What We Carry: Ukrainians Together and HMS Unicorn Exhibition
On Friday 27 March, the launch of What We Carry at HMS Unicorn was a warm and deeply connecting evening that brought together families, partners, and supporters to celebrate not only a new exhibition, but the journey that made it possible.
Reflections on the Mediation Masterclass: Pathways To Agreement
Mediation is both Practice and Reflection We recently held our Mediation Masterclass: Pathways To Agreement at the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce. It felt right to take a moment to reflect on what was shared and learnt by everyone who attended. Reflection practice is essential to learn how to improve our work and understanding of different perspectives. Discussions on what helps to engage in a difficult conversation A Dynamic and Reflective Session Participants looked at how mediation works in practice — not just from our presentation, but by experiencing it as a way to solve disagreements and difficult conversations. The day encouraged thinking about the important ground rules for conducting mediation and the benefits mediation can bring: saving time and stress, helping people understand different views, and finding solutions that work for everyone involved. One thing that really stood out was the openness in the room. People talked about what it means to work towards a resolution, including the need to be honest, really listen to others’ views, and understand how respect is the foundation of any good conversation. Instead of relying on trust between people, which can be fragile when there is disagreement or conflict, it is important to build trust in the process and create a safe space where communication moves from being defensive to finding solutions that benefit all parties. Resolving disputes in practice Gratitude and Testimonials We are thankful to all who joined, including representatives from Thorntons Law LLP, Thorntons Investment, The ESP Group, Quensh Health & Safety and HR Specialists, and Paterson Skip Hire & Recycling. Their participation reminded us all of why it is important to build workplaces and communities based on respect and understanding. Also, many thanks to the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce for their help in organising this event, and to our brilliant team – Hanna Dushkova, Vitalii Diakov, and Manuel Sanchez Diaz – for making the day run smoothly. Very enjoyable and informative session, demonstrating the real benefits of mediation in helping resolve disputes. Mike Kemp Commercial Litigation Partner and Mediator at Thorntons Law LLP Brilliant session with so many useful takeaways. Ashley Meston CEO at ESP Group Thanks for delivering an insightful masterclass! Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce Stay Connected Follow us If you missed the Mediation Masterclass: Pathways To Agreement, please follow our Newsletter and Social Media to join our events. Get in Touch We’re here to help you manage conflict better and build stronger connections. If you want to bring this training to your team, please get in touch. Contact us Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Bring Together at RESPECT Week: Exploring What Makes a Team Thrive
What Makes a Team Thrive? Building the Principles of Teamwork Through RESPECT Week Last week, the Bring Together team had the privilege of contributing to the annual RESPECT Week at D&A College – a long-standing initiative that celebrates diversity and inclusion across education. Our workshop focused on teamwork and conflict resolution skills, both essential for building the workplaces of the future. Lively discussions about foundations of teamwork Reflecting the College’s Global Community The session was delivered to students from ESOL classes, each perfecting their English skills while sharing a wealth of cultural perspectives. Together, the group already represented a diverse team, connected through shared experiences and mutual learning. Our discussion centred on the foundations of effective teamwork: how strong collaboration begins with shared values and ground rules that everyone agrees to and understands. What Makes a Team Thrive? Early in the workshop, we posed a simple but revealing question: What principles make teamwork succeed in any environment? From lively group discussions, many important principles emerged. Here are some of the highlights: Honesty Time and space to think and act Support Mutual respect Listening to each other Having a common goal Resolving disagreements Equality Teamwork principles in practice: What brings joy and results From Principles to Practice What made the session truly special was that these principles came directly from the students themselves. They weren’t imposed or suggested from outside but grew from the group’s own priorities and lived experiences. Too often, teams avoid these conversations, leaving expectations unspoken. Yet when a team shapes its own rules, each member feels a sense of agency, engagement, and respect for what has been co-created. The same principle of choice and self-determination lies at the heart of mediation. Mediators often invite participants to agree together on how they will talk, listen, and move towards resolving a dispute. It’s this sense of shared ownership that transforms both teamwork and mediation into spaces where everyone feels heard and where collaboration truly thrives. Learning Together Through Stories: Blind men and an elephant During our workshop, we looked at the well-known story of the Elephant and the Blind Men to help us talk about teamwork and different points of view. “A group of the blind men from a village hear that an elephant, a creature they’ve never known before, has arrived nearby. Eager to discover what it is really like, they go to feel the animal, each exploring a different part: one pats the side, another grabs the trunk, one clutches the tusk, while others find