FAQS

1. What is the Redhills Assembly?

Redhills Assembly is a two-day working gathering of people and organisations exploring how our communities can once again build the collective wealth and power to shape their own futures. It takes place at Redhills Durham Miners Hall on 2-3 October 2026

2. What time does it start and finish?

Friday 2 October: Registration from 9.00am; Assembly 10.00am–5.45pm; evening programme from 6.00pm

Saturday 3 October: Registration from 8.45am; Assembly 9.15am–4.45pm.

3. Is it a conference?

Not in the conventional sense. Short talks, stories, films and provocations will be designed to inspire, stimulate or provoke conversation rather than dominate the programme. A substantial part of both days will be dedicated to discussion, creative activity, collective inquiry and making connections. This is an Assembly because everyone in the room has something to contribute.

4. What is Coalfield Common Wealth?

Coalfield Common Wealth is the things we own or create together that make a decent life possible – and the shared power to decide how they are used.

5. What is the Redhills Model?

It’s a way of thinking about how we rebuild Common Wealth:

ACTIVATE - build motivation and hope.

EDUCATE - build understanding and capability.

ORGANISE - build institutions and organisational strength.

CAPITALISE - build community wealth and institutional sustainability.

FEDERATE - build collective power and solidarity.

6. Who should attend?

The Assembly is for people actively involved in organisations, projects, trade unions, networks and community initiatives. Its content is rooted in the Durham Coalfield, but the invitation extends across the North East. Small, grassroots and volunteer-led organisations are particularly welcome.

7. Do I have to agree with the Redhills Model?

Absolutely not. The Assembly is partly about testing these ideas against the knowledge and experience of people do- ing the work. What’s right? What’s wrong? What’s missing? What needs changing? And what would make this useful in practice?

8. Do I need to represent an organisation?

Generally, yes. We’ll ask which organisation, initiative or active community role you represent when you register.

9. How much does it cost?

Free Supported Place, £24 Community Rate or £48 Solidarity Rate.

10. Can I pay by invoice?

Yes. Choose Request an Invoice when registering.

11. What if cost prevents my organisation from attending?

Choose a Free Supported Place when registering. We’d much rather have you in the room. No questions asked.

12. Can I attend online?

Yes. We are planning an online Assembly offer for people who cannot join us at Redhills, with around 50 online participants anticipated.

13. Can I attend for one day?

Yes, choose the day you want to attend during registration.

14. What if the Assembly is full?

In-person attendance is capped at 250 participants. Once capacity is reached, we’ll operate a waiting list.

15. What’s happening on Friday evening?

On Friday 2 October, the Assembly will continue from 6pm until late with culture, food and conversation. Full details coming soon.

16. Will food be provided?

Yes. Tea, coffee and pastries will be available on arrival each morning, and lunch will be provided on both Friday and Saturday.

If you’re joining us for the optional Friday evening programme, there will also be a food truck on site, with food available to purchase.

We’ll collect any dietary requirements when you register.

17. Is Redhills accessible?

We want the Assembly to be as accessible as possible. See Plan Your Visit for current information and tell us about any specific requirements when registering.

18. Do I choose my breakout sessions?

No. Everyone follows the same core programme, breaking into smaller groups at points throughout the day to explore the same themes and questions.

19. Will there be photography and filming?

We intend to document parts of the Assembly through photography and film. Please email us to opt out at assembly@redhillsdurham.org

20. What happens to my registration information?

We’ll use the information required to administer your booking and the Assembly. We’ll ask separately for permission where information may be used for future networking, mapping or communications

21. What happens after the Assembly?

That’s partly for the Assembly to decide. We want to explore whether organisations would benefit from continuing to share knowledge, resources, practical support and collective action after October. You’ll be able to opt in to staying involved.