My Experience at Notwestminster 2025
Pandora Ellis
This year, I had the opportunity to attend Notwestminster for the first time and it was an experience that left me feeling inspired, challenged, and more connected to a community of people who truly care about local democracy. As a sponsor for the event, CfGS recognises the power of grassroots conversations and innovation in democracy. It’s a sign that what happens at Notwestminster matters not just as a gathering of like-minded people, but as a space that can influence real change in local governance.
Leading up to the event, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew Notwestminster was about bringing together people who want to improve local democracy, but what I didn’t anticipate was just how welcoming and energising the space would be. There’s something about being in a room with people who share a passion for change that instantly sparks ideas and motivation.
One of the best parts of the event was hearing from people who are actually making a difference in their communities. The mix of workshops, lightning talks, and discussions meant that every session offered something new – whether it was practical solutions to local government challenges or big-picture thinking about the future of democracy.
Some of the most impactful moments weren’t just in the formal sessions but in the conversations that happened in between. Whether it was over coffee or in small group discussions, I met people who shared their personal experiences, struggles, and successes in trying to engage their communities. These conversations reminded me why local democracy matters – not as an abstract concept, but as something that affects real people’s lives every day.
By the end of Notwestminster, I felt both exhausted and energised – exhausted in the best way possible, after days of deep thinking and discussion, but also energised with fresh ideas and connections. Hope can feel like a fragile thing when working on local democracy issues, but this event was a powerful reminder that there’s a whole network of people out there who care just as much. It’s easy to get caught up in frustrations – the slow pace of change, the barriers to engagement, the feeling that progress is always just out of reach. But Notwestminster reminded me that hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s something we create together, through action, through connection, and through the belief that things can be better.
The real challenge now is carrying that hope beyond Notwestminster, by keeping those conversations going, turning ideas into action, and staying connected with the people who inspired me.
I left feeling more determined than ever to take what I learned and apply it, to keep the conversations going, and to contribute in whatever way I can to making democracy work better for everyone.
If you’ve ever considered attending Notwestminster, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a space for learning, sharing, and most importantly, action. And if you were there too this year, thank you for making it such a brilliant experience.
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