a leg, an ear or the tail. Naturally, each man comes away with a different idea. One says the elephant is like a wall, another insists it’s a snake, a third thinks it’s some kind of spear, and so on. They soon find themselves arguing about who is right – all convinced their own small piece is the truth.” Credit: www.theblindelephant.com As a group, we discussed how the story is really about what happens in teams and in mediation. When everyone only sees things from their own perspective, misunderstandings and disputes easily arise. But as soon as we listen to each other and bring together all our viewpoints, the full picture emerges—and it becomes much easier to solve problems and work well together. Students shared times when their own voice had helped the group, and moments when a lack of listening led to confusion. The story helped everyone emphasize that making space for every point of view is essential for good teamwork and successful conflict resolution. Let’s Build Better Workplaces As RESPECT Week showed, teamwork isn’t just a skill – it’s the foundation of a successful and supportive community. Let’s bring dialogue to your classroom or workplace. Book a free discovery call Contact US Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Conflict Management Training Wrap-Up at DVVA
Conflict Management Training Course at DVVA At Number Ten in Dundee, over the course of four sessions the room was full of energy as community leaders and volunters tested out their own conflict styles, shared stories, and discovered new ways to turn tensions into growth. Bring Together in partnership with Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action launched 6-Week Conflict Management Training Course to share the knowledge and skills about impact of conflict and ways to resolve, behavioural styles, mediation techniques and emotional intelligence. Participants engaged in practical activities and role-plays designed to reflect the real challenges faced in community and voluntary sector. Engagement during the session Avoid Conflict, Don’t Avoid Conversation In one of many conversations, participants spoke about the relief of finally being understood. They had worked together for a long time, but when one moved to a different position, something changed in their relationship. Communication worsened, causing stress, especially as both avoided honest conversation. It took quite some time and patience, but eventually, they managed to sit down and talk it through. This confirmed they had reached a positive resolution through conversation. But how many situations end up that way? Participants shared that by applying the course tools, they now feel better prepared to handle disagreements and misunderstandings more quickly and to keep sight of the bigger picture. We have always opportunity to engage in conversation. What Participants Said About The Course “I realised I always avoid conflict, and this helped me see how to step in constructively.” “Short sessions helped with attention and to spread out info, interactive activities, friendly coordinators, good venue, it was all fantastic and I really learned a lot.” “Facilitators were excellent, knowledgeable and engaging, related and built rapport with all participants.” What is next? We’d love you to join our Mediation Masterclass on 27 October 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm. It’s a great chance to see mediation in action and have some guided chat. Our Conflict Management Course will be back in winter 2025/26. Looking forward to seeing you there! Please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to enquire about Tailored Courses for your organisation or voluntary group. We would be happy to discuss how we can support your team. Register for Next Event Enquire for your organisation The Team of Bring Together with Maryam Deeni Thank you, DVVA & participants We’re grateful to DVVA for hosting and to all participants who contributed to learning and sharing their feedback. This training continues our commitment to supporting community organisations with the tools they need to navigate conflict and maintain strong and resilient teams. “It has been amazing to collaborate with Hanna and Vitalii to put this series on for the third sector across Tayside. Both a credit to Dundee and the wider region we’re lucky to have them and tap into their extensive knowledge and work in mediation and resolution. Very much needed across the board in the times we’re in. Our plans stemmed from a voiced need to support leaders in funding and managing priorities but I believe something bigger has come out of this all.” Maryam Deeni Third Sector Funding Development Manager at DVVA Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Unbroken Threads Exhibition at St Andrews
Opening of The Unbroken Threads Exhibition at St Andrews Heritage Museum Celebrating the shared journeys, memories, and hopes that connect communities through story-telling and collaboration. We are delighted to welcome you to the opening of this exhibition, where threads from many lives and journeys find a place to meet. Together with the St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden, co-curators, and the warm community of St Andrews, friends and families gather to celebrate connections — our routes, memories, and hopes, all woven into one shared story. Samantha Walker is opening the exhibition in the cosy museum’s garden Co-curators Mariia and Viktoria with their family Vitalii and Hanna shared their stories and personal items Our Routes and Journeys This exhibition is born from collaboration, bringing together the Museum, dedicated to displaying the social history of St Andrews, and Ukrainians who have found a safe place in Scotland after the war. Through photography, embroidery, and collective creativity, stories unfold: each journey is unique, yet each carries reflections familiar to us all — memories of home, dreams