We’re Stronger Together! Event Recap
In a world that feels increasingly uncertain - socially, economically, politically, and environmentally, community isn’t just a wellness trend. It’s a necessity.
On June 19th, we gathered wellness professionals, creatives, facilitators, and changemakers to explore why community is the future of wellbeing, and how to build it with genuine, lasting impact.
If you couldn’t make it, here are some of the most powerful insights and takeaways from the evening:
What We Explored
Over the course of the evening, our speakers and guests reflected on:
Turning frustration into fuel: How lived experiences and systemic challenges sparked meaningful movements for change.
Why healing requires belonging: How true wellbeing cannot happen in isolation, and the role community plays in restoring connection and safety.
New ways of doing business: How community is becoming a regenerative, sustainable model for ethical entrepreneurship.
Collaboration over competition: What it really means to build in solidarity — and why being part of something bigger is the medicine of our time.
From personal brand to shared movement: Why shifting away from the pressure to “stand out” and into collective action is the most empowering move we can make.
What BWF Community is really about: We shared our vision for the BWF Community: a home for purpose-led practitioners to grow, connect, and amplify their missions — together.
Brilliant Quotes
“Find your dragon, then slay it.”
→ Want to know where to create real impact? Start by identifying the issue that fires you up the most. That’s your dragon and your purpose.
“Create what you know is right, the world will catch up.”
→ If your vision feels ahead of its time, trust it. Mission-led movements often lead culture, not follow it.
“It’s all part of the game.”
→ Worried about getting it wrong? Approach your work with curiosity and play. There's no such thing as failure when you're experimenting with heart.
“Create for connection, not conversion.”
→ Genuine relationships come first. Visibility and business growth will follow as natural side effects of meaningful engagement.
“You’re not the only one.”
→ If you’re feeling it, someone else is too. Your vulnerability can be the spark for someone
else’s belonging.
“Find your people.”
→ Purpose-led work thrives in community. Collaboration fuels resilience and reminds you that you’re not building alone, so lean on your people.
Our Incredible Speakers
We were honoured to be joined by an inspiring lineup of community builders and changemakers:
Dan Flanagan (he/him) – Founder of Dad La Soul, social entrepreneur, and TED speaker using creativity and connection to tackle men’s mental health.
Rifa Thorpe-Tracey (she/her) – Coach and Chair of Women of Colour Brighton, empowering women in tech and creative industries to thrive.
Jo-Anne Godden (she/her) – Founder of RubyMoon CIC, blending sustainable activewear with full-moon movement events for global empowerment.
Lara Sheldrake (she/her) – Founder of Found and Flourish, supporting values-led founders to bridge purpose and profit.
Natasha Gilbert (they/them) – Therapeutic coach and educator creating radically inclusive wellness spaces for marginalised bodies and identities.
Vicky Critoph (she/her) – Founder of Happy Freelancers and Empower Her, championing wellbeing and confidence through community.
Jago Leckie (he/him) – Co-founder of Angry Pablo and host of Brighton Staple Run Club, bringing joyful movement to over 200 local runners.
Sarah Taylor (she/her) – Founder of Proud Wellness CIC, creating safer wellness spaces for LGBTQIA+ communities across the UK.
Natasha Jackson (she/her) – Our host and the founder of Brighton Wellness Festival + BWF Community, holding space for a new kind of wellness revolution.