Following the announcement that Engage was responding to the news of our Chair’s cardiac incident and his subsequent need to reassess his commitments, a public meeting was held, (not yet reported on the website) on Tuesday 23rd June 2026 which was well attended at the Bridewell in Campbell Square. Following the encouraging comments and support from residents for the work of Engage to continue, the Board of Directors of the CIC met on Wednesday 8th July to listen carefully to people’s reflections on the future of Engage and also to our own concerns and perspectives.

After a prolonged and serious analysis of the current situation in which we found ourselves the decision was reluctantly taken that Engage was unable to continue in the way that it had so far. Other options were explored to reduce the work load and even some of the activities that were undertaken.  However on balance it was felt that even with some new volunteers offering to support, the skill set required wasn’t available to enable the work of Engage to continue.

Directors were particularly conscious of the ageing demographic of those regular residents attending our events and the difficulty of reaching and inspiring younger people to effect a change of Directorships, so sadly it was felt that this would be the end of an era. But the Engage team felt that there was still some work to be done before formally ceasing to arrange and organise Engage events.

Over the next 6 months or so we will be focusing on the legacy that Engage leaves and spending some time reflecting upon and analysing the impact residents have had through Engage on the waterfront and city centre with a view to making public the learnings and outcomes of which we are aware. We will draw up a toolbox of ideas and options for residents and stakeholders in the future who might want to try and replicate the work and impact of an engaged citizen group keen to influence the direction and civic commitment of those who live in the neighbourhoods of this part of the city.

Once the research programme into our legacy and impact has been agreed we will be inviting all residents and stakeholders to contribute to the final report and process leading to what we expect to be a public celebration of the impact Engage has had as a resident-led civic platform for change.

At this early stage we want to express our gratitude to all our residents especially those who have been our ardent supporters over the years and the many stakeholders with whom we have collaborated, we will “not go gentle into that good night…” (Dylan Thomas) we will arrange a suitable and fitting conclusion to all that has been done over the past couple of decades.