for the future, and the things we carry with us. Weaving Our Stories Together Working side by side with Scottish friends and colleagues, we have brought together a space where stories blend and voices meet, like threads weaving into something new. This exhibition bridges countries and cultures, gently expressing gratitude for the kindness shown in uncertain times and the support that continues from families near and far. In Unbroken Threads, community and connection shine through every detail, inviting everyone to share in the journeys that bring us together. Vitalii with Scottish friends Susan and Jim Jimmy Black from Dundee Burns Club The Healing Power of Conversation At the heart of all we share is the simple, powerful act of talking and listening. It is through open conversation that we begin to heal and find new strength. When we reach out, hear each other’s stories, and truly listen, we build bridges that help us move forward together. Communication doesn’t just connect us — it helps mend what is broken, bring hope alive, and remind us that we are stronger when we face challenges side by side. This exhibition celebrates that spirit of connection, where every voice matters and every story helps us grow. Co-curators, families and friends together Stay Connected Stay connected to follow these stories and more. Watch our video to glimpse the journey behind the exhibition and share your reflections. Also, come visit the exhibition to explore personal items and experience the stories up close. Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Bring Together at Social Enterprise Showcase 2025
Why Cultural Mediation Matters for Scotland At Social Enterprise Summit 2025, Bring Together Ltd shared how cultural mediation builds trust and supports New Scots to integrate into new communities. Bring Together’s community projects are focused on creating cultural bridges and meaningful connections within communities and organisations. The ability to create social connections is crucial for New Scots, but we can also say that it is equally important for many communities in Scotland, facing challenges of post-COVID, cost-of-living crises, and public services constraints. Similarly to social intelligence, cultural intelligence is the ability to create cross-cultural connections – understand other cultures and share our own culture for the benefit of the community and neighborhood we live in and the people we work with. Culture is not only defined by nationality or ethnicity, it is also by the diversity of communities in Scotland that live side by side, and it is working cultures in organisations across the private, public, and third sectors. And what is very important is the culture of dealing with life challenges, as trauma, conflict, and violence. At the core of cultural intelligence is an understanding of a deeper culture – our beliefs, non-verbal rules and behaviours that tell both about our national cultures but also a deeper understanding about trust, communication and support. Check our work on cultural exchange with St Andrews Heritage Preservation Society and with the Fife Centre for Equalities on LinkedIn. Read more about the Sustainability Co-production project with HMS Unicorn and Dundee Museums. Talk by Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister How Conflict Impacts Organisations Victoria Pearce, Community Enterprise, talked about how many organisations face crises and financial problems, which are often a result, not a cause. Increasing tendency of conflict within Boards, between Board and staff, within staff teams and externally, is a signal that we need to think about the culture of how we communicate and collaborate. Conflict consumes time, budget, and morale, undermining relationships and organisational efficiency: Projects stall while teams argue over process and ownership. Staff wellbeing dips; absence and turnover rise. Partnership opportunities fade as trust erodes. Mediation is one of the availiable startegies to prevent conflicts and support teams and volunteers with a framework to resolve disagrements underlining the value of addressing tensions before they escalate. Victoria Pearce: Crisis and Resilience Victoria Pearce: Crisis and Resilience A Unique Lens on Conflict and Culture We bring first-hand expertise in mediation and the lived experience of displacement. This gives us a distinctive perspective on how conflict impacts people and organisations in communities, workplaces, and cross-cultural settings. We translate mediation principles into simple, usable tools for organisations: identify interests, facilitate dialogue and learning, culture-mapping, and teaching mediation techniques. These help teams reduce tension, save resources, and focus on impact. From peer support for displaced families to facilitated workshops for organisations, we design spaces where people can share experiences, listen to each other, and rebuild trust. Presentation in Highlights Cultures in Bloom, 2024 Gratitude and Lessons Learned Looking back, we are deeply grateful to people working in the social enterprise ecosystem – Social Enterprise Scotland, Firstport, Business Gateway Tayside, Elevator, The Circle, The Challenges Group, CEMVO – for their encouragement and guidance along the way. For anyone just starting a social enterprise, here are lessons we have learned about the social enterprise eco-system in Scotland: 🔹 Many are facing their own challenges — while it may not be the same, people will offer their support.🔹 They will encourage your ideas and offer perspectives that enrich your vision.🔹 You’ll find a safe space to try, make mistakes, and grow. It was a great honor for Bring Together’s Director, Vitalii Diakov, to speak at the Social Enterprise Showcase Panel. For Bring Together, being part of Scotland’s social enterprise community means belonging to a network of organisations that put people and planet first. It also means aligning with values and behaviours that put community benefit at the centre of business decisions. Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Bring Together Gathering 2025 in Dundee
