the broader aspects of the event, registration may close early – so we encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible.
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