Bring Together Gathering 2025 – A Day to Remember What a wonderful way to say goodbye to summer! On the very last day of the season, we had the joy of hosting the Bring Together Gathering 2025 at YMCA Broughty Ferry — a day filled with sunshine, smiles, and heartfelt connection. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful, as it also marked the third anniversary of Ukrainians Together in Scotland. The Gathering brought together friends, families, and supporters from across our projects to share in a vibrant exchange of Ukrainian and Scottish cultures. It was more than just an event — it was about building confidence, resilience, and friendships. From moving performances to delicious food, every moment was a reminder of the strength and beauty of community. Gathering 2025 in Dundee Indeed, those who have wings don’t need the ground.If there is no land, there will be a sky. If there is no field, there will be freedom.If there is no love, there will be clouds. That might be about the life of a bird …But what about people? How do they live? They live on the ground, not able to fly.But they have wings. They do have wings! These wings aren’t made of feathers and fluff.But made of honour, virtue, and trust. Some wings are made of faithfulness in love.Others of eternal enthusiasm. Somebody flies with the work dedication.Somebody when taking care of others. There are wings of songs or hope.Either poetry or dream. It seems that people cannot fly …But they have wings. They do have wings! The power of words and unity One of the most moving moments was the reading of Lina Kostenko’s poem “Wings” by Olena Bogachyova. The poem reminds us that even when people cannot fly, they carry invisible wings — made of honour, trust, dreams, and care for others. Cultural Highlights The stage was alive with voices, music, and poetry that touched the heart: Soulful Ukrainian poetry by Olena Bogachyova, Svetlana Borysenko, and Anton Borysenko, weaving words that carried both memory and hope. A breathtaking vocal performance and “a cappella” by Natalia Kondrayatenko, whose voice filled the room with emotion. The songs told the stories of love and about Ukrainian folk music. Instrumental music from Volodymyr and Hlieb Vladimirov. And of course, energetic Scottish folk music and dance from the Dundee Community Youth Orchestra, presenting local traditions. Music Perfomance by Dundee Community Youth Orchestra Music Perfomance by Volodymyr Art, Food, and Shared Experiences The celebration was not only about sound but also about sight and taste. Guests admired an inspiring art exhibition by Tetyana Polonska, capturing moments of creativity and cultural identity. The senses were further delighted with authentic Ukrainian food, lovingly prepared by Smachno Odnoznachno, and crowned by a beautifully crafted Medovyk cake — a sweet symbol of hospitality and togetherness. Medovyk Cake by Snachno Odnoznachno Closing celebration Gratitude and Community Spirit We are truly grateful to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Events like this remind us of the power of connection — to build bridges, strengthen community bonds, and create memories that last long after the day has ended. A very special thank you goes to our amazing volunteers — Nataliya Kiriluk, Valentina Bezsonova, Marina Vakula, Dariya Aleinik, and Yaroslav Makarenko — as well as our partners, whose dedication and energy made this celebration possible. Many thanks to the continuous support of the YMCA Broughty Ferry, the National Lottery Community Fund and the NHS Charitable Foundation. Stay Connected As we look back on this beautiful day, we also look forward to the many gatherings and projects still to come. We’d love to hear from you — what were your favourite moments? What stood out most to you? Please share your thoughts on our Facebook Page below. You can also sign up for our newsletter and follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates, stories, and upcoming events. Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Emotional Intelligence Workshop for Shell LiveWIRE Programme
In Person Training Emotional Intelligence Workshop for Entrepreurs and Decision-makers Learn essential emotional intelligence skills with Bring Together Ltd! Enhance your communication and support your team effectively. 📅 Event Details On 20th July, Bring Together Ltd had the privilege of delivering an Emotional Intelligence workshop in Aberdeen as part of the Shell LiveWIRE programme in partnership with Elevator UK. We were delighted to work with an inspiring group of business owners and leaders, exploring how understanding and managing emotions can support better decision-making, empathetic leadership, and resilient team cultures. Emotional intelligence is not just a “soft skill” — it is a core strength that drives sustainable personal and business growth, and it was fantastic to see such openness and engagement from all who took part. We wish everyone great success on entrepreneurial journeys and look forward to seeing the ways you’ll continue to lead with empathy and vision. A huge thank you to Shell, the LiveWIRE programme, Elevator UK, John Henderson, John Raine, and Sireen Adwan for championing this important work. And to all the business leaders who joined us — your energy, honesty, and commitment to bringing human skills into business made the session truly impactful. Did you know? Shell LiveWIRE originated in Scotland in 1982 and has since grown into a global initiative, now active in more than 20 countries. Its focus is on building resilient, sustainable businesses that create jobs, embrace innovation, and contribute to long-term economic growth. 📘 Skills Covered Elements of Emotional Intelligence (Recognising Emotions and Needs) Managing Emotions (Our Brain and Emotions, Self-Regulation, Resilience) Empathy (How to Connect with Empathy) Social Intelligence (Build Trust in Relationships, Emotional Coefficient) ❓ About This Training Emotional Intelligence (EI/EQ) plays a big role in our ability to build trustful relationships with our clients and colleagues. It also helps to sustain our clear thinking, problem-solving, and well-being at work. The key principle of the training is to bring awareness of the different emotions and understand where they are coming from. Through discussions and engaging activities, we help to understand the practical side of emotional intelligence and how to use it to enhance our productivity. 👥 Interactive Sessions📖 Workplace Case Scenarios 🧠 EQ Test 🎓 Learning materials Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Youth Summer Course in Dundee | Lead & Connect with Bring Together
Learning Growing & Leading From day one, our young participants jumped into every challenge: building communication, developing self-awareness, practising negotiation—and most importantly—learning to listen. Whether deciding together on a social activity or talking about leadership during a film night, the emphasis was always on turning everyday moments into lasting lessons. After the first week, the group moved through the “storming” stage and agreed clear ground rules so everyone felt included and valued. A standout moment was a role-play scenario where participants developed mediation skills and successfully facilitated a resolution between a customer and a client. Colaboration in Dundee Reflection Time Reflection & Shared Learning Moments of reflection helped the group turn practice into understanding. Personality insights, gentle debriefs, and peer feedback sessions made space for everyone to be heard—and to notice what had changed in themselves and in the team. Team Activities Group activities and light-touch challenges strengthened trust and communication. The group negotiated choices together and found ways to include every voice—turning potential conflict into connection. Team activities What Participants Said “I am feeling comfortable. It was an interactive course. I got conflict management from this course… I also found many friends. I know now who to hang out with.”“I feeling myself calm. I like social engagement with pizza, it was fun. It reminded me that I need to think out of the box.”“I am feeling happy, that is my lifestyle. I liked social engagement and teamwork—we worked in teams where everybody helped us to solve the problem.”“I liked social engagement. It was very important to gain mediation skills. Next time, when we chose our activity (villagers and wolves game), we didn’t argue. It was much better.” Closing celebration Deep Gratitude It is incredibly rewarding for our team at Bring Together to reflect on the journey of this programme. We are proud of every young person who brought to the course their unique backgrounds, stories and aspirations—many made new friends and discovered like-minded peers along the way. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of the NHS Charitable Trust, YMCA Broughty Ferry, Ukrainians Together in Scotland, and our passionate volunteers. Your belief in youth empowerment and collaboration helped turn ideas into action. Watch the Story Looking Forward As we wrap up, we celebrate not only what’s been learned but also the confidence, resilience and leadership that have been built. We hope these lessons ripple outward, empowering these young people in all walks of life. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and made this journey possible. We can’t wait to see what comes next from this adventure—because together, we truly are stronger. Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.
Conflict Management Training Course at DVVA
Conflict Management Training Course at DVVA Bring Together and DVVA launched the first session of the Conflict Management Training Course at Number Ten in Dundee, focusing on Behavioural Styles and Responses in Conflict. The launch session explored how we each respond to conflict, the strengths and risks of different behavioural styles, and how to adapt when working with colleagues and service users. Participants engaged in practical activities and role-plays designed to reflect the real challenges faced in community and voluntary sector work. Behavioural styles & responses — interactive and applied. A constructive, engaging launch The atmosphere in the room was highly engaging, with participants eager to share experiences and reflect on their own responses to conflict. This interactive approach helped highlight how conflict, when handled constructively, can become an opportunity for growth, stronger relationships, and improved teamwork. Learn more about our Training and Workshops or browse more updates on the News page. New date announced The next session in the series will take place on Friday 12th September 2025 at Number Ten, Dundee. You can register now through our upcoming event page or directly via Eventbrite. Register on our site Register on Eventbrite Enquire for your organisation Bring Together & DVVA at Number Ten, Dundee. Thank you, DVVA & participants We’re grateful to DVVA for hosting and to all participants who contributed to making the launch such a positive and constructive event. This training continues our commitment to supporting community organisations with the tools they need to navigate conflict and maintain strong, resilient teams. Bring Together CTA Create Meaningful Connections Join our community events to find connection, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences in Dundee. Your next adventure awaits! Explore Events Learn More Stay Updated Get notified about upcoming events and community news. Email address Subscribe Now We respect your privacy and will never share your information.